Discover the Anti-Aging Power of Glycine: What Siim Land’s Research Reveals
Why Glycine Is Gaining Attention (and Why Siim Land Uses It)
Glycine — a simple amino acid — is becoming a cornerstone of many longevity advocates’ supplement stacks. One prominent voice, Siim Land, lists glycine at ~10 g/day as part of his “core anti-aging stack.” NAD.com+1
What makes glycine special is that, despite its simplicity, it touches many of the body’s fundamental systems — from skin and collagen production to mitochondrial health and sleep. Below is a breakdown of the major anti-aging and health-span benefits, grounded in recent research.
🔬 Key Anti-Aging and Healthspan Benefits of Glycine
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May modestly extend lifespan
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In a large study on genetically heterogeneous mice, dietary glycine led to a statistically significant lifespan increase of ~4–6%. PubMed+2PubMed+2
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Mechanistically, glycine seems to mimic methionine restriction — a known longevity intervention — by influencing methylation pathways and activating autophagy via the enzyme Glycine N‑Methyltransferase (GNMT). PubMed+1
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Supports collagen, skin, connective tissue, joints
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Glycine is abundant in structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity, joint health, bones — all of which degrade with age. NDN Super Store+1
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Regular glycine intake may support firmer skin, reduce wrinkle formation, and maintain connective tissue resilience as we age. NDN Super Store+1
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Boosts antioxidant capacity & cellular detox — glutathione production
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Glycine is one of the three amino acids required for Glutathione (GSH), the body’s master antioxidant. PMC+1
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Through supplementation (or combined protocols like GlyNAC — glycine + N-acetylcysteine), studies have shown improved GSH levels, reduced oxidative stress, better mitochondrial function, and reversal of several cellular aging hallmarks. PMC+2Baylor College of Medicine+2
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Supports metabolic health, cardiovascular and insulin sensitivity
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Glycine intake is linked to improved insulin sensitivity, better lipid profiles, and reduced risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. PMC+2NOVOS+2
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In animal studies, glycine reduced abdominal fat, triglycerides, and blood pressure under metabolic stress. PMC+1
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May help preserve muscle, fight sarcopenia, support joint health
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By supporting protein synthesis and connective tissue repair, glycine may help maintain muscle mass, joint integrity and support recovery — critical as we age and natural muscle loss occurs. PMC+2NOVOS+2
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Supports brain health, sleep quality, and nervous system recovery
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Glycine acts as a neurotransmitter/modulator; in human studies, taking glycine (~3 g before bedtime) improved subjective sleep quality, reduced time to fall asleep, and led to better next-day cognitive performance. PubMed+2Jung+ Longevity+2
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Because sleep and nervous system recovery are foundational for long-term health and brain function, this benefit can indirectly support longevity.
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Reduces inflammation, supports immune and tissue health
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Glycine has shown anti-inflammatory effects and may modulate immune responses. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of age-related diseases; glycine’s ability to suppress inflammatory pathways contributes to its “geroprotective” (aging-protecting) profile. SpringerLink+2PMC+2
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Supports detox pathways, organ health, and general resilience
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Through its roles in methylation, glutathione production and cellular repair, glycine supports liver detoxification, supports organ health, and helps maintain resilience as the body ages. PubMed+2PMC+2
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🧪 Research & Human Evidence: What We Know (and What’s Less Certain)
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A 2023 systematic review of glycine supplementation in human adults suggests “geroprotective potential”: glycine may reduce inflammation and support physiological systems — though authors note that human data remains limited. SpringerLink+1
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Some human trials (especially combining glycine with NAC as GlyNAC) have reported reversal of oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, improved metabolic markers, and better physical function in older adults over 16–24 weeks. Baylor College of Medicine+2PMC+2
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However: while animal data is strong, human trials are still relatively few, often short-term, and sometimes underpowered. The long-term benefits — especially regarding lifespan — remain speculative.
Bottom line: glycine is one of the most promising “geroprotectors” available today — cheap, widely available, and backed by both strong mechanistic science and some human data. But it’s not a magic bullet. Treat it as one component of a broader healthy lifestyle, not a guarantee of immortality.
📝 Practical Integration — How to Use Glycine (As Seen in Longevity Protocols)
Many longevity experts and protocols adopt the following guidelines:
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Dosage & Timing: ~ g per day is common in longevity stacks; some, like Siim Land, target ~10 g/day. NAD.com+2Mercola.com+2
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Sleep-Support Option: ~3 g glycine taken ~30–60 minutes before bed may improve sleep onset and quality. PubMed+1
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Stacking: Glycine is often combined with other nutrients — e.g. in GlyNAC (glycine + NAC) — to support glutathione production, detox, mitochondrial health, etc. PMC+1
Safety: For most healthy adults, glycine seems safe at moderate supplemental doses. PMC+1
✅ Why Many Biohackers Include Glycine — and Why It Could Make Sense for You
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It’s simple, inexpensive, and widely studied compared to many exotic “anti-aging” compounds.
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It supports multiple systems at once (skin, collagen, antioxidants, metabolism, sleep, brain) rather than targeting a single symptom.
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It fits well into different lifestyles — whether you’re optimizing sleep, recovery, metabolic health, or longevity.
Given these strengths, glycine is arguably one of the most “bang for buck” nutrients in a longevity-oriented supplement protocol.
📦 Want to Try It? — Recommended Supplement
If you’re ready to explore glycine supplementation, here’s a trusted product that many use as part of their longevity stack:
Life Extension Glycine 1000 mg — 100 Vegetarian Capsules
You can buy it there directly, and combine with a protein-rich diet (or additional antioxidant support) if desired.
You might also want to check other blog articles on the same site that explore glycine benefits in depth — like their “Unlocking Longevity: 10 Powerful Anti-Aging Benefits of Glycine” piece. NDN Super Store
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much glycine should I take per day for anti-aging benefits?
A: Many longevity protocols, including those advocated by Siim Land, use around 10 g/day. For sleep support, a smaller dose (~3 g) before bedtime may suffice. NAD.com+2Jung+ Longevity+2
Q: Is glycine safe long-term?
A: Evidence suggests moderate glycine supplementation is well tolerated in both rodents and humans. Still, long-term human data is limited. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning high-dose supplementation.
Q: Can glycine really extend human lifespan?
A: While rodent studies have shown increased lifespan (4–6% in a major mouse study) PubMed+1 — in humans, the evidence remains preliminary. Glycine appears more promising as a healthspan or wellness enhancer than a “fountain of youth.”
Q: Should glycine be combined with other nutrients (stacks)?
A: Many studies highlight greater benefit when glycine is used in combination — for example with N-acetylcysteine (as GlyNAC) to boost glutathione and support detox and mitochondrial health. PMC+1
Q: What lifestyle factors should accompany glycine supplementation?
A: Glycine works best as part of a holistic longevity approach: adequate protein, balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and minimization of inflammation and oxidative stress.