Many useful substances are constantly synthesized in our body, one of them is the natural fat burner levocarnitine. On its basis, sports nutrition has been created, which is in demand among professional athletes. Our rating will help you choose the best L-carnitine among a huge number of vitamin-like products.
Description
L-carnitine is a direct relative of vitamin B. It is found in the muscles and liver cells. The function of the substance is simple - it stimulates metabolism. The mechanism of action is reduced to the activation of coenzyme A, which oxidizes fatty acids. Levocarnitine is essential for kidney, heart and lipid metabolism. Its deficiency causes obesity and other pathological processes on the part of these organs.
L-carnitine comes from food and is produced in small quantities by the body itself. Therefore, sports activities, increased physical, power loads require an additional source of it. Levocarnitine cannot be called a fat burner in the literal sense of the word. It boosts the metabolism, increasing the endurance of the athlete and increases the intensity of training, supplying energy to the stored fat. As a result of such processes, the athlete loses weight without losing muscle mass.
In other words, carnitine is useless as a fat burner without training and physical effort. However, proper weight loss with the product has only positive effects.
Levocarnitine:
- activates lipid metabolism;
- interacts with other dietary supplements;
- removes free radicals, which slows down cell aging;
- protects blood vessels and myocardium from cholesterol plaques;
- facilitates cardio load;
- strengthens the immune system;
- relieves post-workout muscle pain;
- helps to build muscle in a dry form, without fat;
- significantly reduces the feeling of fatigue, both physical and mental.
The specialized literature contains the names L-carnitine, Levocarnitine, and Levocarnitinum. These are different names for the same compound. It is also mistakenly called vitamin Bt and vitamin B11.
Why weight loss occurs
The use of L-carnitine provides a whole range of effects:
- protection of muscle tissue from decay;
- relief of irritability;
- transformation of fat into energy without creating fat stores;
- blocking the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles;
- overtraining prevention;
- lowering blood cholesterol levels;
- reduction of the rehabilitation period after training;
- optimization of energy metabolism due to the stability of coenzyme A;
- detoxification of xenobiotics and cytotoxins;
- increased endurance;
- stimulation of protein metabolism;
- demonstration of anabolic properties.
The drug has two vectors of action when playing sports: it increases the effect of force and at the same time reduces body weight. But it shows these properties exclusively in tandem: physical activity and, indirectly, the loss of extra pounds.
Release forms
Levocarnitine comes on the market in several versions: solution, solid. It is absorbed faster as a liquid, but includes impurities and flavor enhancers. Powder is the prerogative of the pharmacy; it is sold in special packaging for dissolution, which is not always convenient. The acquisition of capsules requires care in terms of the components of the drug and its concentration. Here are some samples of each release form.
| The product's name | Basis for selection | A photo |
| Capsules | ||
| L-Carnitine 500 from Optimum Nutrition | The most popular. |  |
| Carnitine Power by SAN | The best quality at the best price. |  |
| Alcar 750 from SAN | The cost is 1100-1200 rubles for 100 tablets. |  |
| L-Carnitine 500 by GNC | Complete balance, no additives or impurities. |  |
| Acetyl L-Carnitine by Now | Contains no sugar, starch, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives. |  |
| L-Carnitine from VP Laboratory | High-quality capsules from a reliable manufacturer, they act quickly, the minus is that the capsules are hard to swallow. |  |
| Liquids | ||
| L-Carnitine 100,000 by BioTeck | Better digestibility. | |
| L-Carnitine from VP Laboratory | It contains pure carnitine, a large bottle (1000 ml, costs 1,550 rubles). | |
| Carnitine Core Muscle Pharm | Several types of active substance. | |
| L-Carnitine Attack by Power System | Maximum energy potential. | |
| Ultra-Pure Carnitine Muscle Teck | Optimal price. |  |
| Powders | ||
| Pure Protein L-Carnitine | Reasonable price and excellent quality |  |
| My Protein Acetyl L Carnitine | Highest performance |  |
Manufacturers
Levocarnitine is marketed in various EU countries and the USA. The following companies have a time-tested reputation:
- American firm NutraKey, operating in the sports nutrition market since 2004, with a large selection of high quality products.
- The renowned Optimum Nutrition has been producing sports nutrition since the late nineties of the last century and always fulfilling the high standards that are imposed by the state legislation for supplements.
- The American company NOW Foods has been working in this field since the middle of the last century and has its own laboratory for clinical trials of drugs.
- Another American firm, MusclePharm, is headquartered in Denver. It was on her that A. Schwarzenegger "grew up".
- English brand - MyProtein. Premium products manufactured since 2004.
- Finally, BioTech is an American manufacturer specializing only in natural and quality raw materials.
Each of the listed companies has its own marketing departments, product quality control laboratories, production branches around the world.
How to buy correctly
All three forms of carnitine are equally effective. The choice of the product is a matter of taste for each athlete. The solution differs slightly from other forms in terms of absorbability. But this is a slight excess of speed, which can hardly be taken as the basis of choice. The effectiveness is determined by the total dose consumed per day. It should be in the range of 4000 mg, plus or minus 1 g, depending on the weight of the athlete and his sports program.
Liquid
When buying a solution, the main thing is not to be mistaken in the amount of the active substance or in its percentage per 100 ml. The amount of carnitine should not be less than 10% or 10 g per 100 ml. More - please, but less - not possible. Always read the label carefully.
