Description

Meldonium is a compound that enhances performance in elite athletes by reducing carnitine levels in the body. By lowering carnitine, the body becomes less efficient at burning fat for energy, shifting its primary energy source to glycolysis—the burning of glucose.

This shift is beneficial for athletic performance for several reasons. First, fat oxidation is a slow process that requires a lot of oxygen to metabolize long-chain fatty acids. In contrast, glucose is a smaller molecule and requires less oxygen for metabolism. As a result, the heart operates more efficiently when using glucose, especially under physical stress. Additional potential ergogenic benefits of meldonium include:

• Reduced lactic acid production (which helps lower pain and fatigue)
• Improved glycogen storage and utilization
• Enhanced cardiac function
• Increased physical work capacity

All of this is particularly valuable for elite endurance athletes.

Meldonium was originally developed and prescribed to treat coronary artery disease and as a treatment for ischemia—a condition where there’s insufficient blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. By inhibiting carnitine synthesis, meldonium promotes vasodilation of coronary arteries by increasing nitric oxide production and glucose oxidation, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

For those subject to drug testing, meldonium has a half-life of 6 to 14 hours, and can be detected for 2 to 4 days after stopping use.

Overall, meldonium is a very unique performance-enhancing compound, and the underlying biochemistry supports its effects. For individuals facing physical stress, reduced performance, post-surgery recovery, or general fatigue, meldonium therapy can help restore strength and speed up rehabilitation.