Benefits
·
Supports Energy Production in Heart Tissue*
Propionyl L-carnitine
is a natural component of the body’s carnitine pool. Research
has shown that it mediates several metabolic effects that may
result in enhanced muscle function. Studies indicate that
propionyl L-carnitine stimulates the efficiency of energy
production in the Krebs’ cycle during conditions in which oxygen
levels are low. Propionyl L-carnitine supplies the usable
substrate propionate, which can be utilized by the body to
produce the Krebs’ intermediate succinate, increasing the
efficiency of energy production in vascular tissue. Research
suggests that individuals supplementing with propionyl L-carnitine
have improved maximal exercise duration and oxygen consumption
over those given a placebo.1 A major mechanism of
action of carnitine and propionyl L-carnitine in supporting
heart function, therefore, appears to be their ability to
increase the availability of substrates for energy production in
muscle tissue. However, propionyl L-carnitine also has
antioxidant activity, protecting tissue from the ravages of
oxidative stress.2
Coenzyme Q10
is a vitamin-like nutrient found in the human body. CoQ10 works
at the cellular level to produce energy for metabolism in the
form of ATP.3,4
CoQ10 serves as an important cofactor in the "electron
transport chain," which is the final step in the production of
ATP in the mitochondria of cells. Without an adequate supply of
CoQ10, cells can become energy-deficient, slowing down a number
of critical cellular processes. When cells are nourished with
adequate levels of CoQ10, tissues, organs and systems function
properly.
·
Enhances Cardiovascular and Muscle Function*
Research has
shown that the nutrients propionyl L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10
are essential for optimal cardiovascular and skeletal muscle
function, as both play major roles in supporting the healthy
functioning of heart tissue. Research findings point to the fact
that tissue levels of CoQ10 decrease with age. Similar research
in animals and humans demonstrate a decrease in tissue L-carnitine
levels, resulting in decreased integrity of mitochondrial
membranes.5 Supplementation and replenishment of both
nutritional factors may be essential in maintaining healthy
cardiac and skeletal muscle function as we age.
Propionyl
L-carnitine has been extensively studied in animals and in human
clinical trials. The results of this research suggest an
enhancement in multiple parameters of heart function with the
administration of propionyl L-carnitine. In a rat study of
chemically-induced heart toxicity, the administration of
propionyl L-carnitine for 2 weeks supported normal
beta-oxidation of fatty acids, mediated or induced antioxidant
defenses to protect the integrity of heart cell membranes
against oxidative damage caused by the chemical agent, and
supported normal cardiac function.6 Human clinical
trials of propionyl L-carnitine supplementation show that the
nutrient may promote healthy circulatory function, enhance
exercise performance, support healthy energy levels and increase
muscle strength.7,8,9
Additional
research suggests CoQ10 has the ability to enhance the
contractile function of heart muscle. The heart is the hardest
working muscle in the body. Because of its high energy
requirements, the heart needs CoQ10 at all times. The highest
concentration of CoQ10 in the human body occurs in heart muscle
tissue. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated significant
improvements in heart function with oral administration of
CoQ10.10,11,12
While CoQ10
has direct benefits in heart muscle, a parallel mechanism for
its protective effect on cardiovascular tissue is likely its
potent antioxidant abilities. The reduced form of CoQ10,
ubiquinol-10, has been found to protect LDL against oxidative
damage by free radicals more effectively than vitamin E. CoQ10
stabilizes cell membranes, protecting them from free radical
damage.13,14,15 Along with conferring protection to
cardiovascular and other tissues, CoQ10 has also been shown to
enhance the levels of other antioxidant vitamins in circulation,
such as vitamins, A, C and E.16
·
Promotes Fat Metabolism*
As mentioned
above, propionyl L-carnitine supplementation can increase plasma
concentration of L-carnitine.8 L-carnitine promotes
energy production in cells by transporting fatty acids into the
mitochondrion. Its primary function is to transfer long-chain
fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Fatty acid
molecules are activated to coenzyme A (CoA) esters in the
cytoplasm of the cell, and then attached to an L-carnitine
molecule. The combination of a fatty acid molecule and L-carnitine
is called “acyl-carnitine.” Much of the body L-carnitine content
is stored in the form of acyl-carnitine.
L-carnitine is
required as a transporter to facilitate the passage of fatty
acids across the mitochondrial membrane, catalyzing their
metabolism for energy production. On the inside of the
mitochondrial membrane, the acyl-CoA esters are made available
to be metabolized through the process of beta-oxidation. One of
the key metabolic byproducts of this process is acetyl-CoA,
which enters the Krebs’ cycle to supply fuel for production of
ATP, the cell’s primary energy supply. L-carnitine also
facilitates the removal of excess short and medium chain fatty
acids from the mitochondria that accumulate during cellular
metabolism.5 L-carnitine is then recycled by the body
and shuttled back across the mitochondrial membrane to
facilitate the process again.17 Since the heart is
dependent on fatty acid oxidation for its functionality, L-carnitine
is an essential cofactor for optimal heart health.
Best GPLC &
CoQ10 featuring GlycoCarn™ provides heart-healthy levels of
propionyl L-carnitine and CoQ10 in a single formulation. Both
nutrients complement each other to support energy production in
heart tissue, enhance cardiovascular and muscle health, and
promote optimal fat metabolism.*
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