Glycine and Hair Loss

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, which means that the body can make this amino acid on its own and generally does not rely on dietary intake for its glycine supply. In rare instances, too much glycine in the system could contribute to hair loss.

Function

• Glycine is an amino acid that contributes to metabolism and liver function. It also stimulates the production of glucagon, which causes the body to produce and release glucose into the blood stream.

Effects

• Glucose is good for the body, because it provides energy. However, too much glucose in the bloodstream can lead to diabetic incidents and chronic diabetes.

Tie to Hair Loss

• If you have too much glycine in your system, then you may end up with too much glucose. This can lead to hair loss, as is common with severe cases of diabetes.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to prevent diabetic problems is to monitor your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, your doctor will help you determine appropriate levels of blood sugar. If you do not, work with a dietitian to establish a healthy, balanced diet that will help you avoid excessive glycine production.

Warning

• If you experience sudden hair loss, it is often indicative of a nutritional problem. Whether the issue is too much glycine or too little of something else, you need to consult your physician right away to avoid a life-threatening situation.