Emma Wiwchar | Registered Dietitian

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid touted for building proteins required for tissue maintenance and hormone synthesis. Although glycine is considered safe and is well-tolerated by most people, side effects like nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, and fatigue may occur in some people taking glycine supplements. Quick Look: Glycine is a...

In health and nutrition, cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid, pivotal for building proteins and supporting antioxidant defenses in our body. It is included in the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for amino acids. This guide takes you through the top 10 foods highest in cysteine, including unexpected sources like oatmeal,...

When is the best time of day to take l-glutamine to receive the most benefits from the most abundant amino acid? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in the human body, vital for supporting human health. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is especially important for...

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that is a building block for protein synthesis. It’s also needed to produce antioxidants, hormones, and a slew of other compounds required for your body to run optimally. Your body naturally produces glycine, but external glycine supplements may benefit antioxidant defenses, sleep, memory, immunity,...

Amino acids play an important role in the human body, supporting organ function and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle. Three specific essential amino acids (EAAs), called branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), are especially important in processes of muscle protein synthesis. Glutamine, a nonessential amino acid, is another amino acid that...

As a vegetarian, I often get asked how I get enough protein in my diet. Luckily, as a registered dietitian, I know what foods to include in my diet to ensure I get all the nutrients I need on a daily basis. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan and not...

While pre workout supplements are a popular choice at the gym for enhanced workout performance, the high amount of caffeine in many pre workouts on the market isn’t for everyone. If you are caffeine sensitive, the good news is that there are great options in the market tailored to preferences...

A deadlift jack, also known as a barbell jack, is a nifty piece of gym equipment that can be extremely helpful in conserving energy and saving time for lifters. Racking and unracking weights off barbells, then lifting the barbell to slide off the weight plates is taxing and can drain...

GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and glycine are two major amino acid neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibitory neurons in the nervous system use either compound, but glycine tends to be more localized than GABA. Besides calming effects, glycine and GABA may also help with insomnia, stress/fatigue, improving cognitive performance,...

Seeing athletes, bodybuilders, or even friends at the gym taking these supplements makes you wonder—what is glutamine? What is creatine? And should I be taking them? A general understanding of these compounds, including the different types, pros and cons, and key differences, will help you make the most informed decision...