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Genus. 1984 Trained since 1999 Trained since 2007. CMS in powerlifting. Champion of Russia and South Russia according to AWPC. Champion of the Krasnodar region according to IPF. 1st category in weightlifting. 2-time winner of the Krasnodar Territory championship in t/a. Author of more than 700 articles on fitness and amateur athletics. Author and co-author of 5 books.

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Date: 2018-03-20 Views: 13 732 Grade: 4.2 There is a lot of disagreement about when and how to take L-carnitine correctly. Some say that it is necessary before training, others that after, and others that during. So what is actually more effective?

When should I take it?

Let's start with a little theory so that you have a better idea of ​​where your legs are coming from. Carnitine promotes the transport of fatty acids during the breakdown of fat. So, if you are losing weight, and your fat is, accordingly, broken down, then it is broken down approximately evenly 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. In the morning, in the evening, before training, after training, etc. That is, there are no specific hours in the day and no specific days when fat is broken down and when it is not. And if you are unable to lose weight and fat is not broken down, then it is not broken down 24 hours a day. Everything is elementary. In general, I want you to understand: it doesn’t turn on overnight and doesn’t turn off overnight. From this we can draw a simple conclusion. More precisely, 3 conclusions: 1. It makes no difference when. Neither in terms of time of day, nor in terms of connection to training. It is possible that there is some minimal difference, but it is so insignificant that in practice it is not felt at all. 2. It is advisable to take carnitine several times a day. Standard option: morning and evening. It’s better even 3 times a day: in the morning, at lunch and before bed. It’s just not convenient for everyone, so I usually say 2 times a day. 3. You need to take carnitine EVERY day, not just on the day of training. This is very important. That is, as you can see, everything is quite simple. Take carnitine every 12 hours or every 8 hours. Every day and regardless of whether you have a workout that day, and if so, on what day. I think this issue has been sorted out. Now let's talk about dosages.

Dosages

There is nothing complicated here either. The average working dosage is 4000 mg (4 g) per day. This means pure 100% carnitine. After all, not all carnitine-based supplements contain 100% carnitine. Well, we divide these 4 grams into 2 or 3 doses per day. Dosages depend on body weight, but not much. If you weigh 50 - 60 kg, then maybe 3 grams will be enough. If you weigh 100 kg or more, 5 grams is better. Here, in principle, the more, the better. But I think that 10 grams per day or more will no longer affect the result. I haven’t conducted any experiments, but practice shows something like this. That's all I wanted to say. I also forgot to write about the duration of taking carnitine. Since this is a half-vitamin, half-amino acid (I’m exaggerating a little), the duration of use is essentially unlimited. Take it all year round. It is possible that over time the body will react less strongly to it, but there should not be any side effects. Bye everyone!

Release forms and admission rules

The essential nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid l-carnitine is synthesized by the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. This is a natural substance, related to vitamins, which is a crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. It is used as a dietary supplement by athletes and people who want to improve their figure.

Levocarnitine is a kind of independent logistics service in the body. It does not convert fat cells into energy, but promotes their delivery to muscle mitochondria (parts of the cell, akin to a laboratory), where fats and carbohydrates are broken down and the resulting energy is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

The drug itself is not a miracle cure for excess weight, but with proper, regular and long-term training, a balanced diet and a clear daily routine, it will bring positive results. Like any other means for losing weight and normalizing weight, the product works only under the condition of physical activity.

How does l-carnitine work and who is it suitable for?

Many sources position elcarnitine as an excellent fat burner and an essential dietary supplement for weight loss.

In fact, the substance acts only as an intermediary in the delivery of fatty acids to muscle cells: it helps them penetrate the mitochondrial membrane, where, when the supply of carbohydrates is depleted, the process of distillation of fatty compounds starts.

Elcarnitine is widely used in sports nutrition when you need to reduce body fat, get lean, build muscle and get extra energy for training.

In medicine it is used for other purposes:

When choosing l-carnitine as a medicine, additional consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Burn fat

To use l-carnitine for weight loss, it is important to understand that it is not a fat burner, but only helps speed up metabolism and energy metabolism.

