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Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine
Nitric oxide-boosting supplements burst onto the bodybuilding scene a few years ago, and scientists since then have consistently looked for new compounds to further enhance NO production. Arginine has been the clear favorite for use in supplements, but several other ingredients can work synergistically with arginine to further enhance NO levels. The latest player is a novel ingredient known as GPLC, a patented compound that combines the amino acid glycine with propionyl-L-carnitine. Scientists came up with the idea of combining these two ingredients after studies in animals and humans showed that each compound alone could stimulate NO production; however, those early investigations involved injections into the bloodstream. The first study to measure the effects of GPLC in supplement form was performed on a group of inactive men. This research demonstrated the ability of GPLC to increase NO production, which led the same group of researchers to test its effects during exercise.
RELATED ARTICLE: POWER DUO
THE STUDY Researchers from the University of Memphis (Tennessee) designed an experiment in which trained male weightlifters supplemented with 4.5 grams of GPLC daily or a placebo for four weeks. Each subject then took a two-week break to clear his body of the compound. Then, the subjects received the alternate treatment (GPLC or placebo) for an additional four weeks. At the end of each four-week supplementation period, a test was performed in which subjects did handgrip exercises for six minutes and then had NO levels measured.
RESULTS Subjects receiving GPLC experienced an increase in NO levels that was 30% higher than with the placebo. The researchers believe GPLC may work by increasing the activity of nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of arginine into NO. GPLC may also decrease production of certain free radicals, which are known to increase the breakdown of NO.
DOSAGE Taking 4.5 g of GPLC per day can boost NO levels and blood flow for improved muscle pumps during exercise. More NO also means a greater delivery of amino acids, carbohydrates, anabolic hormones and oxygen to muscle during exercise recovery, which can stimulate increased recovery and muscle growth. Subjects in the study took GPLC twice a day with carbohydrate-containing meals (carbs help increase GPLC uptake). Therefore, your best bet is to take 2-3 g of GPLC with your pre- and postworkout meals, or with breakfast and dinner on rest days.
Reference: R.J. Bloomer et al., "Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine increases plasma nitrate/nitrite in resistance trained men," Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1):22, 2007.
Edited by JIM STOPPANI, PHD
Nitric oxide-boosting supplements burst onto the bodybuilding scene a few years ago, and scientists since then have consistently looked for new compounds to further enhance NO production. Arginine has been the clear favorite for use in supplements, but several other ingredients can work synergistically with arginine to further enhance NO levels. The latest player is a novel ingredient known as GPLC, a patented compound that combines the amino acid glycine with propionyl-L-carnitine. Scientists came up with the idea of combining these two ingredients after studies in animals and humans showed that each compound alone could stimulate NO production; however, those early investigations involved injections into the bloodstream. The first study to measure the effects of GPLC in supplement form was performed on a group of inactive men. This research demonstrated the ability of GPLC to increase NO production, which led the same group of researchers to test its effects during exercise.
RELATED ARTICLE: POWER DUO
THE STUDY Researchers from the University of Memphis (Tennessee) designed an experiment in which trained male weightlifters supplemented with 4.5 grams of GPLC daily or a placebo for four weeks. Each subject then took a two-week break to clear his body of the compound. Then, the subjects received the alternate treatment (GPLC or placebo) for an additional four weeks. At the end of each four-week supplementation period, a test was performed in which subjects did handgrip exercises for six minutes and then had NO levels measured.
RESULTS Subjects receiving GPLC experienced an increase in NO levels that was 30% higher than with the placebo. The researchers believe GPLC may work by increasing the activity of nitric oxide synthase, which is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of arginine into NO. GPLC may also decrease production of certain free radicals, which are known to increase the breakdown of NO.
DOSAGE Taking 4.5 g of GPLC per day can boost NO levels and blood flow for improved muscle pumps during exercise. More NO also means a greater delivery of amino acids, carbohydrates, anabolic hormones and oxygen to muscle during exercise recovery, which can stimulate increased recovery and muscle growth. Subjects in the study took GPLC twice a day with carbohydrate-containing meals (carbs help increase GPLC uptake). Therefore, your best bet is to take 2-3 g of GPLC with your pre- and postworkout meals, or with breakfast and dinner on rest days.
Reference: R.J. Bloomer et al., "Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine increases plasma nitrate/nitrite in resistance trained men," Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1):22, 2007.
Edited by JIM STOPPANI, PHD
