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5 Worthy Holistic Reasons to Use Propionyl-L-Carnitine

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.

Propionyl-L-Carnitine

Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine HCl, Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride, L-carnitine Propionyl, LPC, PLC, Propionil-L-Carnitina, Propionylcarnitine.

Overview

Propionyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are also amino acids, and they are chemically related to propionyl-L-carnitine. In fact, the body can convert L-carnitine to propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. But, no one knows whether the benefits of carnitines are interchangeable. Until more is known, don’t substitute one form of carnitine for another.

Propionyl-L-carnitine is used for treating leg pain (intermittent claudication) due to poor blood circulation (peripheral vascular disease, PVD). PVD is often caused by diabetes or “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis). Propionyl-L-carnitine is also used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF).

Men with sexual performance problems (erectile dysfunction, ED) due to diabetes or poor circulation sometimes use propionyl-L-carnitine along with prescription medications. Older men who have symptoms of low testosterone levels sometimes use propionyl-L-carnitine in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine.

The propionyl-L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine combination is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

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Healthcare providers give propionyl-L-carnitine intravenously (by IV) for treating PVD and intermittent claudication; to improve wound healing in people with PVD; and to treat heart disease, including congestive heart failure, and chest pain (angina).

How does it work?

Propionyl-L-carnitine helps the body produce energy. It is important for heart function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. It also seems to help increase circulation.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for.

Poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease) that causes leg pain while walking (intermittent claudication). Propionyl-L-carnitine taken by mouth or given by IV seems to help people with severe leg pain walk farther than they otherwise could. But propionyl-L-carnitine doesn’t seem to help milder peripheral vascular disease.
Congestive heart failure (CHF). Taking propionyl-L-carnitine seems to improve heart function and exercise tolerance in people with mild to moderate congestive heart failure.
Treating symptoms of “male menopause,” low levels of testosterone due to aging. Taking propionyl-L-carnitine by mouth in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine for six months seems to improve sexual performance, depression, and fatigue in older men. Taking this combination seems to work about as well as taking testosterone.
Sexual performance problems (erectile dysfunction, ED) in men with diabetes. Taking propionyl-L-carnitine along with sildenafil (Viagra) may work better than taking sildenafil alone.
An increase in fibrous tissue in the penis (Peyronie’s disease). The combination of propionyl-L-carnitine and injection of a medication called verapamil seems to improve sexual performance, slow disease progression, and reduce the need for surgery.
Chest pain (angina).
A type of heart disease called chronic ischemic heart disease, when given by IV.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Developing research suggests that propionyl-L-carnitine might improve general fatigue in patients with CFS. Interestingly, the combination of propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine appears to be less effective than either supplement alone.
Circulatory problems caused by diabetes.
Other conditions.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

SLIDESHOW

Side Effects

Propionyl-L-carnitine is safe for most people when taken by mouth or given intravenously by a healthcare professional. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness, and chest pain (angina). It can also cause a “fishy” odor of the urine, breath, and sweat.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of propionyl-L-carnitine during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

“Underactive thyroid” (hypothyroidism): There is a concern that propionyl-L-carnitine might make hypothyroidism worse or thyroid hormone treatment less effective. This is because a related chemical, L-carnitine, seems to interfere with thyroid hormone. If you have hypothyroidism, don’t take propionyl-L-carnitine.

Seizures: Some people who have a history of seizures have reported an increase in the number and severity of seizures after taking L-carnitine by mouth or intravenously (by IV). There is a concern that this might also occur with propionyl-L-carnitine, because it is a similar chemical.

Interactions

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) is used to slow blood clotting. Propionyl-L-carnitine might increase the effects of acenocoumarol (Sintrom). Increasing the effects of acenocoumarol (Sintrom) might slow blood clotting too much and cause bruising and bleeding. The dose of your acenocoumarol (Sintrom) might need to be changed.

Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Propionyl-L-carnitine might increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

For disorders of the blood vessels: 500-1500 mg propionyl-L-carnitine twice daily.
For congestive heart failure and chest pain due to blood circulation problems (chronic angina): A dose of 500 mg of propionyl-L-carnitine three times daily.
For symptoms in older men caused by insufficient levels of testosterone: A dose of 2 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine plus 2 grams of propionyl-L-carnitine daily has been used.
For ED (erectile dysfunction): A daily dose of 2 grams of propionyl-L-carnitine has been used in combination with 50 mg of sildenafil (Viagra) given twice weekly.
For Peyronie’s disease: 2 grams of propionyl-L-carnitine daily has been used in combination with injections of a medication called verapamil.

For blood vessel disorders and heart disease: Healthcare providers give propionyl-L-carnitine intravenously (by IV).

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References

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Amico-Roxas M, Caruso A, Cutuli VM, et al. Inhibitory effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on plasma extravasation induced by irritants in rodents. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1993;19:213-7. View abstract.

Anand I, Chandrashekhan Y, De Giuli F, et al. Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998;12:291-9. View abstract.

