What is Glycine?

Glycine is a foundational amino acid your body uses to build proteins, synthesize hormones, and regulate the nervous system. It offers vital physiological benefits, including promoting deeper sleep, supporting collagen production for joint and skin health, and driving cellular detoxification.

Glycine is an amino acid that helps build proteins needed for tissue and hormone maintenance. More glycine may help support heart and liver health, improve sleep, reduce diabetes risk, and reduce muscle loss. Along with being a component of protein, glycine has several other impressive health benefits…

1 Glycine is one of three amino acids that your body uses to make glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are thought to underlie many diseases. Without enough glycine, your body produces less glutathione, which could negatively affecthow your body handles oxidative stress over time. In addition, because glutathione levels naturally decline with age, ensuring that you get enough glycine as you get older may benefit your health.

2 Collagen is a structural protein that contains high amounts of glycine. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It provides strength for your muscles, skin, cartilage, blood, bones, and ligaments. Therefore, it’s important that you get enough glycine to support your body’s production of collagen.

3 Many people struggle to get a good night’s rest, either because they have trouble falling or staying asleep. While there are several ways you can improve your sleep quality, such as not drinking caffeinated beverages late in the day or avoiding bright screens a few hours before bedtime, glycine may also help.

Research in people with sleep issues has shown that taking 3 grams of glycine before bed decreases how long it takes to fall asleep, enhances sleep quality, lessens daytime sleepiness and improves cognition.

4 Type 2 diabetes may lead to low levels of glycine. Higher levels of glycine are associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, even after accounting for other factors that are associated with the condition, such as lifestyle.

5 Glycine shows significant potential for supporting heart health through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood pressure-lowering properties.

6 Glycine is also one of three amino acids that your body uses to make a compound called creatine. Creatine provides your muscles with energy to perform quick, short bursts of activity, such as weightlifting and sprinting.

When combined with resistance training, supplementing with creatine has been shown to increase muscle size,strength and power.

It has also been studied for its beneficial effects on bone health, brain function, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.