L-Glycine
L-Glycine
is a non-essential amino acid and is abbreviated as either
GLY or by its one-letter abbreviation G. The name Glycine
is derived from the name glucose (blood sugar) because
it has a sweet taste like sugar. Glycine has a mass of
57.05 and it has the simplest structure of all amino acids.
Glycine is important in the role of gluconeogenesis.
Function-
Glycine is required by the body for maintenance
of the central nervous system by acting as a neural inhibitor.
Glycine has been shown to increase the neurotransmitters
GABA and acetylcholine. In patients suffering from epileptic
seizures the body accumulates high levels of glycine in
the effected areas of the brain. Glycine has also been
beneficial for those suffering from depression and manic
depression.
Glycine
has an effect on the hormones of the body. Research has
documented that a dosage of 4-8 g per day increases serum
growth hormone levels. Dosages of over 12 grams per day
have shown to elevate levels of prolactin.
Glycine
is present in large amounts in prostate fluid. In those
suffering from benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) supplemental
glycine has proven effective in improving symptoms.
Glutathione
metabolism is the most potent detoxification system of
humans. Glycine is a potent detoxifier and has the ability
to stimulate glutathione metabolism. Oral glycine has
also shown to have benefits in purine and uric acid metabolism.
Glycine decreases the amount of uric acid reabsorbed by
the kidneys which can benefit those suffering from gout.
It is found in high concentrations in the skin and connective
tissues and is well known for repairing damaged tissues
and promoting healing.
Glycine
is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, bile
acids, and other nonessential amino acids in the body.
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. It
improves glycogen storage, thus freeing up glucose for
energy needs.
Deficiency-
There is no known signs and symptoms due to glycine deficiency.
Sources-
Glycine is found in food sources such as meat, brewer’s
yeast, eggs, fish, seeds, legumes, whole grains, gelatin,
soy, whey and dairy products.
Precautions-
Glycine is a very non toxic amino acid and has no reported
side effects even taking 30 grams per day.
Requirements-
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed.
Individual needs may differ due to clinical conditions,
biochemical individuality and absorption. All sources
of nutrients should be consumed in their most natural
state, in the form of a variety of foods or supplements
when necessary. Free form amino acid supplements are immediately
absorbed by the body and should be consumed with natural
occurring cofactors for best results. Consulting with
a physician that is properly trained in the natural healing
sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed for optimum
results.
Written
by Jerome
Rerucha D.C.
References-
1. Feinblatt HM, Gant JC. Palliative treatment of benign
prostatic hypertrophy. Value of glycine-alanine-glutamic
acid combination. J Maine Med Assoc 1958;49:99–101, 124.
2. File SE, Fluck E, Fernandes C. Beneficial effects of
glycine (Bioglycin) on memory and attention in young and
middle-aged adults. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1999;19:506–12.
3. Conn, R. M., Yudkoff, M., Rothman, R., and Segal, S.,
Isovaleric acidemia: use of glycine therapy in neonates.
New Eng. J. Med., 299:996-999, 1978.
4. DeFeudis, F. V., Glycine-receptors in the vertebrate
central nervous system. Acta Physiol. Lati-noam., 27:1
31-145, 1977.
5. Food Processing. Sweet tasting amino acid, glycine,
enhances flavor and provides functional properties. July
1983.
