The new report, "L-Carnitine: A Global Strategic Business Report", notes that: “Growing inclusion of L-carnitine in health drinks/food supplements and medicines has prompted the scientific community and food manufacturers to literally sit up and take note.”
While the market continues to be dominated by the likes of Lonza, the new report states that Chinese manufacturers have “seized the market reins” in a relatively short time, and China is now responsible for 48 percent of the global L-carnitine production (2008 values).
“Factors such as high quality standards, low prices and increasing manufacturing capacity are rapidly becoming the hallmark of Chinese producers, thereby posing a threat to other established players,” states the report.
Established ingredient
L-Carnitine, a vitamin-like nutrient, occurs naturally in the human body and is essential for turning fat into energy. It is frequently used as a dietary supplement by physically active people to help with post-exercise recovery.
The potential health conditions of the ingredient include cardiovascular benefits, weight management potential, sports nutrition (energy and recover), and maintaining levels during pregnancy.
In the US, the increasing levels of obesity and obesity-related conditions represent “the largest market for L-carnitine products”, says the report.
“There is a growing propensity towards weight loss supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) dietary and functional food products, health drinks and powders,” it adds.
In other markets, notably Europe and Asia-Pacific, the markets are not as mature as the US, but Asia-Pacific, and China in particular, is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of round 5.5 percent through 2017.
Key suppliers are identified as: Ajinomoto AminoScience, Lonza, Ningbo Honor Chemtech, Qingdao FTZ United International, Sigma-Tau Research, Spectrum Chemicals & Laboratory Products, Wuhan Yuancheng Technology Development, and Zhejiang Jiashan Chengda Pharm & Chem.