Glycine

What is Glycine?

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid derived from the alkaline hydrolysis of gelatine, a protein amino acid. The body mainly uses glycine to help create muscle tissue and to convert glucose into energy.

High-protein foods, such as fish, meat, beans, milk, and cheese, are the best dietary sources of glycine. Glycine is also available in capsule and powder forms, and as part of many combination amino acid supplements.

Glycine helps regulate blood sugar levels, and thus glycine supplementation may be useful for treating symptoms characterized by low energy and fatigue, such as hypoglycaemia, anaemia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Glycine is essential for a healthy, normally functioning digestive system. It helps regulate the synthesis of the bile acid used to digest fats, and is included in many commercial gastric antacid agents.

Studies have shown that glycine also helps improve memory retrieval loss in those that suffer from a wide variety of sleep-depriving conditions, including schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, jet lag, and overwork.

Glycine seems to play a role in keeping the prostate healthy. In one study, glycine was shown to help reduce the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia in men. More research is still being carried on the potential of glycine as a possible cancer treatment.

Side Effects and Warnings of Glycine

There are few if any side effects that have been recorded by Glycine supplement users. This may be due to the fact that Glycine is produced naturally by the body and is a non-essential amino acid.

Individuals with kidney or liver disease should not consume glycine without consulting their doctor. Taking any one amino acid supplement can cause a disruption of the citric acid or Krebs cycle, and cause a build-up of nitrogen or ammonia in the body.

Anyone taking anti-spastic drugs should consult a physician before supplementing with glycine, since it theoretically could increase the effects of these medications.

You should however always follow the product usage instructions and also consult with your medical practitioner before using this or any other dietary supplement.

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