Best GPLC & CoQ10 featuring GlycoCarn™ contains a superior, unique patented nutritional supplemental (Sigma-Tau Industries US patent #6,703,042 B1) form of propionyl L-carnitine called Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine (an AminoCarnitine™) combined with the complementary benefits of CoQ10 under Sigma-Tau Industries US patent #6814972. Propionyl L-carnitine has been well studied for its benefits in promoting the health of energy-intensive muscular tissue, including skeletal muscle and the heart. Propionyl L-carnitine has been shown to increase cellular L-carnitine production. The amino acid L-carnitine facilitates the process of energy production in muscle cells. Propionyl L-carnitine is also known to exhibit significant free radical scavenging activity in the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Studies have also shown that propionyl L-carnitine may increase exercise capacity and overall energy in athletes and supports the overall metabolism of fat.

CoQ10 is a versatile antioxidant, which stabilizes cell membranes, protecting them from free radical damage. CoQ10 also supports heart function and promotes energy production in cells. Heart muscle is the most energy-intensive tissue in the entire body. Best GPLC & CoQ10 featuring GlycoCarn™ combines the powerful cardiovascular support of two potent nutrients into one synergistic formulation designed to optimally support heart and muscle function.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

• Promotes Fat Metabolism

As mentioned above, propionyl L-carnitine supplementation can increase plasma concentration of L-carnitine. 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. L-carnitine is then recycled by the body and shuttled back across the mitochondrial membrane to facilitate the process again. 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.