https://www.exercise.com/supplements/glycocyamine
Glycocyamine

Glycocyamine

Build Muscle

Strictly speaking, glycocyamine (also called guanidinoacetate) is a metabolite of glycine, an organic compound. However, the amino group has already been converted into a guanidine. A guanidine is a crystalline compound, which has significant alkalinity. What does this mean in plain English?

Glycocyamine eventually becomes creatine, another bodybuilding supplement. However, glycocyamine in its original state can be isolated and sold as a supplement. Therefore, many people interested in body improvement will seek out this supplement instead of creatine, since for some people (due to metabolic issues) creatine does absolutely nothing.

This precursor of creatine has what is called bioavailability, and for some users, does easily convert into creatine while in the liver. A portion of this metabolite will travel into the liver and then under go methylation, which makes it into creatine. In essence, glycocyamine is creatine, but without a methyl group. This article reviews how it works and the benefits of glycocyamine. 

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Summary

Glycocyamine and Creatine In theory, glycocyamine does the same thing that creatine should—namely, help you build muscle, have more energy, and endure intense workout routines. Creatine also helps the muscles to grow when you’re not working out, since muscles grow in a hydrated environment... more

Glycocyamine and Creatine

In theory, glycocyamine does the same thing that creatine should—namely, help you build muscle, have more energy, and endure intense workout routines. Creatine also helps the muscles to grow when you’re not working out, since muscles grow in a hydrated environment, and that is precisely what creatine creates.

Therefore, to fully understand what glycocyamine does, you must first understand what creatine on its own does not do (or at least what some people claim it cannot do). The creatine transport system is the main problem. Muscle tissue cannot be synthesized by creatine; instead, you take it and transport it through the blood, and into the muscle cells. The best thing to do is actually find a supplement that increases the creatine transport.

On its own, glycocyamine does not do this—not according to many surveyed users. It can actually inhibit creatine transportation, studies indicate. Therefore, the best method of dosage is to combine glycocyamine with creatine. It appears as if neither supplement, on its own, can make exceed your physical average performance. However, there’s a bigger issue to consider.

Glycocyamine Side Effects

Some studies suggested that increased creatine production, resulting from the glycocyamine, was actually depleting the body of methyl groups. These methyl groups are responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying the human body of a substance called homocysteine. This is an amino acid, which if overdosed, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In view of this, some people have sought to add betaine to the mix of creatine and glycocyamine, because betaine has shown to increase the development of methyl groups.

Thus far, the only possible side effect studied is the potentially negative effect of increased homocysteine. Other than that, there are no short-term side effects. However, a negative chain reaction to high supplementation remains a very real threat. All users interested in using glycocyamine for exercise enhancement should first consult a doctor to ensure there are no possible interactions or pre-existing conditions that could cause adverse effects.

Glycocyamine Dosage

Remember that this is a natural substance, and it is present (in smaller amounts) inside the human body. It is a compound formed inside the kidney and made from glycine and arginine. Increasing glycocyamine in the body is not necessarily a risky idea; the body is prepared to absorb it.

When it’s successfully converted into creatine, it can result in beneficial physical effects like greater energy levels, delayed fatigue and greater physical performances. The average recommended dosage is between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams of glycocyamine per day. More dosage could be added depending on the body of the user and their reactions to lower dosage.

Do not underestimate the importance of counteracting glycocyamine with betain and creatine, if not for protection, then for productivity. As a standard, nutritionists, personal trainers and fitness gurus recommend to take in four times as much betaine as you do glycocyamine. Adding higher betaine levels to your diet is harmless on its own, and could be beneficial in preventing heart disease. You can find betaine in foods like spinach, seafood and some grains, if you don’t want to buy additional supplements.

In the end, your response to glycocyamine will depend on whether you as an individual respond to creatine or do not respond. Some studies have suggested (but not conclusively proven) that some people are creatine non-responders by genetics. It is a supplement worth trying, but for the best results, take it with betaine and creatine. Your body needs all the help it can get if it wants to build muscle and reach the next level of fitness. Use the supplement finder to compare all your nutritional supplement options now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Increased Homocysteine Levels
guanidinoacetate
Athletic Enhancement
Energy
Muscle Builder