L-Carnitine: The effect of this amino acid compound on your muscles.
What are the benefits of L-carnitine, which we advertise on our shakes? We'll tell you what it's all about and why it's an essential ingredient in our shakes.
from Paulina
Have you ever wondered what this L-carnitine we advertise on our SHEKO shakes actually does? Besides all the other vitamins and nutrients you get from a shake, this ingredient is particularly important to us. We'll tell you exactly what L-carnitine is, how it works, and why it's an essential part of our shakes.
What is L-carnitine?
Before we examine the role of L-carnitine in the human body, let's take a brief look at its composition: L-carnitine is an amino acid compound made up of the two essential amino acids lysine and methionine . Essential amino acids —the building blocks for proteins that the human body cannot produce itself—are obtained through proteins . L-carnitine is found in your diet. Your healthy body synthesizes the required amount of this compound in the liver. Some foods, especially animal products like meat, fish, and milk , already contain a compound form of L-carnitine. L-carnitine deficiency is rare in healthy individuals, regardless of whether they are meat-eaters, vegetarians, or vegans.
The effects of L-carnitine
Are you wondering what makes L-carnitine indispensable in your body? The answer: Without L-carnitine, a fully functioning energy metabolism is impossible. The central task of this amino acid compound is to transport fatty acids into the cells, where they are converted into energy . Simply put, L-carnitine binds to the fatty acids and transports them into the mitochondria (the "powerhouses") of the cells. Energy production occurs through the oxidation of the fatty acids.
To prevent an L-carnitine deficiency, you should ensure you're getting the estimated daily requirement of 16 mg of L-carnitine . Our Balance Shakes make it easy to meet your daily needs, as each shake contains a generous 100 mg of L-carnitine per serving. Have you found your favorite flavor yet?
L-Carnitine for muscle building
Are you one of those athletes who spend their free time CrossFit or hitting the weights to be rewarded with visible muscles? Then it makes sense to look into L-carnitine. This amino acid compound can support you in reaching your goals, especially after a strenuous workout. How? L-carnitine has been proven to improve cell regeneration . Drinking a SHEKO shake after your workout provides your body with a healthy dose of L-carnitine. We all love that feeling after exercise, but muscle soreness that makes climbing stairs a painful ordeal can hold us back from our next workout. L-carnitine, with its alkalizing effect, can positively influence the intensity of your muscle soreness . After all, your next workout is already waiting for you.
If you're aiming for strong muscles, you should consume more calories than you naturally burn. A calorie surplus is essential for muscle growth during strength training. Our calorie calculator helps you determine your daily calorie needs.
L-Carnitine for weight loss
Unlike building muscle, the goal of reducing body weight requires a calorie deficit . When losing weight, L-carnitine can help you feel fit and energetic during your diet – especially during exercise.
Are you currently following one L-carnitine is particularly helpful on a low-carb diet . By deriving energy from fatty acids, it allows you to maintain your performance during training – even if you eat few or no carbohydrates. And we all know that a challenging workout will help you reach your ideal weight faster .
Side effects of L-carnitine
A healthy human body synthesizes as much L-carnitine as it needs. Excess amounts, ingested through food or supplements, are excreted via the kidneys in the urine .
Important when taking additional dietary supplements: The dose is crucial for well-being. Scientists suspect that regular intake significantly exceeding the body's needs may impair its own production . Other symptoms that indicate an excess of L-carnitine in the body include:
- Problems falling asleep
- Gastrointestinal problems
- fishy mouth and body odor
Taking extra L-carnitine, such as from our SHEKO shake, is considered safe and has no side effects .
L-Carnitine: The Conclusion
Ultimately, L-carnitine is important for everyone. Synthesis in the liver, as well as intake through food or supplements, ensures that sufficient L-carnitine is present in a healthy body. This amino acid compound is essential for energy production in the mitochondria and supports rapid cell regeneration.
¹ Per serving = 18 g SHEKO powder + 275 ml low-fat milk (1.5% fat)
