Among the indications for the use of Elkar there is no overweight or obesity. But this does not prevent many people from using it for weight loss. Moreover, it turns out to be quite effective in its new status. There is nothing surprising about this, since its main purpose is to normalize metabolic processes. Everyone who is struggling with extra pounds knows how important it is to accelerate metabolism in this matter. Athletes will learn more about this product from the main active ingredient, a common component of sports nutrition, L-carnitine, the benefits of which for weight loss do not need advertising.
Description of the drug
Trade name: Elcar.
Status: medicinal product.
Main active ingredient: a synthetic analogue of the amino acid L-carnitine - Levocarnitinum.
Excipients
In solution for oral use:
- citric acid monohydrate - 1.2 mg;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate - 0.5 mg;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate - 0.2 mg;
- purified water (Aqua) - 1 ml.
In granules:
- citric acid (Citric Acid) - 2,750 mg;
- sodium carbonate (Sodium Carbonate) - 1,100 mg;
- lemon flavor (Permastable 3206) - 100 mg;
- acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame Potassium) - 35 mg;
- colloidal silicon dioxide (Silicium Dioxide) - 15 mg.
The injection solution contains only purified water (1 ml) of excipients.
Pharmacological group:
- a drug that affects digestion and metabolism;
- treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
- treatment of metabolic disorders;
- amino acids and their derivatives.
Anatomical-therapeutic-chemical classification: A16AA01.
Manufacturers (domestic only):
- Pik-Pharma - produces oral solution and granules;
- Elara - produces an injection solution.
Dosage forms:
- Oral solution with a concentration of levocarnitine of 20% and 30%. Available in bottles of different sizes: glass (100, 50, 25 ml) and plastic (25 ml).
- Effervescent granules for preparing a solution. Available in sachet form: 10 pcs. 5 g in cardboard packaging.
- Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration. Available in the form of ampoules: 10 pcs. 5 ml in cardboard packaging.
Main characteristics:
- consistency - liquid/powdery granules;
- color - colorless solution / lemon-yellow granules;
- smell - the solution has a specific smell, reeking of chemicals / the granules have a weak lemon smell;
- taste - the solution is unpleasant, with bitterness, although a sweetener is added to the children's preparation / the granules have a pleasant lemony taste;
- injections are painless when administered correctly.
Pharmacokinetics
Well absorbed, easily penetrates into tissues. Reaches maximum concentration 3 hours after consumption and is effective for 12 hours. Excreted by the kidneys.
Sale
The solution for oral administration and effervescent granules are freely available in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. When purchasing an injection solution, the pharmacist has the right to require a prescription.
Expert reviews[edit | edit code]
First of all, it is worth noting that Elkar (L-carnitine) refers to metabolic agents (vitamins and vitamin-like substances).
Elcar does not have any advantages or disadvantages compared to other forms of L-carnitine. Among the advantages, it is worth noting its registration as a medicine, which has legal grounds for the manufacturer’s responsibility for the composition of the drug.
Currently, Elkar and many other similar drugs are gaining popularity in Russia due to the fact that the active substance costs a penny. The manufacturer creates a new form and colorfully describes the indications for use for almost all problems.
From an economic point of view, Elkar is doubtfully profitable. Rising currency prices made it more profitable, but not enough. For example, 1 dose (500 mg) of Elkar when purchasing a 100 ml 20% bottle will cost 15-20 rubles; this is already cheaper than Dymatize Nutrition L-Carnitine Liquid (1 dose - 30 rubles), but more expensive than Dymatize Nutrition L-Carnitine Extreme (1 capsule 500 mg - 12 rubles).
Of course, all reviews on the official website are strictly censored.
Conclusion:
This is not to say that carnitine supplements are completely useless, but sports nutrition can be used as a replacement for Elcar, including for weight loss (see: rating).
Action and mechanism of weight loss
The drug Elkar works in different directions:
- improves digestion;
- interferes with metabolic processes, normalizing and accelerating them;
- stimulates the activity of the nervous system and brain;
- improves the functioning of many organs;
- helps the body recover after surgery, serious injuries, and illnesses;
- allows you to endure increased physical, mental and emotional stress without loss.
