Taking l-carnitine before training is necessary to increase physical endurance by replenishing energy reserves. A vitamin-like substance makes it easier to bear loads and stimulates the transformation of fatty layers into muscle tissue. The result is an improvement in body contour and rapid recovery of the body even after excessively intense training.
L-carnitine increases physical endurance during sports training, mobilizes the body to achieve records
How the drug works
L-Carnitine is a special biological substance that acts as a regulator of energy metabolism in the body. It is produced in liver cells and plays a leading role in the transport of fatty acids, their breakdown and entry into muscle fibers.
This remedy refers to metabolites that reduce the rate of basic reactions in the body, accelerate the growth of muscle mass, help supply tissues with oxygen, and activate cell repair and regeneration.
If you drink L-Carnitine before training, the drug will release nutrients (fatty acids) from fat depots, which will provide energy to all tissues of the body during exercise, and the product also protects cells from the effects of breakdown products formed during physical activity.
Thus, the use of L-Carnitine allows you to use the body’s internal resources and direct them to increase muscle mass, reduce fat reserves, and increase stress tolerance during and after training.
The substance is synthesized by human organs, but many people are advised to drink L-Carnitine, since it is either produced in insufficient quantities or is eliminated from the body very quickly.
Its deficiency can be observed against the background of:
- active lifestyle:
- psycho-emotional stress and chronic stress;
- fasting, vegetarianism and strict diets.
The deficiency of the substance manifests itself:
- muscle weakness;
- decreased appetite;
- decline in performance;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue during physical activity.
What is L-carnitine and why is it needed?
L-carnitine, or levocarnitine, is one of the most common fat burners that athletes take during intense training. It is an amino acid produced by the human body as long as it consumes enough meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The supplement is prescribed to improve athletic performance and is used in combination with intensive fitness classes. In addition to its direct purpose, L-carnitine in capsules also works as a regenerator, reducing muscle soreness after workouts and accelerating their recovery.
Mechanism of action
The action of the substance is aimed at improving metabolism in the body, which is a consequence of the breakdown of fatty tissue. When ingested, l-carnitine transports free fatty acids to the muscles involved in physical exercise. The released energy gives strength to the body, ensuring guaranteed sweating and, as a result, the removal of excess water and fat.
L-carnitine deficiency can slow down the weight loss process, so during periods of intense exercise, athletes are prescribed a high-protein diet, including a menu with plenty of chicken breast, eggs and some dairy products.
The main purpose of l-carnitine is to produce energy, but its mechanism of action is much more extensive than one might expect. The amino acid provides a number of other positive properties:
- Guarantees muscle mass gain;
- Reduces cholesterol levels;
- Participates in the breakdown of fats;
- Prevents the appearance of fatty deposits;
- Supports heart function;
- Saturates cells with oxygen;
- Improves muscle tissue regeneration;
- Stimulates metabolism;
- Increases body tone;
- Protects nerve cells from toxins;
- Has an immunomodulatory function.
All these properties are interconnected and together provide proper weight loss, which guarantees long-term results.
Benefit for the athlete
The daily requirement of l-carnitine for a bodybuilder or athlete increases 5-10 times during intense training, and it becomes almost impossible to compensate for its deficiency with a high-protein diet alone. In an athlete’s diet, the amino acid plays a dual role, since it not only improves metabolism, which is a consequence of losing weight, but also accelerates the process of building muscle mass. Taking l-carnitine in capsules is most often recommended during the “drying” period, which is based on the removal of excess fluid from the body and the formation of a clear relief.
How many kilograms can you lose in a month?
The effect of l-carnitine capsules for weight loss is individual for each person and is determined by the anatomical structure, lifestyle, intensity of training, and nutrition program. On average, there is a weight loss of 3 kg after starting to take the amino acid in capsules. The figure may increase and reach 5-7 kg if the initial body weight was greater.
Weight loss will become more effective if you take l-carnitine in combination with intense training and proper nutrition.
Use of the drug in medicine
L-Carnitine is used to treat ischemic lesions of the heart muscle, dystrophic changes in the liver, degenerative and inflammatory lesions of the muscles.
In the treatment of diseases, as a rule, liquid L-Carnitine is used, i.e. drug solution. It is administered intravenously in a stream up to 1-4 g. in a day.
With this treatment regimen, the drug is quickly absorbed and quickly eliminated from the body (in 3 hours), it easily penetrates the heart and liver and more slowly into the muscles.
The use of carnitine for weight loss
How should you take carnitine in capsule form to quickly lose unnecessary pounds? In order to help the body cope with excess weight, the substance must be consumed in parallel with physical activity. Particular attention should be paid to cardio exercises (treadmill, exercise bike, jump rope, brisk walking, etc.). If the use of the vitamin is not combined with such activities, then the capsules can cause a huge appetite, which will only harm you in achieving your goal.
The training time is determined individually, but it should not be less than twenty minutes, since only after this time the process of active lipid burning begins.
For a more correct effect of l-carnitine on the body, you need to adjust your diet and eat healthy foods in the right quantities. Under no circumstances should you exhaust yourself with diets, which can lead to weakening and dysfunction of organs.
