L-carnitine: action, benefits, how, which one and how much is better to take

Share:

Our body constantly synthesizes many useful substances, one of them is the natural fat burner levocarnitine. On its basis, sports nutrition has been created, which is in demand among professional athletes. Our rating will help you choose the best L-carnitine among a huge number of vitamin-like products.

How to choose a supplement

This section contains useful recommendations that will help you buy an effective drug with levocarnitine.

Necessity of admission

The substance is mainly used in sports nutrition and is prescribed to increase endurance during ana- and aerobic training. Levocarnitine produces an anabolic effect and also:

• promotes fat burning;
• accelerates muscle recovery after strength exercises.

But supplements based on this substance should also be taken by people during periods of mental or physical fatigue to increase the digestibility of protein, carbohydrates and the body’s adaptive capabilities, and combat stress.

L-carnitine is also used in medicine. Doctors prescribe it for the following diseases:

• loss of appetite, malnutrition;
• anorexia nervosa;
• recovery period after operations, serious illnesses;
• chronic pancreatitis or gastritis with reduced secretory function;
• mild forms of thyrotoxicosis;
• psoriasis, seborrhea, scleroderma.

Attention! The drug L-carnitine is prescribed to overweight people to stimulate fat burning. It enhances the effectiveness of training and speeds up metabolism.

Release forms

L-carnitine supplements come in several forms:

1. Tablets and capsules. The first dietary supplements contain only carnitine and formative substances, while the second have a soft shell, thanks to which they are better absorbed. Solid dosage forms are convenient in dosage and use.
2. Powder. In this form, sports drink is most often produced for making protein shakes. The powder is cheaper than other forms, dissolves well in water and is absorbed in the intestines.
3. Liquid. Absorbed quickly. Manufacturers bottle it in ampoules or large bottles.

Features of the composition

Vitamin preparations should contain only the L-isomer of carnitine - levocarnitine (L-Carnitine). This substance exhibits high pharmacological activity.

Table - Main types of levocarnitine

Most medications are available in the form of monosupplements. To enhance the effect, some manufacturers add B vitamins - thiamine, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid - and natural citrus or berry flavors to improve the organoleptic properties. The price of these dietary supplements is high.

Attention! Supplements should not contain artificial flavors and colors, as they can cause allergies.

Selection of dose and package volume

For an adult, the daily dosage of carnitine ranges from 500 to 2000 mg. Doctors advise consuming no more than 1000 mg of the substance at one time so that it is well absorbed. Studies have established that there is no point in taking more than 2 g of carnitine; exceeding the dose will not have any additional effect on the body.

The duration of the course is selected individually. Athletes can take the supplement for many months without interruption as it does not cause any harm. For medical reasons, it is recommended to drink L-carnitine for 4-6 weeks. Therefore, for a course dose, it is advisable to choose a package containing at least 40-50 daily servings.

Supplement prices

When comparing dietary supplements with each other, pay attention to the cost of 1 dose of the active substance - divide the price of the entire package by the number of single dosages in it. According to this indicator, imported drugs with a high concentration of B11 win. But you shouldn’t buy cheap pharmaceutical products, as they may contain an inactive form and a small dosage of carnitine.

The best manufacturers

Popular among buyers are supplements produced by American pharmaceutical companies: Now Foods, SOURCE NATURALS, California Gold Nutrition. For bodybuilders, the best choice is L-carnitine from sports nutrition manufacturers - MusclePharm, Muscletech, Dymatize Nutrition.

TOP 6 supplements with L-carnitine fumarate

Vitamin supplements are arranged according to decreasing cost per dosage.

№6 PURE ENCAPSULATIONS, L-carnitine Fumarate

from 8491 ₽
Cost of 1 serving – 141 rub. 50 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 120 capsules;
• concentration – 340 mg.

The supplement was produced by a premium pharmaceutical company that places great emphasis on scientific development and laboratory testing of product quality. It has a vegetarian composition and complies with GMP standards.

Pros:

• The dietary supplement has a powerful antioxidant effect;
• improves athletic performance;
• helps to lose weight.

Minuses:

• low dose of L-carnitine.

№5 Olympian Labs, L-carnitine

from 1520 ₽

The price of 1 serving is 30 rubles. 40 kopecks

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 100 capsules;
• concentration – 500 mg.

The product is available in capsules coated with rice flour and microcrystalline cellulose. It accelerates the fat burning process and protects mitochondria from the effects of free radicals.

Pros:

• the drug stimulates the burning of adipose tissue;
• enhances energy production.

