L-carnitine. What it is?

L-Carnitine Is an amino acid that is included in the diet of any athlete. From a pharmacological point of view, L-carnitine is a B vitamin (vitamin Bt). And for its unique properties, L-carnitine is called the “growth vitamin” and is actively used as a fat burner. The use of L-carnitine increases the duration of strenuous exercise, and also lowers the level of lactic acid, which is formed during exercise.

Main role carnitine – active breakdown of fats and providing the body with the necessary energy: L-carnitine delivers fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells, where they quickly undergo an oxidative reaction.

The human body receives carnitine along with food, but under certain conditions, this amount is not enough for energy metabolism and protection of the vital forces of the body. Lack of L-carnitine in the human body leads to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, increased blood cholesterol, metabolic disorders, kidney and liver pathologies. Against the background of malnutrition and unfavorable environmental conditions, there is an urgent need for additional intake of L-carnitine in the form of special food additives.

Synthesis of L-carnitine and its importance for the body.

L-Carnitine Is an amino acid vitamin-like substance found in almost all cells of the human body. Carnitine is synthesized from two essential amino acids, methionine and lysine. For the cells of the body, L-carnitine plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, it oxidizes fatty acids and prepares them for further use as the main source of energy.

L-Carnitine can both be synthesized by the human body and come to us with food. For the production of carnitine in our body, 6 nutrients are needed, which include vitamins, iron and amino acids, sports nutrition. L-carnitine is synthesized in the kidneys and liver, with the obligatory participation of vitamin C and iron. The presence of L-carnitine in muscle tissue cells directly depends on the rate of its entry from the site of synthesis. At the same time, the decrease in L-carnitine in the cells of muscle tissue during heavy physical exertion is quite difficult to compensate for with a regular diet.

In cellular metabolism L-carnitine is a storage agent for fatty acids. It is involved in the transport of these acids across the mitochondrial membrane. Inside cells, fatty acids are broken down, which ultimately leads to the production of energy necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Taking L-carnitine

• contributes to the effective burning of excess fat and stabilization of the optimal weight;
• regulates the immune system;
• soothes the nervous system;
• activates the removal of toxins from the body;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• has a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, prevents the onset of ischemic disease;
• improves the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• activates the restoration of liver tissue;
• stimulates the brain;
• lowers cholesterol levels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
• helps to restore the body after illnesses and various operations.

Sources of L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine enters our body together with food of animal (to a greater extent) and plant origin – meat, milk. Vegetables and fruits contain a small amount of carnitine, so such diets are not recommended for athletes with heavy physical exertion.

Sources of L-Carnitine are foods such as fish, pork, beef, poultry, mushrooms, carrots, rice, bananas, bread and tomatoes.

The body’s daily need for L-carnitine is on average 250-500 mg, and with heavy physical exertion and stress, this need can reach 1200 mg. To maintain a stable physical form during the competition, professional athletes take up to 9 g of L-carnitine per day.

L-carnitine and sports.

Carnitine is an essential substance to increase the general and physical endurance of the body. It helps to increase muscle mass, helps the body recover faster by improving metabolic processes in cells. It is thanks to L-carnitine that vitamins, minerals and amino acids can freely penetrate into cells, from where all toxic metabolic products are removed.

L-Carnitineby preventing fat gain, it helps athletes maintain a beautiful muscle definition after the competition period. Carnitine is also used with a special high-fat diet, which allows athletes to not lose the necessary pounds during prolonged training.

During anaerobic training and low calorie diet, L-carnitine is simply irreplaceable. It helps to ensure the continuous utilization of fatty acids, reduces the formation of free radicals, effectively supports the heart and increases energy release.