How does the substance help you lose weight?
L-carnitine is the scientific name for a mixture of the amino acids lysine and methionine. The component is synthesized in the human body during the digestion of protein products. Then the amino acids are distributed throughout the body and help burn fat, obtaining additional energy from it. It would seem that everything is perfect: you can burn off extra calories while sitting on the couch.
But no! L-carnitine only works during intense physical activity. You don’t need to sweat in the gym for several hours every day; standard workouts three times a week will be quite enough.
Dymatize Nutrition, L-Carnitine Xtreme, 60 Capsules
861 ₽
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What is important to know
The component really stimulates fat burning. In this case, not only the old fat layer is destroyed, but also the new one stops being deposited. Naturally, this process is far from fast and can take at least a month. If you urgently need to fit into a dress a couple sizes smaller next week, this is not a task for carnitine.
This component should be used in combination with proper nutrition and exercise. It is advisable to choose cardio exercises. Aerobics, running, fast walking on a treadmill, swimming, and energetic dancing are perfect.
What if you take L-carnitine without training? Then the opposite effect will occur. Carnitine without exercise increases your appetite, so instead of one donut you will want to eat two. And it’s good if a person is on a low-calorie diet. Otherwise, instead of burning, the extra calories will stick to your sides in triple volume.
Impact on the body
Normally, the human body produces some amount of carnitine, but this is not always enough for weight loss. Therefore, you can further boost your body with supplements. Once inside the human body, L-carnitine begins to stimulate metabolism, not only accelerating the processing of carbohydrates, but also reducing cholesterol levels. That is why the substance is recommended for people who are very overweight; such dietary supplements burn fat well.
In addition to the listed properties, the component helps:
- increase endurance;
- improve memory and performance;
- protect muscles from damage and injury;
- stabilize the nervous system;
- build muscle mass faster;
- reduce soreness (muscle pain) after exercise.
The product is perfect for those who have not done any sports before. L-carnitine will help you get through the first intense workouts normally without suffering and dying from pain the next day, as well as start the long-awaited process of fat burning.
Why doesn't the substance work?
If you come across reviews on the Internet that girls took L-carnitine for weight loss and did not lose weight at all, do not believe them. Similar comments are left by those who are looking for a magic pill. L-carnitine doesn't work that way. Yes, it can increase performance, calm and stimulate brain activity, but it is impossible to lose weight without sports and nutrition control.
Possible side effects
Despite the fact that the body itself synthesizes carnitine, if the dosage is exceeded, side effects may occur. Taking too large doses over a long period of time will lead to kidney problems, usually an inflammatory process accompanied by pain and other unpleasant sensations. If you feel discomfort in the kidney area, you should immediately stop taking the drug.
An individual reaction of the body is also possible, in which the following appears:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- hypertension;
- convulsions.
If any of the negative side effects occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Contraindications
The following categories of people should not take L-carnitine for weight loss in capsules:
- those suffering from heart or vascular diseases;
- pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- patients with mental disorders.
If you have chronic diseases and need to take any medications regularly, before using L-carnitine it is better to consult a specialist and strictly follow his recommendations.
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Contraindications and side effects
No matter how much I tried to find information about the dangers of the supplement, I found nothing. Even exceeding the dose hundreds of times did not have a negative effect on the body. The safety of L-carnitine is evidenced by the fact that it is included in the diet of infants. According to doctors, this supplement is useful for heart patients, hypertension, and diabetics. It is also prescribed to patients with atherosclerosis and hyperthyroidism.
Although the fat burner is harmless, side effects may occur. This is explained by the individual tolerance of elcarnitine. Some of these effects are nausea, upset stomach, and headache. This happens very rarely and indicates intolerance to the drug.
Another unpleasant side effect is insomnia. Just like the disorder, it is rare. This is due to the high level of energy release when taking dietary supplements. That is why it is recommended to take elcarnitine in the first half of the day.
Important : L-carnitine should never be taken if you are undergoing hemodialysis. Cases of myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease) have been recorded.
