L-carnitine: benefits and harms

L-carnitine (levocarnitine, carnitine) is a bioactive substance similar in structure to B vitamins. Its chemical composition is an amino acid. Endogenous synthesis of levocarnitine occurs in the liver and kidneys with the participation of lysine and the donor of methyl groups - methionine. The synthesis of this substance is impossible without the participation of vitamins C, group B, folic acid and iron.

The task of carnitine is to participate in fat metabolism and saturate the body with energy. As a result of chemical reactions, the compound acyl-CoA, known to many, is formed from fatty acids and coenzyme A. By itself, this molecule cannot penetrate the mitochondria. And then an amazing thing happens. Carnitine replaces coenzyme A in the molecule and turns into acyl-carnitine.

Unrecognized, it freely passes through the double membrane of the cell, which also contains coenzyme-A, and penetrates into the mitochondria. Inside the cell, the acyl-CoA molecule is resynthesized on its own. There, a further process of its oxidation occurs to the final metabolic products - water and carbon dioxide. In this case, a large amount of energy (ATP molecules) is released. What about L-carnitine? He comes back freely.

The body's need for L-carnitine

Sources of amino acids (lysine and methionine) are foods consumed and proteins from your own muscle tissue. But, only 100–300 mg of this substance per day comes with food, while an adult of average build needs to consume 300–600 mg of carnitine during this period. With an increase in energy consumption, various diseases, and pregnancy, the need for it increases 5-10 times and amounts to 2000 mg or more.

The liver produces 25% of the daily requirement of the substance; the rest of L-carnitine is obtained from foods:

• fish (red, rich in amino acids and PUFAs - Omega-3)
• meat of domestic and wild animals, poultry;
• dairy products, including cheeses;
• avocado.

There is a problem for fitness - the low bioavailability of pure levocarnitine when eating (only 5 - 15%). Then how to take L-carnitine? Athletes need to consume up to 4 g of carnitine from food and supplements to increase the amount of the substance by 10%.

It is possible to stimulate more effective use of the drug if you combine it with carbohydrates (increasing the pool by 21%). This combination is suitable for swimmers, marathon runners and athletes accustomed to consuming carbohydrates.

Symptoms of L-carnitine overdose

Side effects of L-carnitine are rare and become noticeable after long-term use of the supplement in large doses (longer than 1.5-2 months at 3-5 g/day) or with a single dose of a large amount (for example, by mistake by children).

1. Allergic reaction: swelling of the nasal mucosa, upper respiratory tract, redness of the eyes, hearing loss, headache, rash on the body.
2. Stomach upset: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
3. Nervous system disorder: increased excitability, irritability, insomnia.
4. Vegetative signs: rapid heartbeat, increased temperature and blood pressure, increased sweating.

Anyone who takes carnitine to lose weight may experience such an undesirable phenomenon as an increase in appetite. The effect of the supplement will occur with strict adherence to the following principles: low-carbohydrate diet; fractional meals; eating 2 hours after training.

Professional athletes who take the supplement for a long time may develop withdrawal syndrome, when the body refuses to synthesize its own carnitine, so the supplement should be taken in courses of no longer than 2 months.

If signs of overdose appear, you should stop using the drug, limit your intake of protein foods, and drink plenty of water. L-carnitine does not accumulate in the muscles, liver, or blood - its excess is quickly excreted in the urine. However, in 2013, scientists discovered an undesirable effect of L-carnitine breakdown products in the intestines: its processing by intestinal bacteria leads to the formation of a special substance - trimethylamine - N-oxide (TMAO). It tends to accumulate on the walls of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis in experimental rats and mice. Scientists have not established a pattern between taking the supplement and the development of atherosclerosis among people. On the contrary, medical practice shows that taking L-carnitine helps the weakening heart muscle cope with stress and prevents heart attacks and heart failure. The positive effect of the supplement (Acetyl-L-carnitine) on brain activity is a proven scientific fact.

L-carnitine is one of the safest supplements, and its proper use benefits everyone who cares about their health. In the pharmacy, Levocarnitine is sold as a patented drug, so its price will be higher. It’s easier to buy the supplement from a trusted online store after reading reviews from other customers.

What properties are inherent in L-carnitine?

