Glycine and tryptophan are types of amino acids. Glycine is a type of conditional amino acid so your body usually only needs it during moments of illness or stress, says MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means your body is unable to produce it and must acquire tryptophan from dietary sources. Glycine helps regulate tryptophan during pigment synthesis, according to a study published in a 2011 issue of “Mycoses.”
Glycine
An article published in a 2001 issue of “Molecular Membrane Biology” described glycine as type of neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glycine helps process motor and sensory information involved in things like movement and vision. Glycine also potentiates the action of glutamate. Incorporating glycine transporters as potential components for treating pathological alterations in synaptic functions merits further research.
Tryptophan and Glycine Effect on Stomach
The effect of tryptophan and glycine on your stomach muscles was explored by a study published in a 1986 issue of “The American Journal of Gastroenterology.” The study involved 13 adult males. They received a 0.1 M concentration of tryptophan and saline as well as a 0.1 M concentration of glycine and saline, both at pH 5.5 in 600 mL, over five minutes. The effects of both amino acids on gastrin levels and lower esophageal sphincter pressure 20 minutes to 60 minutes after administration were examined. Gastrin is a hormone that regulates the secretion of gastric juices, while your lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, is a muscular valve that prevents stomach acid from going up your esophagus. Tryptophan caused gastrin levels to increase above base levels about 30 minutes after administration. Tryptophan weakened LES pressure, while glycine produced no significant changes to LES pressure and gastrin levels.
Glycine,Tryptophan and Pigment Synthesis
The effects of glycine and tryptophan on Malassezia furfur were examined in a study published in a 2011 issue of “Mycoses.” The study used both amino acids as nitrogen sources for Malassezia furfur cultures. The growth and pigment synthesis of the cultures were assessed to determine the effect of glycine and tryptophan individually as well as combined. Glycine alone caused an exponential increase in the culture’s biomass but did not affect pigment production. Tryptophan alone caused increased pigment production but did not increase biomass. The introduction of glycine to tryptophan-containing culture stopped pigment formation and simultaneously induced growth. More research is necessary to explore potential applications.
Tryptophan Side Effects
Tryptophan has been associated with side effects such as agitation, confusion, diarrhea, tremors, shivering and impaired coordination. Side effects usually fade as your body grows accustomed to the tryptophan medication. Seek medical attention if the adverse reactions continue.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Tryptophan (Oral Route); May 2011
- MedlinePlus; Amino Acids; Alison Evert; February 2011
- Molecular Membrane Biology; Glycine Neurotransmitter Transporters: An Update; Lopez-Corcuera B, et al.; January 2001
- Mycoses; Glycine as a Regulator of Tryptophan-Dependent Pigment Synthesis in Malassezia Furfur; Barchmann T, et al.; January 2011
- The American Journal of Gastroenterology; Effect of Intragastric Amino Acids on Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressure and Serum Gastrin in Man; McCallum RW, et al.; March 1986
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