Glycine

An Amino Acid

Description:

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid which is extremely abundant in the body. It is the simplest amino acid and called glycine because its sweet taste resembles that of glucose and glycogen.

Plants/Foods:

Avocado
Cheese
Chicken
Chocolate
Cottage cheese
Duck
Egg
Granola
Oat flakes
Pork
Ricotta
Turkey
Wheat germ
Whole milk
Wild game
Yogurt

Physiologic Functions:

Builds glycogen levels
Binds to the locus ceruleus in the midbrain and decreases the output of norepinephrine leading to calmness
Enters the Krebs cycle through pyruvate
Glycine, taurine and GABA are the major inhibitory neurotransmitters of the brain
Helps in the manufacture of DNA, glycerol and phospholipids, cholesterol conjugates, skin proteins, collagen and glutathione
Important in the photochemical action of the retina
Increases renal clearance of uric acid
Releases growth hormone in high doses

Clinical Indications:

Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Gout
Insomnia
Schizophrenia
Detoxification (alleviates toxic effects of phenols, benzoic acid and methionine)
Epilepsy
Hypercholesterolemia
Isovaleric acidemia
Myasthenia (with manganese and vitamin E)
Muscular dystrophy
Reduces aggression when combined with inositol
Spasticity
Wound healing

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Abnormal EEG
Hiccups
Mental retardation
Myoclonus
Seizures

Causes of Deficiencies:

Inborn errors of glycine metabolism

Contraindications:

Limited data

Toxicity and Side Effects:

Very low toxicity