Now you know the benefits and harms of this dietary supplement. If you take it correctly, you should not expect any side effects.
Forms of the active substance
Manufacturers produce supplements with different forms of L-carnitine. For convenience, we have listed them in a table.
| Component | Features of application |
| 100% L-carnitine | Considered a classic option, it is used mainly by athletes to build muscle mass and support the body during intense training. Such supplements are used to treat anorexia and obesity. The component is easily absorbed and acts quickly. |
| L-carnitine tartrate | The most bioavailable form. After entering the body, it quickly breaks down into tartaric acid and vitamin B11. Often used for weight loss. |
| Acetyl L-carnitine | A new form, it is obtained by adding an acetyl group to carnitine. This not only improves bioavailability, but also allows the active substance to easily penetrate the brain. This is due to the strong neurostimulating effect. Such supplements can be chosen not only for weight loss, but also for improving brain function. |
| Propionyl L-carnitine | A special component obtained by combining carnitine ester with glycine. This option is suitable for people with cardiovascular diseases. Propionil helps improve performance, get rid of constant feelings of fatigue, and strengthen blood vessels. Also suitable for weight loss. |
| L-carnitine fumarate | The formula of this substance is carnitine + fumaric acid. The chemical component has a good effect on the heart and blood vessels, but is mainly used for weight loss. |
To summarize: if you need to lose weight, you should choose tartrate or fumarate. Pure carnitine is better for building muscle mass and maintaining endurance during intense training.
Which drug is better to choose
To understand which elcarnitine is best to choose for yourself, you need to rely on the opinion of fitness industry professionals and the reputation of the manufacturers. There is no universal answer to the question of which is better for girls/men/people of a certain weight, etc. - everyone who wants to lose weight must choose the drug individually for themselves, based on their financial capabilities, taste preferences and based on the reputation of the manufacturer brand.
Having made a choice in favor of a specific product, you need to read reviews about it and get advice from a nutritionist. A professional will be able to correctly evaluate elcarnitine from the point of view of the safety of its composition and give recommendations for use (this is especially important for those people who have housing and communal services diseases - their diet should be compiled individually in accordance with the recommendations of doctors).
Release forms
In sports nutrition stores and pharmacies you can buy L-carnitine in several formats:
| Release form | pros | Minuses |
| Capsules and tablets | A simple and understandable regimen. There is no need to mix anything or measure the dosage, everything has already been done by the manufacturer. | Not the most bioavailable form; it takes longer to absorb than liquid with carnitine. |
| Powder | You can independently increase or decrease the dose depending on the desired result. The powder is more concentrated, so it is consumed more slowly. | It is necessary to stir in water, which is inconvenient to do outside the home. |
| Syrup | Very pleasant taste, can be taken in its pure form and not diluted with anything. Most bottles have a cap that serves as a measuring cup, so it’s almost impossible to make a mistake with the dosage. The liquid is better absorbed, so it acts faster. | Despite their increased bioactivity, syrups do not always work well. For example, products like L-carnitine Olifen have very little effect. Some may contain sugar or synthetic flavors. |
| Ampuled | Convenient to use: one ampoule contains exactly one dosage. Its properties are similar to regular syrup containing L-carnitine. | The disadvantages are similar to those with syrup. |
We recommend choosing L-carnitine in powder or ampoules as a fat burner. They are well absorbed, they do not contain sweeteners, flavors or dyes, only the active ingredient and several additional components.
How to take levocarnitine
Different dosage forms must be taken differently. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Capsules and tablets
Such drugs are available in different concentrations. The best option for weight loss is 2000 mg daily. You can buy tablets with this concentration or take several capsules with a lower dosage.
On training days, capsules are taken half an hour before training, on rest days - 1000 mg 2 times a day after meals. We divide the daily norm in half, the first time we drink it in the morning, the second time at lunch or after dinner.
