GlyNAC

GlyNAC is a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), providing precursors for glutathione synthesis. EMERGING RESEARCH from Baylor College shows promising effects on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and aging markers. NO GRADED OUTCOMES yet - research is preliminary but compelling. Studies in older adults showed improved strength, gait speed, cognition, and reduced oxidative stress. May address age-related glutathione deficiency. Also studied in HIV and type 2 diabetes (conditions with elevated oxidative stress). Considered promising for healthy aging research. Both components are well-established supplements individually.

Quick Answer

What it is

GlyNAC is a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), providing precursors for glutathione synthesis. EMERGING RESEARCH from Baylor College shows promising effects on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and aging markers.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Oxidative Stress
  • Grade C: Mitochondrial Function
  • Grade C: Glutathione Levels

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

â„šī¸ Quick Facts: GlyNAC

Quick Facts: GlyNAC

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:10
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C4
D6
4 conditions ¡ 10 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Oxidative Stress
Two small human trials (HIV patients and T2D patients) found GlyNAC reduced oxidative stress markers. The T2D pilot showed a 47% reduction in methylglyoxal (p<0.01). A review of glutathione supplementation in HIV/TB populations supports these findings.
moderate↓Improves
C
Glutathione Levels
An open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients (12 weeks) and a pilot study in 10 T2D patients (14 days) both found GlyNAC supplementation corrected glutathione deficiency, with benefits reversing upon cessation in the HIV trial washout period.
moderate↑Improves
C
Mitochondrial Function
An open-label trial in aging HIV patients showed improved mitochondrial dysfunction, and a T2D pilot study found a 30% improvement in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (p<0.001) after just 14 days. An animal study in aging mice showed enhanced cardiometabolic enzyme activity in males.
moderate↑Improves
C
Insulin Resistance
Both an open-label trial in aging HIV patients (12 weeks) and a pilot study in T2D patients (14 days) showed reduced insulin resistance. The T2D pilot reported a 22% decrease in insulin resistance (p<0.01) along with a 25% reduction in free fatty acids.
moderate↓Improves
D
Inflammation
An open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients showed reduced inflammation markers after 12 weeks of GlyNAC. A review of glutathione supplementation in HIV/TB co-infection further supports anti-inflammatory effects of glutathione repletion.
small↓Improves
D
Grip Strength
A single open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients with 8 matched controls found improved grip strength after 12 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation, with benefits diminishing during the 8-week washout period.
small↑Improves
D
Gait Speed
A single open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients found improved gait speed after 12 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation. Benefits reversed after supplementation ceased, suggesting ongoing use is needed.
small↑Improves
D
Cognitive Function
An open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients found improved cognitive performance on the Trail Making Test-B after 12 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation. No placebo-controlled RCTs confirm this finding.
small↑Improves
D
Endothelial Function
A single open-label trial in 8 aging HIV patients found improved endothelial dysfunction markers after 12 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation. No controlled trials have replicated this finding.
small↑Improves
D
Cardiac Function (Aging)
In a preclinical study of 21-month-old mice, 12 weeks of GlyNAC-enriched diet improved cardiometabolic enzyme activity and diastolic function in males but not females. Female mice showed a decline in exercise performance, indicating sex-differential effects.
small↑Improves

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