Smart trainers, knowing how to take l-carnitine for weight loss, recommend starting with preparing the body and removing excess water from it, and only then working on body fat.

In special cases, when large volumes are involved, the complex is developed in several stages with a gradual increase in loads, supporting the results with biochemistry (which is why l-carnitine is needed).

You should not start with rigorous training and large dosages of the drug, so as not to harm your health or worsen your condition.

Release forms

L-carnitine comes in several forms - liquid, powder and solid. When choosing the appropriate dosage, you should read the instructions for use, which provide detailed information, norms and rules of administration. Often, athletes combine several types of the drug, which allows them to regulate the rate of penetration and duration of exposure.

Most common liquid l-carnitine in the form of syrup or drink. It is recommended to take it immediately before training, since the active substance quickly penetrates the body's cells and immediately begins to work. The drinking solution is easy to use and additionally contains vitamins. One bottle of 20, 50 or 100 ml is enough for a single use of 200, 500 or 1000 mg of active acid. Disadvantages: a large number of excipients, limited shelf life after opening the bottle.

The next popular option is l-carnitine capsules- economical, prevents the feeling of hunger. The capsule contains 250 or 500 mg of the main substance, as well as coarse fibers, vitamins, and microelements. The capsule form takes a long time to digest.

Rarely found l-carnitine powder due to inconvenience: you need to measure no more than 1 g per dose.

This form is often used by bodybuilders or professional athletes who consume large amounts of l-carnitine before competitions (the dosage can reach 15 g). This is individual and requires a serious approach.

Solid l-carnitine in tablet form contains 100 or 500 mg of the substance and additionally vitamin C. Compared to capsules, the tablet form is more difficult to take, but here everything is selected individually.

Still in production carnitine in ampoules- drinking and injection. In the second case, the solution is administered intravenously or intramuscularly - each ampoule of 1 ml or 10 ml contains 100 mg or 1 g of levocarnitine, respectively. Used when it is not possible to take it orally. The administration of the drug is accompanied by pain and possible damage to blood vessels.

When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturer and composition of the drug. Avoid products containing d-carnitine, an antagonist of levocarnitine, which accumulates in the body and leads to intoxication. The range of l-carnitine allows you to choose the right form and composition: visit the partner’s website to find the supplement that suits you.

Admission rules

To get the desired result when losing weight or gaining muscle mass, you should not ignore some rules: a low-carbohydrate diet, a minimum of fat and plenty of it enhance the effect of levocarnitine; Any use of the drug must be accompanied by training or prolonged physical activity. If this is walking, then at least 5 kilometers. If - 40-50 minutes.

Experienced athletes using l-carnitine advise how to take it before training and what to pay attention to:

On training days the drug is used according to the chosen dosage while maintaining a special diet with plenty of proteins. The daily dosage of 1.5-2 g is divided into several doses. If you need to lose a significant amount of body fat, then the dosage is increased to 5 g per day.

On non-training days the daily norm is either divided in half so as not to provoke an increase in appetite or stimulation of the central nervous system, or walking over a long distance is added.

Contraindications

Despite numerous positive properties, elcarnitine also has disadvantages. With constant use of the drug without observing the norms and required breaks, addiction may occur, the substance will be converted into a toxic D-form, and the natural production of acid by the body will cease.

It is not dangerous for healthy people to take levocarnitine, even in significant doses, if all conditions are met. Contraindications for use may include:

• hypothyroidism, disorders of the thyroid gland;
• kidney disease;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• childhood;
• epilepsy;
• elevated blood sugar levels.

It is better to discuss all contraindications with your doctor. There is no information about the negative effects of the drug on pregnant women - the beneficial effects on the fetus are not disputed, but it is advisable to receive the necessary doses of the substance naturally.

Various sources call elcarnitine both an amino acid and a B vitamin, but this is incorrect. The substance is synthesized in the kidneys and liver from amino acids to supply cells with the resulting bioenergy, and in the process a kind of side effect is added - burning fat, from which energy is generated.

It is best to take elcarnitine under the supervision of a doctor or qualified trainer.

L-carnitine is one of the most popular sports supplements today.