Minuses:

• difficult to find in Russia.

#4 California Gold Nutrition, L-Carnitine Fumarate

California Gold Nutrition, L-Carnitine Fumarate, Sourced from Europe, Alfasigma, 885 mg, 60 Veggie Caps

★★★★☆

1 567 ₽

Buy at a discount

The cost of 1 serving is 17 rubles. 90 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 885 mg.

The additive is produced on the basis of an active substance of pharmaceutical purity, which goes through several stages of quality control. Available in the form of vegetable capsules, so it can be used by vegetarians. It has a hypoallergenic composition, does not contain GMO products, and the quality is confirmed by the iTested program.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement accelerates fat burning;
• supplies the body with energy;
• gives strength for cardio training.

Minuses:

• may cause swelling of the legs.

No. 3 Doctor's Best, L-carnitine fumarate with Biosint carnitines

Doctor's Best, L-Carnitine Fumarate with Biosint Carnitines, 855 mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules

1 233 ₽

Buy at a discount

Price for 1 serving – 17 rubles. 20 kopecks

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 855 mg.

The drug is manufactured using a patented technology that ensures the synthesis of the most effective carnitine and does not contain GMOs or allergens. The amount of substance contained in 1 capsule is equivalent to 500 mg of pure L-carnitine.

Pros:

• the product converts fat into energy;
• improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Minuses:

• not all buyers noticed the effect.

№2 SOURCE NATURALS, L-carnitine

from 1387 ₽

The cost of 1 serving is 11 rubles. 60 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 120 capsules;
• concentration – 250 mg.

The product from SOURCE NATURALS increases energy production in the body and stimulates the work of the heart muscle. The capsule shell is made of gelatin and cellulose.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement reduces the percentage of body fat;
• gives strength for physical training;
• helps to gain muscle mass.

Minuses:

• low content of active substance.

№1 Dymatize Nutrition, L-carnitine Xtreme

Dymatize Nutrition, L-Carnitine Xtreme, 60 Capsules (Discontinued Item)

★★★★☆

861 ₽

Buy at a discount

The price of 1 serving is 10 rubles. 40 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 500 mg.

The supplement from the sports nutrition manufacturer Dymatize Nutrition has a complex composition: carnitine, vitamin B1 (thiamine hydrochloride) and the amino acid methionine. Manufactured to the highest quality standards, each batch undergoes laboratory control.

Pros:

• the drug enhances the effect of training;
• provides cells with energy.

Minuses:

• unpleasant smell of capsules.

Why does weight loss happen?

The use of L-carnitine provides a whole range of effects:

• protecting muscle tissue from breakdown;
• relief of irritability;
• transformation of fat into energy without creating fat depots;
• blocking the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles;
• prevention of overtraining;
• lowering blood cholesterol levels;
• reduction of the rehabilitation period after training;
• optimization of energy metabolism due to the stability of coenzyme A;
• detoxification of xenobiotics and cytotoxins;
• increased endurance;
• stimulation of protein metabolism;
• demonstration of anabolic properties.

The drug has two vectors of action when playing sports: it increases the effect of force and at the same time reduces body weight. But it exhibits these properties exclusively in tandem: physical activity and, indirectly, losing extra pounds.

TOP 6 dietary supplements with levocarnitine tartrate

The names of the best medicines are sorted taking into account the descending price of 1 dose.

№6 Optimum Nutrition, L-Carnitine

from 1212 ₽

The cost of 1 serving is 20 rubles. 20 kopecks

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 60 tablets;
• concentration – 500 mg.

The supplement increases endurance and gives strength for intense aerobic training. It is not addictive and does not affect the nervous system. Used in a comprehensive weight loss regimen.

Pros:

• the product gives energy for sports activities;
• helps to lose weight.

Minuses:

• big tablets.

№5 ALLMAX Nutrition, L-carnitine tartrate

ALLMAX Nutrition, L-Carnitine + Tartrate, 120 Capsules

★★★★☆

1 488 ₽

Buy at a discount

The price of 1 serving is 20 rubles.

• country of origin – USA;
• volume – 120 capsules;
• concentration – 735 mg.

The drug contains the maximum amount of L-carnitine tartrate in two capsules, which corresponds to 1000 mg of pure substance. The composition is enhanced with calcium pantothenate (B5).

The effectiveness and safety of the product have been tested in an independent laboratory. It is not doping and is not addictive.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement increases muscle mass;
• reduces the percentage of adipose tissue.

Minuses:

• No.

