Weight Loss & Definition

Weight Loss & Definition: L-Carnitine, CLA and More

Anyone working on achieving a leaner body composition will find that it comes down to three basic principles: a diet that matches your energy requirements, sufficient protein, and regular exercise. Supplements can only complement this. In this collection, we have grouped together the products that athletes often use during such a period, so you can easily compare them side by side.

Here you will find L-carnitine in powder, capsules and tablets, acetyl L-carnitine, CLA in softgels, green tea extract and complex formulas such as RIP Burner, Stacker 3 XPLC and Stacker4 Ephedra Free. The brands are Vit4ever, German Elite Nutrition, NOW Foods, Stacker2 and LUTO Supplements.

What is L-carnitine?

L-carnitine is a substance that the body produces itself from the amino acids lysine and methionine, and which is also found in food, especially red meat and dairy. In supplements, it appears as L-carnitine tartrate and as L-carnitine in tablet form. Here you will find L-Carnitine Tartrate powder and capsules from Vit4ever, German Elite Nutrition's L-Carnitine Triple Complex with acetyl L-carnitine, L-carnitine tartrate and L-carnitine fumarate, and NOW Foods' L-Carnitine 1000 mg tablets. There are no authorized European health claims for L-carnitine, so we only describe its composition.

Acetyl L-carnitine

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is a form of carnitine to which an acetyl group has been attached. It is available as capsules from German Elite Nutrition (3000 mg), NOW Foods (500 mg) and LUTO Supplements. LUTO Supplements' Acetyl L-Carnitine 1000 mg also contains vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal functioning of the nervous system.

CLA: conjugated linoleic acid

CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid that occurs naturally in small amounts in dairy and meat from ruminants. In this collection, you will find German Elite Nutrition's CLA 1000 mg softgels and LUTO Supplements' CLA 3000 mg with 80 percent conjugated linoleic acid.

Green tea extract

Green tea extract is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). German Elite Nutrition's Green Tea Extract contains 750 mg of extract per capsule, standardized to 98 percent polyphenols and 45 percent EGCG (338 mg). The extract is presented as caffeine-free on the packaging. Do not use more than 1 capsule per day, do not take it on an empty stomach, and do not combine it on the same day with other products containing green tea.

Complex formulas: RIP Burner and Stacker

German Elite Nutrition's RIP Burner and Stacker2's Stacker 3 XPLC and Stacker4 Ephedra Free are formulas containing caffeine and plant extracts. One capsule of Stacker 3 XPLC or Stacker4 contains 300 mg of caffeine; a full daily dose of six RIP Burner capsules contains 240 mg of caffeine, along with green tea extract and L-carnitine tartrate, among other ingredients. Therefore, read the ingredients list, recommended dosage and warnings on the packaging for each product before you start.

The basics: diet, protein and exercise

A change in body composition is primarily achieved through what you eat and how much you move. A diet that matches your energy requirements, sufficient protein spread throughout the day and a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise form the foundation. Supplements cannot replace a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

What to look for when choosing?

Compare the form (powder, capsule, tablet or softgel), the dosage per serving and the number of servings per package. For products containing caffeine, include the caffeine from coffee, tea and energy drinks; the EFSA sets an upper limit of 400 mg per day for adults. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or are sensitive to caffeine, consult a doctor first. Never exceed the recommended daily dosage.