Glycine is the smallest among the 20 amino acids found within proteins, but is highly effective for developing strong muscle tissues, producing body energy, and maintaining a healthy digestive and central nervous system.

This amino acid can be generated in the human body from other chemicals and therefore is considered as a non-essential amino acid.

Reported effects

1) Boosts body energy.

2) Builds muscle mass.

3) Helps cure various diseases.

Reported effects include:

Helps cure various diseases - Glycine is one of the key therapeutic agents highly recommended by experts for the treatment of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), stroke, and schizophrenia. Such effects of glycine are widely popular because of its proven results in reducing the symptoms of these health conditions.

Promotes cell formation and function – One of the most common benefits of glycine is its ability to induce DNA and RNA formation. This, in turn, helps in development of new cells and effective functioning of the cellular system within the human body.

Builds muscular mass – Another key benefit of glycine is its ability to develop muscle cells. It induces formation and functioning of creatine that breaks down the muscular tissue to build lean muscle.

Repairs damaged skin tissue – Glycine is a major component of collagen in the skin tissue which promotes smooth development of skin cells and treats damaged tissue.

Boosts body energy – Glycine is also popularly known as a glucogenic amino acid that helps to convert glucose into necessary energy. Supplements including glycine are widely used by athletes and bodybuilders for faster recovery from the symptoms of heavy workouts and fatigue.

Promotes effective digestion – This amino acid also contributes in the formation of bile acid – one of the key agents for effective digestion in the body. Glycine is also used in many antacid agents available for eliminating digestive problems in the human body.

Maintains normal functioning of the central nervous system – Glycine is also known to inhibit the neurotransmitters responsible for various nervous disorders, including bipolar depression, hyperactivity, and seizure activities.

Possible dangers

Glycine is considered non-toxic in the human body and therefore is safe when taken orally or used on the skin. However, a few cases of nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and drowsiness have been reported in certain individuals due to irregular intake of this supplement.

FDA Approved?

Only a few of the available glycine supplements have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Studies

Various studies have reported glycine as one of the most protective anti-stress agents. These studies have also reported that this non-essential amino acid supplement is effective as an immunomodulating nutrient for the human body.

A large number of studies have suggested there are many advantages of glycine for the human body. As per the reports from these studies, glycine supplements have a major impact on the muscle cells and therefore can be taken by individuals who perform strenuous physical activities, including weight training exercise.

As per some reports published by a few studies, glycine hyperpolarizes the nervous cells and therefore provides calming effects to the brain. This, in turn, helps athletes and bodybuilders to remain stress free and focus more on their physical activities without feeling fatigued and run down.

Some studies have also suggested that glycine induces endurance by providing the necessary energy to the body. It contributes in supplying the glucose and converting it to energy when necessary, especially during heavy workouts in training, bodybuilding, and weightlifting exercises.

According to some scientific studies, glycine supplements can be useful for the treatment of certain medical conditions and genetic disorders, including 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency, Schizophrenia, and Isovaleric academia.

Supplements using this ingredient:

1. Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine

2. NOW L-Glycine

3. Glycine 98%

4. Novex® Tris-Glycine Native Running Buffer (10X)

5. Novex® Tris-Glycine SDS Running Buffer (10X denaturing)

6. Musashi – Glycine

Conclusion

Glycine supplements are highly recommended for their many advantages, including growth of muscle, formation of additional energy, and treatment of various diseases.

Bodybuilders and athletes rely on such supplements for maintaining good health and developing lean muscle cells for heavy physical exercises.

Various commercial products include glycine as the primary ingredient along with another important compound – micellar casein.