Recent research has indicated that short term administration of glycine propionyl-L-carnitine(GPLC) significantly elevates levels of nitric oxide metabolites at rest and in response to reactive hyperaemia. However, no scientific evidence exists that suggests such supplementation enhances exercise performance in healthy, trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of GPLC on the performance of repeated high intensity stationary cycle sprints with limited recovery periods in resistance trained male subjects... (read more)

We have recently demonstrated that oral intake of glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) increases plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx), a surrogate measure of nitric oxide production. However, these findings were observed at rest, and in previously sedentary subjects... (read more)

Approximately twenty years ago, it was discovered that a particular factor produced within endothelial tissue specifically relaxes the adjacent smooth muscle of blood vessels thereby allowing vasodilation and increased blood flow to various tissues including skeletal muscle. This factor was initially referred to as endothelium-derived relaxing factor but is now known as nitric oxide... (read more)

Hundreds if not thousands of new sport supplements are introduced each year, many of which have little or no scientific evidence of effect. More importantly, based on the relevant biochemistry and the suggested recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer, there is little reason to believe that many of these products would have any meaningful effect. Rather, aggressive marketing campaigns, coupled with paid endorsements from top athletes (and a bit of “placebo” effect thrown in for good measure), catapult these products to the top of their respective class within months of being on the market... (read more)

Dietary supplements purported to increase nitric oxide production have gained enormous popularity within the athletic (e.g., bodybuilding) community in recent years. Although anecdotal reports suggest apotential benefit from using such products, the scientific evidence is sparse. To the knowledge of this author, only one ingredient consumed in oral form by human subjects has been reported within the scientific literature to promote an increase in blood nitric oxide. This ingredient is a unique form of L-carnitine called glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC)... (read more)

Let’s be honest: getting a big muscle pump looks and feels damn good. But vanity aside, it also has a spectacular side effect… anabolism! If you want to start maximizing your pump now, keep reading, because you’re about to discover the best supplements for doing just that. We all know that the pump is that amazing, albeit temporary, increase in muscle size we get while training. But what is it and how can we use it to achieve our goals? This muscle-swelling phenomenon is actually a localized increase in muscle blood flow used to deliver more nutrients and clear away waste. To understand why this is a big deal, consider the following... (read more)

Bodybuilders are constantly seeking methods to improve exercise performance and recovery. Aside from advanced training techniques, well-planned dietary strategies, optimal rest, and in some cases pharmaceutical assistance, the use of nutritional supplements is often considered paramount. This is because many products are currently available that appear to provide assistance in this regard. Some products contain new ingredients that are relatively unknown by those within the bodybuilding community. However, in some cases these new ingredients may be of great interest to bodybuilders, strength athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts. One such ingredient is Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC) or GlycoCarn®... (read more)

Dietary supplements purported to increase nitric oxide production have gained enormous popularity within the athletic (e.g., bodybuilding) community in recent years. Although anecdotal reports suggest a potential benefit from using such products, the scientific evidence is sparse. To the knowledge of this author, only one ingredient consumed in oral form by human subjects has been reported within the scientific literature to promote an increase in blood nitric oxide...(read more)

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are constantly looking for methods to improve exercise performance and to lose additional body fat. In this quest, individuals look towards advanced exercise training methods, dietary strategies, and nutritional supplements. Pertaining to the latter, several products are available, some with a substantial body of evidence in support of their use (e.g., creatine, caffeine), and many more with little to no evidence indicating beneficial effects on either exercise performance or body composition... (read more)

Dietary supplementation with the naturally occurring nutrient L-carnitine has been extensively studied as an aid to improve fatty acid metabolism and aerobic exercise capacity, to provide antioxidant benefits, and to enhance blood flow to active tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle and heart). While multiple forms of carnitine have been the focus of ongoing scientific study over the past several decades, and several are currently available for retail sale, Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC) has been shown to provide an optimal vasodilatory effect to blood vessels, and to support healthy heart and skeletal muscle function... (read more)

Dietary supplementation with the naturally occurring nutrient L-carnitine has been extensively studied as an aid to improve fatty acid metabolism and aerobic exercise capacity, to provide antioxidant benefits, and to enhance blood flow to active tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle and heart). While multiple forms of carnitine have been studied and are currently available, Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC) has been shown to best support healthy heart and skeletal muscle function... (read more)

We are all integrally involved with the global systems of interdependence in financial complexities, population stabilities and the essential core requirement for individual health and wellness: Energy Sufficiency and Redox Balance, ie: Cellular ATP Supply and Oxidative/Reductive Stress Homeostasis. Whether individuals are involved in minimally, physically demanding activities or excessively high-output, physically-strenuous athletic performance, we all metabolically function optimally with adequate energy availability and effective intracellular Oxidative Balance... (read more)

We have recently demonstrated that oral intake of glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) increases plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx), a surrogate measure of nitric oxide production. However, these findings were observed at rest, and in previously sedentary subjects... (read more)

Nitric oxide (NO_), initially known as endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF), is biosynthesized within the body from L-arginine and oxygen by a variety of nitric oxide synthase enzymes... (read more)

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), often referred to as “free radicals”, exceeds antioxidant defense (Halliwell and Cross, 1994; Sies, 1997). The antioxidant system is comprised of both endogenous (within the body) and exogenous (outside of the body) defense mechanisms... (read more)