Do not make a mistake if we say that the topic of weight loss and harmony today is number one in the world. Many drugs are developed with the goal of quickly losing weight and without compromising the quality of life. However, not understanding the processes that “trigger” the breakdown of fat cells in the body, it is very difficult to lose weight. One of the drugs that really works at the cellular level is levocarnitine. Medicines, which it is part of, are actively used in sports, medicine, weight loss therapy.
About the drug
What is a therapeutic pharmacological drug "Levocarnitine"? The instructions for use indicate that it is a white-absorbing powder of white color, which is easy to dissolve in water, but almost impossible in alcohol.
Carnitine is not fully attributed to vitamins, it is called a vitamin - like substance. However, it cannot be 100% assigned to amino acids either, it is a derivative of an amino acid. This is because it is not a nutrient that would be completely indispensable for the human body.
Beneficial features
What is the benefit of Levocarnitine? Its properties are unique in that it promotes the breakdown of omega-class fatty acids: linolenic, palmitic, linoleic, arachidonic and oleic. In fact, it transports long chain fatty acids through the double membranes of mitochondria. There, thanks to this, during the biosynthesis process a powerful release of energy occurs. In addition, preparations containing levocarnitine contribute to the elimination of short-chain metabolic decay products from mitochondria. Thus, it regulates metabolic metabolism in the body.
pharmachologic effect
What effect does Levocarnitine produce on the body? The instruction says that it normalizes fat metabolism, increases endurance, has an anabolic effect, regulates protein metabolism, and promotes the growth of muscle fibers. Due to the anabolic properties, this drug is indispensable during rehabilitation after severe injuries or operations. According to reviews, it helps to recover well from increased physical exertion, is used to increase endurance and to achieve high levels in sports.
"Levocarnitine" has an antiterioid effect, that is, it helps those who have hyperthyroidism. In addition, its antihypoxic property, which allows you to successfully treat diseases associated with a lack of oxygen in tissues and internal organs, is noted.
Indications for use
Instructions for use are always attached to the drug "Levocarnitine", and according to it you can navigate in what indications corresponds to what dosage.
The drug is dispensed in a pharmacy without a prescription, but for serious treatment, there must be a doctor’s instructions, dosage schedule, dosage and monitoring of the course of therapy. Therefore, it is recommended not to self-medicate and take the drug strictly according to the doctor’s testimony. This is due to the fact that Levocarnitine, like any drug, can harm if taken uncontrollably. In itself, it is harmless, but can cause an individual reaction of the body, especially when taking other drugs.
It is recommended to use in complex therapy in micro pediatrics and pediatrics with developmental delay, lack of weight, height. In rehabilitation treatment after surgery, trauma or serious illness.
It is used for upcoming sports training, as it helps to gain muscle mass faster.
"Levocarnitine" is especially indicated for people of retirement age, during this period support is especially required for weakening muscles, internal organs, and the brain. According to the reviews of older people, those who took the drug significantly improve their ability to concentrate and remember information.
Considering that carnitine is synthesized from protein products such as meat and fish, those who adhere to the principles of vegetarianism may have a significant drawback, so they are recommended to take the drug "Levocarnitine".
Used to treat vegetovascular dystonia, in the treatment of general fatigue, chronic fatigue.
Signs of Levocarnitine Deficiency
What signs indicate that the body lacks a substance such as levocarnitine? Instructions for use will indicate in which cases it is indicated. In addition, it is worth paying attention to:
- the accumulation of body fat;
- fatigue, lethargy, decreased stamina;
- in young children the diagnosis is “often a sick child”, in those who are older - a decrease in performance;
- retardation of general and mental development, growth in children;
- hypotonic (low) pressure;
- stress, general depressive moods.
Well, it is safe to say that if a person does not eat meat, rarely consumes fish, then he also has a deficiency of levocarnitine in the body. Because the nutrient comes with food in a volume of 100-140 mg, while the supply of tissues improves with the addition of 500 mg. Exceeding the daily dose above 2 g is not recommended even for athletes, this will not affect the effectiveness of training.
How to take Levocarnitine?
Dosages, the form of the medicine and the duration of the course are prescribed by the attending physician. He must take into account the use of other drugs, lifestyle, concomitant diagnoses.
A medicine in the form of a syrup does not require dilution with liquid, but it is permissible to drink it with water. Preventive admission for adults is focused on 3 times a day for 5 ml.
