What is Glycine?

Most people know that protein is important, but not everyone knows that different amino acids have different jobs. Amino acids are the individual building blocks of protein. Glycine is one amino acid, which is considered conditionally essential.  This means that other amino acids are needed for the body to make glycine, which still might not be adequate for optimal health. Glycine has many important roles and research shows supplementation can be helpful in supporting a variety of health outcomes.

How Is Glycine Used In The Body?

Glycine is used in a myriad of ways in the body. One way is as a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger of the brain and spinal cord. The type of message glycine sends to our nervous system is described as “inhibitory” or more simply, calming. Some neurotransmitters are excitatory or stimulating, meaning they increase the activity of the brain, while others inhibit or repress activity. Glycine can assist in decreasing the activity of neurons (brain cells), which may improve quality of sleep, support a calm disposition, and balance brain activity, especially for individuals that have a hard time “shutting my brain off.” Research and clinical experience show that glycine can be useful in supplemental form for sleep support, especially when used alongside other lifestyle and supplement changes.

Consider Supplementing With Glycine To Help

• Improve Sleep
• Calm Deposition/Mood
• Balance Brain Activity
• Help “Shut Your Brain Off”
• Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Another reason an individual may require glycine supplementally is due to the requirement of tetrahydrofolate, a form of folate, for glycine production. If is B9 (folate) intake is not sufficient glycine production can become impaired. Glycine levels might also become less than desirable due to low blood sugar or blood sugar dysregulation. Furthermore, glycine is a byproduct of glucose breakdown and brain cells need a steady stream of glucose to manufacture neurotransmitters. That means, if someone has chronically low blood sugar levels, then their glycine production drops as well. Additionally, some research seems to show that taking glycine can help support healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, is also impacted by glycine levels. Glutathione helps protect cells against oxidative damage otherwise described as inflammation. This is important as low glutathione levels are seen in a wide variety of chronic diseases and acute infections. Individuals with diabetes and COVID-19 infections, for example, are just two cases where glutathione levels drop dramatically. This is important to note since inflammation is associated with the progression of both diseases.

Although beneficial in many cases, some individuals should use caution when supplementing with glycine. Glycine breakdown creates oxalate acid, which in some can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Working with a trained health professional that can guide you on what supplements are appropriate for you is recommended. If you have questions about glycine, supplements, or functional lab tests that can tell you more about your individual needs, please call our office to book an appointment.

Are you ready to add Glycine to your supplement regimen? Consider Glycine Max.

Glycine Max contains the amino acid glycine in a pure powder form for flexible dosing and patient convenience. Glycine powder mixes well in water or any other beverage, and may be beneficial in supporting normal muscle tissue repair post workout.