TweetAn interresting new development in Nitric Oxide Boosters



Glyc-n-Go – The Real Low Down
Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC – as found in Glyc-n-Go) is a newly arising ergogenic aid surpassing other purported nitric oxide boosters, such as arginine, that have been largely dominating the supplement market but with little research to prove their integrity as a true performance enhancer. It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of how carnitine works to benefit an array of populations. In addition, it is helpful to attain an understanding of various forms of L-carnitine and their respective characteristics and applications before acknowledging the pedestal GPLC now sits on. GPLC will be gaining more attention and applicability with health and performance enhancements.

What is l-carnitine?
L-carnitine is produced in our body from essential amino acids lysine and methionine and can be ingested in our foods (meat and dairy) and from direct supplementation. L-carnitine’s primary responsibility is the transferring long-chain fatty acids (i.e. triglycerides) into the mitochondria (also known as the “powerhouse” of the cell). By doing so, fatty acids and triglycerides become readily available in the bloodstream for energy use, while sparing glycogen and optimizing endurance performance. [1, 2] Therefore, the logic behind L-carnitine supplementation is to facilitate beta oxidation (use of fat for energy) over anaerobic metabolic pathways that depend on carbohydrate, resulting in fatigue in a less amount of time. Previous research has demonstrated carnitine’s ability to promote fat utilization, enhancing lower intensity/longer duration type exercise. [3]

What are other forms of carnitine?
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a popular ester form of L-carnitine with facility of crossing the blood-brain barrier superior to that of L-carnitine. Similar to L-carnitine, fatty acid transfer into the mitochondria is also enhanced, however, acetyl-L-carnitine is known for its unique ability to aid in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In a study conducted by Evans et al., carnitine (in the form of acetyl-L-carnitine) has demonstrated its ability to improve nerve conduction velocities, reduce neuropathic pain and regenerate nerve fibers. [4, 5] Acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation has also been applied to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [6, 7]

Propionyl-L-carnitine is another form of carnitine, naturally produced, with a potent capacity to increase the use of fat for energy. Furthermore, this form of carnitine also provides the substrate, propianate, for the use of energy. Not only are the benefits of propionyl-L-carnitine applicable to skeletal muscle, but also to cardiac muscle as an enhancement to its contractility and treatment approach to heart failure [8, 9]. Conditions such as peripheral arterial disease have been observed in conjunction with propionyl-L-carnitine administration providing substantial gains in muscle strength and walking capacity (i.e. distance and speed) for individuals compromised by the diseases’ symptoms. [10, 11] Propionyl-L-carnitine has been applied to treat particular medical ailments due to its nitric oxide boosting effects purported to treat conditions where blood flow is compromised. [12]

Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) consists of the propionyl ester of carnitine combined with glycine. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid (your body can produce it on its own) and is known for its glucogenic properties in which it can be converted to sugar, aiding blood sugar maintenance and in energy contribution. [13] Glycine also plays a role in the formation of creatine. [14] With glycine propionyl-L-carnitine just recently entering the market, opportunity for research has surfaced and demonstrated unique findings distinguished from other ergogenic aids.

What does the research show about GPLC?
In a study conducted by Smith et al. [15], led by Dr. Richard Bloomer (University of Memphis), a group of untrained men and women were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: a placebo, 1.5 grams of GPLC or 4.5 grams of GPLC. The subjects ingested the treatments for eight weeks in combination with a cycling endurance program. By obtaining test values prior to and following the eight weeks of training, Smith et al. found a significant decrease in oxidative stress from both groups that were taking GPLC versus the placebo. In other words, GPLC lessened the damage commonly experienced with exercise; this helps with the recovery aspect of training. In addition, both GPLC groups experienced substantial increases in anaerobic threshold. This means that GPLC may allow you to train at high intensities for a longer amount of time without the detrimental interference of lactic acid accumulation setting in.

In another recent study conducted by Bloomer et al. [16], administration of GPLC to resistance trained men demonstrated nitric oxide boosting effects. The enhanced blood flow as a result of an increase nitric oxide levels is advantageous for both aerobic and anaerobic athletes. For those who partake in endurance sports (i.e. marathons, long-distance rowing, cross country skiing), an optimized blood flow may improve exercise performance. [17, 18] For individuals dedicated to resistance training (i.e. bodybuilders, athletes in training) an enhanced blood flow from increased nitric oxide leads to increased protein synthesis from enhanced amino acid delivery to recovering muscles. [19]

Vasodilation occurs naturally under certain conditions in the body such as: a threat to oxygen levels in which the need for oxygen increases or oxygen availability becomes insufficient, muscular work demands intensifying, increases in body temperature, increase oxidative metabolism in which concentrations of carbon dioxide increase, and decreases in pH commonly associated with lactic acid accumulation. As exercise intensity and duration increases; vasodilation becomes a necessity. If vasodilation capacity becomes hindered, then exercise intensity/duration becomes compromised as a result of reduced blood flow. [1] Therefore, by inducing nitric oxide release you are optimizing the oxygen and nutrient delivery system to working muscles not only during but after workouts which is ideal for recovery.

The myths about arginine
Interesting to note for consumers of marketed vasodilators is the fallacy of claims for argentine as a nitric oxide booster. While arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid, is a precursor for nitric oxide; research has failed to demonstrate improvements in vascularity from oral supplementation. [20, 21] As a matter of fact the only way arginine can effectively induce a vasodilation effect is with intrafusion [22], which is highly impractical along with high oral doses likely to cause gastric distress [23]. Furthermore, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is commonly touted as a potent nitric oxide level enhancer. This erroneously proclaimed ingredient, however, does not have the research to back such claims either. [24]

More support for GPLC
Not only is GPLC’s affinity for nitric oxide of benefit for athletes but also for individuals who may develop insulin resistance with oncoming of age. Insulin is a modulator of nitric oxide synthesis and release, and therefore, a remarked regulator of vasodilation. [25] The relationship between insulin and nitric oxide has been made fairly apparent through research. The more sensitive you are to insulin, the more enhanced your insulin mediated vasodilation will be. [26] Therefore, in the case of insulin resistance, such as with diabetes or aging, insulin’s ability to modulate nitric oxide lessens. When nitric oxide lessens, the potential for vasodilation diminishes, making one more susceptible to hypertension since blood can’t flow as freely.

GPLC is the only form of carnitine to show direct increases in nitric oxide with or without carbohydrate intake (which promotes additional insulin-mediated vasodilation and carnitine retention [25, 27]) superior to alternative forms of carnitine. As research continues to uncover more advantageous effects of GPLC, its genuine efficacy as an ergogenic aid and aid of various medical conditions will surface with proclamation in the supplement industry.

Thus it seems that since there is only data showing that GPLC (as found in Glyc-n-Go) positively impacts nitric oxide production (thus the delivery of nutrients to your muscles) and studies support its use as an ergogenic aid (positive sports supplement), this product should be a no-brainer in terms of being part of one’s armament for athletic and nutritional success.

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