Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-glycine, an amino acid, has some scientific evidence supporting its use for anxiety disorders, although the evidence is still preliminary and not robust. Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and functions as a co-agonist at NMDA receptors. Animal studies have shown that glycine supplementation can have anxiolytic-like (anxiety-reducing) effects, likely due to its role in modulating excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. In humans, limited clinical research exists. A few small studies and case reports suggest that glycine supplementation may improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia, which share some features with anxiety disorders. Additionally, glycine has shown some promise in improving sleep quality and reducing subjective stress, both of which are closely linked to anxiety. However, there is a lack of large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials specifically assessing glycine's effects on primary anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder). Most of the available evidence is indirect, coming from studies on related conditions or from mechanistic insights rather than direct clinical outcomes. While the safety profile of glycine is generally favorable, more rigorous studies are needed to determine its efficacy and optimal dosing for anxiety disorders. In summary, while there is a scientific basis and some preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting glycine’s potential benefit for anxiety, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low (rated 2/5).

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