If you reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your daily menu, then playing sports will give the effect much faster.
Use of the drug in sports
Many fitness, Pilates, dance or gymnastics instructors can recommend their clients to take L-Carnitine before training in order to increase endurance and improve trophic processes in muscles.
To take L-Carnitine for preventive purposes, there is a solid form of the drug (in the form of tablets and capsules), as well as a liquid form - a drink.
Additive properties
L-carnitine is a multifunctional drug that is popular among people due to a number of basic beneficial properties:
- activation of metabolism;
- accelerating the process of burning fat by converting it into energy;
- prevention of the appearance of fatty deposits;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- increasing endurance and performance;
- reduction of the recovery period after training;
- oxygen saturation of body cells;
- promotes improved nutrition of the heart muscle;
- increasing the level of immune defense;
- long-lasting and lasting effect after stopping use.
Reception scheme
To properly use L-Carnitine before training, you need to drink it immediately 15-25 minutes before exercise.
The standard dosage is to take a capsule or tablet once a day when not exercising. And twice a day, if there are classes, that is, they drink one pill, for example, in the morning, and the second one in advance of fitness, gymnastics, or the gym.
For people who want to lose weight, the dose is selected by a trainer or nutritionist; usually, the higher the weight, the more tablets need to be taken, but without exceeding the optimal daily amount of L-Carnitine (2-2.5 g)
Taking the dietary supplement is considered most effective in the morning and before planned physical activity; at this time the drug is most active.
Therefore, it is distributed into two (1000 mg) or three doses (500-750 mg) per day.
Liquid L-Carnitine is drunk half a teaspoon during meals, three times a day.
The optimal dosage regimen for L-Carnitine for people attending sports activities:
- on an empty stomach, 20-30 minutes before breakfast, at a dose of 200 mg;
- before lunch - 200 mg;
- before afternoon snack - 200 mg;
- before training, 15-25 minutes, at a dose of 600 mg.
Liquid L-Carnitine is considered the best form of the drug for this regimen.
L-carnitine when drying
Drying allows you to minimize fat tissue in the body (below your own norm) to obtain muscle relief. Here, dietary supplements with l-carnitine will come in handy more than ever. The organic compound has a direct effect on lipid metabolism. Fat layers are broken down, and the products of biochemical reactions are converted into energy.
Drying with l-carnitine is carried out according to the same scheme as anaerobic and aerobic training. In 15-20 minutes you need to take at least 0.6 g of pure bioactive substance.
The dosage of L-carnitine for bodybuilders must be increased depending on weight
Side effect
The dietary supplement somewhat excites the nervous system and therefore it is not recommended to drink it with coffee and strong tea.
L-Carnitine also greatly stimulates the appetite. Because of this, you need to adhere to a special fitness diet or develop a training regimen that will allow you to avoid unplanned meals.
Thus, in order for the drug to help in the fight against excess weight, strengthen the muscular system and increase tolerance to physical activity, it is important:
- combine its use with sports;
- do not increase the dosage on your own;
- Stop taking the supplement if signs of allergy appear.
If you strictly follow the rules for taking the drug, that is, drink one capsule or tablet of L-Carnitine 15-25 minutes before training, you can achieve an increase in fat burning by 10%, as well as increase endurance and improve health.
How to make taking a supplement more effective for weight loss
To enhance the effect of taking the drug, you need to follow a number of recommendations:
- select the appropriate dosage for your level of physical activity and health status;
- take the product according to the instructions specified in the instructions or at the intervals selected by the doctor (failure to comply with this rule may reduce the effectiveness of use);
- regular use will allow the drug to accumulate in the body, which will make the effect more stable and long-lasting;
- if you play sports, then you need to take carnitine no earlier than an hour before training;
- The weight loss effect will be noticeable only if you follow proper nutrition and include physical activity: the supplement only speeds up your metabolism, and does not miraculously relieve you of fat.
special instructions
L-carnitine is effective only if it is combined with training in the gym and proper nutrition.
It is not recommended to take dietary supplements in the evening to avoid problems falling asleep. While taking the supplement, you should avoid drinking drinks containing caffeine.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the supplement can be prescribed by a doctor if the pregnant woman is at risk of fatty liver degeneration or hepatosis. In all other cases, taking dietary supplements should be avoided.
For the entire period of taking levocarnitine, you must stop breastfeeding.
Use for renal impairment
In case of renal pathologies, dietary supplements are taken only under the supervision of a doctor.
Use in children
Levocarnitine is prescribed to premature infants to normalize body weight, as well as to children during the period of active growth for the normal development of skeletal muscles. However, in childhood, preference should be given to the supplement in the form of syrup.
For the entire period of taking levocarnitine, you must stop breastfeeding.
Types of levocarnitine
There are different types of this supplement available in sports nutrition stores:
- acetyl carnitine - improves mental performance;
- l-carnitine fumarate - has a good effect on the human cardiovascular system;
- levocarnitine tartrate - recommended for training and for weight loss;
- propionyl carnitine - strengthens blood vessels and improves their functioning.
There is also pure carnitine, which does almost everything that levocarnitine tartrate does.
