Glycine-alanyl-l-leucine
Bio-Activity Analysis
Amino Acid Bioavailability: Food vs. Synthetic Peptide
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Muscle Repair & Growth: Leucine is the primary trigger for muscle protein synthesis (MPS), helping you build and maintain lean mass.
- Energy & Endurance: Glycine and Alanine help manage blood sugar levels and provide energy during workouts.
- Cognitive Support: Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, potentially aiding sleep quality and reducing brain fog.
Deep Dive
The power of Glycine-alanyl-l-leucine lies in its synergistic components. Leucine is the heavy lifter here; it activates a pathway in your cells called mTOR, essentially flipping the switch that tells your body, "It's time to build muscle!" Meanwhile, Alanine is crucial for glucose-alanine cycling, which helps fuel your muscles and liver. Glycine is the simplest amino acid but does heavy lifting for collagen production (good for joints and skin) and calming the nervous system. Together in this peptide form, they may offer a more efficient absorption route than free-form amino acids, ensuring these building blocks get exactly where they are needed to repair tissue and optimize performance.
Natural Food Sources
Because Glycine-alanyl-l-leucine is a synthesized peptide, you won't find it in the produce aisle. However, you can find the precursors (the amino acids that make it up) in high-protein foods. Eating these foods allows your body to synthesize the peptides it needs naturally.
| Food | Amount | % Daily Value (Amino Acids) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (3oz) | High | ~30% Leucine |
| Canned Tuna (3oz) | High | ~25% Leucine |
| Greek Yogurt (1 cup) | Medium | ~15% Leucine |
| Pumpkin Seeds (1/4 cup) | Medium | ~10% Leucine |
| Lentils (1 cup cooked) | Medium | ~8% Leucine |
Supplementation
Since this specific tripeptide is a specialized supplement, it is typically found in advanced sports nutrition formulas or nootropic blends.
- Dosage: There is no standard RDI for this specific peptide. However, standard Leucine dosages for muscle building range from 2g to 5g daily.
- Who Should Take It: Athletes, bodybuilders, or older adults experiencing sarcopenia (muscle loss) may benefit from targeted amino acid supplementation to support tissue repair.
Top Food Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Side Effects
Safety Profile
General Safety: Glycine, Alanine, and Leucine are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when consumed within normal dietary ranges.
Potential Side Effects: High doses of isolated amino acids (especially Leucine) can sometimes cause mild nausea or stomach upset. It is always best to take these with a small meal.
Who Should Avoid It:
- Individuals with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) should avoid high doses of BCAAs (like Leucine), as some research suggests it may accelerate the progression of the condition.
- Those with Kidney Disease or Liver Disease should consult a specialist before taking concentrated amino acid supplements, as their bodies may struggle to metabolize the excess nitrogen.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on this specific synthetic peptide; stick to food sources to be safe.
Scientific References
- [1]Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: 'The role of dietary protein and amino acids in sarcopenia.'
- [2]Amino Acids: 'Leucine as a regulator of mTOR signaling pathways.'
- [3]Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: 'Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans.'