Consumer focus on health and well-being have driven demand for the L-carnitine market, an amino acid understood to provide distinct health benefits, according to a new report on companiesandmarkets.com. By 2017, it is expected that the L-carnitine market will achieve a value of $127.7 million.
L-Carnitine: A Global Strategic Business Report
The US dominates the L-carnitine market, and while Europe and Asia Pacifica regions follow, they represent a much smaller proportion of the market as a whole. Growth in the Chinese region in particular looks set to be faster than any other market, growing at a rate of 5.5% p/a to 2017. 2008 figures show that China was responsible for the production of 48% of the global L-carnitine market - a figure which may well grow as the country's manufacturing capabilities and low cost base prove popular with buyers.
Concerns have been raised over the validity of the specific health claims associated with products made with L-carnitine and its derivatives, particularly in Europe, and are restricting market growth. Regulatory organisations and consumers may well force the industry to undertake scientific studies to justify their claims in future.