(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Could two daily doses of an amino acid called
glycine really help people with degenerative diseases like arthrosis and
osteoporosis?
Yes, report Spanish researchers who tested the supplement in 600 people between
ages 4 and 85 who were suffering from arthrosis, osteoporosis or physical
injuries affecting the mechanical structure of the body.
Researchers report glycine supplements led to improvements in the conditions of
all the study participants.
How does glycine achieve the positive effect? The researchers explain the amino
acid is essential for healthy collagen, which is needed for healthy bones and
cartilage. Because the body does not metabolize glycine very well, researchers
report two daily doses of the supplement -- 5 grams taken in the morning and 5
grams taken at night -- led to improvements between two weeks and four months
following the initiation of the treatment.
Study authors note arthrosis affects more than half of all people older than 65
and more than 80 percent of those older than 80. While painkillers can ease
symptoms of the condition, there is currently no treatment to repair the damaged
cartilage that is a result of the disease or to prevent it from occurring.
SOURCE: University of Granada press release, Aug. 6, 2007