Supplements in capsules
Powder
It must be measured using a special spoon (included with the jar) or a regular tablespoon. Then the powder is dissolved in any drink, preferably in clean water. Often additional fat burners or a vitamin complex are added to the drug.
For weight loss, you need to take a powder containing L-carnitine 40 minutes before training.
Liquid form
The bottles indicate the exact dosage and method of use. Usually this is one measuring cap with a certain volume of ml, which comes with the kit. Or the dose in ml is measured in spoons.
The principle is the same as when using tablets: 2000 mg of the substance should enter the body per day. This dosage is taken 30 minutes before training, or divided into 2 doses if the day is without physical activity.
But we do not recommend choosing syrups for weight loss. They often contain unnecessary chemicals, as well as sugar. Naturally, extra calories do not contribute to weight loss.
Ampoules
Concentrated carnitine is usually produced in ampoule format. You can simply drink the liquid from the ampoule, or mix it with drinks. You definitely need to look at how much of the substance is contained in the drug.
The best option is 1000 or 2000 mg. Take 40 minutes before the start of your workout.
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What is the fat burner L Carnitine, and how does it work?
Fat burner L Carnitine is a component that is found in our liver and muscles, and therefore is produced by the body. Therefore, the first thing I would like to note is that this supplement is a completely natural substance for humans that does not pose any danger. Moreover, the performance of many useful functions for the benefit of the body is nothing more than a reason to think about the need for each of us to additionally take such a component.
The first function of this substance that I would like to focus on is the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria. As these same cells enter the mitochondria, the process of their combustion and energy release occurs. Thus, the more L-Carnitine we have, the faster the fat burning process occurs.
This L Keratin is also quite smart. This is because after delivering the fatty acid molecule, the carnitine molecule, when leaving the body, takes with it a particle of decomposition products, thereby cleansing the mitochondria. Purified mitochondria, in turn, are much better at burning fat and extracting energy from this process for the body.
Its other functions may be reflected not only in stimulating fat burning processes. It also has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, heart, increased endurance, strength, as well as an anabolic effect. But let’s not focus on this, but concentrate on what made L-Carnitine famous all over the world – its fat-burning effect.
General recommendations for admission
Not everyone knows how to properly take L-carnitine for weight loss. Do not exceed the daily allowance of 3000 mg per day. This will not improve the result, and if taken uncontrolled, it can even cause harm. On training days, you need to take the entire dose half an hour before the start of exercise; on a rest day, divide it in half and drink after meals.
It is impossible to determine the duration of the course; usually carnitine is drunk until the desired result is achieved. If used correctly, it cannot do any harm.
There are certain schemes for different types of training:
- aerobic: drink 2000 mg 20 minutes before starting exercise;
- strength and cardio (for example, running): 2000 mg 10 minutes before strength training, before cardio or jogging - 1000 mg.
If it’s a day without training, you can either not take L-carnitine, or drink half a serving in the morning after breakfast and then at lunch or after dinner.
