Glycine is a semi-essential amino acid and is considered the simplest form of amino acid in nature(with only a single hydrogen atom as its side chain).
It is one of 20 amino acids in the human body that synthesize proteins, and it plays a major role in the generation of multiple other important compounds and proteins. A normal diet contains about 2 grams of glycine daily.
glycine is made naturally by the body, it can also be found in a range of common foods, including meat, fish, dairy, and legumes.
According to the USDA, the glycine content of most meats and seafoods is 1-2 grams per 100 grams of cooked food, eggs contain 0.4 grams per 100 grams of whole egg, and milk contains 0.08 grams per 100 grams of milk.
L-glycine is also the main element that makes up the collagen, fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Amino acid L-glycine and its effect of fitness and health
Glycine Helps ATP process by triggering the release of oxygen to the energy requiring cell-making process; Important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for the immune system. glycine has also been implicated in promoting bone health since it promotes secretion of insulin and Insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1).
creatine can help athletes perform better in short, intense bursts of activity such as weightlifting or any other high RPE exertion style of training.
Since creatine is created by glycine, arginine and methionine, taking L-glycine is going to hinder muscle loss and tissue waste.
Glycine stimulates the anabolic phase(rest-and-digest) in human body by promoting the production of the serotonin(one of the happy hormones) that helps elevate mood, improve sleep and enhance cognition and memory and it has been also supplemented to prevent depression for a while.
It also helps athletes build muscle by reducing excessive stress by producing the key antioxidant glutathione(with the help of glutamine and cysteine amino acids).
Supplementing with glycine has been shown to benefit skin health, relieve joint pain and prevent bone loss. glycine may also reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on your liver by preventing inflammation.
Glycine also functions as a neurotransmitter, functions as a signaling molecule in the immune system, is necessary for the proper function of some enzymes, and plays a role in lipid digestion and absorption. In central nervous system, glycine plays a crucial role as neurotransmitter, thereby controlling intake of food, behavior, and complete body homeostasis.
Glycine deficiency is rare but severe shortage(mostly because of a condition or disease) may lead to failure of immune response, low growth, abnormal nutrient metabolism, and undesirable effects on health.