L-carnitine (L-carnitine) is a special substance that increases the rate of metabolism of fats in the body, in other words, it performs the function. It is independently synthesized by the human body, subject to the presence of the necessary vitamins and enzymes. In order for L-carnitine to be produced in sufficient quantities, a balanced diet and regular consumption of high-quality protein foods are necessary. Such products can be, for example, meat, cottage cheese or fish.

As a rule, if a person experiences heavy physical activity or receives poor nutrition, the body lacks L-carnitine. For this reason, all people who are on a diet and actively involved in sports are recommended to use it additionally.

A little history

Vladimir Gulevich first discovered l-carnitine in 1905.

L-carnitine was first discovered by Russian scientists V.S. Gulevich and R.P. Krimberg, studying animal muscle tissue. This happened more than a century ago. The new substance got its name from the Latin word “carnis”, which literally means “meat”. Chemists learned to create L-cartinine artificially much later - in the 60s of the last century. The drug received positive reviews and gradually began to be used in medicine.

For the first time in big sports, L-carnitine was used during the Olympic Games in 1980. The supplement was included in the diet of the Italian football team. Subsequently, L-carnitine has become widespread in the sports nutrition and medical industries. It is currently available in the form of tablets, liquid and powder for dilution.

Action of L-carnitine

L-carnitine activates the process of burning subcutaneous fat and helps convert fat cells into energy. In some cases, it is the lack of this substance that leads to the development of obesity.

Currently, l-carnitine is available in the form of powder, liquid and tablets.

Thanks to L-carnitine, fat molecules penetrate the mitochondrial membranes more actively. And mitochondria are a kind of “energy stations” located inside the cells of the body. It is in them that the breakdown of nutrients occurs, releasing energy in the form of ATP.

Therefore, L-carnitine is, figuratively speaking, a “stoker” that “throws” fats into the furnace of your body. And, continuing this comparison with steam engines, we can say that the faster the locomotive travels, the more coal is needed. This means that more fat needs to be delivered to the mitochondria if you are actively moving. It would seem that this is an axiom, but many people lose sight of this.

Considering the above properties, many trainers recommend using L-carnitine to their clients in order to get rid of excess fat and bring weight back to normal. It is worth separately noting the prolonged effect of long-term use of L-carnitine for weight loss. The drug promotes the rapid oxidation of not only existing fats, but also those coming from food. As a result, they do not accumulate, but immediately transfer energy to the body. This improves both physical and mental performance. After completing the course, this effect lasts for several more months. If you eat properly, L-carnitine for weight loss will work until the next dose.

In order for L-carnitine to work and fat to begin to actively disappear, you need to lead a correct lifestyle and not skip workouts.

In general, we can say that L-carnitine helps:

• convert existing fat reserves in the body into energy;
• prevent the rapid deposition of newly introduced fats into the body;
• normalize blood cholesterol levels;
• increase performance;
• enrich blood cells with oxygen;
• shorten the muscle recovery period.

These are not all the wonderful abilities that L-carnitine has.

L-carnitine deficiency

A lack of l-carnitine during active training or a strict diet can lead to fatigue and bad mood.

In the body, L-carnitine is produced with the participation of vitamin C, B vitamins, essential amino acids and a number of enzymes. A lack of any of these substances can cause a serious L-carnitine deficiency. Most often, athletes, vegetarians, and anyone who follows unbalanced diets suffer from this.

L-carnitine plays a vital role in metabolic processes and its deficiency provokes:

• decreased immunity;
• fatigue;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• metabolic disorders and, as a result, excess weight.

If you notice these symptoms during dieting or intense exercise, consider taking additional L-carnitine. The main advantage of the drug is its absolute safety when used correctly. After consultation with your doctor, L-carnitine can be taken even by pregnant and lactating women.

How to take L-carnitine for weight loss as effectively as possible? Dosage regimens for those involved in sports and those on a diet are different.

If you exercise intensively at least 3 times a week, you need 1200 mg of L-carnitine per day for weight loss. This dose should be divided into 2 parts. The first should be taken shortly before meals in capsule form, and the second in liquid form 30 minutes before training.

