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Global levocarnitine market size is set to proliferate exponentially over 2021-2027, due to the increasing usage of the substance in treating carnitine deficiency among kidney patients on dialysis. In addition, the mounting consumption of L-carnitine supplements to reduce symptoms like fatigue after chemotherapy and other cancer treatments will also augment the industry outlook in the coming years. Levocarnitine, also known as L-carnitine, refers to a naturally occurring amino acid structure, which can be sourced from the diet or consumed in the form of an oral supplement. This type of carnitine plays a key role in energy production, as it helps the body in breaking down fatty acids and turning them into energy to power the cells.
Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, along with the growing geriatric population base, are the prominent trends impelling the levocarnitine market dynamics. According to a study in the American College of Cardiology’s journal, the incidences of CVDs surged nearly twofold from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019. This is likely to amplify levocarnitine demand considerably, given the strong potential of the substance to improve heart function.
Aside from its heart health benefits, the intake of levocarnitine tablets or solutions can also help treat physical and mental fatigue, improve muscle mass, reduce fat mass in older people, and prevent hair loss. These factors will further assert a positive influence on the overall industry growth over the projected timeframe. However, side effects associated with the excessive intake of carnitine supplements, including nausea, abdominal cramps, muscle weakness, and seizures, may limit the market size in the years ahead.
With regards to end-use, the global levocarnitine market share from the weight management products segment is set to depict a remarkable growth rate through 2027. This is driven by growing concerns of obesity, especially among children, worldwide. In 2020, 39 million children under 5 years of age were obese or overweight, according to the WHO. The capability of L-carnitine to promote fat loss and optimize exercise performance as well as recovery will also boost the market expansion from the weight management segment over the forecast spell.
The Middle East & Africa levocarnitine industry is expected to amass considerable gains by 2027. Factors such as poor eating habits and high consumption of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly among school-going children in South Africa have made obesity a major public health concern in the region. This, alongside the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes in nations like the UAE will further escalate the need for levocarnitine drugs and supplements in the region.
Key participants in the levocarnitine industry include Ningbo Honor Chemtech, Lonza Group, AIDP, Alfa Aesar (Thermo Fisher Scientific), Biosynth AG, and Northeast Pharmaceutical Group, among others. Strategic product launches, mergers, and acquisitions are some of the initiatives being undertaken by these market players to strengthen their footprint across the global market.
The impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on the healthcare sector is increasing, due to the massive disruptions on medical supply chains. Various healthcare procedures that are not linked with COVID-19 have been delayed, creating pent-up demand across multiple healthcare sectors. As per a report from the CDC, 40.9% of the 4,975 adult respondents surveyed in the U.S. mentioned delaying or avoiding accessing medical care services during the pandemic. These factors likely created a hindrance in the adoption of L-carnitine to treat non-emergency health conditions during the pandemic.
However, high impairment of immune function in populations vulnerable to infectious diseases like COVID-19, including people with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic inflammatory diseases, may promote levocarnitine market expansion over the years ahead. This population is associated with lower levels of levocarnitine in tissues, as compared to the less-vulnerable people, positioning L-carnitine as a supportive therapeutic option for patients infected with coronavirus.