What Is Glycine?
Glycine is a nonessential amino acid. This means that it does not need to be obtained from dietary sources (although it is found in many foods); the human body can make glycine using serine, another amino acid. It is also used in
dietary supplements and is claimed to be useful for a variety of different conditions, such as:
Glycine is an amino acid, which is important for building proteins. For most people, the body can make its own, although glycine is also found in protein-rich foods. In addition to its use as a building block for making proteins, glycine works as a neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating NMDA receptors. "NMDA" stands for N-methyl-D-aspartate. Some of the
symptoms of schizophrenia may be related to problems with NMDA receptors.
Glycine may be useful for
schizophrenia treatment in certain situations, and it may also be effective at limiting the
effects of strokes (if taken shortly after a stroke) and for treating leg ulcers (when applied to the skin). It is not known if the product is effective for other uses.
A safe and effective glycine dose has not been established. Make sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular product.
Although it is a "natural" product, glycine can still cause side effects. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mild drowsiness.
(Click Glycine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to glycine. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Safety of Glycine for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose of glycine. If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Glycine Be Stored?
Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep this and all other medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
