GlyNAC (Glycine + N-Acetylcysteine)
A combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine that supplies the precursors for glutathione synthesis. Clinical studies in older adults showed GlyNAC restored glutathione, improved mitochondrial function, and reversed multiple hallmarks of aging.
How it works
Glycine and NAC (a cysteine donor) are the rate-limiting precursors for glutathione. Replenishing both restores intracellular glutathione, lowers oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial fuel oxidation, and reduces inflammation and insulin resistance.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: Glycine 75.07 Da / NAC 163.19 Da
- Half-life: Glycine ~1 h; NAC ~6 h
- Bioavailability: Glycine high; NAC ~4-10% but effective as cysteine donor
- Storage: Room temperature, keep dry.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Glycine ~100 mg/kg + NAC ~100 mg/kg per day
- Frequency: Split 1-2x daily
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Oral (powder or capsule)
Protocol notes
- Trial protocol used roughly equal weight-based doses of glycine and NAC (about 100 mg/kg/day each).
- For a typical adult this is often simplified to ~3-6 g glycine + ~1.8-2.4 g NAC daily.
- Powder glycine is naturally sweet and mixes well; split doses improve tolerance.
Reported benefits
- Restores glutathione levels
- Improves mitochondrial function
- Lowers oxidative stress and inflammation
- Better insulin sensitivity
- Improved strength and cognition (elderly)
- Sleep support (glycine)
Possible side effects
- Mild GI upset
- Loose stools at high NAC doses
- Sulfur odor (NAC)
- Rare headache
Research
- GlyNAC reverses aging hallmarks in older adults (2022): Corrected glutathione deficiency and improved mitochondrial function, insulin resistance, strength, and cognition in a clinical trial of older humans.
- GlyNAC and oxidative stress (2021): Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation markers while improving several aging biomarkers.
Compare GlyNAC
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.