L-carnitine should be present in the daily diet of every athlete. It is a natural substance found in high concentrations in raw meat, fish and dairy products. But during heat treatment it is lost and it is very difficult to provide the body with the necessary amount of carnitine with food alone without the accumulation of excess fats and carbohydrates.
The article below provides a list of these natural substances, after studying which you can easily find the ideal remedy. Happy reading!
Application of L-carnitine
Carnitine (levocarnitine) is a natural substance synthesized by the liver and found in meat products. The body is not able to cover its needs completely, so external intake is necessary for its normal functioning.
The main functions of levocarnitine:
- promotes the transport of fatty acids into cell mitochondria for energy production;
- slows down the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates;
- activates fat utilization;
- increases endurance during physical activity;
- reduces the concentration of lactic acid, facilitates recovery after training.
It is used by athletes to reduce the percentage of body fat and gain muscle mass, people with increased weight to lose weight, patients with anorexia to improve appetite, patients during the recovery period after surgery, injuries and damage to the nervous system, with significant emotional stress and stress.
Conflicting indications are due to the natural effect of L-carnitine on energy metabolism: under conditions of physical activity, fat is destroyed and proteins are synthesized, so appetite increases. To get the desired result, those losing weight must exercise, follow a diet and drink at least two liters of water a day.
Properties
First, you need to determine what the substance is, which in foreign practice is called L-carnitine. Some scientists classify it as a B vitamin, although this opinion is erroneous. It somewhat resembles them in internal structure, but has many important differences.
The main function that L-carnitine performs in the body is to transport saturated fat molecules into the mitochondria, where they are burned to produce large amounts of energy. This effect allows you to achieve accelerated weight loss, as well as higher human activity.
The only caveat regarding the use of such a product is the need to saturate the body with oxygen. Penetrating into adipose tissue, it encounters their dense shell, which can only be destroyed by oxygen under conditions of elevated body temperature.
Such conditions can only be ensured by intense physical activity, which includes:
- run;
- swimming;
- gymnastics;
- aerobics.
It is useless to take L-carnitine in any form without engaging in such sports. In addition, it is advisable to follow a diet low in carbohydrates - they suppress the effectiveness of this organic compound, minimizing its effects.
If you decide to take carnitine, you will also receive an additional boost of energy, which can be used to extend your workouts.
As a result, you will not only achieve accelerated weight loss, but will also be able to increase muscle mass, as well as form a beautiful body contour. If your goal is to increase strength and endurance, then you can consume more good fats - sunflower oil, fatty fish (tuna, sea bass and others), homemade cream. In this case, you are unlikely to achieve serious weight loss, but you will significantly increase the effectiveness of sports activities.
During clinical trials, nutritional scientists found that L-carnitine can significantly increase brain activity. It plays a very important role in saturating it with beneficial Omega-3,6,9 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, sunflower and flaxseed oils, as well as in some exotic berries. Therefore, it should be taken by students, office workers and everyone involved in intellectual activity.
Another important property that L-carnitine has is the ability to reduce the level of nervous tension and minimize its effect on the rest of the body.
Of course, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this organic substance is capable of preventing diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system. L-carnitine effectively removes bad cholesterol from the body, as well as trans fats, which can accumulate in it, leading to a deterioration in overall health
If you want to achieve weight loss, health improvement and increased activity at the same time, you should take a liquid drug that is very easily absorbed by the body.
https://youtu.be/yf5MsgY8QX8
Features of the liquid form of L-carnitine
There are many forms of L-carnitine: liquid aqueous solutions, capsules, tablets, drinking ampoules. In medicine, ampoules for intravenous infusions are used for therapeutic purposes. A variety of options allows you to choose the product individually, taking into account your personal characteristics.
The main advantage of the liquid form is that the substance is quickly absorbed and begins to work. To absorb carnitine from a tablet or capsule, it takes time for the shell and internal contents to dissolve, which means that during the period of passage through the intestines, less of the active substance has time to enter the blood.
Dr. Zaur Orujov describes in detail the benefits of L-carnitine for the body in a video available at the link:
https://youtu.be/qvv_C2A9wrI
L-Carnitine from VP Laboratory
The human intestine is inhabited by bacteria that synthesize trimethyloxide TMAO, a compound that leads to atherosclerosis.
The starting material for the production of TMAO is choline. This year, the researchers’ assumption was confirmed: these bacteria use L-Carnitine for the same purpose. And TMAO from it is strongly associated with heart failure and vascular diseases.
