The Mental Health Benefits of Glycine (2024)

Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid involved in various biochemical processes in the body, including the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the production of enzymes, and the metabolism of fats.

Glycine can be found in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, as well as some plant-based foods, such as beans and legumes. Glycine supplements are made from pure glycine that has been extracted from these foods.

Glycine also plays a role in cell signaling and is involved in the regulation of muscle contraction. The chemical structure of glycine makes it a versatile molecule that can bind to other molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Glycine can be produced naturally by the body or obtained through the diet or in supplement form.

Mental Health Benefits

Glycine has been shown to have various mental health benefits. Below is a brief list of some of the ways glycine can improve mental health:

1. Glycine may help to improve sleep quality. For example, one study found that taking glycine before bed improved the quality of sleep in people with sleep complaints.
2. Glycine may help to improve memory and cognitive function. One study showed that taking glycine improved certain memory parameters in people with age-related memory decline.
3. Glycine may benefit symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some research has found this association, however another study showed slightly elevated levels of glycine in ADHD.
4. Glycine may help with certain symptoms of schizophrenia. Some studies suggest that high-dose glycine may augment the efficacy of antipsychotic medications in schizophrenia, including positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal and apathy).

If you are interested in trying glycine for yourself, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to see if it is right for you. Glycine is generally considered safe, but there is always a risk of side effects when taking any supplement.

In addition, it is important to be aware that the research on glycine's mental health benefits is still quite limited, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. Nevertheless, glycine shows promise as a natural treatment for various mental health conditions.

Possible Side Effects

Glycine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects, such as abdominal pain (generally reported when taken on an empty stomach) and soft stools. If you experience any of these side effects, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Glycine may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to be aware of these potential interactions before taking glycine. For example, there may be some data to suggest glycine may decrease the effects of Clozaril. Therefore, it is important to speak with a mental health professional or physician if you are taking any medication before taking glycine.

Dosage and Preparation

Glycine is available in supplement form and can be taken orally. The dosage of glycine may vary depending on the condition being treated. For example, the recommended dosage for improving sleep quality is often 3 grams before bedtime. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking glycine to ensure you are taking the appropriate dosage.

What to Look For

When purchasing glycine supplements, it is important to choose a product that is high quality and from a reputable source. Look on the label to make sure the product contains 100% pure glycine.

In addition, it is important to choose a product that has been third-party tested for quality and safety. Foods that naturally contain glycine include meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Glycine is also found in some plant-based foods, such as beans and legumes.