GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Glycine is a non essential amino acid found
naturally in beans, brewer’s yeast, dairy products, eggs, fish, gelatin, legumes, meat, nuts,
seafood, seeds, soy, sugar cane, whey, and whole grains.
Glycine is important in the control of gluconeogenesis
– the manufacture of glucose from
glycogen in the liver. Glycine is also one of the few amino
acids that can spare glucose for energy by improving
glycogen storage. Therefore, inappropriate blood glucose control may be managed by increased glycine intake. Glycine
is also known to serve as a source of nitrogen for
the manufacture of many other amino acids and is useful in
the synthesis of hemoglobin, glutathione, DNA, and RNA. Glycine is required by the body for the
maintenance of the central nervous system, and the synthesis
of the porphyrin core of hemoglobin. It also enhances
the activity of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain that are important for
memory and cognition. The amino acid is also required for
the prostate gland to function correctly.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Several studies have found that high doses of
glycine, in combination with standard therapy, may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. Glycine may also be useful in treating stroke
victims. One study found that relatively small doses of the
amino acid were able to significantly reduce the damage to
brain cells that occurs after a stroke. However, some studies have found evidence to suggest
that high doses of glycine could actually increase stroke
damage. Thus, the benefits of glycine in limiting stroke
damage remain inconclusive.
Animal studies have found that dietary glycine may protect against chemical damage to the
liver and kidneys, however there is no human data to back up
these findings. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest
that topically applied glycine may aid in wound healing. Results of at least two studies have
shown that supplementary glycine taken in combination
with equal amounts of the amino acids,
alanine and glutamic acid, significantly improves the
symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH).
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
There are no known symptoms of glycine deficiency.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Dosage depends on a number of factors; doses
ranging from 2 to 60g daily have been used for therapeutic purposes in clinical trials.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established, however no serious adverse
effects from using glycine have been seen even with doses as high as 60g per day.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Some studies have shown that glycine may be harmful when taken in combination with newer
antipsychotic drugs, for example clozapine. Therefore,
people taking such medications such not take glycine. People
with kidney disease or liver disease should consult their doctor before taking glycine.