The second thing to look at is the amount of sugar. Remember that the product allows you to lose weight, so extra calories are not needed. The usual framework is from 0 to 10%. Everything is in the information on the drug jar. The comparison is shown in the table.
| A drug | % active additive | % carbohydrates | A photo |
| L-Carnitine 2000 from Maxler | 12% | no | |
| L-Carnitine Attack from Power-System, which we already mentioned | 14% | To 10% | |
| L-Carnitine Crystal 2500 by Liquids and Liquid | 9% | 5% | |
| L-Carnitine 60,000 by Power-System | 11% | 9% |
It turns out that the optimal capacity is 1 liter, where the active substance is not less than 10 g per 100 ml and the minimum amount of sugars. This is the ideal.
Pills and capsules
It's quite simple. The product you are planning to purchase must contain at least 500 mg of carnitine per tablet or capsule. Not per serving! They are always different. The maximum product is 1.5 g per capsule. It is always worth comparing. For example, Maxler in a can of 100 capsules offers 750 mg per bottle. That is, in the entire container - 75 g of carnitine.
VPlab sells 90 capsules, each containing 500 mg. That is, in a jar - 45 g of active substance. However, Maxler costs about 1,500 rubles, and VPlab - about 1,000 rubles. This means that 10 g of carnitine costs 190 rubles from the first manufacturer, and 200 rubles from the second one. In other words, the products are equally practical.
Another example. Ultimate Nutrition offers 60 capsules each containing 250 mg of carnitine. The product will last for 5 days with the usual intake. This proves that you need to buy wisely, count the total amount of the active supplement and make sure that there is at least 500 mg of carnitine per capsule. Remember that more carnitine in a capsule does not mean more profitable.
Powder
The best product is considered a product in which carnitine is not less than 70%. For example, VPlab makes a powder that contains only 1000 mg or 1 g of carnitine per 25 g serving.
But SAN offers 1 g of carnitine for 1.4 g of powder. Everything is written on the label. The choice is up to the buyer.
TOP 11 Carnitine Supplements
When compiling the rating, the following indicators were taken into account:
- product form and method of use;
- % active substance, purpose of administration;
- manufacturer's reputation;
- price and availability;
- impact on the body, safety and efficiency.
The result is such a top product.
5 best non-liquid forms
There are three of them: powder, tablets, capsules. They are absorbed quickly, but require dissolution. Manufacturers from the USA, Canada, Germany and Hungary are in the lead.
L-Carnitine from Optimum Nutrition has no gender differences, is produced in an amount sufficient for consumption within a month (60 tablets). Enriched with Ca ++ and Phosphorus. It is taken in the morning and before exercise. It has no side effects, since the raw materials are natural. Protects the cardiovascular system from overload, does not damage hepatocytes, and activates the synthesis of somatotropic hormone. May cause individual intolerance. 60 capsules cost 1150 rubles.
Among the powders, the best was Acetyl by MyProtein based on peptides. In a sachet 250 or 500 g of active substance. Take 25 g three times a day, dissolving in any liquid during meals. Has a cumulative effect, works on muscle definition, can be combined with any liquid. Taste neutral, stimulates endurance and mental performance. Minus - effective only at the initial stages of the training process. The label does not contain Russian translation. 250 g will cost 1750-1800 rubles.
The best capsules are Now... The choice of professionals. The package contains 60 pieces in gelatin. These are 30 servings. Take a couple a day before training. Completely natural, clinically tested for safety, quickly absorbed. Minus - high calorie content. 60 capsules cost about 2,000 rubles.
Among the solid carnitines are:
- One-stop offer: Carnitine Powder is a powder from Inner Armor. It improves stamina, converts lipids into energy and promotes weight loss. It has no restrictions and protects the myocardium. It will cost 1000 rubles for 120 g.
- Budget: Scitec Nutrition Carni-X Capsules. It normalizes lipid metabolism, corrects cholesterol in the bloodstream, and helps the heart muscle. Starts the fat burning process. Enriched with vitamins, the cost is the most democratic, 650-700 rubles for 60 capsules. There are no contraindications. Reception at night causes a surge of vivacity, interferes with sleep.
4 best liquids
There are only two types: syrup and ampoules. Often such products are fortified. The best ones are produced in the USA, Hungary and Romania.
Among ampoule carnitines the leader is L-Carnitine 2000 from BioTech... The package contains 20 pieces of 25 ml each with a pure product content of 99%. For 100 g - 8 kcal. Excellent fat burner, no side effects. Minus - makes you feel hungry and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. 20 ampoules cost about 1,350 rubles.
The best syrup is also budget-friendly. it Attack 3000 by Power System in containers of 50 ml. Strengthens the immune system, burns fat, prevents thrombosis and protects the myocardium. Suppresses the feeling of hunger, invigorates. Of the minuses, it should be noted possible heartburn and an unpleasant aftertaste. It costs about 100 rubles per container.
If we talk about the longest effect, then the leader in this indicator is L-carnitine 100,000 from Weider... It converts fat into energy, stabilizes the heart and central nervous system. Helps to grow muscles. The package contains 50 servings. For 100 g - 140 kcal, 12 g of protein and 2 g of fat. Take 10 ml in the morning before meals and before training. 500 ml costs an average of 1,500 rubles.
For professionals, pantothenic acid-based syrup is recognized as the best - Liquid Carnitine by Allmax Nutrition... Accelerates lipid burning. Suitable for vegetarians. Take 15 ml before physical activity. Relieves overwork. Causes an exacerbation of gastritis, is inaccessible and is not recommended for beginners. 473 ml of the supplement costs about 900 rubles.
Conclusion
If there is a question of choice, then with active training, carnitine from MyProtein, Attack from Power System are suitable. For Passive Weight Loss Carni-X from Scitec Nutrition. Professionals will prefer Optimum Nutrition's Carnitine.
