What is L-carnitine for, instructions for use, side effects

The amino acid L-carnitine is widely used for weight loss. Indeed, this substance effectively and quickly helps to lose weight. But not everyone knows all the benefits and harms of L-carnitine. Read more about the pros and cons of this tool, as well as about the features of its use later in the article.

The role of carnitine in the body

L-carnitine is an amino acid, that is, a protein component. Like any other protein, it is part of almost all human cells.

Carnitine moves fatty acids into the mitochondria, the body's “energy factory”. This converts excess fat into energy. The transport function of carnitine is not limited only to this. Another beneficial property is that L-carnitine binds toxins and removes them from the body.

L-carnitine is thought to have anabolic properties. But this mechanism has not yet been fully understood.

Another beneficial property is a decrease in the level of low density lipoproteins in the blood. These substances are also called atherogenic, or harmful, cholesterols. An increase in their concentration in the body contributes to the deposition of fatty plaques on the vessel wall, which further impede the movement of blood.

Why is L-carnitine useful?

Given the mass of functions that L-carnitine performs in the body, its beneficial properties can hardly be overestimated. Due to the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels, this substance has antiatherogenic properties. That is, carnitine reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. And this, in turn, reduces the likelihood of developing a heart attack or stroke.

They also do not deny the positive effect of L-carnitine on blood pressure and hormonal balance. There are studies claiming that regular intake of this amino acid increases intellectual capacity.

All of the benefits of carnitine listed above are applicable to both women and men. But some of its properties are valid only for representatives of one sex or another. More about them below.

For women

The benefits of L-carnitine for women lie primarily in its fat burning and anti-cellulite properties. It is recommended for use by all girls who want to lose weight. When combining the drug and aerobic physical activity, the effect will not be long in coming.

Regular intake of carnitine before training increases the girl's immunity, helps to maintain good health.

For men

The benefits and harms of L-carnitine for men are disproportionate. The positive properties significantly outweigh the possible side reactions. The main benefit for the strong half is the rapid burning of excess body fat and a rapid increase in muscle mass.

A common problem that men face with prolonged intense exertion is interruptions in the work of the heart.After all, this muscular organ is subjected to great stress and must pump even more blood. Here again L-carnitine comes to the rescue. Another beneficial property for the body is an increase in the endurance of the myocardium (heart muscle).

Is it possible to give L-carnitine to children

Separately, it is worth noting the benefits and harms of L-carnitine for the child's body. During fetal development, the fetus contains a large amount of this amino acid in its blood. It is transported from the mother's body through the placenta. But after birth, the concentration of carnitine decreases rapidly.

A healthy, full-term baby needs L-carnitine, which he receives along with breast milk. But children with small body weight, congenital diseases need more energy. In such cases, additional administration of the drug L-carnitine is indicated. It helps to increase body weight and accelerate growth. Thus, the benefits of carnitine for premature babies are very high.

There is a disease in which the production of carnitine by the body is disrupted due to a congenital genetic defect. This is a direct indication for the administration of L-carnitine.

L-carnitine for pregnant and lactating mothers

The official instructions for the drug say that L-carnitine can be used by pregnant and lactating mothers. But this question is still open. During pregnancy, nature has created optimal conditions for the development of the baby. And the additional load in the form of vitamin supplements or amino acids can disrupt the smooth process.

Despite all the beneficial properties of L-carnitine, here it can only do harm. Not only a lack, but also an excess of protein in the body has a detrimental effect. You should be especially careful in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the internal organs of the fetus are laid.

Symptoms of L-Carnitine Deficiency in the Body

There are 2 types of L-carnitine deficiency in the body:

1. Systemic - develops as a result of dysfunction of proteins that move the amino acid across cell membranes.
2. Myopathic - the exchange of amino acids is disturbed only in muscle tissue, in other cells its level remains within normal limits.

Systemic L-carnitine deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms:

• deterioration of the contractility of the heart muscle, as a result of which the chambers of the organ expand (cardiomegaly);
• decreased intelligence, memory impairment;
• constant fatigue;
• anxiety;
• muscle weakness;
• a decrease in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).

The myopathic variant of carnitine deficiency is manifested by a decrease in the contractility of skeletal muscles, a deterioration in the conduction of nerve impulses in them. Clinically, this is manifested by the strongest weakness of the arms and legs, painful sensations. This condition is based on an increased accumulation of lipids in the striated muscles.

What foods contain L-carnitine

Most of all L-carnitine is found in meat (beef, poultry), fish. Its slightly lower concentration is in dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream. And there is very little carnitine in vegetables and fruits, cereals.

This is why vegetarianism does so much harm to the body. If other proteins can be found in soy, tofu, then L-carnitine in high amounts is found exclusively in meat products.

Dosage forms of L-carnitine

There are several dosage forms of carnitine:

• ampoules;
• tablets;
• capsules;
• syrup;
• powder.

1 ampoule contains 5 ml of the drug with the active ingredient in an amount of 200 mg / ml or 400 mg / ml. 1 package contains 5 ampoules.