Many of these functions promote weight loss through proper nutrition and exercise. This is the reason for its use as a weight loss drug.
Mechanism of weight loss
A person with a normal metabolic rate, provided there is sufficient physical activity and adherence to the principles of proper nutrition, rarely has problems with excess weight (unless they are caused by genetics or hormones). They appear as soon as metabolic disorders begin. Most often, their cause is a decrease in the production of carnitine by the kidneys and liver, the amino acid responsible for this process.
As soon as its level in the body drops, fats and carbohydrates that come from food are no longer processed into the necessary energy, but begin to accumulate in problem areas.
Elkar artificially allows you to restore the required amount of carnitine in the body. Within a day after the first use of the drug:
- digestion of fats and carbohydrates is improved;
- they are spent without a trace on the needs of the body;
- The fat burning process is launched to obtain additional energy.
Gradually, adipose tissue is replaced by muscle tissue (subject to intense exercise). All this ultimately leads to weight loss. The results are different for everyone, as they depend on age, nutrition and physical activity. On average, 2-3 kg are lost weekly.
Analogs
An analogue of Elkar can be called the drug Carniten . It also contains L-carnitine, but is available in chewable tablet form. One of the advantages of this drug is its safety for pregnant and lactating women. For this reason, Karniten is often prescribed to pregnant women attending special gymnastics.
Levocarnitine is another remedy similar in action to Elcar. It has the same dosage of L-carnitine and also has similar properties. However, Levocarnitine has a much lower price.
Carnifit can also be used instead of Elkar. This biological supplement has a proven positive effect on human metabolism. It accelerates the processes of lipid and protein metabolism, which contributes to the rapid improvement of a person’s physical fitness.
Indications and contraindications
Indications:
- vegetarianism
- psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, seborrheic eczema;
- deficiency of vitamin BT (another name for levocarnitine) and retinol;
- anorexia nervosa lack of appetite;
- problems with the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, pancreatitis);
- renal and liver failure;
- intense, professional sports, sore throat, muscle injuries;
- mild form of hyperthyroidism;
- cardiogenic shock, angina pectoris, heart attack, heart failure, tachycardia;
- chronic fatigue syndrome, overwork;
- brain pathologies based on neurological symptoms, the aging process, impaired blood supply, discirculatory encephalopathy;
- psycho-emotional, physical, mental stress;
- rehabilitation after any therapeutic course;
- depression of higher mental functions.
Contraindications:
- individual intolerance to components;
- children under 3 years of age (relative contraindication: children can take Elkar, but only under the constant supervision of a doctor and with his permission);
- pregnancy, lactation (the consequences of taking the drug for the intrauterine development of the child and its effect on the production of breast milk have not been studied);
- obesity stages 3 and 5.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- is not addictive;
- side effects are very rare;
- weight loss without harm to health;
- no need to diet;
- no hunger pangs.
Flaws:
- initially Elkar is not intended for weight loss;
- weight loss occurs slowly;
- presence of contraindications and side effects;
- sometimes - lack of results;
- the specific smell and taste causes rejection and even nausea for many;
- after prolonged use, an unpleasant fishy odor begins to emanate from the body;
- Too individual reactions to the drug: for some it acts like an energy drink, for others it makes them sleepy.
The main effects of Elkar in sports practice:
- Acts as a fat burner and helps reduce body fat mass.
- Promotes the accumulation of energy reserves in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles.
- Improves the absorption of proteins and thereby helps strengthen muscles.
- Increases endurance, helps to make the finishing dash during training.
- Improves speed-strength indicators and coordination of movements.
- Strengthens muscle protection from damage and muscle fiber rupture.
- Protects against sudden loss of performance during the first 70-90 minutes of training.
- Reduces the formation of lactic acid, resulting in reduced muscle soreness after exercise.
- Increases endorphin production, improves mood
- Accelerates recovery processes after training.
- Reduces the release of stress enzymes, increases stress resistance.
- Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Instructions for use
What to choose?
Adults need either a 30% solution (20% is usually prescribed for children), or effervescent tablets, or injections. The latter allow you to achieve maximum effect in losing weight, but require mandatory prior consultation with a doctor.
How to cook?