• 200 mg 15-20 minutes before breakfast;
• 200 mg before lunch;
• 200 mg before dinner;
• 600 mg liquid pre-workout.

If you do not train, then it is advisable to drink L-carnitine for weight loss, 1-2 capsules with meals 3 times a day. When body weight is significantly higher than normal, the recommended dosage should be increased by 1.5-2 times. L-carnitine is taken for 1 month. Then a break of 1.5-2 months is required.

Of course, ideally, before you start using L-carnitine, you should consult a trainer about the dosage and make sure there are no contraindications.

Contraindications to taking L-carnitine are:

• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• increased excitability and insomnia.

As you can see, there are not many contraindications. L-carnitine is one of the most harmless sports supplements. However, it is worth noting that no matter how much we would like it, “super pills” do not exist.

Side effects

The main side effect that is possible when taking L-carnitine is a sharp increase in appetite. It is caused by the main property of the drug, which is to accelerate metabolism. Many manufacturers recommend taking L-carnitine for weight loss together with microcrystalline fiber (MCF). It helps control appetite and makes dieting much easier.

But nutritionists note that with the correct diet and reasonable physical activity, taking L-carnitine for weight loss will not cause any changes in appetite. To do this, adjust your usual low-calorie diet, increasing the number of meals to 6 times a day. Small meals rich in protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and completely eliminating alcohol and sugar will benefit the body and speed up weight loss. L-carnitine is most effective with a training regimen that includes 3 strength training sessions (you can select them in the “” section on our website) and 4-6 sessions of varying intensity and duration.

Some people also claim that L-carnitine for weight loss causes increased anxiety and irritability. Most likely, this effect is explained by the stimulating effect of the drug. If you notice this symptom, reduce your intake of other nervous system stimulants (caffeine and guarana). If this does not help, you should consult a specialist on how best to take L-carnitine.

L-carnitine (L-carnitine), when combined with training and proper nutrition, can do truly fantastic things!

Thus, L-carnitine is a revolutionary supplement that is absolutely safe for health. Proper use of the drug together with reasonable nutrition and exercise will bring you closer to the figure of your dreams.

In pursuit of a slim figure and weight loss, many become addicted to dubious dietary supplements with little-studied composition. Perhaps they allow you to achieve a quick effect, but, as a rule, at the cost of your own health.

Indeed, finding useful and safe drugs today is not easy, but it is a feasible task. Athletes in particular love to use L-carnitine for weight loss and muscle building. This is a vitamin-like substance that is completely harmless and completely natural.

Description

L-carnitine is a substance related to B-vitamins, synthesized in the human body. Present in the tissues of some muscles and liver. Accelerates metabolic processes, supports the activity of coenzyme A (it oxidizes fatty acids). Used to treat kidney diseases.

If it is deficient, the body cannot process fats from food, which leads not only to obesity, but also to heart problems.

Preparations based on this substance are actively used in official medicine.

Pros

Losing weight with L-carnitine is nothing but advantages with almost no disadvantages:

• activation of fat burning processes;
• the ability to use other additives;
• slowing down the aging process;
• protection of the heart and blood vessels from cholesterol;
• facilitating cardio and strength training;
• general strengthening and immunostimulating effect;
• no muscle pain after training;
• increase in lean muscle mass;
• reduction of fatigue - mental and physical.

By using dietary supplements with it, you yourself will notice that your workouts have become much more successful and effective. Endurance increases, and with it you reach new heights - accordingly, you lose much more calories.

Names. In different sources, L-carnitine can be found under different names: levocarnitinum, l-carnitine, vitamin Bt, levocarnitine, vitamin B11.

Mechanism of weight loss

L-carnitine can be safely used for weight loss, since its properties guarantee not only improved well-being and the effectiveness of training, but also amazing external changes in the figure.

It performs the following functions:

• protects muscle tissue from splitting;
• has a positive effect on the nervous system, which is very important for losing weight (no irritability) and intense exercise (elevates your mood, thanks to which training is carried out regularly, without disruption);
• converts fats into energy, preventing their deposition in different parts of the body;
• prevents the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles;
• prevents the development of overtraining syndrome;
• reduces cholesterol;
• shortens the recovery period after sports;
• keeps the level of coenzyme A stable in the body, which is very important for optimizing energy metabolism;
• promotes detoxification from cytotoxic organic acids and xenobiotics;
• increases endurance indicators;
• accelerates protein metabolism;
• is an anabolic, i.e. it promotes the growth of muscle mass.

