Glycine Glycine is a nonessential amino acid derived from the alkaline hydrolysis of gelatin. Glycine is the simplest of the 20 natural amino acids. Glycine is the only amino acid that does not have optical isomers. Glycine is a protein amino acid found in the protein of all life forms. It is the simplest amino acid in the body and the only protein amino acid that does not have chirality. Glycine is not considered an essential amino acid because the cells in the body can synthesize sufficient amounts of glycine to meet physiological requirements. The body uses it to help the liver in detoxification of compounds and for helping the synthesis of bile acids. It has a sweet taste and is used for that purpose. Glycine is very evolutionarily stable at certain positions of some proteins, because mutations that change it to an amino acid with a larger side chain could break the protein's structure. Glycine is also similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid in the ability to inhibit neurotransmitter signals in the central nervous system. Glycine functions, uses, and health benefits Top nutrition product recommended by vitamins-supplements.org Total Balance provides a broad spectrum of around 80 of the nutrients that your body needs! These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, amino acids, neuronutrients, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, herbal extracts, enzymes and other complementary co-factor ingredients. All these ingredients are assessed at molecular level to ensure synergy, safety and effectiveness. Total Balance utilizes state of the art delivery systems to ensure that the active ingredients reach the liver via the blood stream for distribution to various body organs and cells. In this way, this product provides an overall protection of your vital body systems and organs to strengthen your body and provide the greatest protection against degenerative, acute and chronic disease. Even if you have no signs of illness this is a suitable preventative tool for your health regime. Featured nutritional supplements stores ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glycine is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, bile acids, proteins, peptides, purines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), porphyrins, hemoglobin, glutathione, creatine, bile salts, one-carbon fragments, glucose, glycogen, and l-serine and other amino acids. Glucagon is a hormone that causes glycogen (stored in the liver) to convert to glucose which is needed by the body for energy. Glycine increases the release of glucose into the blood stream by stimulating the glucagon hormone. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord. Glycine systems may be important in controlling epilepsy and other CNS disorders. Glycine also enhances the activity of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain that are involved in memory and cognition. Glycine may be indicated to help alleviate the symptoms of spasticity. Glycine is an inhibitory amino acid with important functions centrally and peripherally. Molecular analogs and precursors can be used to augment these systems. The charged species have difficulty passing the blood-brain barrier and must be carried by transport pumps. Glycine helps convert many potentially harmful substances including toxic phenolic materials such as benzoic acid (sodium benzoate) into harmless forms. Dietary sources of glycine Glycine can be manufactured from other amino acids in the liver, it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet. Glycine is found in many foods high in protein, such as meat, fish, dairy products, and legumes. Glycine supplements can also be available on the market. Glycine dosage, intake Most people do not need to take glycine because the body can manufacture itself. Follow doctor’s advice for the supplemental use of glycine for the support of serious health conditions. Doses used for management of schizophrenia have ranged from 40 to 90 grams daily. Studies examining the role of glycine in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia used doses ranging from 390 milligrams to 780 milligrams per day. Supplemental use of glycine at levels of 1 to 3 grams per day is useful in the treatment of certain forms of bipolar depression (manic depression). Glycine deficiency Usually the deficiency of glycine is rare because the body makes its own supply of the nonessential amino acids. A glycine deficiency may inhibit DNA synthesis. Toxicity, side effects, interactions, and contraindications Toxicity from overdosage of glycine is rare because glycine is made naturally in the body.

Glycine

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.