Glycine amino acid information page

Glycine is a sweet tasting, non-essential amino acid that was first isolated in 1820 from gelatin and is also found in good quantity in silk fibroin. This nonessential nutrient can be manufactured from serine and threonine, so dietary intake is not essential.

on this page

• Glycine is required for
• Deficiency of glycine
• Dosage
• Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
• When more may be required
• Other interesting points
• Food sources of glycine
• Glycine found in the following Zest for Life products

Glycine is required for

It is required to build protein in the body and synthesis of nucleic acids, the construction of RNA as well as DNA, bile acids and other amino acids in the body. It is further found to be useful in aiding the absorption of calcium in the body.

It helps in retarding degeneration of muscles since it helps to supply extra creatine in the body.

It is also found in fairly large amounts in the prostate fluid and may for this reason be important in prostate health.

The glycine amino acid is also used by the nervous system and its function as an inhibitory neurotransmitter makes it important to help prevent epileptic seizures and it is also used in the treatment of manic depression and hyperactivity.

Deficiency of glycine

Few people are glycine deficient, in part because the body makes its own supply of the non-essential amino acids, and because it is abundant in food sources.

Dosage

The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

No clear toxicity has emerged from glycine studies, however individuals with kidney or liver disease should not consume high intakes of amino acids without consulting a health care professional.

When more may be required

In a study where men were given extra glycine over a period of time, it reduced the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia.

Other interesting points

If the amino acid serine is required in the body, it can be converted from glycine.

Food sources of glycine

High protein food contains good amounts of glycine and is present in fish, meat, beans, and dairy products.

Glycine found in the following Zest for Life products

• None
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Nutritional information

Underneath we have information page on vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, enzymes and various nutritional compounds that can impact greatly on your general health, well-being and longevity. Please note that these pages are for general information only and must not be used to treat or diagnose health concerns.