- Solution
To improve the taste of the drug, it is diluted with water, unsweetened compote, natural freshly squeezed juice (recipes) or 5% glucose solution. The proportions are approximately the same.
- Granules
The contents of one sachet are dissolved in 100-200 ml of any of the above liquids. It is important that it is at room temperature (within 15–25°C). Mix thoroughly, wait until the granules are completely dissolved and drink immediately.
- Injections
Elkar injection solution can be mixed with sodium chloride (0.9%) or glucose solution (5%) - 1 ampoule per 100 ml. Or it is not diluted with anything, it is used in its pure form. It is administered intramuscularly or intravenously as slowly as possible. If administered quickly, the injection will be painful.
When?
It is better to drink Elkar half an hour before the main meal, since when combined with food in the stomach it will be less absorbed. This is especially true for protein products. Therefore, you should not dilute the solution in milk, yogurt, kefir and protein shakes.
Since carnitine reaches its maximum concentration 3 hours after intake, athletes need to drink it 2 hours before training to build muscle mass.
How many?
- Solution
The maximum dosage for an adult is 4.5 scoops, divided into 3 doses. However, it is prescribed for the treatment of severe conditions and serious diseases. To lose weight, it is enough to take 3 scoops (one three times a day).
- Granules
1-2 sachets three times a day.
- Injections
1-2 ampoules 1-2 times a day.
How long?
Since cases of Elkar overdose have not been identified, doctors sometimes prescribe the drug (solution and granules) for a course of 3-4 months. When losing weight, you can focus on this period. Nutritionists advise taking it until the desired result is achieved. If we are talking about injections, then 10 days will be enough, then there is a mandatory break of 10-15 days, and then you can repeat the 10-day course of injections.
special instructions
Nutrition
Many people think that using Elkar will do all the work for them: just drink the solution or take injections, and the weight will go away on its own. If you continue to load your stomach and liver with heavy, unhealthy food, no amount of carnitine will be able to correct the situation with slow metabolism.
At the same time, Elkar is an unusual drug in the sense that diets for its use are also not recommended. For the simple reason that they all lead to disruption of metabolic processes and come into conflict with carnitine.
Therefore, the optimal solution is to create a diet based on proper nutrition while losing weight and taking Elkar. Refuse unhealthy foods, calculate your ideal ratio and BJU daily calorie content (these are individual parameters, they can be calculated using the formulas from our articles at the appropriate links), schedule your meals, do not overeat in the evening, drink a lot of clean water. All these principles in themselves work for weight loss, but with an additional dose of carnitine the process will go much faster.
Those who are actively involved in sports and aim to replace their fat deposits with beautiful and sculpted muscles should lean on protein foods and be sure to drink protein shakes.
Interaction with other drugs
Glucocorticosteroids can provoke the accumulation of carnitine in tissues. Most of it will remain non-functional, settling in a specific place. In this case, you can’t wait to lose weight. Therefore, it is better not to combine Elkar with such drugs.
But other anabolic steroids (Oxandrolone, Stanazolol, Trenbolone) enhance its pharmacological effect. You have to be careful here. If you respond normally to Elkar, a combination of these drugs is possible. But, if after it you are too excited or, on the contrary, you feel sleepy, this interaction is undesirable.
Storage conditions
It is recommended to store all pharmacological forms of Elkar in a dark place. The optimal temperature is no higher than 25°C. Keep away from children.
After opening the bottle of Elkar solution, it is suitable for use for 2 months, provided it is stored in the refrigerator (preferably on the side shelf). An opened sachet with granules should be used immediately, just like an injection ampoule - you cannot leave them in this form until the next time.
Shelf life - 3 years. After its expiration, the drug becomes hazardous to health.
Safety
Elcar is a controversial drug. Some experts argue that it is not effective enough. All clinical trials that were conducted before the release of the drug proved the complete safety of the supplement , but did not confirm its effectiveness.
Some athletes claim that with the help of Elkar they actually managed to increase their strength, while others are sure that Elkar did not help them. That is why before buying a drug you need to weigh the pros and cons.
You can always calculate your BMI using the formula, and determine from the table whether your BMI is normal or not.
Read about the technique of lying neck extensions here - /silovye/s-sheya/razgibanie-shei-lyozha.html.
