Why is L-Carnitine Supplementation Important? Although, Carnitine is both biosynthesized and supplied in the diet, there is a need for supplementary Carnitine in some conditions: In competitive athletes, intensive endurance efforts (cycling stage races, repeated long-distance runs, etc.) cause a clearly detectable L-Carnitine deficiency in the muscles. Supplementation can have a positive effect on athletic exercise capacity and can help to maintain fitness, enhance detoxification and aid faster recovery. An unbalanced diet with a low intake of L-Carnitine and/or of one of its precursors often leads to a deficiency in L-Carnitine. It is evident that some vegetarian competitive athletes are Carnitine deficient. To produce L-Carnitine endogenously, lysine, methionine, niacin, vitamin B6, Vitamin C and iron are required. L-Lysine is the backbone of Carnitine and diets low in lysine can lead to Carnitine deficiency. In addition, methionine, vitamin C and iron deficiency can cause significant drop in Carnitine levels in the body. Individuals with different physiological conditions (fasting, malnutrition, obesity, infertility in males, dialysis patients, muscle diseases, and hospitalised patients receiving total parental nutrition), may need supplementary L-Carnitine. What are the Benefits of L-Carnitine Supplementation in Athletes? L-Carnitine acts as an ergogenic and anti-catabolic agent for sports performance in athletes. Its supplementation can be benefited as follows: Increased utilisation of free fatty acids for energy for increase muscle and heart energy in endurance sports (ergogenic aid) Increased 'Glycogen Sparing' effect in endurance athletes, may provide protection for muscle glycogen stores, which are at risk during periods of increased exercise (anti-catabolic) Reduced lactic acid concentration in muscle leads to a delay in the onset of muscular fatigue and cramps Increased peripheral blood supply provides more oxygen absorption and leads to more energy production in aerobic exercise Increased BCAA metabolism to yield more energy and prodcution of glucose Enhanced removal of ammonia and its detoxification Increased protection to immune system and improved membrane stability during intense physical exercise. More recently, studies have shown that Carnitine and its acyl are radical scavengers and ironchelators, and hence act as antioxidants. L-Carnitine supplementation may improve mental and physical performance and can be used to achieve optimum health. Currently, L-Carnitine does not appear on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned substances list as it is naturally occurring constituent of a normal diet. Carnitine Supplementation - Is it Safe? L-Carnitine is completely safe, with the possible exception of mild diarrhoea at very high doses. As a vitaminoid, L-Carnitine is practically non-toxic and produces no side effects even after the intake of large doses (up to 15g). L-Carnitine causes neither physical nor psychological dependency even after long-term use. Supplementation may be discontinued or resumed at any time. There is no evidential published data on any intolerance and adverse side effects of L-Carnitine. D-Carnitine or mixtures of D-Carnitine and L-Carnitine are to be avoided. Horleys L-Carnitine Capsules: How Much and when L-Carnitine is very hygroscopic (absorbs atmospheric moisture) in nature and quickly becomes sticky in humid conditions whereas, L-Carnitine L-tartrate (Tartrate salt of L-Carnitine) is a white, crystalline powder and does not lose its consistency in humid conditions. Horleys L-Carnitine capsule is a very stable product due to following reasons: It contains L-Carnitine L-tartrate, a stable salt of L-Carnitine It is presented in the capsule form to avoid contact with atmospheric moisture. It has been found th...
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