Microbiome Resilience
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When it comes to foundational molecules in human biology, few are as humble yet as promising as glycine. Despite being the simplest amino acid, it orchestrates a symphony of biological processes—from neurotransmission and metabolism to inflammation control and anti-aging mechanisms. Recent research has propelled glycine from relative obscurity to the spotlight as a potential geroprotector and therapeutic nutrient (source).
Recommended product: Glycine by Thorne
It is the smallest amino acid. Though categorised as “non-essential” because it can be synthesised endogenously, glycine performs vital roles throughout the human body. It constitutes:
20% of nitrogen in body proteins
33% of collagen and elastin
A major precursor for glutathione, creatine, heme, purines, and bile salts
Its endogenous synthesis—primarily from serine, choline, and glyoxylate—is insufficient to meet the body’s full demands, especially in aging or under oxidative stress (source).
Perhaps the most crucial physiological function is its role in synthesising glutathione, a master antioxidant. The synthesis of glutathione involves glycine, cysteine, and glutamate. Glycine’s availability can be rate-limiting, especially in low-protein diets such as vegetarian or vegan regimes.
Studies show:
Elderly individuals have lower levels.
Supplementation with glycine + NAC (N-acetylcysteine) significantly boosts glutathione and redox status.
Animal models show that supplementation restores glutathione levels under stressors like burn injury or alcohol-induced liver damage.
This makes this amino acid an exciting candidate for conditions marked by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation (source).
It has potent immunomodulatory effects (source). It down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines via mechanisms including:
Inhibition of NF-κB expression.
Activation of glycine-gated chloride channels on immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils, leading to hyper-polarisation and reduced calcium influx.
Clinical and animal studies show it:
Reduces oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome
Protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Lowers levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic inflammation marker
Prevents tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) release from Kupffer cells in the liver
It plays a regulatory role in insulin signalling and glucose metabolism:
Enhances glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon secretion
Improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats and humans
Suppresses protein glycation and formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end-products)
In a 6-month clinical trial, it significantly reduced HbA1c from 9.6% to 6.9% in type 2 diabetes patients. The amino acid also showed protective effects in diabetes complications like retinopathy and glomerulosclerosis in rodent models.
It acts as:
An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem via glycine receptors (GlyRs).
A co-agonist for NMDA receptors, facilitating learning and memory.
Diminished glycine receptor function is associated with schizophrenia, pain hypersensitivity, and motor deficits. Supplementation has shown promise in:
Improving motor coordination.
Reducing ischemic brain injury.
Enhancing memory in sleep-deprived subjects.
Emerging evidence reveals it as a pro-longevity agent (source):
In mice, 8% dietary glycine increased lifespan by 3.7% in females and 6.2% in males.
Combined with NAC, it boosted lifespan by over 24% in both sexes.
Glycine mimics the effects of methionine restriction, a known life-extending dietary intervention.
The enzyme glycine-N-methyltransferase (GNMT) plays a central role. GNMT uses glycine to buffer S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels by converting it to sarcosine, which in turn activates autophagy, a critical anti-aging pathway.
It may thus extend lifespan via:
Methionine clearance
Enhanced autophagy
Increased collagen synthesis
Improved mitochondrial function
Human trials consistently report safety and benefit across a wide range of uses:
5–15 g/day reduced HbA1c, blood pressure, and CRP in metabolic syndrome patients
3–6 g/day improved memory, reduced fatigue, and improved urinary function in elderly subjects
It has no major side effects at standard therapeutic doses, making it a safe adjunct for chronic disease management, aging, and metabolic health.
Recommended product: Glycine by Thorne
It is more than just a structural amino acid. It’s a multifunctional, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging micronutrient. As research unfolds, it may play a key role in interventions for:
Aging and longevity
Oxidative stress
Metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Neuroprotection
Cardiovascular health
With strong mechanistic evidence, impressive animal studies, and increasingly positive clinical trials, it is well on its way to becoming a mainstay in functional medicine and longevity science.