So it can be used in two directions: to increase the effectiveness of strength training, as an anabolic steroid, and to reduce body weight, as a fat burner. But this method of dealing with extra pounds is not for the lazy - without training, there will be no result.

Origin of the name. The term “L-carnitine” goes back to the Latin “carnis”, which translates as “meat”, because there is quite a lot of it in this product.

Indications and contraindications

Preparations based on L-carnitine can be officially used by athletes. They are not prohibited by the Anti-Doping Commission, so many do not stop using it even during competitions.

Therapeutic indications:

• infertility in men;
• hypoperfusion;
• dyscirculatory encephalopathy;
• skin diseases: seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, focal scleroderma, eczema, lupus erythematosus;
• growth retardation;
• intense physical activity - to reduce fatigue, increase performance and endurance, as an anabolic and adaptogen;
• myocardial infarction;
• ischemic cardiopathy, stroke;
• cerebrovascular accidents;
• Swan-Pearson neuropathy;
• obesity;
• pathologies caused by carnitine deficiency: Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos and Beals syndromes, tuberous sclerosis, progressive muscular dystrophy;
• brain damage;
• post-infarction conditions;
• rehabilitation after operations and serious illnesses;
• MERRE, MELAS, NARP, Kearns-Sayre syndromes;
• angina pectoris;
• thyrotoxicosis.

Indications for weight loss:

• rapid fatigue during physical activity;
• pain, cramps after training;
• tremors of the limbs, very tense muscles;
• lack of results when playing sports, despite their intensity;
• visceral fat on the abdomen;
• shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat during training.

Contraindications:

• allergy;
• pregnancy;
• insomnia;
• epigastric pain;
• hypertension;
• hypersensitivity;
• dyspepsia;
• thyroid diseases;
• lactation;
• oncology;
• kidney pathologies;
• diabetes mellitus;
• heart failure;
• trimethylaminuria;
• epilepsy.

This substance cannot adversely affect the functioning of organs. But it triggers processes that force the body's systems to work in enhanced mode. And if initially everything is not in order with your health, it may simply not cope with it. So be sure to take note of this list.

From history. In the USSR, DL-carnitine chloride was used to treat diseases of the nervous system, although there was no data on the benefits of this product for the central nervous system.

Rules of application

It is very important to know how to take L-carnitine to get the most benefit from it. Methods and dosages are determined by various factors. The leading role is played by the chosen drug and individual characteristics.

On the market you can find different dietary supplements with levocarnitine: in capsules and tablets, in liquid form, in powder. Each one comes with instructions that you must follow. If the recommended dosage or dosage regimen does not suit you for some reason, you can always adjust these parameters with your trainer.

This option is even preferable, since the instructor will be able to professionally evaluate your personal data and, based on them, recommend how best for you to take the purchased drug. This will depend on your starting weight, health status and the intensity of your intended training.

Capsules and tablets

This is the most convenient and popular form. The correct intake of L-carnitine in capsules and tablets is determined by the instructions for each individual drug, since the concentration of the active substance in them may be different.

If you have a choice between tablets and capsules, give preference to the latter. They are absorbed into the blood faster.

In liquid form

Concentrated syrup or a light solution of L-carnitine is taken regardless of meals. It is drunk undiluted. Athletes are recommended to consume 15 ml before training once a day. The duration of the course is 6 weeks, then there is a break of 2 weeks and the previous scheme is repeated again.

Powder

Levocarnitine powder is a crystalline white concentrate without taste or odor. Easily soluble in water, you can even drink it with juice. Economical in terms of dosages. The only drawback is that it takes time to prepare. For convenience, manufacturers provide the product with a measuring cup.

You can find carnitine in sticks, which is very convenient: 1 stick = 1 serving. Each drug is accompanied by instructions for use from the manufacturer, which indicates the recommended dosage.