Today the properties of this substance have been sufficiently studied. They are used by ordinary people, athletes, and people who dream of losing weight. Carnitine:

• has anabolic and cytoprotective effects. Accelerates tissue regeneration, promotes the growth of muscle mass and muscle strength, enhances performance;
• increases the body's endurance by converting fat into energy;
• improves memory and thinking ability, reduces symptoms of depression and pain;
• optimizes reproductive function, stimulates spermatogenesis.
• improves vision function - inhibits dystrophic changes in fiber vessels;
• utilizes “waste” and toxic metabolites accumulated in cells during fat oxidation;
• reduces the formation of lactic acid;
• assists in supplying the myocardium with oxygen;
• slows down aging.

During the process of transporting acids, fats are not burned. Only energy supply to muscle cells occurs. Therefore, it is worth remembering that L-carnitine for weight loss is used only with regular, intense training.

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About the benefits of L-carnitine

L-carnitine participates in universal biochemical processes in the body. This feature allows us to talk about it as a useful supplement and use it in the widest range of medicine, including cosmetology and the sports field. It is worth talking about the benefits of L-carnitine and what it is needed for.

Carnitine for the heart:

• being an antioxidant, it protects heart cells from ischemia, hypoxia and the effects of stress;
• lowers cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
• increases the rate of lipid breakdown;
• prevent the formation of blood clots;
• improves cardiomyocyte metabolism and preserves ATP reserves;

Carnitine for the brain:

• has antidepressant properties, enhances the effect of serotonin;
• improves memory, attention, increases learning ability.
• increases resistance to emotional stress and overload;
• improves sleep;

Carnitine preparations in sports medicine:

• maintain an optimal physiological state and provide the muscles with the necessary energy during heavy physical exertion;
• increase efficiency and endurance during training.
• increase muscle mass through the use of fat depots;

For the body as a whole, L-carnitine will give you a boost of energy throughout the day, create a good mood and increase confidence in your abilities.

Instructions for use Fine l-carnitine with vitamin B2 tablets 600 mg N150

Converting fatty acids into useful energy is the main and basic condition for the absence of excess weight. The food supplement “L-carnitine with vitamin B2” will easily provide you with the creation of this condition, thanks to the high concentration of L-carnitine – “transport” of fatty acids to mitochondria. A direct result of carnitine deficiency in the body is the appearance of excess weight and even obesity. The thing is that carnitine plays a huge role in the process of burning fatty acids into energy, delivering them to the mitochondria, where this process occurs. That is, a lack of carnitine leads to the accumulation of fatty acids, which means weight gain. Diet is not a solution. The solution to this problem is the food supplement “L-carnitine with vitamin B2”. Its use will allow you to achieve the optimal level of carnitine in the body and, accordingly, the timely conversion of fatty acids into useful energy. The effect will not be long in coming.

The main component of these pleasant-tasting, aromatic chewable tablets is purified L-carnitine tartrate, combined with vitamin B2. These elements complement each other perfectly: carnitine, which ensures the breakdown of fat, and B2, which is responsible for energy production and the breakdown of sugar. The drug is relevant not only as a supplement to diets, helping to maintain health and not deplete the body. But also for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, treatment of chronic fatigue, cleansing and strengthening of the body, cell rejuvenation and during increased physical activity. Such versatile benefits are due to the fact that by promoting complete fat burning, the drug “L-carnitine with vitamin B2” thereby ensures the availability of energy necessary for the body for the normal functioning of all systems and organs. Thus, with the help of just one preparation “L-carnitine with vitamin B2”, you can achieve results even exceeding those planned. You will not only lose weight and be able to easily maintain it at normal levels, your muscle tone will increase, you will forget about fatigue, and physical and sports activities will bring you pleasure.

L-carnitine Fine is relevant not only as a supplement to diets, helping to maintain health and not deplete the body. But also for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, treatment of chronic fatigue, cleansing and strengthening of the body, cell rejuvenation and during increased physical activity. Such versatile benefits are due to the fact that by promoting complete fat burning, the drug “L-carnitine with vitamin B2” thereby ensures the availability of energy necessary for the body for the normal functioning of all systems and organs.

