Information on Carnitine Proaction
Food supplement of L-carnitine.
FORMAT
Container with 90 capsules
COMPOSITION
L Carnitine Tartrate: salified form with tartaric acid.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
D- alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E, sucrose, starch and fish gelatin): stable salt of vitamin E
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Chromium picolinate
Anti-caking agent: Silicon dioxide
Excipient: magnesium oxide
Capsule: Edible gelatin
Bulking agent: microcrystalline cellulose
One capsule contains
L-Carnitine 200 mg - trimethylated amino acid derivative, mainly synthesized in the liver and kidneys from two essential amino acids, such as methionine and lysine, in the presence of vitamin B1, B6 and C.
Vitamin C 18 mg - also known as L ascorbic acid, is contained in many foods of vegetable origin (citrus fruits, kiwi, peppers, green leafy vegetable tomatoes). It is almost totally absorbed in the intestine, through a passive diffusion process and a sodium-dependent facilitated process; at too high doses (over 1gr) the absorption capacities drop dramatically up to 16%. In the body, vitamin C is found in labile form in plasma and in stable form in tissues, up to 1 / 1.5 gr. The levels of tissue saturation naturally depend on the blood levels of this vitamin, which also reflect the antioxidant pull of the body, and therefore its intake with the diet.
The biological activity of vitamin C is carried out as:
- powerful antioxidant, through the regeneration of vitamin E;
- enzymatic cofactor in hydroxylation processes, important for example for the synthesis of collagen, catecholamines and numerous other hormones;
- cofactor necessary for the synthesis of carnitine;
- reducing intestinal iron, with consequent increase in absorption levels;
- reducing folic acid in its coenzymatic forms.
Numerous studies show that this vitamin is useful in reducing the risk of onset of various chronic, neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases; furthermore, they attest to its ability, if associated with other antioxidants such as vitamin E, to reduce oxidative damage and strengthen the immune system. In sports, on the other hand, numerous studies show that vitamin C, also associated with other antioxidants, can reduce the oxidative damage induced by intense exercises, with a consequent reduction in the sensation of fatigue and improvement in post work out recovery times.
Its daily requirement is estimated at around 60mg, but even at only 10mg it is able to prevent scurvy, a disease derived from vitamin C deficiency. A recent review, however, states that, in line with scientific literature, it is necessary supplementation up to 1 g / day of vitamin C, to ensure an optimal return on health status.
Side effects characterized by gastro-intestinal disorders due to the acidity of this vitamin, are recorded for pharmacological dosages, ie higher than 10 gr / day.
Vitamin E 3mg: also known as alpha-tocopherol or RRR-tocopherol, it is introduced through the diet mainly through cold-pressed vegetable oils and oil seeds. Being a fat-soluble vitamin, it is absorbed in the intestine (20/40%) through bile salts, whose duodenal secretion is induced by dietary lipids. From the enterocyte, in the form of chylomicrone, vitamin E first crosses the lymphatic system, then the blood system and finally reaches the liver. From here, through the lipoproteins, it reaches the various tissues, where it is picked up by the action of the lipase enzyme. Excretion, among other things following a very slow turn-over, occurs both through the faeces in the form of α-tocopherylhydroquinone and α-tocohydroquinone, and through the urine (tocopheronic acid). The main biological role of this vitamin is the antioxidant one: the tocopherols in fact reduce the levels of oxidation both of polyunsaturated fatty acids (very important in the erythrocyte level), and of some vitamins, such as A and C; at the same time they modulate the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, thus reducing the levels of prostanoids responsible for platelet aggregation and associated atherosclerotic disorders. As one can easily imagine, the scientific literature in this regard proposes THOUSANDS of studies concerning the efficacy of vitamin E in the treatment of various pathologies, especially those mediated oxidative stress, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and endocrine-metabolic. However it is logical to ask: what is its role in healthy subjects? In athletes? What are the advantages? Even for these questions, the scientific literature provides answers, which however require the correct interpretation. In fact, various studies show that vitamin supplementation in general and vitamin E in particular do not directly contribute to changes in body composition or to improved athletic performance; however, the very important antioxidant power, necessary to counteract the tissue damage induced by stressful elements following intense physical activity, must be considered. More studies agree on this point, documenting how integration can significantly reduce markers of oxidative damage in athletes of various disciplines and of various levels, consequently improving the recovery phase and aerobic capacity.
It is very difficult to define a recommendable daily dose, as this depends heavily on the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet and the body's antioxidant capacity. It is generally recommended to take at least 8 mg / day in women and up to 10 mg / day in men. In the supplementary protocols for athletes we describe dosages around 300 mg / day and above.
The deficiency states in healthy subjects are very rare, while in pathological conditions they are generally associated with neurological deficits.
Even the acute toxic effects seem to be of little relevance. Exceeded 2000mg / day, intestinal problems become evident.
