Joint supplements are quite relevant among athletes, especially among the more experienced ones. The reason for their consumption is due to the load that the joints are subjected to during actions such as running, sprinting, sudden braking, jumping, throwing or hitting, leaving an impact on the cartilage in the form of wear.

Joint supplements, especially glucosamine supplements, are of dubious effectiveness in terms of their expected results. Many athletes who have taken glucosamine supplements have not seen any improvement (or worsening) in their joint problems. It seems that glucosamine does not help to completely regenerate cartilage. However, it does allow the preservation of the cartilage that still exists.

In contrast to glucosamine supplements, there are also glycine supplements. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that is a precursor in the synthesis of collagen. This amino acid can be obtained in the diet through foods such as meat or fish. Collagen is one of the main components of connective tissue found in elements of our body such as joint cartilage, tendons, skin or hair. Evidence of healing of injuries to joint cartilage has been observed in magnetic resonance images in people who have been taking glycine supplements. There are also studies that indicate positive results for the treatment of arthritis.

Personally, a couple of years ago I decided to take joint supplements because I was beginning to notice problems with overload in my knees and feet. After doing some research and reading about glycine, I decided to try it and I can say that the results are as expected and I have become younger again. I can continue doing high-intensity training that includes squats, power cleans, plyometric jumps or sprints, always within a considerable volume so as not to overdo it and reach overload. Thanks to glycine supplements I can continue enjoying the sports activities that I like the most.

In addition to having beneficial effects on the joints, glycine has other effects such as:

• Improve sleep quality.
• Cure tendonitis.
• Through collagen synthesis, it provides structural support to the skin, bones, tendons, joints and internal organs.
• Intervene as a neurotransmitter in the transmission of nerve signals in the brain.
• Participate in the synthesis of glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in our body that protects us against oxidative stress, inflammation and pathogens.
• Contribute to the production of energy in the body, playing an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin and creatine, crucial elements to allow adequate supply of oxygen and energy to the muscles.

Glycine supplements are available in capsule form as well as in powder form that must be diluted in water. If you want to see some examples of glycine supplements that you can find in stores, click here.

Bibliographic references:

• Baggett, K. (n.d.). THE Best Supplement For Joint Health. Higher-Faster-Sports.com. http://www.higher-faster-sports.com/bestsupplementforjointhealth.html
• [Glicina Bulk]. (n.d.). Recover from https://amzn.to/4nGsrSK
• [Glicina en polvo Vegavero]. (n.d.). Recover from https://amzn.to/4ieR3zn