Glycine - amino acid, L-glycine and the myth of ""vegan collagen""
A non-essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis, detoxification and support of the central nervous system.
Things worth knowing about "L-glycine"
A non-essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis, detoxification and support of the central nervous system.
Glycine is the simplest proteinogenic amino acid in the human body.simplest proteinogenic amino acid in the human body and fulfils numerous biological functions. It is non-essential, meaning that the body can produce it itself - but nevertheless plays a central role in collagen formation, in the nervous system, in detoxification processes and in cell metabolism. Glycine makes up around one third of the amino acid structure of collagen, which emphasises its importance for connective tissue, skin, bones and joints.
In food supplements, glycine is often found in the L-form, i.e. as L-glycine, the physiologically active variant that also occurs in the body. This form is produced synthetically or microbially (e.g. by fermentation) and is vegan. For this reason, glycine is often marketed as a component of ""vegan collagen"" - in combination with other amino acids and vitamins such as proline, vitamin C or zinc, which are important for collagen synthesis
.However, these products mistakenly give the impression that they can replace real collagen. This is because glycine alone is not enough to imitate the complex structure and effect of animal collagen peptides. The typical health effects - such as the improvement of skin elasticity, joint function or connective tissue regeneration - are based on animal collagen peptides.strong data-end=""1517"" data-start=""1482"">synergetic peptide structures, which only occur in enzymatically digested collagen hydrolysate. Pure glycine can support the body with cell protection or sleep, but is not a fully-fledged substitute for collagen - despite its importance as a building block.
Functions of glycine in the body:
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Main building block of collagen (together with proline and hydroxyproline)
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Neurotransmitter with a calming effect in the central nervous system
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Supports glutathione synthesis (cellular antioxidant protection)
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Involvement in detoxification (e.g. conjugation in the liver)
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Cofactor in DNA and haem biosynthesis
L-glycine in dietary supplements:
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Well soluble in water, neutral flavour
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Use for sleep problems, nervousness or mild inflammation
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Component of many ""vegan collagen boosters""
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As a single substance physiologically useful - but not a true collagen substitute
Criticism of the term ""vegan collagen"" with glycine:
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Collagen is a complex animal protein that is not found in plants
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Glycine is only a partial aspect, not the functional structure
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The name suggests an effect that has not been scientifically proven
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Only collagen hydrolysate provides the specific peptides with proven bioactivity
Literature references:
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Wu, G. (2013). ""Important roles of glycine in nutrition and health."" Amino Acids.
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Zdzieblik, D. et al. (2015). ""Oral supplementation of collagen peptides improves skin elasticity."" Nutrients.
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German Nutrition Society (2023). ""Glycine and its role in amino acid metabolism.""
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