How to take L-carnitine

For each person, the dilemma of how much and how to take L-carnitine must be solved strictly individually, based on one’s own energy consumption: the more energy spent, the larger the dose of the substance consumed will be needed. It is worth adhering to certain rules for taking levocornithyl:

• For athletes, the daily dosage is 2000 mg.
• Any liquid form of the drug requires its use within 40 minutes. before playing sports.
• The tablet (capsule) is taken at breakfast.
• The liquid form of the substance is sold in bottles, like syrup (must be diluted with water) or in ampoules. Usage regimen: 3 times a day, one of them before training. The dose for athletes is 15 ml, for others – 5 ml. You should not abuse the supplement for more than one and a half months.
• Children drink the drug for 30 days at a dose of 25 drops (2.5 mg of carnitine) per day.
• In tablet form, levocarnitine is swallowed (not dissolved) with plain water. The dose ranges from 0.2 g to 0.5 g, taken three times a day. One tablet is taken before sports activities.
• The capsule is swallowed and washed down with a glass of plain water. Take – 3 times a day, 1 – 2 capsules (for athletes – 1500 mg). The course of adoption ranges from 2 to 6 months. Drink for a month, then take a 7-day break.
• Powder is a form familiar to athletes. They often make cocktails from it, so the preparation procedure is familiar to them. Dilute the powder in the amount of liquid specified in the instructions. They drink the drink not in separate sips, like tea, but all at once.

It is best to discuss individual dosage issues with a trainer or doctor. It is worth recalling that L-carnitine for weight loss for people who are only on a diet is a useless remedy. It is not classified as a fat burner. Only systematic fitness and sports activities will allow you to use this drug as a means of losing weight.

On the subject of discussion: “How to use L-carnitol and is it dangerous?” It is worth noting that levocarnitine is not a dope; it is considered a vitamin-like metabolite and is used in sports nutrition without restrictions.

What is L carnitine

Carnitine is a natural substance that is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid, and is similar in structure to B vitamins, and L (L) carnitine is its name, where L emphasizes that its molecular helix is ​​twisted to the left (levo) side , are well and quickly absorbed by humans. Quite often carnitine is called levocarnitine or vitamin B11.

Sources of L carnitine

In the human body, L carnitine is synthesized in the liver and kidneys, and then delivered to all organs and tissues without exception, primarily to the myocardium, liver and skeletal muscles that provide movement. For the production of L carnitine in the human body, the following is necessary:

• lysine;
• methionine;
• iron;
• B vitamins (3, 6,12), ascorbic (C) and folic (B9) acids.

The body’s own (basal) synthesis of L carnitine provides only 15–50% of what it needs. The rest should come from food or supplements.

The main source foods of lysine and methionine are fish, caviar, mussels, squid, red meat, poultry, eggs, legumes, buckwheat, dairy products and hard aged cheeses, avocados, pistachios. The diet of breastfeeding women should contain all these products in sufficient quantities, since the level of lysine, methionine and already “ready” L carnitine in breast milk depends on this. A deficiency of these substances will negatively affect the physical and mental development of the baby.

Types of L carnitine

L carnitine was discovered in 1905, and D carnitine was synthesized in 1960. Only the L-isomer of carnitine is active and beneficial. The D-form (D - dextra, with molecular helices twisted to the right) is not produced in pharmaceuticals. It is harmful to health because, competing with the L-form, it disrupts synthesis and prevents left-handed twisted molecules from penetrating into tissues.

Currently, 4 types of L carnitine are produced:

1. “Regular” L carnitine.
2. L carnitine tartrate - 70% L carnitine + 30% tartaric acid.
3. Acetyl-L-carnitine (Alcar) - acetyl group + L-carnitine ester.
4. Propionyl-L-carnitine - propynol group + L-carnitine ester.

The action of these seemingly identical substances is generally similar, but each has its own characteristics.

Salt, non-ester forms (1, 2) of L carnitine are stronger than ether forms (3, 4), while tartrate (2) is absorbed faster and better (1).

“Regular” L carnitine and its tartrate are recommended for people who need to lose weight, for athletes and bodybuilders, for the prevention of carnitine deficiency in children and adults, during illnesses and during rehabilitation, during intense study, heavy physical and mental stress.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (3) is prescribed for diseases of the central nervous system, brain and cognitive dysfunction, and propionyl-L-carnitine (4) for cardiovascular diseases and vascular problems with the myocardium (pre-infarction conditions and heart attacks).

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