Propionyl L-Carnitine (PLCAR) Supplement Review vs. ALCAR

The supplement Propionyl L-Carnitine is also known as PLCAR and GPLC (Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine).

It is closely related to Acetyl L-Carnitine, a nootropic compound that can enhance mental performance, memory, and concentration.

PLCAR is a propionyl ester of L-Carnitine that includes an additional glycine component. This ester comes from a clear fatty (or lipid) acid with a pungent odor.

Glycine is connected to this supplement in the form of a molecular bond. The glycine itself is thought to be a precursor to the important metabolic substance Creatine.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Natural Nootropic

Mental Energy

Brain Function

Memory

How It Works:

• Increases mental energy & focus
• Promotes neuron health & anti-aging
• Improves memory, alertness & signalling

Dosage:

Between 500 - 2,500 per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Propionyl L-Carnitine Effects

The structure of this supplement gives it a very high bioavailability rate of around 80%, meaning that most of what you take will actually go towards being usable.

This makes it more effective than L-Carnitine, which is known to have low bioavailability.

Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine powder is thought to offer benefits for the cardiovascular system and for metabolic function. It is used as an exercise and bodybuilding supplement with reports that it boost endurance and fat loss.

This supplement is known to help the body produce energy. It is also thought to be important for heart function, muscle movement, and many other bodily processes. But perhaps one of the most important ways in which it works is by increasing blood flow and improving circulation.

While Propionyl L-Carnitine is not as powerful a nootropic as Acetyl L-Carnitine, both are considered better than L-Carnitine for mental effects. It is also thought to work as an effective and powerful antioxidant. This means that in addition to removing free radicals and other toxins from the body, it also is able to protect tissues from oxidative stress, especially the heart.

It also serves to increase anaerobic work capacity. Another method of action for this supplement is to stimulate the carnitine palmitoyltransferase pathway. This is particularly important for the processes which catabolize lipids and other fatty acids and is helpful for losing weight.

Propionyl L-Carnitine Supplement Benefits

One of the most important benefits associated with Propionyl L-Carnitine supplementation is that it stimulates the production of nitric oxide within the body.

In fact, several recent studies have shown exactly this, with the supplement resulting in an increase in blood levels of the important nitric oxide.

One of these studies involved giving the supplement to previously sedentary men while the other used resistance trained men.

It is also interesting to note that in at least one of the above referenced studies, lower levels of free radical production were noted in those who were using PLCAR. It protects against free radicals within the system and also against lipid peroxidation (the fatty lipids becoming poisoned by excess oxygen and oxidation). This further shows that the supplement has significant benefits as an antioxidant.

PLCAR assists energy production by facilitating the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria and the removal of waste materials. These effects serve to help protect the body against a number of things including heart disease, type II diabetes, and kidney disease.

Propionyl L-Carnitine is probably most talked about for its potential to help stimulate muscle growth and increase or improve exercise performance. Some of these effects are also related to the increase in nitric oxide levels since this substance does help to increase blood flow to active, working muscles and tissues.

Additionally, the removal of free radicals also may play a role, since free radicals are thought to interfere with exercise performance and lead to faster fatigue among skeletal muscles.

A recent study has shown that PLCAR supplements reduce the lactic acid build up in the muscles as well as increase power output by as much as 15%. These results show why the supplement is popular among bodybuilders.

Carnitine is important for fatty acid transport inside the mitochondria. Using PLCAR supplements may help lead to an ideal amount of fatty acid transport and oxidation. This can help the body to reduce its fat percentage when combined with a program of regular aerobic exercise.

Propionyl L-Carnitine powder has been investigated as a nootropic and it may lead to a moderate boost in mental energy, information processing, concentration and motivation. However, it falls behind its counterpart Acetyl L-Carnitine in this regard.

ALCAR is known to increase Acetylcholine levels in the brain. Higher levels of Acetylcholine can lead to enhanced memory formation and recall; greater fluid intelligence and working memory; and improved focus. PLCAR and ALCAR are frequently used together and may be more effective for nootropic purposes when combined.

Propionyl L-Carnitine has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Effective for improving age-related testosterone deficiency, angina, chronic ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, erectile dysfunction, intermittent claudication, and Peyronie’s disease. Research on supplemental PLCAR is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. At this time, the FDA has not approved Propionyl L-Carnitine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

PLCAR Dosage and Side Effects

An appropriate safe dosage depends on many factors including age, weight, personal sensitivities, physiology, and the reason for taking a supplement.

The below dosage suggestions are general guidelines only, and your dosage may be different. It is always recommended that you speak with a doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs.

We can look to the recent studies on Propionyl L-Carnitine for guidance as to appropriate dosages. Most trials have used between 1-4.5 grams per day.

There are some anecdotal reports that suggest taking as much as 9 grams per day may reduce pain and promote faster recovery from workouts. However dosages this high are not recommended, as they have not been tested and may have a higher risk of side effects.

Based on trials and user reports, a suggested PLCAR dosage range may be somewhere between 1 and 4 grams per day. Start with a lower amount than you think you will need, then only adjust upward slowly and once you have become familiar with the effects.

PLCAR has been rated as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately by adults. While this supplement is thought to be safe and very well-tolerated, especially by healthy adults, there are still a few side effects that have become associated with its use. These include nausea and diarrhea. Some of the more rare effects are sleeplessness, increased appetite, body odor, and rashes.

Propionyl L-Carnitine Review

There is a lot to be said for using Propionyl L-Carnitine as a workout or athletic performance supplement. It has numerous health boosting properties and has been used clinically for heart issues, diabetes, and a number of other diseases.

At the moment, it appears to have a very good safety profile with low risk of side effects. Some nootropic users have seen positive results with this supplement, but in general it is viewed as weaker than ALCAR when it comes to boosting brain function. You may see positive results from stacking Propionyl L-Carnitine with Acetyl L-Carnitine and using these two in your nootropic regimen.

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