Glycine Capsules

Glycine capsules provide 1000 mg of glycine per two-capsule serving. 90 capsules, 45 servings. Capsules rather than powder, because glycine is distinctly sweet in water and not everyone wants that.

What glycine is

Glycine is the smallest amino acid — a single hydrogen on the side chain — and that simplicity is what lets it pack into the tight triple helix of collagen, where it makes up about a third of all residues. It is also a substrate for glutathione, the body’s main intracellular antioxidant, alongside cysteine and glutamate; a precursor of creatine together with arginine and methionine; and part of the bile salts that emulsify dietary fat. In the central nervous system it acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in its own right.

Conditionally essential

The body synthesises glycine from serine, but the rate of synthesis is modest relative to how much the body uses — collagen turnover alone consumes a great deal. Dietary intake comes mainly from connective tissue, skin and bone: the parts of an animal that modern cooking tends to discard. Muscle meat is comparatively low in it, which is why intake has fallen with how people eat.

Why the evening dose

Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and the studies on it have used a few grams before bed. That is the reason for the usual timing recommendation rather than any formal claim — no authorised EU health claim exists for glycine, and none is made here.

How to take glycine capsules

Two capsules a day with water, for example in the evening. They can be taken with or without food. Collagen peptides are the related product: a third of their amino acid content is glycine, so if you already take collagen daily, a separate glycine capsule adds less than it looks. Vitamin C is the cofactor for collagen cross-linking, and magnesium bisglycinate happens to be magnesium chelated to two glycine molecules — the same amino acid, carrying a mineral.

What is in a serving

• Glycine — 1000 mg (two capsules)
• Two capsules a day, typically in the evening
• 90 capsules — 45 servings

Questions people ask

Why capsules and not powder?

Glycine tastes noticeably sweet dissolved in water. Capsules avoid it and make the dose exact.

Can I take it with collagen?

You can, but collagen is already about one third glycine. Pick one as the main source.

Morning or evening?

Evening is the convention, based on how it has been studied. The rest of the range is in amino acids.

Good to know. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.