General tips:

1. The first portion of the powder is in the morning before meals, the second is 30 minutes before training.
2. If your physical activity is intense, you can drink 3 times a day.
3. Course: 2 months of weight loss / 2 weeks of rest. You can repeat this scheme for six months.

The maximum daily dosage remains the same as when using capsules - 3,000 mg, but it is not necessary to reach this level. Depending on the purpose of using levocarnitine powder, daily doses may be different:

• for complex therapy: 1,200 mg;
• for athletes: 2,000 mg;
• weight loss: 1,500 mg.

Pay attention to the following powdered preparations:

• 300 g of pure carnitine from RPS Nutrition (USA);
• weight loss + improvement of blood circulation, brain and heart activity from Scitec Nutrition (USA);
• concentrate of carnitine, taurine and B vitamins from Ostrovit (Poland);
• lipotropic complex with mineral supplements, caffeine with anabolic and neurostimulating effects from PowerPro (USA);
• complex with trivalent chromium and plant extracts from BioTech (USA);
• 4 forms (pure, waste, acetyl, fumarate) with flavors from CarnibolicNutrabolics (USA);
• 300 g of levocarnitine tartrate without additives from Anabolic Innovations (USA);
• 700 ml acetyl L-carnitine with stearic acid from SAN (USA).

These are the most effective powder preparations that have proven themselves in the dietary supplement market.

Injections

There is another way to use L-carnitine - injecting a 10% solution into a muscle or vein. Prescribed if oral administration is impossible (in case of injuries to the oral cavity, digestive organs). The dosage is determined individually.

1. 100 mg of the substance is diluted in 50 ml of sodium chloride solution (0.9%).
2. It is injected into the vein slowly: in a stream (about 3 minutes) or drip (about 60 drops/min).

Keep in mind that L-carnitine injections are often accompanied by discomfort. Side effects include damage to blood vessels and soft tissues.

Of all the methods of using drugs with levocarnitine, injection is the most effective, but at the same time not entirely successful. Firstly, not everyone can give themselves an injection. Secondly, painful sensations afterward interfere with training.

Be careful. L-carnitine has a twin brother, its synthetic analogue - D-carnitine, which does not have the most positive effect on the body. Research shows that some unscrupulous manufacturers of sports nutrition may include it in dietary supplements. Read the ingredients of the drugs you purchase carefully so that it is not listed there.

First, you should decide where you will purchase drugs with L-carnitine:

• to achieve a therapeutic effect, it is better to buy the medicine at the pharmacy;
• for weight loss, give preference to dietary supplements, which can be ordered on numerous online resources;
• To increase the effectiveness of your training, use sports nutrition, which is sold in specialized stores.

1. L-carnitine can be taken not only in the form of medications and dietary supplements. This substance is found in excess in food products (the list is given below).
2. Anabolic steroids and lipoic acid enhance the effect of L-carnitine.
3. It promotes weight loss only with aerobic exercise. If it is advisable for men to exercise in the gym, then gymnastics, dancing, Pilates, etc. are suitable for women.
4. Don't go hungry. Adhere to the principles of fractional nutrition: meals should be frequent and portions should be small.
5. Low-fat foods should predominate in the diet.
6. It is recommended to lean on proteins and limit the consumption of carbohydrates.
7. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
8. not recommended.
9. Workouts should last at least 30 minutes.

Foods rich in L-carnitine:

• Orange juice;
• peanut butter;
• bacon;
• white bread;
• Ground beef;
• chicken breast;
• pasta;
• ice cream;
• rice (boiled);
• pork;
• asparagus;
• beef steak;
• cod;
• whole milk;
• eggs.

Include these foods in your daily diet to enrich your body with this natural substance.

Just a note. L-carnitine is destroyed by heat treatment. Therefore, if the foods on the list above can be eaten raw, eat them without cooking them on the stove.

Side effects

Levocarnitine has side effects, but they are very rare. An overdose is practically impossible, because all excess substances are actively excreted in the urine.

