Levocarnitine or L-carnitine is a natural substance that is related to the vitamins of group B, but it is not B11 or Bt, as it is often called. It is a fat burner and performs a number of other important functions. You can often hear that it is called a vitamin, but it is not, because it can be produced in the body. The level of L-carnitine in the body is homeostatic, if it is in excess, then the organism takes it out, its excessive amount does not accumulate.
What is L-carnitine and its biosynthesis?
If we talk about the physical properties of L-carnitine as a sports nutrition, it is a white crystalline powder, dissolved in water, hygroscopic. There are two of its forms – L and D, but only L-carnitine is biologically active. D-carnitine is harmful to the body: it is an antagonist of the form L.
In the human body, L-carnitine is present in the liver and in the muscles. Its synthesis occurs also in the liver and kidneys, it is from these organs that it moves throughout the body (in tissues and organs). Its synthesis occurs with the participation of such vitamins: B3, B6, B9, B12, C. Iron, methionine and some enzymes actively participate. It is important that if there is a deficit of at least one of the vitamins, there will be a deficiency of levocarnitine, while a violation of the body’s function. But such processes occur extremely rarely and are the result of a genetic malfunction.
The use of L-carnitine
The presence of this substance is very important both in sports and in everyday life. For example, it helps to burn fats, accompanies the transportation of structural elements of fats (fatty acids) into the mitochondrial matrix, where their destruction occurs, which results in the release of energy. Adopting it as a sports nutrition helps to intensify the destructive processes in adipose tissue.
It positively affects the increase in mental and physical energy. According to studies conducted in 2007, the daily dose of a substance in 2 grams when consumed for 6 months produced tangible results. Subjects confirmed the increase in mood and endurance, the general tone of the organism was raised.
L-carnitine helps to withstand stress, the body’s adaptive parameters increase. He also takes part in detoxification, helps to neutralize organic acids and xenobiotics.
It has a pronounced anabolic effect, which was established experimentally. In the process, scientists noticed that a group of subjects not only lost weight, but also increased dry muscle mass. Until the end of this effect has not yet been studied.
In addition, L-carnitine is able to reduce cholesterol and thus prevent vasoconstriction, which provides prevention of heart attacks and strokes. In addition to all the above, it is able to provide neuroprotective, antioxidant, antihypoxic and antithyroid action, triggers the regeneration of tissues.