Carnitine Analogs

Formula364 · Sep 6, 2016

I use Beverly International proteins, vit/min pak, and aminos.
They market this product for those over 35:
http://beverlyinternational.com/products/Quadracarn.html

It has 4 analogs: l-carnitine, n-acetyl-l-carnitine, propionyl-l-carnitine and l-carnitine l-tartrate

Would this still be a good supplement to take on TRT, or does TRT negate the proposed benefits?

Thanks,

Vince Carter · Sep 6, 2016

Im baffled by the need for 4 different versions of L-Carnitine, for one, and I'm certain that can be obtained from the likes Bulk Supplements or Hard Rhino on as much as 500g bags. Id spend some time researching the most bio effective version and settling on one, my guess being the NAcetyl version as that will broach the blood-brain-barrier very effectively.

Formula364 · Sep 7, 2016

All four naturally occur in the body, but will not necessarily convert if there is a minimum present. Adding them could be of benefit. I'm familiar with L-Carnitine and NAC, don't know about the other two.

"Each carnitine analog has its own unique chemical structure. Your body will therefore absorb, distribute, metabolize and respond to it differently. In pharmacological terms, we say that each analog has its own unique “pharmacokinetic” and “pharmacodynamic” properties. Thus, by combining several analogs into one formula, you can enjoy a broader range of potential benefits."
"In light of the importance of ARs to androgen effectiveness, it was exciting to learn that a clinical study published in the well-respected journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise reported that dietary supplementation with a carnitine analog known as l-carnitine l-tartrate, one of the four analogs found in Quadracarn™, can actually increase AR levels in resistance training subjects and that this may enhance recovery from their workouts. Considering the many roles played by androgens in human physiology –sex, muscle, mood and more-- the boost in androgen effectiveness associated with l-carnitine l-tartrate supplementation may provide more benefits than just faster recovery."

Vince Carter · Sep 7, 2016

Remember they're saying it's good because they're selling it.

Formula364 · Nov 13, 2016

From this interesting article:https://examine.com/supplements/L-Carnitine/
If you scroll way down to Scientific Research--Table of Contents--Itneractions w/Hormones--Androgens:

9.1. Androgens

Supplemental L-Carnitine L-Tartrate at 2g daily has been shown in vivo to increase the density of Androgen Receptors in muscle cells over 21 days.[SUP][203][/SUP] Although this mechanism would not increase testosterone levels per se, it may increase the effects of testosterone as they are vicarious through its receptors.
2g L-Carnitine L-Tartrate does not further increase testosterone levels that are induced by exercise after 3 weeks supplementation in healthy males[SUP][190][/SUP] and still does not increase test in a population of men going through andropause (male equivalent of menopause) despite controlling other symptoms.[SUP][204][/SUP] In one rat study, it was noted that although Acetyl-L-carnitine did not increase testosterone that it prevented the decline of testosterone associated with chronic stress.[SUP][205][/SUP]

Supplementation may be a decent adjunct to a testosterone boosting protocol, but aside from a lack of evidence on its mechanisms, it does not seem to boost testosterone itself.

9.2. Growth Hormone

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, at 2g daily over 3 weeks, was able to increase levels of IGF Binding Protein-3 that are induced by exercise for about 180 minutes. This theoretically may increase the effects of IGF-1 and IGF-2 by giving them more time in the blood.[SUP][190]

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14.7. DHEA

It has been noted that DHEA can increase sensitivity of red blood cells to oxidative stress at concentrations thought to be relevant to supplementation[SUP][238][/SUP] (higher concentrations of 2mM induce nonoxidative cell death, but are not thought to be practically relevant to oral supplementation of standard doses[SUP][239][/SUP]) while L-carnitine appears to exert antioxidative effects at the level of the red blood cell membrane[SUP][240][/SUP] which may result in an increase in cell survival in vitro.[SUP][241][/SUP]
One study in rats tested both L-carnitine L-tartrate (195mg/kg in the drinking water) and DHEA sulfate (1mg/kg) noted that, while neither agent alone influenced red blood cells, that the combination led to a minor reduction in both red blood cell count (12.1%) and hematocrit (9.7%) despite hemoglobin and other erythrocytic indices being unaffected in all groups.[SUP][118][/SUP]

It is possible for L-carnitine and DHEA to have interactions at the level of the red blood cell, although the clinical relevance of this information (beneficial, inert, or harmful) is not yet known and more data required

GPLC is a Glycine amino acid, bound to a carnitine molecule that is esterified to a short chain fatty acid. When Propinoyl-L-Carnitine reaches the mitochondria, it gets metabolized into L-carnitine and propionyl coenzyme A.[SUP][42][/SUP][SUP][43][/SUP] Propionyl coenzyme A is relevant as it gets converted into succinyl coenzyme A and thus succinate, which is an intermediate in the TCA cycle. Due to providing succinate as well as carnitine, supplemental GPLC can provide an anaplerotic effect.[SUP][44][/SUP]
The initial stages of metabolism are undergone by the enzyme Carnitine acetyltransferase, the same enzyme that mediates the breakdown of ALCAR to L-carnitine.[SUP][45][/SUP]
In practice, Propionyl-L-Carnitine appears to be more effective than L-Carnitine on matters related to blood flow and regulation. The most significant usage is seen with Intermittent Claudication where PLC exerts more benefit than Carnitine even on a molar basis, suggesting synergism between the Propionyl group and the Carnitine group.[SUP][46][/SUP] GPLC has also been used to increase Nitric Oxide production in sedentary men[SUP][47][/SUP] and athletes at doses of 3-4.5g daily.[SUP][48]

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Formula364 · Nov 13, 2016

And from the U of Maryland: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/carnitine-lcarnitine

[h=2]Male Infertility[/b]Low sperm counts have been linked to low carnitine levels in men. Several studies suggest that L-carnitine supplements may increase sperm count and motility.
[h=2]Erectile Dysfunction[/b]Preliminary studies suggest propionyl-L-carnitine may help improve male sexual function. One study found that carnitine improved the effectiveness of sidenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra. In another study, a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine improved the effectiveness of Viagra in men who had erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. More studies are needed.
[h=2]Peyronie Disease[/b]Peyronie disease is characterized by a curvature of the penis that leads to pain during an erection. One promising study compared acetyl-L-carnitine to the medication tamoxifen in 48 men with this condition. Acetyl-L-carnitine worked better than tamoxifen at reducing pain during sex and reducing the curve of the penis. Acetyl-L-carnitine also had fewer side effects than tamoxifen. More research is needed.

madman · Nov 13, 2016

Take Mr. Carters advice and stick with one form at a higher dosage. N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the most bio available of the forms as Vince stated it can easily cross the blood/brain barrier and you do not need to take it with high GI carbs to be absorbed where as L-Carnitine and L-Carnitine-Tartrate carbs are need to be taken with these to be absorbed otherwise you are wasting your money. I would choose between NALC or LCT which was used in the majority of research studies.