This Supplement Is Older Than Life - And May Help You Live Longer | Lifespan - S2, Ep. 10
In a Nutshell
Glycine extends lifespan in multiple animal models by mimicking methionine restriction: at 3-5g daily it activates glycine N-methyltransferase, depleting methionine stores and triggering AMPK activation, mTOR inhibition, and sirtuin upregulation. Human trials show 100 mg/kg/day (≈7g for a 70kg adult) of glycine plus NAC improves glutathione levels, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, increases muscle strength, and lowers insulin resistance within 16 weeks. The molecule is extremely safe and inexpensive, with benefits tied to collagen synthesis, glutathione production, and methionine restriction rather than direct sirtuin or AMPK effects.
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Glycine is a molecule that has been around since the dawn of time, even before life existed. This amino acid was discovered by Henri Braconnot in 1820 when he boiled gelatin with acid while attempting to create different types of sugar. Originally named "sugar of gelatin," it was later renamed glycine from the Greek word "glicus" meaning sweet.
Glycine is the simplest amino acid, consisting of just two carbons, one nitrogen, and two oxygen atoms. It has been found in meteorites and comets, confirming its presence throughout the universe.
David Sinclair spent years studying glycine during his PhD approximately 30 years ago, working on the catabolism and processing of glycine in yeast cells. This research was conducted in Ian Daw's lab at the University of New South Wales. His first paper on glycine was published in 1995 and still receives citations today. Sinclair now consumes glycine daily, adding it to his morning drinks as a sweetener and reports improved sleep quality.
Glycine is classified as a conditional amino acid, meaning it is not strictly essential since the body can generate it from serine. However, it is required for numerous biological processes including collagen synthesis, glutathione production, and methylation reactions.
Three key longevity pathways form the survival circuit: sirtuin activation, mTOR inhibition, and AMPK activation. These pathways evolved to help organisms survive periods of adversity and are found across plants, bacteria, and humans. In modern life with abundant food and minimal stress, these survival genes are not activated as frequently, leading to accelerated aging.
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