#4 Now Foods, L-Carnitine Tartrate Carnipure

Now Foods, Carnipure L-Carnitine Tartrate, 250 mg, 60 Capsules

711 ₽

Buy at a discount

The cost of 1 serving is 19 rubles.

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 250 mg.

The nutritional supplement from the well-known pharmaceutical company Now Foods contains purified L-carnitine. It improves athletic performance and helps burn excess fat.

Pros:

• The dietary supplement has a hypoallergenic composition;
• improves health;
• activates cellular energy;
• gives a boost of energy.

Minuses:

• low dosage of carnitine in capsule.

№3 Be First, L-carnitine

from 730 ₽

Price for 1 serving – 12 rubles. 20 kopecks

• country of origin – Russia;
• package volume – 120 capsules;
• concentration – 700 mg.

The Russian drug is highly digestible and is available in easy-to-use capsules. Designed for athletes and bodybuilders, as well as for people who want to lose weight.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement fights excess weight;
• increases endurance;
• stimulates muscle regeneration;
• normalizes cholesterol levels.

Minuses:

• No.

№2 Rline, L-Carnitine

from 797 ₽

The cost of 1 serving is 8 rubles.

• country Russia;
• package volume – 200 capsules;
• concentration – 750 mg.

The Russian sports nutrition product is highly effective. It selectively affects the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria and provides the body with energy.

Pros:

• the product is quickly absorbed;
• gives a surge of strength;
• helps to lose weight.

Minuses:

• large capsule size.

№1 Muscletech, Essential Series, Platinum 100% carnitine

Muscletech, Platinum 100% Carnitine, 500 mg, 180 Capsules

★★★★★

1 595 ₽

Buy at a discount

Price for 1 serving – 7 rubles. 70 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 180 capsules;
• concentration – 500 mg.

First on the list is a nutritional supplement from the sports nutrition brand Muscletech. The dietary supplement contains purified L-carnitine.

The drug has undergone laboratory testing and clinical trials, the pharmacological effects have been studied in detail. You need to take it 1 capsule per day.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement restores muscles after training;
• promotes muscle growth.

Minuses:

• not suitable for vegetarians.

TOP 6 products with acetyl L-carnitine

The best L-carnitine preparations in acetyl form are ranked in descending order of price per serving.

№6 Life Enhancement, Propel

Life Enhancement, Propel, 240 capsules

★★★★☆

5 925 ₽

Buy at a discount

The cost of 1 serving is 138 rubles. 70 kopecks

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 240 capsules;
• concentration – 250 mg.

The product is designed specifically to increase sexual activity. It has a unique composition, containing natural derivatives of the amino acid carnitine - propioni-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. To enhance the pharmacological properties, alpha-lipoic acid has been added to it.

Pros:

• the drug increases libido;
• strengthens erection;
• increases the duration of sexual intercourse;
• has a tonic effect.

Minuses:

• You need to drink 8 capsules a day.

№5Maxler, Acetyl L-Carnitine

from 890 ₽

Price for 1 serving – 26 rubles. 70 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 100 capsules;
• concentration – 500 mg.

The supplement has a hypoallergenic composition, contains acetyl-L-carnitine, and is placed in a vegetable capsule. Designed for athletes and bodybuilders.

Acetyl L-Carnitine has high bioavailability and is well distributed in the body. It also penetrates into the brain.

Pros:

• the product enhances the production of cellular energy;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• increases the effectiveness of training.

Minuses:

• you need to drink 3 capsules a day.

№4 NLA for Her, Premium blend of L-carnitine/ALCAR for women

NLA for Her, Carnitine for Her, Premium L-Carnitine/ALCAR Blend, 60 Capsules

★★★★★

1 722 ₽

Buy at a discount

The cost of 1 serving is 24 rubles.

• Country: USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 600 mg.

The drug, in addition to carnitine, contains linoleic acid, which is very beneficial for women's health. It enhances energy production, but produces effects only in combination with physical exercise.

Pros:

• The dietary supplement gives energy;
• increases endurance;
• promotes fat burning;
• accelerates metabolism.

Minuses:

• No.

№3 MusclePharm, Carnitine, Fat Loss Support

MusclePharm, Carnitine, Fat Loss Support, 60 Capsules

★★★★☆

1 127 ₽

Buy at a discount

Price for 1 serving – 23 rubles. 20 kopecks

• country of origin – USA;
• package volume – 60 capsules;
• concentration – 500 mg.