Anon. Carnitor (levocarnitine) package insert. Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc, Gaithersburg, MD. December 1999.

Bachmann HU, Hoffmann A. Interaction of food supplement L-carnitine with oral anticoagulant acenocoumarol. Swiss Med Wkly 2004;134:385.

Barditch-Crovo P, Toole J, Hendrix CW, et al. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activitiy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of adefovir dipivoxyl (9-[2-(bis-pivaloyloxymethyl)-phosphonylmethoxyethyl]adenine) in HIV-infected patients. J Infect Dis 1997;176:406-13. View abstract.

Bartels GL, Remme WJ, den Hartog FR, et al. Additional anti-ischemic effects of long-term L-propionylcarnitine in anginal patients treated with conventional antianginal therapy. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1995;9:749-53. View abstract.

Bartels GL, Remme WJ, Holwerda KJ, Kruijssen DA. Anti-ischaemic efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine – a promising novel metabolic approach to ischaemia? Eur Heart J 1996;17:414-20. View abstract.

Bartels GL, Remme WJ, Pillay M, et al. Acute improvement of cardiac function with intravenous L-propionylcarnitine in humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1992;20:157-64. View abstract.

Bartels GL, Remme WJ, Pillay M, et al. Effects of L-propionylcarnitine on ischemia-induced myocardial dysfunction in men with angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol 1994;74:125-30. View abstract.

Brass EP. Pivalate-generating prodrugs and carnitine homeostasis in man. Pharmacol Rev 2002;54:589-98. View abstract.

Brevetti G, Diehm C, Lambert D, et al. European multicenter study on propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;34:1618-24. View abstract.

Brevetti G, Perna S, Sabba C, et al. Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on quality of life in intermittent claudication. Am J Cardiol 1997;79:777-80. View abstract.

Brevetti G, Perna S, Sabba C, et al. Propionyl-L-carnitine in intermittent claudication: double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose titration, multicenter study. J Am Coll Cardiol 1995;26:1411-6. View abstract.

Brevetti G, Perna S, Sabba C, et al. Superiority of L-propionylcarnitine vs L-carnitine in improving walking capacity in patients with peripheral vascular disease: an acute, intravenous, double-blind, cross-over study. Eur Heart J 1992;13:251-5. View abstract.

Campos Y, Arenas J. Muscle carnitine deficiency associated with zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy. Ann Neurol 1994;36:680-1. View abstract.

Caponnetto S, Canale C, Masperone MA, et al. Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Eur Heart J 1994;15:1267-73. View abstract.

Caruso A, Cutuli VM, De Bernardis E, et al. Protective effect of propionyl-L-carnitine against PAF-induced rat paw oedema. Pharmacol Res 1995;31:67-72. View abstract.

Castro-Gago M, Eiris-Punal J, Novo-Rodriguez MI, et al. Serum carnitine levels in epileptic children before and during treatment with valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. J Child Neurol 1998;13:546-9. View abstract.

Cavallini G, Biagiotti G, Koverech A, Vitali G. Oral propionyl-l-carnitine and intraplaque verapamil in the therapy of advanced and resistant Peyronie’s disease. BJU Int 2002;89:895-900. View abstract.

Cavallini G, Caracciolo S, Vitali G, et al. Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging. Urology 2004;63:641-6. View abstract.

Cherchi A, Lai C, Onnis E, et al. Propionyl carnitine in stable effort angina. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1990;4:481-6. View abstract.

Chiddo A, Gaglione A, Musci S, et al. Hemodynamic study of intravenous propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with ischemic heart disease and normal left ventricular function. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1991;5 Suppl 1:107-11. View abstract.

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Coulter DL. Prevention of hepatotoxicity recurrence with valproate monotherapy and carnitine. Ann Neurol 1988;24:301.

Dal Lago A, De Martini D, Flore R, et al. Effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on peripheral arterial obliterative disease of the lower limbs: a double-blind clinical trial. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1999;25:29-36. View abstract.

Dalakas MC, Leon-Monzon ME, Bernardini I, et al. Zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy is associated with muscle carnitine deficiency and lipid storage. Ann Neurol 1994;35:482-7. View abstract.

De Vivo DC, Bohan TP, Coulter DL, et al. L-carnitine supplementation in childhood epilepsy: Current perspectives. Epilepsia 1998;39:1216-25. View abstract.

Deeks SG, Collier A, Lalezari J, et al. The safety and efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil, a novel anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy, in HIV-infected adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Infect Dis 1997;176:1517-23. View abstract.

Evans AM, Fornasini G. Pharmacokinetics of L-carnitine. Clin Pharmacokinet 2003;42:941-67. View abstract.

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Gentile V, Vicini P, Prigiotti G, et al. Preliminary observations on the use of propionyl-L-carnitine in combination with sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction and diabetes. Curr Med Res Opin 2004;20:1377-84. View abstract.

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5 Worthy Holistic Reasons to Use 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.

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.

5 Worthy Holistic Reasons to Use Propionyl-L-Carnitine