Positive Results from Another Small Trial of GlyNAC Supplementation

You may recall that a small trial of high dose supplementation with glutathione precursors produced what were, for a supplement regimen, sizable benefits in old people. The approach is called GlyNAC, a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine in doses approaching 10 grams per day. Here, researchers report on a larger, but still small, clinical trial that produced a similar outcome. Glutathione is important to mitochondrial function, and results appear to proceed from a reduction in the age-related impairment of mitochondria, as well as a reduction in age-related chronic inflammation.

Elevated oxidative stress (OxS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and hallmarks of aging are identified as key contributors to aging, but improving/reversing these defects in older adults (OA) is challenging. In prior studies, we identified that deficiency of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) could play a role and reported that supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine [NAC]) in aged mice improved GSH deficiency, OxS, mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation (MFO), and insulin resistance (IR). To test whether GlyNAC supplementation in OA could improve GSH deficiency, OxS, mitochondrial dysfunction, IR, physical function, and aging hallmarks, we conducted a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

Twenty-four OA and 12 young adults (YA) were studied. OA was randomized to receive either GlyNAC (N = 12) or placebo (N = 12) for 16-weeks; YA (N = 12) received GlyNAC for 2-weeks. Participants were studied before, after 2-weeks, and after 16-weeks of supplementation to assess GSH concentrations, OxS, MFO, molecular regulators of energy metabolism, inflammation, endothelial function, IR, aging hallmarks, gait speed, muscle strength, 6-minute walk test, body composition, and blood pressure. Compared to YA, OA had GSH deficiency, OxS, mitochondrial dysfunction (with defective molecular regulation), inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, IR, multiple aging hallmarks, impaired physical function, increased waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure. GlyNAC (and not placebo) supplementation in OA improved/corrected these defects.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glac135

Comments

Thanks Jones. I don't see what value there would be in such a patent, and it is probable any patent rights he has on this research passes through to Baylor, so arguably there is nothing to disclose.

Another study that shows success with only overweight people, and does not include people at a healthy weight.

Posted by: JohnD at August 25th, 2022 9:34 AM

@JohnD

Maybe Nestlé S.A. can put a number on that patents value? (https://www.nestle.com)
But there's probably no money involved at all. Sekhar and Baylor College never got a penny from Nestlé, I'm sure. :p
.
https://patents.justia.com/patent/10952982
Benefits of supplementation with N-acetylcysteine and glycine to improve glutathione levels
Patent number: 10952982
Type: Grant
Filed: May 25, 2016
Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
Assignees: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Baylor College of Medicine
Inventors: Stephen Kirnon, Eric Freedland, Rajagopal V. Sekhar

Posted by: Jones at August 25th, 2022 10:22 AM

@Reason, what do you think about GlyNAC? You are usually critical of nutritional supplements. Is this a simple early intervention to buy time until regenerative medicine is available? Or is it a waste of time and money for the average healthy but aging middle-aged person?

Posted by: Morpheus at August 27th, 2022 2:37 AM

@Morpheus: The effect size in the earlier GlyNAC trial is larger than one might expect for a supplement approach. It passes the cost/benefit equation, assuming these results continue to hold up in larger trials, assuming suitable funding can be found to run those trials.

Posted by: Reason at August 27th, 2022 8:57 AM

Of note, GlyNAC in old mice (starting at age 65 weeks) led to a ~24% lifespan extension, which is huge (and much better than any senolytic trial I might add):

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14051114

Posted by: Mark at August 30th, 2022 8:56 AM

What is the dosage to reach the results this study showed? Is it 7.2 gms? And what supplement currently provides that level of GlyNAC?

Posted by: Connie Haman at April 16th, 2023 12:39 PM

Gkynac seems like the best antiaging supplimebt..which is best delivery method ?...Im 75

Posted by: dr B Jay Gallaty at July 25th, 2023 9:00 PM
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