If the instructions or contraindications are violated, the following unpleasant symptoms may occur:

• allergic reactions;
• insomnia;
• painful digestion (dyspepsia);
• pain in the abdomen (gastralgia);
• bad breath;
• nervousness;
• profuse sweating;
• increased appetite;
• vomit;
• seizures;
• nausea.

As a rule, all side effects after taking the drugs disappear within 2-3 days. If this does not happen, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Just a note. It is very useful for men to take L-carnitine not only for losing weight and building muscle mass, but also to improve their reproductive function. This substance promotes sperm activity and is even prescribed for the treatment of infertility.

Rating

Which L-carnitine is best for weight loss? The choice is not easy to make, since there are a lot of drugs based on it.

1. Acetyl L-Carnitine from Dymatize (USA). $24 for 90 capsules.
2. Acetyl L-Carnitine from Maxler (Germany). $18 for 100 tablets.
3. Acetyl L-Carnitine from Twinlab (USA). $54 for 120 capsules.
4. Alcar from SAN (USA) - tablets. $44 for 100 pcs.
5. Carni X from Scitec Nutrition (Hungary). $16 for 60 capsules.
6. Carnipure from Gaspari Nutrition (USA) - in powder. $35 per 100 gr.
7. Attack L-Carnitine from Power System (Germany) - solution with guarana and caffeine. $21 for 500 ml.
8. L-Carnitine from Power System (Germany) - solution. $31 for 1,000 ml.
9. L-Carnitine-3 000 from Maxler (Germany) - concentrate. $25 for 1,000 ml of solution.
10. L-Carnitine-750 from Maxler (Germany). $23 for 100 capsules.
11. Capsules L-Carnitine from Weider (Germany). $19 for 100 capsules.
12. Liquid L-Carnitine Extreme Formula from Weider (Germany). $24 for 20 ampoules.
13. L-Carnitine Power from SAN (USA) - in capsules. $19 for 60 pcs.
14. Xtreme L-Carnitine from Dymatize (USA). $18 for 60 capsules.
15. L-Carnitine from Myprotein (UK). $12 for 90 tablets.
16. L-Carnitine from Ultimate Nutrition (USA). $20 for 30 tablets.
17. Concentrate L-Carnitine from VP Laboratory (UK). $31 for 1,000 ml of solution.
18. L-Carnitine from Maxler (Germany) - solution. $38 for 1,000 ml.
19. Liquid L-Carnitine from Optimum Nutrition (USA). $10 for almost 350 ml.
20. L-carnitine from GlavActiv (Russia). $6.7 for 60 capsules.

To find the best drug for you, try different options.

Through the pages of history. L-carnitine was discovered in 1905 by scientists V.S. Gulevich and R.P. Krimberg. They isolated it from muscle tissue.

Analogues

L-carnitine is the main active ingredient in many medications that can be used both for therapeutic purposes and for weight loss. The most popular analogues:

• Alimba is an Italian drug;
• Carnitene;
• Carnifit;
• Cartan - a medicine for stomach disorders, available in powder for solution or injection ampoules (manufactured in Greece);
• Elkar is a means for improving metabolic processes; you can purchase an aqueous solution (with a dropper and a test tube) and ampoules for injection.

Firm buttocks, a thin waist, pumped up abs - all this is quite possible if you introduce L-carnitine into your weight loss program. Men will have those very coveted six-packs, and women will be able to delight others with their ideal figure. At the same time, your health will remain in perfect order, and in some situations even improve.

There are many supplements on the sports nutrition market with different forms of L-carnitine (levocarnitine). The effectiveness of this substance depends on the dosage and time of use. In this article we will tell you how to take L-carnitine correctly. You will also learn how much L-carnitine to take for weight loss.

What is L-carnitine?

Levocarnitine is often referred to as an amino acid, but this is not true. It is a vitamin-like substance, similar in structure to B vitamins. In the human body, it is formed by the kidneys and liver from methionine and lysine, and is also found in animal products (the main source is red meat).

A key function of L-carnitine is to promote the transport of fats into the cell's mitochondria, where they are used during the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's source of energy. With a low amount of levocarnitine in the body, fatty acids begin to be less utilized and turn into deposits on the sides. Since L-carnitine is difficult to obtain from food on reduced-calorie diets (red meat, especially fatty meat, can hardly be called a dietary product), there is a need to take special supplements.

