L-carnitine is not indicated for weight loss. However, this does not prevent many from losing weight with its help. In this new role, it proves to be very effective. This is not surprising, as its main action is to normalize metabolism. Those who struggle with extra weight know very well how important it is to speed up metabolism. Athletes will be primarily interested in the main active component of the drug, which is a common component of sports nutrition: L-carnitine, which needs no advertising for weight loss purposes.
Description of the preparation
Trade name: L-Carnitine (Elkar).
Status: Pharmaceutical preparation.
Main active ingredient: synthetic analogue of amino acid L-carnitine – levocarnitine (Levocarnitinum).
Excipients
In solution for oral administration:
- Citric Acid Monohydrate – 1.2 mg;
- Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate – 0.5 mg;
- Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate — 0.2 mg;
- Purified Water (Aqua) — 1 ml.
In granules:
- Citric Acid – 2,750 mg;
- Sodium Carbonate – 1,100 mg;
- Lemon Flavor (Permastable 3206) – 100 mg;
- ACESULFAME POTASSIUM – 35 mg;
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide (Silicium Dioxide) – 15 mg.
In the injection solution, of the excipients there is only purified water (1 ml).
Pharmacological group:
- medicines affecting digestion and metabolism;
- medicines for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
- means for treatment of metabolic disorders;
- amino acids and their derivatives.
Anatomical-therapeutic-chemical classification: A16AA01.
Manufacturers (Russian manufacturers only):
- Pik-Pharm – produces solution for oral administration and granules;
- Elara – produces injection solution.
Dosage forms:
- Oral solution with concentration of levocarnitine 20% and 30%. Available in vials of various volume: glass (100, 50, 25 ml) and plastic (25 ml).
- Effervescent granules for making solution. Available in sachets: 10 pcs. of 5 g in cardboard box.
- Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration. Available in ampoules: 10 pcs. of 5 ml in cardboard box.
Key specifications:
- consistency – liquid / granules in the form of a powder;
- colour – colourless solution / yellowish-lemon colour of granules;
- odour – the solution has a specific chemical odour / granules have a faint lemon odour;
- taste – the solution is unpleasant, with bitterness, although a sweetener is added to the preparation intended for children / granules have a pleasant lemon taste;
- injections are painless if administered correctly.
Pharmacokinetics
It is well absorbed and easily penetrates tissues. The maximum concentration is reached 3 hours after oral administration, while exposure time is 12 hours. It is excreted by the kidneys.
Distribution
The oral solution and effervescent granules are sold over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. Pharmacists may require a prescription for injectable solutions.
The main active ingredient of the preparation (L-carnitine) is discussed in a separate review.
Effect and weight loss mechanism
The L-Carnitine pharmaceutical preparation has the following effects:
- improves digestion;
- regulates metabolism, normalizing and accelerating it;
- stimulates the nervous system and brain activity;
- normalizes the functioning of many organs;
- helps the body to recover from surgeries, severe injuries and illnesses;
- enables the body to withstand increased physical, mental, and emotional stress without losses.
Many of these functions contribute to weight loss when combined with proper nutrition and exercise. This affects the use of the drug as a weight loss remedy.
Weight loss mechanism
People with normal metabolism, who get enough exercise and follow the principles of rational nutrition, rarely experience problems with excess weight (if not caused by heredity or hormonal disorders). They occur when there are metabolic disorders. The most common cause is decreased production of carnitine by the kidneys and liver, an amino acid that is responsible for this process.
As soon as its level in the body decreases, fats and carbohydrates that enter the body with food are no longer converted into the necessary energy and begin to accumulate in problem areas.
L-Carnitine artificially helps to restore the necessary amount of carnitine in the body. Within the first 24 hours after the first use of the drug:
- Digestion of fats and carbohydrates is normalized;
- They are used in full for the needs of the body;
- Additional energy begins to be released through the burning of fat.
Gradually, adipose tissue is replaced by muscle tissue (with intensive exercise). All of this ultimately leads to weight loss. Results are individual and depend on age, nutrition, and exercise level. On average, weight loss is 2-3 kg per week.
Indications and contraindications
Indications:
- vegetarianism;
- psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, seborrheic eczema;
- Vitamin BT deficiency (a synonym for levocarnitine) and retinol;
- anorexia nervosa, poor appetite;
- pancreas and gastrointestinal tract diseases (gastritis, pancreatitis);
- renal and liver failure;
- intense, professional sports, muscle pain, muscle trauma;
- mild hyperthyroidism;
- cardiogenic shock, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, tachycardia;
- chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue;
- brain pathologies caused by neurological deficit, age-related changes, circulatory disorders, discirculatory encephalopathy;
- psycho-emotional, physical, mental stress;
- rehabilitation after any course of treatment;
- inhibition of higher mental functions.
Contraindications:
- individual intolerance to the components;
- children under the age of 3 (relative contraindication: L-carnitine can be used by children, but only under strict medical supervision and with a prescription);
- pregnancy, lactation (the effect of the drug on the intrauterine development of the fetus and its effect on lactation have not been studied);
- obesity grades III and IV.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- does not cause addiction;
- side effects are rare;
- weight loss without harm to health;
- no need to follow diets;
- no hunger attacks.
Disadvantages:
- L-carnitine was not originally developed for weight loss;
- slow weight loss;
- has contraindications and side effects;
- sometimes – no results;
- the specific smell and taste are unpleasant for many and can cause rejection and even nausea;
- prolonged use may increase appetite.
