Generality
Glycine is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins.
Without a chiral center, it belongs to the category of non-essential amino acids; it can in fact be abundantly synthesized by the human organism.
Glycine is easily obtained through the diet, both through foods of animal origin, such as fish and egg white, and through products of vegetable origin, such as soy and other legumes.
Glycine: Chemical Structure
Glycine is involved in various bodily functions, including:
- Synthesis of proteins, peptides and purines;
- Synthesis of ATP;
- Synthesis of nucleic acids;
- Synthesis of hemoglobin;
- Synthesis of glutathione and creatine;
- Synthesis of bile salts;
- Synthesis of structural proteins such as collagen;
- Synthesis of glucose and glycogen;
- Neurotransmitter activity.
Indications
Why is glycine used? What is it for?
Glycine has been used for years in various fields, from medical to cosmetology.
Each field of application is evidently justified by the biological and chemical-physical role of this amino acid.
In the clinical setting, glycine is mainly used as an antipsychotic and antispasmodic, thanks to its ability to interact with specific receptors located in the central nervous system.
Preliminary studies, not yet confirmed, would also attribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential to glycine.
Glycine and its sodium salt, indicated on the label with the initials E640, are also used in the food industry as flavor enhancers and sweeteners, while in the cosmetic field they are used as tampons in the preparation of deodorants and other hygiene products.
Properties and Effectiveness
What benefits has glycine shown during the studies?
The use of glycine in the clinical setting is supported by numerous evidences, both experimental and clinical.
The clinical evidence focuses mainly on the neuropharmacological effect of glycine, effective in
- check the typical signs of lower limb spasticity in chronic pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis;
- improve symptoms in drug-resistant schizophrenia.
For their part, experimental studies would show an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of glycine, particularly effective in:
- Reduce the formation of neoplastic foci in the liver;
- Reduce the size of melanomas by suppressing angiogenesis and regulating normal cell turnover;
- Improve lipid metabolism;
- Promote the mitochondrial functionality of fibroblasts, safeguarding the synthesis of collagen (interesting antiaging property)
Furthermore, by virtue of the precursor role towards creatine, glycine would also have been ascribed ergogenic properties, however not confirmed.
Dosage and method of use
How to use glycine
In the supplementary and dietary field, generally we resort to the use of daily dosages of glycine higher than one gram, divided into several intakes.
The pharmacological treatment of complex pathologies, such as schizophrenia, can make use of daily dosages exceeding even 40 g. In these circumstances, medical supervision is mandatory.
Side effects
The use of glycine is generally safe and well tolerated.
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea and cramping pains have been observed very rarely.
Contraindications
When should glycine not be used?
The use of glycine is contraindicated in dehydrated, anuric patients, suffering from severe liver disease or hypersensitive to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological interactions
What drugs or foods can modify the effect of glycine?
Glycine administration could theoretically enhance the pharmacological effect of antispasmodic drugs such as diazepam.
No other noteworthy drug interactions are known.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking glycine?
The use of glycine supplements is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Given the ability of glycine to be converted into ammonia in the intestinal environment, it is recommended to avoid the use of glycine in patients with impaired liver function.
