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Glycine is a sweet tasting, non-essential amino acid that was first isolated in 1820 from gelatin and is also found in good quantity in silk fibroin. This nonessential nutrient can be manufactured from serine and threonine, so dietary intake is not essential.
Glycine retards muscle degeneration by supplying additional creatine, a compound that is present in muscle tissue and is utilized in the construction of DNA and RNA. Glycine helps trigger the release of oxygen to the cell-making process, and is important in the body's manufacture of hormones responsible for a strong immune system. It can be obtained from protein food or synthesized in your nervous system from the amino acid threonine or in your body from serine. Glycine helps build up glycogen levels. Glycine also helps make DNA, skin proteins, collagen, and phospholipids (which make cell membranes). It also participates in the major energy producing biochemical reaction in your body.
Glycine is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, bile acids, and other nonessential amino acids in the body. It is used in many gastric antacid agents. Because high concentrations of glycine are found in the skin and connective tissues, it is useful for repairing damaged tissues and promoting health. It is further found to be useful in aiding the absorption of calcium in the body.
Glycine is necessary for central nervous system function and a healthy prostate. It functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and as such can help prevent epileptic seizures. It has been used in the treatment of manic (bipolar) depression, and can also be effective for hyperactivity.
Having too much of this amino acid in the body can cause fatigue, but having the proper amount produces more energy. If necessary, glycine can be converted into the amino acid serine in the body.
Sources
Natural food sources of glycine include high protein foods such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.
Molecular Description
Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is the only amino acid that is not optically active (it has no stereoisomers). This amino acid is essential for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids as well as of bile acids, porphyrins, creatine phosphate, and other amino acids. On a molar basis, glycine is the second most common amino acid found in proteins and enzymes being incorporated at the rate of 7.5 percent compared to the other amino acids. Glycine is also similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid in the ability to inhibit neurotransmitter signals in the central nervous system.
Glycine Deficiency
Few people are glycine deficient, in part because the body makes its own supply of the non-essential amino acids, and because it is abundant in food sources.
Glycine Health Benefits
It is required to build protein in the body and synthesis of nucleic acids, the construction of RNA as well as DNA, bile acids and other amino acids in the body. It is useful in aiding the absorption of calcium in the body.
It helps in retarding degeneration of muscles since it helps to supply extra creatine in the body. Glycine is considered a remedy for muscle spasms and gout.
It is also found in fairly large amounts in the prostate fluid and may for this reason be important in prostate health. In a study where men were given extra glycine over a period of time, it reduced the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia. Glycine is considered a remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasic (BMH).
The glycine amino acid is also used by the nervous system and its function as an inhibitory neurotransmitter makes it important to help prevent epileptic seizures and it is also used in the treatment of manic depression and hyperactivity.
Supplemental Forms
Tablet
Capsule
Glycine Dosage
An RDA has not been established for glycine because it is a nonessential amino acid. Healthy people do not need to supplement glycine.
Toxicity & Symptoms of High Levels of Glycine
No clear toxicity has emerged from glycine studies, however individuals with kidney or liver disease should not consume high intakes of amino acids without consulting a health care professional.
Cautions
Certain medications may interact in a positive and/or negative way with glycine. Consult with your health care provider or a nutritionally oriented practitioner if you are taking medications and/or before you begin the supplemental use of glycine for the support of serious health conditions.
Be sure to be taking 1 vitamin B-complex with breakfast or pyridoxal-5-phosphate with each glycine dose.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
GLYCINE SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS
L-Glycine Powder, Free Form, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lb
L Glycine is a non-essential (vegetarian) amino acid and has the simplest structure of all amino acids, allowing L-Glycine to fit easily within protein chains and make space for structurally larger amino acids.
Glycine Supplement Products
HerbalRemedies: Glycine / L-Glycine Information
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