L-Carnitine

In terms of nutritional supplements, L-Carnitine can be found in various forms, such as L-Carnitine tartrate, L-Carnitine fumarate or L-Carnitine acetyl, each with its own health benefits.

L-carnitine tartrate is a popular form used in supplements due to its effectiveness in increasing energy levels and physical performance. This form is often used by athletes to enhance their athletic performance and increase muscle mass. L-Carnitine tartrate may also be beneficial in treating conditions such as heart failure or diabetes.

L-Carnitine contains fructose, which is a type of natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables, often used as a sweetener in foods and beverages. In L-Carnitine supplements, fructose is often used to enhance their taste without adding extra calories. However, it is important to pay attention to the amount of fructose consumed, as excessive consumption can contribute to increased blood sugar levels and health problems such as obesity or diabetes.

L-Carnitine has a number of health benefits that make it a popular choice among nutritional supplements. One of its most important functions is to facilitate the transport and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are oxidised (burned) and converted into energy. This process is essential for maintaining the body's energy levels and supporting the healthy functioning of organs and tissues.

In addition, L-Carnitine can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease and other conditions associated with high levels of these substances in the blood. L-Carnitine also improves athletic performance by increasing endurance by promoting the reduction of muscle fatigue and supporting the reduction of lactic acid accumulation during physical exertion.

L-carnitine may also be useful in weight loss, as it accelerates lipid metabolism, promoting their oxidation at the cellular level and thus helping the fat-burning process. In addition, it can support the maintenance of normal levels of cardiolipin, a constituent of liver and heart mitochondrial membranes, which plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

L-Carnitine can also contribute to maintaining normal brain function by enhancing the effect of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase. It can support memory, attention and motivation by promoting increased levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for the normal functioning of the central nervous system.

L-Carnitine is available in various forms, from sachets of L-Carnitin Instant 1000 mg, 15 g, Redis Nutritie, which dissolve in 250 ml of water or other liquid, to vegetable capsules with L-Carnitine 3000 mg with watermelon flavour, 20 vials, Gold Nutrition. There are also flavoured versions, such as L-Carnitine 3000 with orange flavour, 20 sachets, Biotech USA, or L-carnitine 100000 liquid, Apple, 500 ml, Biotech.

The recommended doses vary depending on the product and individual needs. For example, for Liquid L-Carnitine 1500 mg, 473 ml, Solgar, one teaspoon (15 ml) per day is recommended, preferably with a meal, and for Carni Complex, 60 capsules, Scitec Nutrition, 1-2 servings (1-2 capsules) daily, 30-60 minutes before training and/or between meals, on an empty stomach.

The benefits of L-Carnitine are diverse, including improved athletic performance, accelerated lipid metabolism for weight loss and support for cardiovascular health. One glass of L-Carnitine Instant 1000 mg, 15 g, Redis Nutritie can be consumed 30 minutes before physical exertion and one before bedtime, and for L-Carnitine 750 mg, 60 capsules, Gold Nutrition, one capsule is recommended 1 hour before training/competition or as recommended by a specialist.

L-Carnitine is a popular choice among women who want to lose weight gained during pregnancy. It is an essential nutrient that has the ability to help the body burn fat and convert it into energy. L-Carnitine supplementation can be a useful aid in the postpartum weight loss process as it can speed up metabolism and fat burning.

L-carnitine supplementation should not be considered a one-stop solution for post-pregnancy weight loss. It needs to be combined with a balanced diet and an appropriate exercise programme to achieve the best results.

Consult your doctor before starting L-carnitine supplementation, especially if you are still breastfeeding. Some women may experience unwanted side effects, such as nausea or diarrhoea, and this may affect the quality of breast milk.

Although L-carnitine is a popular supplement among those seeking a healthy diet and active lifestyle, recent studies indicate a possible link between its use and the accumulation of dangerous toxins. These toxins, called trimethylamines, can accumulate in the blood and contribute to the formation of cholesterol deposits in inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaques, thus creating an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

It is also not recommended to take L-carnitine during pregnancy, breastfeeding or by elderly people, who may need special care regarding their intake of nutrients and supplements, without first consulting a doctor.