Glycocarn is the brand name of a supplement made from glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC). GPLC is an amino acid produced naturally in the human body. Amino acids make up the structure of proteins. People take Glycocarn supplements to improve the health of their heart, skeletal muscles and vascular system.
GLPC is also used in pharmaceuticals to treat a range of conditions, some which require intravenous administration. GLPC can improve circulation, energy, heart function and sexual performance.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Glycocarn supplements contain a naturally occurring amino acid called glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC), also known as propionyl-L-carnitine. GPLC assists the body in the production of energy. The amino acid is essential for many of the body's processes, such as heart function and muscle mo... more
Glycocarn supplements contain a naturally occurring amino acid called glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC), also known as propionyl-L-carnitine. GPLC assists the body in the production of energy. The amino acid is essential for many of the body's processes, such as heart function and muscle movement, according to EMedicineHealth.com. Taking GPLC may improve blood flow.
GPLC is also used to treat several medical conditions, from chronic fatigue syndrome to peripheral vascular disease. It has several uses for conditions affecting the heart, such as congestive heart failure, chronic ischemic heart disease and chest pain.
Glycocarn supplements may be beneficial for people who have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Supplements containing both GPLC and another amino acid called acetyl-L-carnitine is used as treatment for CFS.
Although Glycocarn may improve fatigue in people with CFS, there is insufficient evidence that GPLC is effective for fatigue, according to WebMD. However, the combination of GPLC and acetyl-L-carnitine seems to be less effective than taking either supplement without the other.
People with diabetes may take Glycocarn supplements for circulation issues. Poor circulation is a common and dangerous complication associated with diabetes. According to Health.Gather.com, more than 50 percent of the amputations performed in the United States are caused by diabetes. Amputations are typically necessary because of damage to the arteries in the legs.
Some people take Glycocarn to improve circulatory issues as a result of diabetes. However, there is insufficient evidence that GLPC improves circulation.
Glycocarn supplements may help people with intermittent claudication caused by peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Intermittent claudication is leg pain while walking caused by poor blood flow through the arteries in the legs. PVD is a condition characterized by poor blood circulation and is frequently the result of diabetes or atherosclerosis, which describes hardening of the arteries.
Blood flows through arteries to travel throughout the body. If it is hindered due to arterial damage or clogged arteries people experience pain and additional complications due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching areas of the body.
GPLC taken orally or injected through an IV appears to improve severe leg pain. It does not appear to improve milder cases of PVD.
Men who are going through “male menopause” have low levels of testosterone. Low testosterone may cause sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED). Men whose sexual issues are caused by poor circulation or diabetes may take GPLC and prescription drugs to treat their performance problems.
Low testosterone often occurs with age. Older men with low testosterone may take Glycocarn and acetyl-L-carnitine together to improve sexual performance. The combination may also help relieve tiredness and depression.
The option to take amino acid supplements offers a valid alternative to men who do not want to partake in hormone replacement therapy. WebMD states that the combination of GPLC and acetyl-L-carnitine may be as effective as taking testosterone.
Peyronie's disease is a condition that affects men only and may improve by taking GPLC supplements. Men with Peyronie's disease have an increase in fibrous tissue in their penises.
Research shows that combining GPLC with injections of a pharmaceutical drug called verapamil can improve sexual performance and may slow progression of the disease. Verapamil and GPLC can decrease the occurrences of surgery that result from developing Peyronie's disease.
A complication of congestive heart failure is diminished exercise capacity. Congestive heart failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body; this results in a lowered ability to engage in physical activity. GPLC may improve several issues associated with congestive heart failure including exercise tolerance.
GPLC may improve exercise tolerance in patients with mild to moderate congestive heart failure. It can also reduce fatigue, swelling and shortness of breath.
The GPLC that is used to make Glycocarn is also administered intravenously in hospital and clinical settings. Healthcare professionals give GPLC intravenously to treat heart disease, including angina (chest pain) and congestive health failure. GPLC may possibly be effective for chronic ischemic heart disease as well. Ischemic heart disease is a partial blockage of blood circulation to the heart. A complete blockage leads to a heart attack.
Intravenous GPLC is also used by healthcare professionals to treat PVD and complications, including intermittent claudication and wound healing.
Even though GPLC is a natural substance, Glycocarn supplements may cause side effects. According to WebMD, GPLC is safe for most people, both as an oral supplement or IV medication, but it can cause side effects, such as:
Some people should not take Glycocarn supplements or GPLC. People who have seizures may need to avoid Glycocarn. Some people report an increase in the number of seizures and the severity of their seizures after they start using oral L-carnitine. This could also happen if people take GPLC because its chemical structure is so similar to L-carnitine.
People with underactive thyroids also should not take Glycocarn supplements. People with underactive thyroids have a condition called hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that assist in many body processes.
Glycocarn may interfere with hypothyroidism treatment or worsen symptoms of the condition. Concerns over the interaction stem from the observance that L-carnitine interferes with thyroid hormones, according to EMedicineHealth.com.
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should err on the side of caution and avoid Glycocarn.
Glycocarn supplements may interact with medications, including acenocoumarol and warfarin. Both drugs may cause a moderate interaction, according to EMedicineHealth.com.
Acenocoumarol is sold under the brand name Sintrom. This medication slows blood clotting. Glycocarn supplements may strengthen the effects of acenocoumarol. Increased effects could mean that blood clots excessively. An interaction could also lead to bleeding and bruising. Effects may be lessened by changing acenocoumarol doses.
Warfarin is another medication given to slow blood clotting. Warfarin is sold under the brand name Coumadin. It may also interact with with Glycocarn supplements. GPLC can increase effects of this medication. The interaction may increase the risks of bleeding and bruising. Doses of warfarin may require adjustment and patients may need to have their blood checked regularly if using GPLC and warfarin at the same time, according to EMedicineHealth.com.
Recommended doses of Glycocarn supplements vary depending upon what condition someone needs to treat. Research has shown benefits of using oral GPLC supplements in some studies. For intravenous usage, healthcare professionals will determine amounts based on individual needs.
According to WebMD, doses for oral GPLC include:
| Vomiting |
| Chest Pain |
| Nausea |
| Stomach Pain |
| Weakness |
| Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine HCl, Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride, L-Carnitine Propionyl, LPC, PLC, Propionil-L-Carnitina, Propionylcarnitine |
| Angina |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
| Circulatory Health |
| Congestive Heart Failure |
| Peripheral Vascular Disease |
| Peyronie’s Disease |
| Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease |
| Intermittent Claudication |
| Male Menopause |