Reviews of the product Acetyl L-Carnitine (Maxler) 100 caps
| Nick rated the product 10 3.10.2019 16:00 | The product is satisfactory. Gives good health and energy. In general it works. The main thing is to train yourself. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 1 / No 0 | |
| Eugene rated the product 10 3.09.2019 16:20 | I tried different companies and products, this time I decided to settle on this product. For me, the main indicator is his work - 4 kg. I was pleased. I ordered more. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 2 / No 0 | |
| NOVEL rated the product 10 30.05.2019 23:18 | hello, please tell me what is better to take for weight loss and what is the effect of L-Carnitine Essential 90 caps or Acetyl L-Carnitine <Ilya Melekhin, sports medicine doctor> 31.05.2019 10:45 What kind of l-carnitine you will take and in what form is not important. The main thing is the time of administration (30 minutes before training) and in an adequate dose -2 g |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 1 / No 1 | |
| Dmitriy rated the product 10 11.10.2018 13:14 | Excellent drug. I didn’t expect such a fat-burning effect. I kept the dose. I did daily cardio training on an exercise bike. <Vorobiev Maxim Andreevich> 11.02.2019 00:54 That's how training dried you out) |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 4 / No 1 | |
| Evgeniya rated the product 10 9.09.2018 14:58 | Not a bad l-car. Endurance noticeably increased with training. The only thing that bothers me is its smell: it smells like acetone or something. I take it in conjunction with a fat burner; an hour on the treadmill is now the norm for me. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 2 / No 0 | |
| Yuneev Alexander rated the product 10 6.09.2018 07:21 | A good product. Worker. Energy, good health, head works better. I took it not for weight loss but purely for tone. I took 2 caps. 3 times a day. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 1 / No 0 | |
| Oksana rated the product 8 2.04.2018 09:30 | When choosing a product, I was based on reviews from other customers. I took it for a month, only on training days, one or two capsules. It gives you more strength in the gym, you feel a surge of energy after about 30 minutes of taking the capsule. I became much more resilient and increased my loads. The fat mass has decreased slightly, the relief has become more noticeable. After a month of rest I will take another course. <Ksenia> 10.02.2019 22:55 Why then 8 out of 10? |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 3 / No 0 | |
| Dmitriy rated the product 9 28.03.2018 08:52 | Working product. I recommend it. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 1 / No 1 | |
| Sergey rated the product 8 28.10.2017 12:38 | Everything seems to be fine, except for one thing - the body smells terribly like chemicals, as if something chemical was mixed with ammonia. Maybe it's just me who has this problem? Although I saw a review above that sweat and urine also smell terrible. <Ivan> 8.08.2019 20:20 This is the best indicator that you are losing weight. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 8 / No 0 | |
| Nikitina Yulia rated the product 10 10.06.2017 10:08 | Excellent working carnitine. This is not the first time I have bought it for myself. Before this I tried another one, but did not notice the declared effect. Noticeably gives energy, makes it easier to study, improves memory and attention, and dries out. If you drink before training, the effect is felt after 20 minutes, the arrival of energy and profuse sweating. I like it, I will buy it. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 1 / No 0 | |
| Dmitriy rated the product 10 9.04.2017 08:11 | Carnitine is good. Adds energy. 30 minutes before training, I take 4 capsules. I run on the track for an hour and a half at a speed of 8-8.2 km/h. I have enough strength, the fat melts before my eyes. Minus: the body, especially sweat and urine, smells of a strong unpleasant odor |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 3 / No 1 | |
| Gregory rated the product 10 18.01.2017 11:19 | good L-carnitine. I take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 before training. I haven’t tried taking 3 capsules yet. Perhaps, with intense training and the desire to achieve a greater effect, you can try increasing the dosage to 4 tablets. Again, depending on what you want to achieve. It has a positive effect on metabolism, because After some time of use, an increase in dry mass and loss of fat became noticeable. As for the amount of strength and energy, it’s more likely a psychological effect, because... The dosage is small, in my opinion. The girl, taking this L-carnitine in a similar way, began to gradually become slimmer. I think the product works and is of high quality. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 10 / No 2 | |
| Irina rated the product 10 17.11.2016 14:12 | Great product! It works, my horse sweats, it definitely gives me strength and energy. The capsules are not large and easy to swallow. For me, you should drink it immediately before training, or 10 minutes before, and not 30 minutes, the release form is a gelatin capsule, it dissolves faster than its tablet counterparts and feels like it starts to act a little earlier, I felt it on the way to the gym tide)) The price-quality ratio deserves a rating of 10. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 6 / No 0 | |