But it’s not only athletes who risk shortening their lives by taking this supplement: Their packaging contains information that promises to burn excess fat or fill the consumer’s body with crazy energy.
Contraindications for use
According to the instructions for use, levocarnitine is absolutely contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity and allergic reactions to the supplement in the past. It is advisable to conduct allergy tests to determine which component is not tolerated, since the composition usually contains auxiliary ingredients in addition to the main active ingredient.
If there is a proven diagnosis or suspicion of trimethylaminuria, taking L-carnitine is strictly prohibited.
Since the effect of carnitine on metabolism is opposite to the effects of thyroid hormones, when thyroid function decreases, the use of nutritional supplements can aggravate the manifestations of hypothyroidism. It is recommended to consult with your doctor whether it is possible to use liquid L-carnitine for weight loss in this case or to abstain from it until your hormonal levels are corrected.
Use with caution when:
- epilepsy;
- decreased liver and kidney function;
- inflammatory diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage.
There have been no large-scale studies of the safety of the effects of food supplements with carnitine on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus, as well as the effects on the child during breastfeeding. To eliminate the risk of undesirable consequences, it is better to refrain from use during pregnancy and lactation.
On the recommendation of a pediatrician, carnitine can be used in children with growth retardation.
Why take BCAA amino acids and glutamine
Concentrated L-carnitine can be taken with the following sports nutrition: Amino Pro 9000. In tandem with this supplement, the athlete receives a powerful surge of energy, which can significantly increase endurance and strength indicators.
In addition, cortisol is suppressed and muscles grow faster. If you take this supplement along with carnitine, the manifestations of catabolism will significantly decrease and the quality of recovery will improve. This combination also makes the athlete more resilient.
The course of taking L-carnitine, produced by VPLab, ranges from one to one and a half months. It is not recommended to take the supplement for more than 6 weeks.
How to choose the best dietary supplement option
Without experience in using L-carnitine, it is difficult to make the right choice among the wide range available on the market. Important points that you should definitely pay attention to when purchasing:
- Compound. The main active ingredient - L-carnitine - can be presented in various forms: pure levocarnitine, tartrate, acetylcarnitine, fumarate, propionylcarnitine. For those losing weight, the first two forms are optimal, since they are absorbed faster and remain active in the bloodstream longer. To increase efficiency, ascorbic acid and vitamin B5 and B6 can be added to the composition. You should pay attention to the presence of glucose and other simple sugars: in a high-quality supplement they are replaced with artificial or natural sweeteners (sucralose, stevia extract). Manufacturers who reduce the price of goods at the expense of quality, in addition to high-calorie sugars, use a large number of stabilizers, preservatives and dyes.
- Concentration and volume. When choosing, the most important indicator is the amount of carnitine per package. It is usually indicated in milligrams and does not depend on the volume of the liquid solution (that is, 500 ml may contain more active substance than 1 liter). To calculate the required amount, you should decide on the carnitine dosage regimen, multiply the amount of the substance for a single dose by the number of daily doses, and then by the days when you plan to take it.
- Price. To objectively assess the cost of a product, it is preferable to compare the price not per package, but per 1 serving. This approach allows you to choose between additives with different concentrations of the main substance.
About company
The developer of vplab is well known in the global sports nutrition industry. The company's main facilities are located in the UK. This is where the new generation carnitine concentrate is produced. The main goal of the structure was to create a unique product that would increase athletic performance, increase the level of endurance and strength, and help achieve high athletic results.
The advantage of vp laboratory is the presence of only real professionals in the company, a responsible approach to production, multi-stage testing of all products and a guarantee of safety. All products are produced in our own factories, located not only in the UK, but also in other countries, such as the Netherlands or Germany.
The vplab brand is well known in the world. Thousands of athletes trust him, and his effectiveness is visible in the results that athletes show. The carnitine concentrate supplement is sold in forty countries around the world. The main factor of global recognition is the trust of professional athletes and the incredible demand for vp laboratory products.
An undoubted advantage of carnitine concentrate is the use of high-quality and environmentally friendly raw materials. Carnitine entering the body is well absorbed and reaches its destination in a short time. Of course, vplab is not limited to releasing only this product. Her range is incredible. Potential clients are offered different types of sports nutrition, from gainers and proteins to high-quality and tasty bars for athletes.
The products of the vp laboratory company are an excellent option for athletes who are in search of a high-quality and affordable product. And in this regard, carnitine from vplab has practically no equal.