Scheme of taking Levocarnitine syrup for children:
Children's age | Single dose |
Newborns, children under 1 year | 8–20 drops |
12 months to 6 years | 20–28 drops |
6 to 12 years old | 2 ml |
The drug "levocarnitine" is drunk with a course of 30 days 2-3 times a day.
The intake schedule for athletes who are facing serious training is as follows.
Prescribe syrup, 15 ml in a single dose, preferably taken in the morning or immediately before training. The duration of the drug is from 1-1.5 months, then you need to take a break of at least 14 days. The course is repeated if necessary.
The medicine in capsule or tablet form is taken whole, washed down with a sufficient amount of water. Dosage for athletes is from 500 mg to 1500 mg once.
Analogues of the drug
Are there any similar pharmacological drugs on sale that have the same effect as Levocarnitine? Analogs can be found under the names:
- Carnitine
- "Elkar";
- Cartan
- Metacartin
- Carniton
- "Inestom".
Analogs may differ in the proportion of the active substance of levocarnitine and the form of release. "Elkar" is a solution of 20% in a dark glass bottle or packaged in tubes of 7.5 grams. "Inestom" is sold in the form of ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous administration, packed in cardboard boxes of 5 or 10 pieces.
“Karniten” and “Cartan” - in blisters, inside 4–5 ampoules of dark glass of 10% solution. "Metacartin" for convenience, like the previous analogues, is available in two dosages - 5 or 10 ampoules of dark glass in a blister hidden in a cardboard box. "Carniton" is available in dark glass bottles in the form of a 40% solution or in the form of tablets, packaged in blisters of 10 pieces. In the box of the drug "Carnitone" 2 blisters of tablets.
Weightloss remedy
Is levocarnitine necessary for weight loss? As we have already said, with its insufficient amount in the body, fatty acid simply cannot penetrate through the two walls of the mitochondrial membrane and burn there. Taking the drug "Levocarnitine" in order to reduce body weight, you need to remember another effect - increased appetite due to increased energy. Thus, if you do not connect the power load, which implements ATP isolated from fat depots, then there is a high risk of gaining body weight.
Therefore, if the goal is to quickly lose weight, then taking Levocarnitine alone will not be enough, you need regular alternation of aerobic and power loads, plus a diet high in protein. For this period, the intake of fatty foods, sugar and fast food is completely ruled out.
Reviews as a means to reduce body weight
Can I lose weight while taking Levocarnitine? Instructions for use, reviews of those who took the drug, claim that it really helps to reduce body weight. Approximately 90% of those who tested the drug claim that they managed to lose weight. The remaining 10% are those who have remained in their weight. Why it happens? There are two reasons, the first is that there is an individual reaction of the body, and the second is that the intake and expenditure of energy are not balanced enough, simply put, there is not enough intense physical activity.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug has practically no contraindications, except for those where it can aggravate the situation. For example, it can not be used for acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, severe allergic reactions.
It is not recommended to use "Levocarnitine" without the appointment of a gynecologist during pregnancy, although the nutrient itself is useful in carrying and feeding a child. The selected dose should advise on gestational age. As a rule, at this time, the expectant mother takes a vitamin-mineral complex, which contains carnitine in a balanced form.
What side effects can Levocarnitine cause? Reviews of overdose and side effects are extremely rare. They are mainly associated with individual intolerance to the dosage form of L-carnitine.
Why are overdose cases infrequent? The thing is that levocarnitine is a substance with homeostatic properties, that is, excess nutrient is excreted from the body on its own, without causing harm to the body. In any case, if there is a negative reaction to taking the medicine in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and the like, the drug should be stopped immediately.
If intravenous administration is used, then if the drug is administered too quickly through a dropper, painful sensations that occur after the procedure are possible along the vein.
Interaction
What medicines can Levocarnitine combine with? Instructions for use indicate cases of accumulation of carnitine in tissues, with the exception of the liver, if taken together with glucocorticoids. Given that the drug has anabolic properties, when taking similar drugs, the anabolic effect of levocarnitine will be present.
Recall that "Levocarnitine" reviews as a miracle cure for weight loss and increase endurance gets well-deserved. This is actually a nutrient that acts at the level of intracellular biosynthesis, but as a means of contributing to rapid weight loss, it works in conjunction with physical activity and a protein diet.