| Alexandra rated the product 10 14.08.2016 11:30 | working product, I recommend it to everyone! |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 3 / No 1 | |
| Mike rated the product 6 8.08.2016 10:13 | Subjectively, there is no feeling of a real increase in energy and visible fat burning. Maybe I need to eat more. I will try further. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 2 / No 1 | |
| Alexander rated the product 10 14.06.2016 11:10 | There is much more strength during training... |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 2 / No 0 | |
| Alyona rated the product 10 27.05.2016 07:44 | Working carnitine. I bought it for jogging, the second run went faster and lasted longer than the first time. There is more than enough energy, the only thing that stops is clogged calves, so the training would be more effective. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 5 / No 1 | |
| Dmitriy rated the product 10 22.04.2016 10:07 | Excellent carnitine, works 100% |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 4 / No 2 | |
| PVG rated the product 9 4.02.2016 11:22 | Finally found working carnitine! It is clear that you need to train yourself too :)))), but, indeed, the effect of training increases. I’ve been working out for a long time, but only with Maxler I began to lose fat after training. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 10 / No 2 | |
| Vsevolod rated the product 9 1.02.2016 15:41 | I tried L-carnitine from many manufacturers, did not observe any effect from them, and began to think that L-carnitine was just a marketing scam. I bought this one by chance in a store, because... there are no others left. And this L-carnitine really works. It didn’t give me much energy, as they say in other comments, but it definitely improved my metabolism, because... while maintaining the training programs, it was the fat part that began to go away. In general, I liked it and will buy it now. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 17 / No 5 | |
| Borodina Olga Feliksovna rated the product 10 14.06.2015 17:39 | Better than regular l-carnitine from the same company. The energy was so rushing, I could barely force myself to leave the hall. |
| Is the review helpful? Yes 8 / No 2 |
L-carnitine in products
The component is also found in food:
| Product | Concentration per 100 g of food (in mg) |
| Mutton | 119 |
| Venison | 104 |
| Veal | 101 |
| Beef | 82 |
| Rabbit meat | 29 |
| Pork | 26 |
| Cancers | 14 |
| Goat's milk cheeses | 13 |
| Herring | 11 |
| Condensed milk | 9 |
Levocarnitine is primarily found in meat, so vegans will have trouble getting the substance from natural sources. The varieties of meat are dietary, so it is quite possible to lose weight on them. However, it will be difficult to get 2000-3000 mg of carnitine from food, so if necessary, the dosage can be “caught up” with supplements.
Where to buy L-carnitine
Dietary supplements with this component are sold in regular sports nutrition stores. There you can find capsulated, ampoule, powder or liquid options. If it’s difficult to choose, you can always contact a consultant, he will help you choose the ideal option and tell you how much L-carnitine to take for weight loss.
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.
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Who is not recommended to drink L-Carnitine?
All fat burners, including L-carnitine, have contraindications for use, which you should pay attention to so as not to encounter side effects, worsen your health, or provoke side effects. Among the contraindications the following are noted:
- Hypertension;
- Diabetes;
- Kidney diseases;
- Liver diseases;
- Disturbances in the functioning of peripheral vessels;
- Individual intolerance to components.
Very often, when taking this fat burner, allergic reactions appear that disrupt the quality of life and cause various side effects. Among the negative manifestations are noted:
- Severe headaches;
- Sleep disturbance;
- Loss of appetite;
- The occurrence of disturbances in the functioning of the stomach.
Side effects are individual for each person, they can be less or more pronounced, it all depends on the body’s reaction to this drug.
TOP 5 supplements with carnitine for weight loss
All quality supplements in this category contain either tartrate or pure L-carnitine. These are the best options for losing weight.
Muscletech - Essential Series, Platinum 100% Carnitine
Muscletech, Essential Series, Platinum 100% Carnitine, 500 mg, 180 Capsules
1 597 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of 1 serving is 8.8 rubles.
- Country: USA.
- Concentration - 500 mg.
- The active ingredient is L-carnitine tartrate.
- Release form: capsules.
- Packaging volume - 180 pcs.
- The daily dosage according to the instructions is 1 capsule.
Pros:
- helps cope with fatigue;
- improves endurance;
- helps to lose weight;
- accelerates the volume of substances.
Minuses:
- not everyone notices the effect.