Leaders among manufacturers
According to the analysis of the lists of the best L-carnitine manufacturers in recent years, the ten most reliable can be identified: NOW Foods (USA), Solgar (USA), SAN Nutrition (USA), Bioteck USA (USA), Nutrex Research (USA), GAT (USA ), Optimum Nutrition (USA), Pro Supps (USA), UNS (Poland), GNC (USA).
Companies with a long history of producing dietary supplements and sports nutrition use high-quality raw materials, proven recipes and high-tech equipment. The search for the optimal price-quality ratio should begin with the products of these manufacturers.
Description and spectrum of action
At the present stage, carnitine concentrate is one of the most effective and pure products, which contains carnitine, which is unique in its effect. This element is an effective combination of two types of amino acids - methionine and lysine. We take it with food every day, it is used to treat various diseases, and is actively used in dietary supplements.
Read more: Russian sports nutrition (domestic) - SportWiki encyclopedia
Carnitine is a reliable assistant in reducing blood cholesterol and increasing fat metabolic processes in the body. The drug is most effective during anaerobic exercise, for example, during swimming, running or breathing exercises.
Carnitine is incredibly beneficial for the body, which makes it a popular element not only in the fight against fat deposits, but also in treating the cardiovascular system. Carnitine is often prescribed to restore heart function (for example, after surgery), cleanse blood vessels of fatty deposits and dangerous cholesterol deposits (plaques).
Taking carnitine concentrate is a guarantee:
- increasing energy levels. Experiments have shown that athletes taking only two grams of carnitine per day for six months were less tired (physically and mentally). In addition, the tone increased significantly, the mood improved, and endurance improved;
- the emergence of greater resistance to stressful situations. This statement is also confirmed by experiments that have proven athletes’ better adaptation to external conditions;
- muscle growth. Taking carnitine promotes not only the loss of excess fat, but also faster muscle gain. The specific features of the element's action have not been fully studied. But the very fact that carnitine improves metabolic processes and is involved in phospholipid metabolism guarantees a powerful anabolic effect;
- reduction in cholesterol levels. Taking carnitine vp is an opportunity to get rid of excess cholesterol accumulated in the blood, cleanse blood vessels and prevent heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
TOP 5 dietary supplements with L-carnitine
A list of the 5 best supplements containing pure L-carnitine in non-ester form has been compiled especially for the readers of the magazine. When ranking products, the mass fraction of active ingredient per serving, as well as price, were taken into account.
No.1 Nutrex Research – Liquid Carnitine 3000, Cosmic Charge
Nutrex Research, Liquid Carnitine 3000, Cosmic Charge, 16 fl. oz.(480 ml)
from 1,199 ₽
More details
1 serving (68.52 rubles) - 3000 mg (30 ml = 2 tablespoons).
- Country: USA.
- Quantity per package: 480 ml (16 servings).
The nutritional supplement is suitable for intense strength training and long-term cardio exercise. Does not contain animal products - suitable for vegans.
Pros:
- rapid development of the effect;
- pronounced increase in performance;
- single dose;
- does not contain artificial colors or flavors;
- pleasant taste and aroma.
Minuses:
- no measuring cup.
#2 GAT – L-Carnitine, Free Form Liquid Amino Acid, Blue Raspberry
GAT, L-Carnitine, Free Form Liquid Amino Acid, Blue Raspberry
from 899 ₽
More details
1 serving (RUB 21.20) - 1500 mg (15 ml = 1 tablespoon).
- Country: USA.
- Quantity per package: 473 ml (32 servings).
Other Ingredients: Purified water, phosphoric acid, malic acid, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, pantothenic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.
Pros:
- Vitamin B5, included in the composition, enhances the energy effect;
- convenient measuring cup.
Minuses:
- in undiluted form it can be too sweet, cause thirst, dry mouth;
- contains artificial flavor.
No. 3 ProSupps – L-carnitine 1500, berry flavor
ProSupps, L-Carnitine 1500, Berry Flavor, 473 ml
from 1,042 ₽
More details
1 serving (RUB 32.20) - 1500 mg (15 ml = 1 tablespoon).
- Country: USA.
- Quantity per package: 473 ml (31 servings).
The composition is identical to the previous dietary supplement. Take the same twice a day.
Pros:
- vitamin B5 increases endurance, enhances energy production;
- sweet and sour taste.
Minuses:
- contains artificial flavor.