Of course, levocarnitine itself will not cause you to start losing weight rapidly. Its effect is especially pronounced with intense training (the body begins to quickly burn fatty acids delivered by levocarnitine to the muscles) and proper nutrition. If you know how to properly take L-carnitine for weight loss, you can significantly accelerate the achievement of your goals.

More about the benefits of taking it

In addition, L-carnitine has other beneficial effects, proven by a number of scientific studies

• Improving the condition of the cardiovascular system. The substance lowers the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream, preventing vasoconstriction (a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes).
• Anabolic effect. According to research, levocarnitine not only helps reduce belly fat, but also increases the percentage of “lean” muscle mass in the body.
• Detoxification. The product maintains the level of coenzyme A, necessary for the detoxification of organic acids and chemicals foreign to the body (xenobiotics).
• Stress resistance. Domestic scientists have found that consuming the substance helps increase the body’s resistance to stress and its adaptive abilities.

It should be noted that carnitine is safe for the body, its possible side effects are almost negligible.

How to take the product and in what dosage?

The first point worth paying attention to is that it is better to take L-carnitine together with carbohydrates. Early studies showed no benefit from L-carnitine supplementation, as muscle levels did not increase significantly. This was due to the fact that the product was consumed at the wrong time, when insulin was low.

Scientists later discovered that insulin levels must be high enough for normal amounts of L-carnitine to reach the muscles.

How much L-carnitine should you drink? Just 1 gram of the substance can be effective, but to get maximum benefit, it is better to consume 2-3 grams with a meal containing 30-40 g of carbohydrates and 20-40 g of protein. This recommendation concerns the use of the pure form of the product, L-carnitine L-tartrate or propionyl-L-carnitine. However, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is better absorbed in the digestive tract and enters the muscles in the absence of food. Therefore, it is better to consume this product between meals. Moreover, it can be combined with other fat-burning components, such as caffeine, green tea extract, etc.

How much to take L-carnitine? Experts recommend using it in short courses (no more than 4-6 weeks) so as not to disrupt the body’s production of this substance. Next, a break of 2-3 weeks is taken.

When should you take L-carnitine?

Some experts give advice on how much L-carnitine to take before training. Others believe that it should be consumed after exercise. But the truth, as usual, lies in the middle. If we are talking about ALCAR, we already know that it is not advisable to consume it with food. Therefore, it can be drunk before training along with other components to intensify fat burning and increase energy. But for optimal absorption of other forms of carnitine, a fairly large amount of carbohydrates is required. Since it is undesirable to eat food before training (a full stomach will interfere with exercise, nausea and decreased endurance may occur), it is better to consume the product after.

One strategy that works for both fat loss and performance enhancement is taking 2-3 servings of ALCAR along with other fat burners between meals (including pre-workout) and 1 serving of regular form or L-carnitine L-tartrate with your post-workout supplement. eating.

On non-training days, it is correct to consume the product at any time of the day (with food or between meals, depending on the form of the substance).

Tablets and liquid L-carnitine – which is better?

What is better to choose: L-carnitine in the form of capsules, tablets or liquid? Or maybe buy a powder mixture?

Some people prefer to take L-carnitine tablets because it is more convenient for them to use. In addition, the tablet form allows you to accurately determine the dosage. Others want to know how to take liquid L-carnitine and in their own way they are right, because liquid is in any case absorbed faster by the body than tablets or capsules. This is especially important when using ALCAR. But measuring the exact amount of concentrate is not always convenient. Another form of the product is powder. It can be mixed with other drinks and is quickly absorbed. The downside is that it takes time to prepare.

Conclusion

The main factors for effective fat burning are a complete and balanced diet with limited calories, a professionally designed training program and the correct daily routine. Levocarnitine is an auxiliary factor; it helps to increase fat burning and overcome weight loss plateaus. If you know how to properly consume L-carnitine, this substance will improve both your workout performance and your physique. You will be able to train longer and more intensely, and after a while you will notice an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat.

In our online store you can buy L-carnitine from many well-known sports nutrition manufacturers.