In 1905, scientists first obtained vitamin B11 by extraction from animal muscle fibers. Until now, quite a bit is known about this substance. It is worth noting that a healthy body in sufficient quantities. But in some cases, there is a need for an additional intake of vitamin A in the body with food or drugs.
A bit about the substance
Vitamin B11 is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water but poorly soluble in alcohol. It is very quickly destroyed by heat treatment. Not all researchers consider it a vitamin, many believe that it is a vitamin-like substance.
The second name for vitamin B11 is carnitine. There are two types of substances - L and D. Only the first compound is biologically active, and the second is inert. Therefore, speaking of this vitamin, it is L-carnitine that is meant. It has a salt and ether form, which differ in digestibility and are used in the treatment of various problems.
Biological role
Carnitine is a vital substance. This is why the body needs vitamin B11:
- neutralizes toxins and helps to eliminate them from the body;
- contributes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
- strengthens the heart muscle;
- lowers the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
- prevention of muscle pain caused by the accumulation of lactic acid;
- normalizes digestion by increasing the production of gastric juice;
- increases resistance to stress;
- facilitates the process of splitting fats;
- reduces the risk of atherosclerosis;
- stimulates the growth of muscle fibers;
- accelerates the process of tissue regeneration;
- prevents heart attacks and strokes;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- increases the physical endurance of the body;
- contributes to increased mental activity.
How much carnitine does the body need?
The recommended average daily rate of carnitine for an adult is 300 mg. But this indicator can be adjusted upwards depending on body weight, lifestyle, health status and other indicators. Here are the main recommended dosages:
- to combat overweight, a doctor can prescribe a dosage of up to 3000 mg per day;
- with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, genitourinary system, digestive system, infectious diseases, the doctor can prescribe up to 1600 mg of carnitine per day;
- professional sports can be the reason for taking up to 3000 mg of the substance per day;
- up to 2000 mg of vitamin per day may be recommended for people engaged in heavy physical labor;
- as a prophylaxis without obvious medical indications, no more than 1000 mg of carnitine is allowed for four to eight weeks.
How to recognize vitamin deficiency
The lack of carnitine in the body manifests itself in the form of individual symptoms or their set. The following conditions are a reason to consult a therapist:
- muscle weakness;
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- depressive states;
- apathy and depressed mood;
- high blood pressure;
- irritability and aggression;
- slow recovery after physical exertion or illness;
- skin diseases;
- weight gain.
Signs of Vitamin Excess
Carnitine surplus in the body is a rather rare clinical picture. Nevertheless, it can occur with uncontrolled consumption of drugs. Here are the symptoms:
- allergic reaction;
- abdominal pain;
- nausea.
Where Vitamin B11 Is Contained
In the body of a healthy person, vitamin is produced in sufficient quantities. But a minor flaw can be made up through food. Most carnitine is found in foods like this:
- goat meat;
- mutton;
- poultry meat;
- avocado;
- pumpkin (pulp and seeds);
- sesame;
- yeast;
- fish;
- dairy;
- eggs (yolks).
Medicines: forms and application
Carnitine comes in two forms. Namely:
- Vitamin B11 in tablets is a dietary supplement that speeds up the process of burning fat. As a rule, athletes take this remedy to lower lipid levels or increase the effectiveness of cardio workouts. As a rule, people taking carnitine are advised to have a protein diet, as the substance increases their appetite.
- Vitamin B11 in ampoules is prescribed for brain damage, as well as ischemic strokes. It accelerates metabolic processes due to which the tissue regeneration process is accelerated.
Main indications
In some cases, vitamin B11 is vital. Instructions for use contain information about such indications:
- heart and vascular diseases;
- kidney disease
- disorders of the nervous system (depression, anxiety, insomnia);
- memory impairment and distracted attention;
- consequences of prolonged and uncontrolled intake of alcohol;
- elevated levels of testosterone in the male body;
- male infertility;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- cataract.
The main contraindications
In some cases, taking vitamin B11 is contraindicated. Namely:
- individual intolerance;
- muscle fatigue;
- digestive disorders;
- insomnia;
- trimethylaminuria.
Interaction with other substances
If you plan to take carnitine, it is important to know in advance how it interacts with other drugs. In particular, while taking the vitamin with caffeine, there is a rapid weight loss. Also, the effect of carnitine can be significantly enhanced by the simultaneous administration of lipoic acid, anabolic drugs or coenzyme Q10.
A number of drugs can enhance the production of carnitine due to the internal resources of the body. Vitamins B3, B6, B9, B12, and C possess these properties. Iron, as well as amino acids methionine and lysine, also contribute to enhanced synthesis of B11.
Popular drugs with carnitine
Among the drugs designed to increase the carnitine content in the body, the following are especially popular:
- "L-carnitine" - capsules, each of which contains 250 or 500 mg of the active substance. Available in plastic jars, each containing 60 or 150 capsules.
- Power System L-Carnitin is a solution in which, in addition to vitamin B11, contains green tea extract and ascorbic acid. This is one of the most expensive drugs in its category.
- El Carnitine is a solution that contains 20% of the active substance. The drug is produced by both domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies. Differences in chemical composition and effectiveness are not noted.
- "Evalar sport expert" is a powder packaged in individual sachets. In addition to vitamin B11, bromelain is present in the composition (additionally accelerates fat burning), ascorbic acid (ensures the normal absorption of carnitine), succinic acid prevents intoxication of the body. Each package contains 10 sachets (for a ten-day course).
Conclusion
About carnitine, it’s useful to know the following:
- This is not a vitamin, but a vitamin-like substance.
- All professional athletes take the drug to relieve unpleasant symptoms after training.
- Despite the great benefits to humans, carnitine became popular just a couple of decades ago.
- In addition to fat burning, B11 has a lot of useful properties and is used in the treatment of several dozen diseases.
- If there is a lack of substance in the body, it is impossible to fill the deficit by 100 food products (according to the doctor's prescription, dietary supplements should be taken).