#4 Solgar – L-carnitine, natural lemon flavor
Solgar, L-Carnitine, Natural Lemon Flavor, 1500 mg, 16 fl. oz. (473 ml)
from 1,812 ₽
More details
1 serving (RUB 53.12) – 1500 mg (15 ml = 1 tablespoon).
- Country: USA.
- Quantity per package: 473 ml (31 servings).
For comfortable use, dilution in 200-500 ml of water or juice is recommended.
Pros:
- pantothenic acid enhances the effect of carnitine;
- no artificial colors or flavors.
Minuses:
- glass containers may be damaged during transportation;
- cloyingly sweet taste in undiluted form;
- more expensive than some analogues.
#5 Now Foods – Citrus Flavored Liquid L-Carnitine for Athletes, 1000 mg
Now Foods, Liquid L-Carnitine, Citrus Flavored for Athletes, 1,000 mg, 32 fl oz (946 ml)
from 1,756 ₽
More details
1 serving (RUB 24.58) - 1000 mg (15 ml = 1 tablespoon).
- Country: USA.
- Quantity per package: 946 ml (63 servings).
The natural composition allows the supplement to be used even by people prone to food allergies.
Pros:
- additionally contains pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for more effective fat burning;
- no artificial colors or flavors, sodium benzoate.
Minuses:
- lower carnitine content per serving;
- insufficiently pronounced effect.
Advantages
This fat burner has an undoubted advantage - it is a completely natural substance that improves physical performance. Our body produces this amino acid on its own, so L-carnitine is easily tolerated and in most cases does not cause any adverse reactions. Unlike many other substances of this type, L-carnitine is absorbed completely and distributed evenly throughout the body tissues.
L-carnitine in liquid form has extremely high bioavailability and bioavailability.
L-carnitine 3000 Extreme Shot is a representative of fat-burning complexes, which is sold in liquid form
Where is the best place to buy
Pharmacy chains, small retail outlets for nutritional supplements and sports nutrition provide a meager assortment at unreasonably inflated prices.
The iHerb online store, being a direct supplier, offers more than 36,000 types of eco-products at the most affordable prices. Quality products from American manufacturers are delivered quickly and cheaply to customers in 180 countries. Detailed reviews, which are reflected on the iHerb.сom website, are left by real customers to help new customers of the store make the right choice.
If problems arise, the support service will help you make a choice, place an order and competently answer all questions.
By collaborating with the iHerb online store, the buyer has the opportunity to buy the best products at prices 30-50% lower than pharmacy prices.
Readers of the magazine are provided with an additional 10% discount on their first order using promo code AGK4375 or following the link.
Conclusion
Levocarnitine from the company VPLAb is a high quality product that cannot cause harm - but only if you follow the rules for taking it. Professional athletes are constantly under the supervision of experienced doctors - they scrupulously calculate doses, create the right diets, etc. mere mortals who train for their own pleasure do not have such support from doctors. Therefore, they themselves need to arm themselves with a calculator to understand: are they taking care of their health or killing themselves?
If such work seems difficult for someone, it is better to organize proper nutrition. In this case, a person will receive a safe amount of carnitine (if he does not consume kilograms of lamb - excessive consumption of meat can also please the bacteria that stubbornly produce this formidable TMAO).
https://youtu.be/fbGrP9NLeiA
How to take liquid L-carnitine correctly
The selection of the daily dosage is carried out taking into account the approximate weight of the person:
- up to 60 kg – 1000-2000 mg per day;
- more than 60 kg – 2000-3000 mg.
There are several schemes that reflect how to drink liquid L-carnitine correctly, and there is no consensus on which one will be more effective:
- Full dose once 30 minutes before training: maximum energy is released during physical activity, endurance during cardio training increases.
- Take half a serving before training, dilute the other half in water and drink during exercise: the initial burst of energy is maintained for a long time, allowing you to exercise less intensely, but longer.
- Half the daily dosage half an hour before training, the second half is divided into 2 parts and taken with meals.
On days without exercise, you can either skip taking carnitine or divide it into 2-3 times and take it before 16:00.
The duration of the course should be on average 4-6 weeks followed by a break of 2-3 weeks.
Foods High in Carnitine
Levocarnitine enters the human body from outside through food of animal origin - milk, meat, eggs, fish. The most substance – 119.2 mg/100 g – is found in lamb. In second place is venison, and in third place is veal (104.8 and 101.4 mg/100 g, respectively). Next comes beef (82.7 mg). In other types of meat (pork, rabbit, turkey, etc.) there is little levocarnitine - from 29.3 to 4.8 mg. A little of it is also found in fish - less than 10 mg. And plant foods are very poor in carnitine: on average, less than 1 g of the substance can be found in it. And in fruits there is even less – from 0.002 to 0.007 mg.
