Glycine

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is naturally produced by the body. It is also found in protein-rich foods and in dietary supplements. Glycine supplements are claimed to be useful for treating several conditions, such as schizophrenia, strokes, memory problems, and an enlarged prostate. Even though it is a "natural" product, glycine can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Glycine?

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid. This means that glycine 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. Glycine is also used in dietary supplements and is claimed to be useful for a variety of different conditions, such as schizophrenia, strokes, memory problems, and an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP).
 
(Click Glycine Benefits for more information on what glycine is used for, including additional glycine uses.)
 

How Does Glycine Work?

Glycine is an amino acid, which is important for building proteins. For most people, the body can make its own glycine, although glycine is also found in protein-rich foods. In addition to its use as a building block for making proteins, glycine also works as a neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating NMDA receptors. "NMDA" stands for N-methyl-D-aspartate. It is thought that some of the symptoms of schizophrenia may be related to problems with NMDA receptors.
 

Is Glycine Effective?

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 glycine is effective for other uses.
 
(Click Does Glycine Work? for more information.)
 

Glycine Dosing Information

A safe and effective glycine dose has not been established. Make sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular glycine product.
 
(Click Glycine Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Glycine

Although it is a "natural" product, glycine can still cause side effects. Some of the more commonly reported side effects of glycine include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mild drowsiness.
     
(Click Glycine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Glycine

Glycine can interact with a few medications (see Glycine Drug Interactions).
 

Is Glycine Safe?

Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to glycine. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking glycine 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 glycine warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Glycine Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a glycine overdose. If you think you may have taken too much glycine, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Glycine Overdose for more information.)
 

Glycine: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual glycine product for information on how best to store glycine. Keep glycine and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;