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