Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that glycine supplements, which are advertised as mood enhancers, can actually cause depression. Research published in the journal Science.
Scientists have found that rodents that lack a key receptor in their brains are more resistant to stress than others. Receptors are molecules that, when combined with other molecules, trigger a process. The scientists named the new receptor mGlyR and found that it was activated by the amino acid glycine. It is possible that excess glycine can lead to the development of depression and anxiety. Previous studies have supported the use of glycine with prescription antidepressants, but these claims are based on studies in mice.
Scientists plan to find out if humans have the same receptor. They hope that blocking receptors for this amino acid could be a new tool to combat depression. For people with depression, most medications need to be taken for weeks and may not help at all. A hypothetical glycine receptor blocker may be a fast-acting antidepressant.