Carnitine capsules are available in bottles of 60 or 150. The tablets are sold in packs of 10.

L-Carnitine is also available as a special sports nutrition drink.

Features of taking L-carnitine and dosage

The benefits and harms of L-carnitine for women and men depend on the dose. Amino acid overdose can lead to serious adverse reactions.

In case of carnitine deficiency, the drug is prescribed in the form of capsules or tablets, which are taken by mouth. The dosage is calculated individually based on age and body weight.

If a person has impaired kidney function and is on hemodialysis, L-carnitine is prescribed in an amount of 2-4 g per day in the form of capsules or tablets. Possible intravenous administration with a dosage of 2 g per day after hemodialysis.

Parenteral (into a vein) L-carnitine is recommended for use in acute conditions. In acute myocardial infarction, the drug is administered in an amount of 200 mg per 1 kg of body weight. This dose is divided into 4 injections. Carnitine is injected slowly. Also, drip injection is allowed within 48 hours without interruption. Then the dose of carnitine is reduced by 2 times. After the patient is discharged from the hospital, he is prescribed L-carnitine in tablets or capsules.

How to take L-carnitine for weight loss

For the purpose of losing weight, it is more advisable to take the drug by mouth: in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup or powder. The syrup is drunk in an amount of 5 ml 3 times a day. For people actively involved in sports, you can increase the dose to 15 ml. Drink carnitine in syrup half an hour before training.

Capsules and tablets are used 250-500 mg 3 times a day. Athletes can increase the amount up to 500-1500 mg.

The powder is drunk in an amount of 1 g per day. People who are involved in professional sports are allowed a single dose at a dosage of 9-15 g per day. But you shouldn't abuse it! After all, then the harm can significantly exceed the benefit.

The course of taking liquid forms of L-carnitine is 1-2 months. You can repeat the course after a break of 2-3 weeks. The tabletting form is taken within six months. It is not recommended to drink L-carnitine longer than 6 months. A maximum of 6 courses are allowed per year.

How to eat while taking L-carnitine

The main benefit of L-carnitine is its fat burning effect and the ability to build muscle mass. But no means will help in the absence of physical activity and proper nutrition. Therefore, when taking L-carnitine for the purpose of losing weight, a diet is required. It is necessary to exclude the following foods from the diet as much as possible:

• easily digestible carbohydrates (sweet, flour);
• fatty foods;
• fried foods;
• smoked meats and spices.

Preference should be given to vegetable fats, vegetables and fruits, lean meats (rabbit, chicken fillet).

L-carnitine harm and side effects

Much has been said about the health benefits of carnitine. But its incorrect use, and, in particular, an overdose, can do a lot of harm. Actually L-carnitine does not harm the body. But there is also its isomer, D-carnitine, which has a toxic effect. With prolonged intake of the L form, the body independently converts it into D. That is why it is not recommended to take carnitine for more than 6 months.

Individual intolerance to L-carnitine is possible. Then, even with a single dose, nausea and vomiting occur. But this side effect is extremely rare.

Some people experience insomnia because carnitine increases energy synthesis in the body.

The benefits and harms of L-carnitine for girls should also be considered in terms of the pros and cons of losing weight itself. After all, a rapid loss of body weight can cause a lot of unpleasant effects:

• hormonal imbalance;
• infertility;
• accumulation of ketone bodies toxic to the body;
• deterioration in the functioning of the nervous system;
• disruption of the heart muscle;
• constant fatigue and weakness.

Contraindications to the use of L-carnitine

There are a number of conditions for which L-carnitine is not recommended. These include:

• allergy to protein and dairy products;
• diseases of the thyroid gland;
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines in advanced stages;
• uremia (the presence of uric acids in the blood).

In the latter case, the use of carnitine is permissible, but only under the strict supervision of a doctor!

Interaction of L-carnitine with other substances

The interaction of the amino acid with other drugs is considered safe. After all, L-carnitine is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement. Its simultaneous intake with lipoic acid enhances the slimming effect.

Which brand of L-carnitine is better

L-carnitine is produced by domestic and foreign companies. The Internet has compiled a rating of the most popular manufacturers according to customer reviews. The best L-carnitines in tablets and capsules are:

• SAN L-Carnitine Power;
• SAN Alcar 750;
• Dymatize Nutrion Acetyl L-Carnitine;
• VP Laboratory L-Carnitine Capsules.

The most recognized carnitines in liquid and powder form are:

• PureProtein L-Carnitine;
• BioTech USA L-Carnitine 100,000 Liquid;
• VP Laboratory L-Carnitine Concentrate.

L-carnitine analogs

There are other supplements that are similar in composition to L-carnitine. The beneficial properties and uses of carnitine and these products are the same. These include:

• "Cartan";
• "Agvantar";
• Elkar;
• Carniel;
• Karnilev;
• "Inestom".

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of L-carnitine are truly incomparable. With all its positive properties, this drug gives a minimum of side reactions. Carnitine is effective in the treatment of certain diseases, and in order to get rid of excess weight. The main thing is not to rely on L-carnitine alone when losing weight, not to forget about proper nutrition and exercise.

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