Another fat burner drug that enhances the effect of sports activities. It uses fat reserves as energy for muscle work. This L-carnitine is better to choose for those losing weight, since it contains an additional compound - raspberry ketones.

Pros:

• the supplement helps in weight loss;
• enhances muscle mass gain;
• improves athletic performance.

Minuses:

• large capsule size.

No. 2 Vitamir, L-Carnitine

from 250 ₽

The cost of 1 serving is 8 rubles. 30 kopecks

• country of origin – Russia;
• packaging volume – 30 tablets;
• concentration – 500 mg.

The drug is designed for professional and amateur fitness, as well as preparing athletes for competitions. Acetyl-L-carnitine helps you lose weight due to its fat-burning effect.

Pros:

• the product increases the effectiveness of training;
• has an anabolic effect;
• used for weight loss.

Minuses:

• is absorbed worse compared to analogues.

№1 Geon, N-Acetyl L-Carnitine

from 476 ₽

Price for 1 serving – 6 rubles. 30 kopecks

• country Russia;
• package volume – 75 capsules;
• concentration – 600 mg.

In first place in the ranking is a Russian inexpensive supplement, which has a balanced composition. The product works in two directions: it gives strength and energy for sports activities, and burns fat.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement helps to lose weight;
• increases endurance;
• regulates metabolism;
• promotes the growth of muscle tissue.

Minuses:

• No.

Conclusion

L-carnitine is a worthy sports nutrition product. It can provide the beneficial effects that most people expect.

The product can help you burn fat, gain muscle mass, and increase strength when subjected to intense training. Thanks to it, you will be able to really push yourself in training and recover better, which, of course, will speed up your progress.

So, if you want to reduce muscle pain and ensure faster recovery after training, then L-carnitine is a good supplement to your diet.

Where can I buy

Some nutritional supplements can be purchased in Russian pharmacies and sports nutrition stores. But the prices of dietary supplements in them are often inflated due to large trade markups of intermediaries.

We recommend ordering L-carnitine from iHerb.com. This well-known online store offers a wide selection of quality products, prices 30-50% lower than pharmacy prices, many customer reviews and fast delivery worldwide.

Buy L-carnitine at

Get up to 10% discount using our promo code:

AGK4375

Activate

The promotional code is activated in the cart after adding the 1st product and is valid only for the 1st order.

Liquid L-cartinine

So, when choosing liquid carnitine, the most important factor is the amount of carnitine itself per 100 ml. In other words, the percentage of the active substance. The second factor, which is less significant, is the amount of carbohydrates. After all, you drink carnitine to lose weight, and you don’t need extra carbohydrates.

As for the amount of carnitine, it should be 10%. That is, 10 grams per 100 ml. Or more. I have seen products containing up to 20%. Don't take less than 10%. Now approximately half of the companies produce carnitine with 10% content.

As for carbohydrates, the fewer, the better. Typically the range is from 0% to 10%. As you can see, even 10% is not such a large amount. That’s why I said above that this is not such an important parameter, but if anyone scrupulously considers the BJU, then keep it in mind.

Here's an example of a comparison of several liquid L-carnitines

Let's summarize:

1. Try to take a bottle with a volume of 1 liter (half a liter will not last you long).
2. Take a product with at least 10 g of L-carnitine per 100 ml.
3. All other things being equal, give preference to the product with the lowest carbohydrate content.

List of analogues

In Russian pharmacies you can purchase a number of drugs with pure L-carnitine, the bioavailability of which is slightly worse compared to the supplements presented above. The most popular analogues:

1. Elkar. The drug is available in the form of an oral solution with a concentration of 300 mg/ml or in the form of effervescent tablets (1000 mg). Elkar has a similar pharmacological effect and is mainly used to correct metabolism in cases of malnutrition, growth retardation and chronic diseases.
2. Levocarnil. The additive in the form of a solution is produced by the Russian company. The recommended daily dose is 5 ml (1500 mg). The drug activates metabolism and fat burning.
3. Carnitene. Available in the form of chewable tablets and also as an injection solution. The drug is mainly prescribed for myasthenia gravis, muscle spasms and cardiopathy.

Combination with other drugs

Carnitine, as stated above, is a substance that is natural to the body. On this basis, it can be argued that taking it together with other medications will not in any way affect the effectiveness of both. That is why this supplement is often used in combination with other fat burners when taken for weight loss, or in combination with medications in the case of medical therapy. The latter should be discussed with your doctor.

Another issue is the combination of carnitine with substances that have a stimulating effect on the body. These include, in particular, caffeine. Taking these substances together is unacceptable.