Glycine - Nature Cures®

Glycine was the first amino acid that was found in a comet supporting the theory that some of life’s ingredients formed in space and were delivered to Earth long ago by meteorite and comet impacts. It is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins and is synthesised in the liver from the amino acid’s serine and threonine.

Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord, brainstem and retina. It acts alone by binding to the glycine receptor on the post-synaptic membrane or together with glutamate as a co-agonist.

Glycine is also found to be useful in assisting with the absorption of calcium in the body. It helps in retarding degeneration of muscles as it helps to supply extra creatine in the body. It is also important in the body’s manufacture of hormones responsible for a strong immune system. It is also responsible for correct functioning of the prostate gland which contains glycine in fluid produced there.

It is also involved in the body’s production of DNA, phospholipids and collagen. Glycine reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant levels in the liver and brain and blood levels of vitamin E and vitamin C. It provides the liver and brain protection against alcohol-induced damage and may be a possible treatment for schizophrenia.

Natural sources of glycine in alphabetical order

Alfalfa
Apples
Apricots
Beef
Buckwheat
Cheese
Chlorella
Halibut
Legumes
Milk
Oily fish
Organ meats
Poultry
Rabbit
Seaweed
Spirulina
Venison

NOTE: The average adult should ingest 3 to 5 grams of glycine daily.

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