Elkar is a drug containing L-carnitine (levocarnitine). Produced by the Russian pharmaceutical company Pik-Pharma. Such dietary supplements are used by athletes as a fat burner, since L-carnitine is involved in metabolic processes, and its additional intake contributes to their acceleration.
Description
Elcar is available in two dosage forms:
- solution for oral administration (containers of different volumes, each milliliter contains 300 mg of pure substance);
- solution for injection (each milliliter contains 100 mg of the drug).
Additive action
Elkar belongs to the group of metabolic agents, it is a vitamin-related substance that accelerates the processes of fat metabolism at the cellular level. Also, L-carnitine normalizes protein metabolism, improves the functions of the thyroid gland in hyperthyroidism.
Elkar components help to activate the production of enzymes. The tool allows you to quickly restore performance after intense exercise. With simultaneous use with anabolic steroids, the effect of L-carnitine is enhanced.
Levocarnitine accumulates in body tissues when taken together with glucocorticosteroid drugs.
Indications for use
Indications for prescribing the drug Elkar are:
- chronic gastritis, accompanied by a decrease in secretory function;
- chronic pancreatitis with deterioration of the functions of external secretion;
- mild thyrotoxicosis;
- stunted growth in children and adolescents;
- hypotrophy, hypotension, weakness, consequences of birth trauma, asphyxia during childbirth in newborn children;
- the recovery period after serious surgical interventions and serious illnesses in children;
- neurogenic anorexia;
- exhausted state of the body;
- encephalopathy, provoked by mechanical damage to the head;
- psoriasis;
- seborrheic eczema.
The drug helps well in restoring the body and normalizing the concentration of carnitine in the tissues. It is used in micropediatrics and pediatrics for the treatment and health promotion of children born weakened, with birth injuries, with deviations of motor functions and dysfunction of the central nervous system.
Elkar can be prescribed as a strengthening agent during the rehabilitation period after surgery.
It is recommended to take it with intense exertion for a speedy recovery of performance, in order to prevent fatigue and reduce tone after exercise.
Instructions for use
According to the instructions, Elcar in the form of a solution for oral administration should be consumed, diluted in a small volume of water, 2 or 3 times a day. You should check with your doctor about the rules for using the injection form. Dosages and dosage regimens are also determined by a specialist.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug is contraindicated in case of serious pathologies of the digestive tract, as well as excessive sensitivity or individual intolerance to the compounds that make up the supplement.
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The specialist will assess the possible risks.
The remedy is not prescribed for children under 3 years of age and patients who have an excess of carnitine in their bodies.
Possible side effects when taking the medicine:
- nausea;
- abdominal pain;
- digestive disorders;
- diarrhea;
- muscle weakness;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the skin (it is extremely rare).
It is also possible the development of immunological negative reactions against the background of taking the drug (rashes and itching, laryngeal edema). If these symptoms appear, you should immediately stop using the supplement.
Elkar for athletes
In sports, especially in disciplines involving high physical activity, L-carnitine-based products are used to accelerate fat burning, increase endurance and improve performance.
Elkar is recommended for those who are involved in bodybuilding, fitness, weightlifting, team sports and, of course, CrossFit.
Elkar's use contributes to:
- accelerating fat burning by activating metabolic processes with the participation of fatty acids;
- increased energy production;
- increase in endurance, which allows to increase the efficiency and duration of training;
- improvement of power and speed indicators.
Elcar athletes are recommended to use it before competition, within 3-4 weeks. The optimal dosage is 2.5 grams (the maximum daily dose should not exceed 7.5 grams).
Should be taken before training, approximately 2 hours in advance. The best results are observed when taking the drug is combined with a rational and balanced diet.
Elkar in children's sports
In 2013, the journal "Russian Bulletin of Perinatology and Pediatrics" published the results of a study of the drug Elkar, conducted at the Children's Clinical Republican Hospital of Mordovia. For its conduct, 40 children from 11 to 15 years old were selected, seriously involved in artistic gymnastics. At that time, each of the participants was engaged in this sport for at least 3-5 years (the intensity of training is about 8 hours a week).
The results showed that the appointment of Elkar to children-athletes is effective as a cardioprotective and neuroprotective agent.
The course reception can significantly reduce the likelihood of pathological remodeling of the heart by reducing the content of biomarkers of damage to the heart muscle, activating the functions of the heart in the state of systole and diastole.
The children participating in the study underwent various physical and mental tests. The results of psychological testing allow us to say that taking Elkar significantly reduces the level of anxiety, increases resistance to stress.
While taking the drug, the content of stress biomarkers (norepinephrine, cortisol, natriuretic peptide, adrenaline) decreases.
It has been established that prescribing the drug to children involved in sports prevents damage to the immune system and CVS organs, provoked by stress. Playing sports is a high physical and psycho-emotional stress for children, and Elkar's course intake allows you to avoid the development of overtraining syndrome and stress-induced disorders.
Expert opinion
According to experts, in terms of the effectiveness of the effect, Elkar has neither advantages nor disadvantages compared to other supplements containing L-carnitine. Of the significant advantages, it can be noted that Elkar is registered in the State Register of Medicines, therefore, was subjected to quality control, including an assessment of the possible risks of taking it. Registration number: ЛСР-006143/10. Thus, purchasing this product, you can be sure of the composition stated on the package. If inconsistencies are identified, the manufacturer will be held liable under the laws of the Russian Federation.
However, in our opinion, the pharmaceutical company that produces Elkar significantly overstates the price of the product. One bottle with a capacity of 25 ml costs about 305 rubles. Each milliliter of the product contains 300 mg of L-carnitine (it should be noted that there are release forms in which 1 ml contains 200 mg of the substance). Each milliliter costs about 12 rubles, and 1 gram of pure L-carnitine costs about 40 rubles.
You can find supplements from manufacturers of sports nutrition with an excellent reputation, in which 1 gram of L-carnitine costs from 5 rubles. So, L-Carnitine from LevelUp per gram will cost 8 rubles, and L-Carnitine from Russian Performance Standard only 4 rubles. True, for fairness, it is worth noting that L-Carnitine 500 Tabs capsules from the well-known manufacturer Optimum Nutrition are also not cheap, namely, 1 gram of carnitine in this form will cost about 41 rubles.
For weight loss, endurance, and other effects of L-carnitine, cheaper supplements can be found. However, the purchase of such funds must be approached very carefully, since you can buy a fake.