ALLMAX Nutrition - L-carnitine tartrate
ALLMAX Nutrition, L-Carnitine+ Tartrate, 735 mg, 120 capsules
1 487 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of 1 serving is 10.4 rubles.
- Country: USA.
- Concentration - 735 mg.
- The active ingredient is L-carnitine tartrate.
- Release form: capsules.
- Packaging volume - 120 pcs.
- The daily dosage according to the instructions is 1 capsule.
Pros:
- Can be taken by vegans;
- complies with international quality certificates;
- gluten free;
- supports performance and endurance;
- helps increase muscle mass;
- stimulates weight loss.
Minuses:
- large capsule size.
Now Foods - L-carnitine powder
Now Foods, L-Carnitine, Pure Powder, 3 oz (85 g)
1 693 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of 1 serving is 15.6 rubles.
- Country: USA.
- Concentration - 635 mg.
- The active ingredient is L-carnitine tartrate.
- Release form: powder.
- Package volume - 85 g.
- Daily dosage - ¼ tsp.
Pros:
- economical consumption;
- favorable combination of price and quality;
- contains the most bioavailable formula;
- a great option for losing weight.
Minuses:
- Judging by the reviews, the drug has no shortcomings.
Now Foods - L-carnitine, capsules
Now Foods, L-Carnitine, 500 mg, 180 Veggie Caps
3 105 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of 1 serving is 16.8 or 14.22 rubles.
- Country: USA.
- Concentration - 500 mg.
- The active ingredient is L-carnitine tartrate.
- Release form: capsules.
- Packaging volume - 60 or 180 pcs.
- The daily dosage according to the instructions is 1 capsule.
Pros:
- helps to lose weight;
- contains an easily digestible form;
- gives energy;
- does not contain soy and gluten;
- Can be taken by vegans.
Minuses:
- the effect is not always noticeable.
BPI Sports, CLA + carnitine
BPI Sports, CLA + Carnitine, Snow Cone, 10.58 oz (300 g)
1 881 ₽
Buy at a discount
The cost of 1 serving is 36 rubles.
- Country: USA.
- Concentration - 2000 mg.
- The active ingredient is L-carnitine tartrate.
- Release form: powder.
- Packaging volume: 300 g.
- Daily dosage: 1 scoop.
Pros:
- enriched with vitamin D and linoleic acid;
- contains a bioavailable form of carnitine;
- pleasant taste;
- mixes easily with drinks.
Minuses:
- lots of vitamin D.
Photos before and after the appointment
Girls who regularly trained and took carnitine noticed the first results within a week. And those who combined sports, supplements and proper nutrition managed to smoothly lose several kilograms without stretch marks.
Of course, it is impossible to achieve such results as in the photo only with the help of additives. Losing weight is a continuous effort on yourself, so you can’t rely only on fat burning pills. You need to control your diet and move more, and then take supplements.
Customer Reviews
Have you already tried carnitine? What is the result? Share your experience:
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L-carnitine for weight loss
Average rating: Number of reviews: 0
Mostly on forums and in thematic blogs, L-carnitine is praised. This is one of the basic supplements for bodybuilders, which is why it is very popular. With its help, you really get dry faster, and your workouts are more effective.
But there are also negative reviews about L-carnitine on the forums. But we can say with confidence that the person did not train at all, or this particular supplement was not suitable for him. Don’t be afraid to try different options, the main thing is to choose trusted manufacturers, follow the dosages and read reviews of those losing weight on L-carnitine.
Review of doctors' reviews
Reviews from doctors about this sports supplement are much more unanimous than the opinions of users: doctors recognize the benefits of L-carnitine, but only if it is dosed correctly. In addition to burning fat, elcarnitine can also be used in medical practice, because it has the following beneficial properties:
- restores nerve fiber tissue;
- helps grow and strengthen muscles (relevant for people suffering from muscular dystrophy);
- increases mental activity, attention and concentration;
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Doctors urge you to pay attention to the side effects of taking L-carnitine. It is not recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and dry mouth.
