Glycine

What it is


Glycine is an amino acid that is present in proteins and is involved in the synthesis of other biomolecules, including creatine and heme. It was first isolated from gelatine in 1820 by Henri Braconnot, and its structure was determined in 1902 by Emil Fischer. Glycine has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on the body, including its ability to improve sleep and reduce stress. It is also involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite. In addition, glycine has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may improve cognitive function, particularly in individuals with impaired brain function due to age or disease.


Glycine has been investigated as a potential treatment for a number of neurological disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. In animal studies, glycine has been shown to improve memory and learning, and to protect against brain damage induced by ischemic stroke. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of glycine in the treatment of these conditions in humans.


Glycine is available in a number of forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders. It can also be found in food sources, such as meat, fish, dairy products, and legumes. Some people may choose to take glycine supplements to ensure they are getting sufficient amounts of the amino acid, although it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.



How it works


Glycine is an amino acid that is classified as a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be synthesized by the body and is not necessarily required in the diet. It is a small, non-polar amino acid with a single hydrogen atom as its side chain. Glycine is involved in a number of physiological processes in the body, including the synthesis of proteins, the synthesis of other biomolecules such as creatine and heme, and the regulation of muscle contractions. It is also involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a role in the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite.


In terms of its pharmacology, glycine has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on the body, particularly in relation to neurocognition. It has been shown to improve sleep, reduce stress, and potentially improve cognitive function, particularly in individuals with impaired brain function due to age or disease. Glycine has also been investigated as a potential treatment for a number of neurological disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. In terms of its chemical properties, glycine is a zwitterion at physiological pH, meaning that it has both a positive and a negative charge. It is a small, non-polar amino acid with a single hydrogen atom as its side chain. Glycine is highly soluble in water and is often used as a buffer in biochemical reactions.


The felt effects of glycine may vary depending on the individual and the dosage being taken. Some people may experience improvements in sleep and reductions in stress within a few hours of taking glycine, while others may not notice any effects. In terms of cognitive function, some studies have shown improvements in memory and learning in individuals taking glycine supplements, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects on cognitive function.


Glycine is generally considered to be safe when taken at recommended doses, although some people may experience side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking glycine, particularly if you have a history of liver or kidney disease or are taking any medications.



How it is taken


The recommended dosage of glycine varies depending on the individual and the reason for taking the supplement. In general, doses of 3-5 grams per day are considered safe and effective for most adults. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as the optimal dosage may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health status.


In terms of the best time of day to take glycine, it may be helpful to take it at bedtime as it has been shown to improve sleep quality. However, some people may find it more beneficial to take glycine in the morning or during the day to help with stress and cognitive function. It is ultimately up to the individual to determine the best time of day to take glycine based on their specific needs and goals.




References and further reading:

  1. Lu, Y., Ma, Y., Cheng, J., Zhang, Q., & Zhang, Y. (2012). The role of glycine in the central nervous system. Amino Acids, 43(5), 1553-1561.

  2. Mischley, L. K., & Bartus, R. T. (2008). Glycine as a therapeutic agent for stroke. Current Drug Targets, 9(4), 309-314.

  3. Bannai, M., & Kawai, N. (2012). The role of glycine in the central nervous system. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 120(2), 67-74.

  4. van der Worp, B. B., Howells, D. W., Sena, E. S., Porritt, M. J., Rewell, S., O'Collins, V., … Macleod, M. R. (2010). Glycine as a neuroprotective treatment for acute stroke. Stroke, 41(3), e18-e20.

  5. Kajimoto, K., Kajimoto, O., & Kim, H. (2011). Glycine: a promising candidate for the treatment of schizophrenia. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 11(6), 877-888.