Vitamin B6 1 mg : contained in many foods of animal and vegetable origin, it is absorbed mainly as pyridoxine in the intestine. Once reached the liver, bound to albumin, it is first converted into pyridoxal and then phosphorylated. The most important role of this vitamin is performed in the optimization of the processes of transamination, decarboxylation and racemization of amino acids, as well as in the process of glycogenolysis and synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. It therefore plays a fundamental role in ensuring the correct use of food proteins. It is easy to understand, therefore, as the daily requirement, varies a lot depending on the protein content of the diet (1.5 mg of vitamin B6 per 100 grams of protein); however it is recommended to take at least 1.4 mg / day. Sensory neuropathy occurred for doses above 50 mg / day, which should therefore be considered as potentially harmful.
Chromium picolinate 10mcg : stable and less toxic form of chromium. Today it represents the safest form of integration of chromium, even if the levels of bioavailability recorded remain very low. This trace element is introduced through the diet (foods rich in chromium are spinach, mushrooms, chicken, nuts and asparagus), but only a very small part (0.5 - 1%) is absorbed. In the circulatory stream it binds to a globulin, cromodulin, and to transferrin, which convey it to the liver. From here it can reach sensitive insulin tissues, improving sensitivity to this hormone. The molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is not yet completely clear, however it seems to be carried out partly through direct stimulation of the insulin receptor and partly through the modulation of a "resistin" protein, which would reduce glucose tolerance. As a result, numerous studies show the ability of chromium picolinate to reduce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in patients with type II diabetes, resulting in a reduction in all associated cardiovascular problems. For this reason, supplementation with chromium picolinate is recommended as an adjunct to the drug therapy of this disease. Given the benefits obtained on the regulation of insulin function, with a widespread metabolic improvement, the application has also been experimented in the sports field, with the hope of obtaining advantages especially on the modification of body composition. The result of these studies was however very disappointing; in fact, numerous studies conducted on the elderly, athletes, trained women and moderately obese women have agreed to consider this trace element incapable of making significant improvements in body composition and muscle strength, even in the case of controlled training. It is also worth mentioning that EFSA (European activity for food safety), while registering chromium picolinate as the best source for dietary supplementation, has reserved the possibility to carry out further studies on the genotoxicity of this element.
Its daily requirement is estimated at around 50 mcg, but supplementation provides much higher doses, which generally do not fall below 200mcg.
Product features Carnitine Proaction
This carnitine supplement comes in the form of capsules, with the maximum dose required by law. In addition to L-carnitine tartrate, the supplement provides vitamin C, E, B6 and chromium picolinate, although at relatively low doses compared to the potential needs of an athlete or a sportsman.
The product mainly focuses on carnitine, presenting itself as a supplement for athletes necessary to optimize lipid metabolism and aerobic muscle capacity, thus justifying the presence of chromium and thiamine; however, the potential synergistic antioxidant effect that Vit E, Vit C and L carnitine could take during physical activity and in the subsequent recovery could be interesting (even if at dosages higher than those recommended).
Recommended use by the company - Carnitine Proaction
Take one CPS per day
How to use it in the practice of Carnitine Proaction
In sports practice the intake of L Carnitine may follow different protocols. The most common ones foresee a gradual weekly ascent from 500mg up to 2 / 2.5g per day, while others foresee a descent from 2.5g to 500mg per day. Higher dosages in healthy subjects are not recommended as the product would be excreted intact in the kidneys.
The optimization of supplementation with L-Carnitine, should include aerobic exercises, able to maintain high pO2 in the muscular level, and possibly a reduction in the carbohydrate content of the diet.
Rationale for use - Carnitine Proaction
The scientific literature provides several highly contrasting articles, in most negative cases, regarding the terms of improvement of aerobic performance, or an increase in lipid metabolism following supplementation with Carnitine in healthy individuals and athletes. However, an important starting point other than the common use of this supplement, comes from two studies: the first that demonstrates the increased expression of receptors for androgens following resistance exercises and integration with L carnitine tartrate, and the second that emphasizes the role of carnitine as an antioxidant, given its ability to reduce markers of oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide, following both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. This last study could confirm the hypothesis of a useful synergy with other antioxidants in promoting post-work out muscle recovery, and reducing the tissue damage to which the muscle encounters following intense physical exercise.
Carnitine Proaction side effects
At high doses episodes of insomnia, nausea, abdominal cramps, migraine and gastro intestinal disorders may occur, albeit rare.
Precautions for use Carnitine Proaction
Contraindicated in cases of renal, hepatic, diabetic, pregnancy, lactation, mood disorders.
This article, elaborated on the critical re-reading of scientific articles, university texts and common practice, is for informational purposes only and is therefore not a medical prescription. It is therefore always necessary to consult your doctor, nutritionist or pharmacist before starting to use any kind of supplement . Further information on the critical analysis of Carnitine Proaction.
| BIBLIOGRAPHY |
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