Possible side effects
Since the L-carnitine molecule is natural, adverse events from its use occur extremely rarely. However, it is advisable to monitor for the occurrence of drug-related symptoms:
- allergic skin rash, angioedema, itching;
- muscle weakness with concomitant kidney disease;
- pain in the stomach, nausea;
- stool disorder;
- increased seizure activity in patients with epilepsy.
If side effects occur, it is best to stop using the dietary supplement before consulting your doctor.
Compound
The concentrate contains:
- potassium sorbate;
- sweetener;
- fructose;
- lactic acid;
- water;
- L-carnitine.
One serving of the supplement is 10 ml, which contains 1 gram of carbohydrates and l-carnitine. The calorie content of the dosage is 7 kcal. A bottle of concentrate allows an athlete to receive up to 100 servings of L-carnitine.
How does the substance work?
The last stage of metabolic processes includes the disposal of fat deposits. Carnitine takes part in the process and promotes the release of energy in the molecules of fat cells. As a result, the body receives an influx of energy and endurance.
Burning fat ensures that “harmful” cells are not stored as triglycerides. In addition, the effect of the substance is complemented by vitamin B6, the main component necessary for converting carbohydrates into energy. B6 is also involved in the production of hemoglobin, the creation of antibodies and strengthening the immune system.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
Sold without a prescription.
L-carnitine is sold in pharmacies and specialty stores without a prescription.
Drug price
The substance can cost from 300 to several thousand rubles, depending on the form of release, the amount of the drug in the package and the manufacturer. Liquid L-carnitine costs at least 1000 rubles. per bottle.
pharmachologic effect
The synthesis of L-carnitine occurs from two amino acids: L-lysine and L-methionine. In order for synthesis to occur in the body, there must be a sufficient dose of vitamins B3, B6, C and iron. The main function of carnitine is to help convert large fat molecules into energy. It also helps control hypoglycemia, and by strengthening the heart muscle, reduces the risk of developing myocardial infarction.
The substance enters the body with meat foods and is synthesized in the body from amino acids, but with poor nutrition or lack of meat in the diet, it may not be enough. Then fats are not burned, but accumulate in the body. If you combine the drug with physical training, you can achieve effective fat burning without harm to the cardiac system. At the same time, endurance and energy resources will increase.
How the substance works
The drug transports free fatty acids to the sites of their oxidation, where the energy contained in fat cells is released. When fatty acids are effectively burned, they are not stored again and do not increase the number of adipose tissue. In conjunction with vitamin B6, carnitine complements its function of producing enzymes involved in metabolic processes and increases energy production.
If you combine the drug with physical training, you can achieve effective fat burning without harm to the cardiac system.
Reviews
The substance receives a lot of feedback from patients and athletes.
Losing weight
Oleg, 27 years old, Moscow: “It helps well during training, I get tired much less. I drink from the manufacturer Power System half an hour before going to the gym, and after 20 minutes I feel the effect. When combined with active exercise, it not only helps you lose fat, but also build muscle.”
Anna, 32 years old, Norilsk: “I tried several versions of carnitine from different manufacturers, all of them had a good effect, which quickly manifested itself. I didn’t feel any side effects, and it helps me lose weight. But it only works in combination with aerobic exercise.”
Patients
Olga, 25 years old Irkutsk: “I drink Carnitine 3000 from the manufacturer Fitness Formula, this is not pure carnitine, but a drink containing it. Pleasant to the taste, you can choose different flavors. Helps enhance metabolism and normalize metabolism. But it works best if you exercise regularly.”
Oksana, 38 years old, Vologda: “I take a drug to improve performance. You really can feel the difference before and after taking it. Fatigue is relieved and you have more energy. When working hard and under heavy loads, this is the best way to feel better.”
Alcoholic drinks do not affect the intake of the drug.
Doctors
Svetlana Antonova, cardiologist, Kaliningrad: “I recommend it to my patients for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, and chronic fatigue syndrome. L-carnitine is good at removing excess subcutaneous fat, so obese people should also use it.”
Markov Anton, therapist, Omsk: “I prescribe it in combination with vitamin B6 for athletes to improve tone, get rid of fatigue and increase the amount of energy in the body. An irreplaceable thing in sports complexes for weight loss.”
