Houston, Texas – Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas have found that a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, known as GlyNAC, can help older adults stave off key indicators of aging and maintain better overall health. The study, published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A, focused on 24 older adults and 12 younger individuals and found that those who received GlyNAC supplementation experienced several benefits associated with aging and age-related issues.
The study revealed that after 16 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation, the older participants showed improvements in various areas such as oxidative stress, glutathione deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genomic damage, stem cell fatigue, and cellular senescence. On the other hand, those who received a placebo did not show the same level of improvement.
In addition to these findings, the older adults who were given GlyNAC also experienced increased muscle strength, lower blood pressure, and smaller waist measurements. This translated into an improved ability to exercise and a faster walking speed, which are important indicators of overall health in older age.
Furthermore, the researchers explained that the key to GlyNAC’s benefits lies in its ability to restore mitochondrial health and correct oxidative stress. Mitochondria, which are responsible for generating energy within cells, become less efficient with age, leading to decreased energy production. GlyNAC supplementation appeared to counteract this decline in mitochondrial function, bringing it to levels found in young people.
The study also found that GlyNAC supplementation helped to remedy glutathione deficiency and reduce oxidative stress in older individuals. This impacted the participants’ overall health and well-being by improving muscle strength, exercise capacity, and walking speed, which are all crucial elements of healthy aging.
Dr. Rajagopal Sekhar, the corresponding study author and professor of medicine at Baylor, explained that the combined effort of glycine, cysteine (from NAC), and glutathione in GlyNAC played a significant role in promoting health and well-being among the participants. The study’s findings indicate that correcting aging hallmarks could potentially help people age in a healthier way, shedding light on potential solutions for age-related health issues.
These findings are crucial to improving our understanding of the aging process and finding ways to ensure the world’s growing older population lives happier and healthier lives. This study is a valuable contribution to ongoing research aimed at uncovering the mysteries of aging and age-related health issues, paving the way for potential solutions to promote healthy aging.
It is important to note that the content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with any questions regarding medical conditions.