What is Propionyl-L-Carnitine?
Propionyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body, and, as we all know, amino acids represent the building blocks of proteins. L-carnitine and acetyl-L carnitine are also amino acids chemically-related to propionyl-L-carnitine – in fact, the body can convert L-carnitine to propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. Still, with all this knowledge on hand, it is unknown whether the benefits of carnitines are interchangeable; until more research has been analyzed, it’s often recommended not to substitute one form of carnitine for another.
As an amino acid supplement, propionyl-L-carnitine powder is similar to a carnitine supplement, but with much more effective and stronger properties. It is often recommended that 1.5 to four grams of the powder be taken 30 to 45 minutes before exercise, and that it should be stirred with a spoon for 15 to 30 seconds when mixing to completely dissolve it.
We’re going to go into this in greater detail as we go along, but in general, this supplement helps produce energy that is needed by your body for its everyday demands. The energy produced by GPLC – that is, glycine propionyl-L-carnitine – can help you avoid energy crashes that are common from so-called “sugar highs,” making it beneficial for athletes or anyone under stressful conditions.
What’s more, GPLC has been known to increase blood flow to the heart and help transport fatty acids to the organ to be converted into energy.
Propionyl-L-Carnitine L-Arginine and Niacin
In the area of sexual medicine, propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin represent a nutraceutical approach to erectile dysfunction. In a group of 54 men between the ages of 35 and 75 who participated in an ED clinic at Sapienza University of Rome – and who hadn’t used any other ED treatments – researchers evaluated the effects of a three-month supplementation with propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin on their sexual performance. [Gianfrilli D, Lauretta R, Di Dato C, Graziadio C, Pozza C, De Larichaudy J, Giannetta E, Isidori AM, Lenzi A.Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin in sexual medicine: a nutraceutical approach for erectile dysfunction. Andrologia2011 Oct 4. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01234]
Propionyl-L-Carnitine for ED
This logically transitions to our next section regarding propionyl-L-carnitine and erectile dysfunction; results of many studies have found that both carnitine and testosterone improve ED, but while testosterone significantly increased prostate volume, carnitine did not. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that propionyl-L-carnitine at two milligrams a day enhanced the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) in 40 men with diabetes who had previously failed to respond to other substances on at least eight occasions (x) (xx).
Bulk Supplements Fun Facts: Men with sexual performance problems due to diabetes or poor circulation sometimes turn to propionyl-L-carnitine along with prescription medications; older men who show symptoms of low testosterone levels sometimes use it in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine.
Propionyl-L-Carnitine Benefits
First and foremost (and beyond the aforementioned erectile dysfunction factor), propionyl-L-carnitine helps the body produce energy, and is important for heart function, muscle movement and many other body processes. There are some medical professionals who feel it helps increase circulation.
It plays a crucial role in the production of energy by transporting fatty acids into your cells’ mitochondria, with the mitochondria acting as engines within your cells, burning these fats to create usable energy (x) (xx) (xxx).
Bulk Supplements Fun Fact: About 98-percent of L-carnitine stores are contained in the muscles, along with trace amounts in the liver and blood.
Some newer research points to potential benefits of carnitine’s various forms, which may be used for a number of conditions including heart and brain diseases (x) (xx).
- Weight Loss – On paper and in theory, using L-carnitine as a weight loss supplement makes sense; indeed, since it helps move more fatty acids into the cells to be burned for energy, it is logical to assume this would increase the ability to burn fat and lose weight. However, the human body is very complex, and the results of both human and animal studies have been mixed (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx).
- Brain Function – Some animal studies suggest that the acetyl form, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), may help prevent age-related mental decline and improve “markers of learning” (x) (xx). Human studies, on the other hand, indicate that taking acetyl-L-carnitine daily helps reverse the decline in brain function associated with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases (x) (xx) (xxx); this form exhibited similar benefits for general brain function in older adults who did not have Alzheimer’s or other such brain conditions. In specific cases, this form may protect the brain from cell damage, but more research is needed on long-term benefits for healthy individuals.
- Heart Health – Some studies demonstrate a potential for reducing blood pressure and the inflammatory process associated with heart disease (x) (xx). L-carnitine has also been linked to improvements in patients with severe heart disorders, such as coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure (x) (xx).
- Exercise Performance – The evidence is mixed so far as L-carnitine’s effects on sports performance is concerned; however, several studies do exist which note mild benefits associated with larger or more long-term doses (x) (xx) (xxx). These areas of benefit include recovery, muscle oxygen supply, stamina, muscle soreness and red blood cell production.
- Type 2 Diabetes – L-carnitine may also reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors (x) (xx) (xxx). It may also combat diabetes by increasing a key enzyme called AMPK, which improves your body’s ability to utilize carbs (x).
Propionyl-L-Carnitine Dosage
The standard dose of L-carnitine is 500 to 2,000 milligrams per day. Although dosage recommendations vary from study to study, up to 2,000 milligrams (or two grams) per day seems safe and effective in the long-term.
Bulk Supplements recommends 500 milligrams (about 1/5 tsp) of this dietary supplement one to four times daily or as directed by a physician. Our L-carnitine product can be found here.
Bottom Line
Propionyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body, and, as we all know, amino acids represent the building blocks of proteins. L-carnitine and acetyl-L carnitine are also amino acids chemically-related to propionyl-L carnitine – in fact, the body can convert L-carnitine to propionyl-L carnitine and acetyl-L carnitine. Still, with all this knowledge on hand, it is unknown whether the benefits of carnitines are interchangeable; until more research has been analyzed, it’s often recommended not to substitute one form of carnitine for another.
As an amino acid supplement, propionyl-L-carnitine powder is similar to a carnitine supplement, but with much more effective and stronger properties. It is often recommended that 1.5 to four grams of the powder be taken 30 to 45 minutes before exercise, and that it should be stirred with a spoon for 15 to 30 seconds when mixing to completely dissolve it.
In general, this supplement helps produce energy that is needed by your body for its everyday demands. The energy produced by GPLC – that is, glycine propionyl-L-carnitine – can help you avoid energy crashes that are common from so-called “sugar highs,” making it beneficial for athletes or anyone under stressful conditions.
What’s more, GPLC has been known to increase blood flow to the heart and help transport fatty acids to the organ to be converted into energy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
