by Melissa Chichester
In case you missed it – it’s glycine.
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid – meaning it’s made by the body. Working in conjunction with other amino acids and nutrients found in the diet, it’s involved in the creation of enzymes, antioxidants, and certain hormones. Your body also uses glycine with other amino acids to make proteins for the growth and maintenance of tissues and muscles.
Another surprising use for glycine is that it works with your body’s natural sleep processes to help reduce morning drowsiness and grogginess.* So if you want to feel refreshed and clear-headed if you experience occasional sleeplessness, glycine may help.*
Glycine is also an important amino acid that is often combined with other elements such as magnesium and zinc to improve absorption.
Here are three types of glycinate combinations to keep on your radar.
Magnesium plays a role in many important functions in your body – from heart health to energy metabolism.* Although it is found in many foods such as black beans, brown rice, chicken breast, potatoes, peanuts, and spinach, the National Institutes of Health state most American adults consume less than is recommended. Furthermore, magnesium absorption may decrease with age, making a high-quality magnesium supplement a good choice.
In the body, magnesium is stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues. It plays an essential role in optimizing circulating levels of Vitamin D.*
Magnesium is involved in converting Vitamin D from the form we get in food, supplements, and the sun into its storage form. Then, it helps convert Vitamin D from its storage form into its active form.
This form of Vitamin D provides essential benefits. Together, magnesium and Vitamin D play an important role in bone health: Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption while magnesium is involved in calcium transport.*
In addition, adequate magnesium intake is needed to support the contraction and relaxation of muscles and helps with leg cramps. Leg cramps can occur occasionally among adults with inadequate intake.
Magnesium Glycinate is a highly absorbable bioavailable form of magnesium – a combination of magnesium and amino acid glycine. It provides more than 50% of the recommended daily value of magnesium per serving. This helps complement dietary magnesium.
If you’re looking for overall wellness support, Magnesium Glycinate capsules are a great choice.*
Iron is an essential trace mineral. As a vital component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, it is necessary to deliver oxygen to cells throughout the body.* Iron also supports the production of red blood cells and is critical to maintaining energy metabolism.*
Many Americans do not consume the Recommended Daily Value of iron per day. Vegetarians and vegans may be especially at risk because meat is a good source of dietary iron.
Puritan’s Pride Iron Glycinate contains Vitamin C, which promotes iron uptake by aiding iron absorption in the body.*
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in supporting immune health.* It also assists with DNA formation and healthy cell growth and division.*
Since your body does not store zinc, it is important to eat a nutritious diet that contains zinc. This includes meats, shellfish, legumes, and eggs.
When glycine is combined with zinc, it helps increase absorption in the body.
Glycine is the smallest amino acid; however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important! Most notably, it is useful for helping nutrients absorb – especially minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. Always talk with your healthcare practitioner before taking a new supplement.
| *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
