GLYCINE: The Cheapest Anti-Aging Supplement That Actually Works

About this video

• Video Title: GLYCINE: The Cheapest Anti-Aging Supplement That Actually Works
• Channel: Leonid Kim MD
• Speakers: Leonid Kim
• Duration: 00:10:31

Overview

This video explains the role of glycine, a small molecule essential for various bodily functions including sleep, recovery, and defense against oxidative stress. It details how glycine is a crucial component in glutathione synthesis, a master antioxidant. The video also discusses glycine's potential benefits for sleep, metabolism, and anti-aging, as well as the combination of glycine with N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC). Finally, it provides guidance on dosing and potential side effects.

Key takeaways

• Glycine's Multifaceted Roles: Glycine is the smallest amino acid and is involved in building proteins, forming collagen, supporting liver function, regulating neurotransmitters, and is critical for glutathione synthesis.
• Glutathione Synthesis: Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant and defense system against cellular damage. Glycine and cysteine are often rate-limiting factors in its production.
• Sleep Benefits: Glycine supplementation before bedtime can enhance sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, improve next-day alertness, and help muscles relax during REM sleep.
• Metabolic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Glycine may play a role in improving components of metabolic syndrome, and its levels are often lower in individuals with these conditions. It is considered conditionally essential in the presence of metabolic disorders.
• GlyNAC Combination: Combining glycine with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be more beneficial than glycine alone, especially for individuals with metabolic issues or chronic inflammation, as NAC provides cysteine, which is often depleted.
• Dosing and Safety: A commonly studied dose for glycine alone is 3 grams before sleep. For GlyNAC, a typical dose in studies is 100 mg/kg of each component. Higher doses of glycine have been explored but with caution due to potential side effects. NAC can cause gastrointestinal issues.