Taurine and glycine are two amino acids used by the body to build proteins. Glycine is necessary for optimal function of the brain, skin, muscles and prostate and is sometimes converted in the body into serine, another amino-acid. Taurine can be obtained from dietary sources and can be also produced in the body from the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Taurine is involved in proper function of the brain and muscles. Both taurine and glycine may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, however you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements for your condition.
Taurine amd Anxiety
A study conducted by CG Zhang and SJ Kim , published in the August 2007 issue of " Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" evaluated the benefits of taurine as an anti-anxiety agent in animal models. The authors concluded that taurine supplementation had a significant effect in decreasing anxiety in the subjects evaluated during the study and may be helpful in controlling symptoms of anxiety in clinical setting.
Glycine and Anxiety
The anti-anxiety effect of glycine has been also evaluated in research studies. For example, in the April 1995 issue of "Neuroscience Letters," a study completed by ML Schmitd and associates on animal subjects found that injections with 80 nmol of glycine in the gray matter of the brain reduced the level of anxiety in the subjects that participated in the study.
VM Greenberg and colleagues published in the March 2009 issue of "Journal of Psychiatric Research" a study designed to assess the effects of glycine in obsessive compulsive disease, which is a form of anxiety disorder. The authors noted some improvement of symptoms in adults who received 60 g of glycine daily, however further studies will have to fully evaluate these clinical findings.
Sources
Dietary sources of glycine and taurine include animal proteins such as eggs, fish, meats and dairy products. Both amino-acids are also available as over-the-counter supplements either alone or in combination with other amino acids. Taurine is better absorbed in the body if taken together with vitamin B6 rather than alone.
Considerations
Symptoms of anxiety require medically supervised treatment. If you suffer from anxiety consult a qualified professional to find out if you can benefit from supplementation with taurine and glycine, as well as optimal dosage, possible side effects and drug or herb interactions. Keep in mind that amino acids supplements do not replace conventional treatment for anxiety. Taurine and glycine are not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anxiety or any other health condition.
References
- PubMed.gov: Taurine induces anti-anxiety by activating strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor in vivo.
- PubMed.gov: Anxiogenic-like effect of glycine and D-serine microinjected into dorsal periaqueductal gray matter of rats.
- PubMed.gov: Adjunctive glycine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults.
