Sarcosine: Benefits, Dosing, Where To Buy, And More!

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Key Information

Sarcosine for schizophrenia:

Sarcosine enhances NMDA receptor function, which may help treat symptoms of schizophrenia such as psychosis and depression.

Sarcosine for depression and OCD:

Sarcosine inhibits glycine uptake, which may have antidepressant and anti-obsessive effects by modulating glutamate levels in the brain.

Sarcosine for memory and neuroprotection:

Sarcosine may improve memory and protect the brain from damage caused by stroke or excitotoxicity.

Sarcosine dosage and side effects:

Sarcosine is generally well-tolerated and safe at doses of 1-2 grams per day, but may cause irritability, insomnia, or overstimulation in some people.

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Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) is the amino acid glycine precursor and derivative. Physicians primarily prescribe sarcosine for treating schizophrenia, although it may also have some nootropic benefits for:

Sarcosine works by activating the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor. Researchers believe that it achieves most of its therapeutic effects through this mechanism.1Harsing LG Jr, et al. Glycine transporter type-1 and its inhibitors Journal or Curr Med Chem. 2006

The body produces it by turning dietary choline into glycine, or by breaking down methionine to glycine.

It is a non-toxic compound that you can find in certain foods, such as meat, eggs, and vegetables.

Sarcosine is also an additive in toothpaste because it can prevent cavities, and is responsible for its foaming action.

Mental Health Booster

Sarcosine – Nootropics Depot

4.3
  • Potent glycine precursor

  • Helps settle an overactive mind

  • Shown to enhance NMDA receptor signaling

  • Can help increase motivation and lower stress


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Sarcosine Nootropic FAQs

What Does Sarcosine Do?

This nootropic has multiple uses related to mental health.

Sarcosine For Schizophrenia

The major use for sarcosine is for treating symptoms of schizophrenia. This is most likely because schizophrenia is at least partially caused by malfunctioning NMDA and glycine receptors.

Multiple clinical trials show it can be effective in combination with other antipsychotics in treating this disorder.2Lane HY, et al. Sarcosine or D-serine add-on treatment for acute exacerbation of schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Arch Gen Psychiatry. 20053Nancy C. Andreasen. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS): Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations British Journal Of Psychiatry. 19894Singh SP, Singh V. Meta-analysis of the efficacy of adjunctive NMDA receptor modulators in chronic schizophrenia CNS Drugs. 2011

Patients who received sarcosine treatment showed significant improvements in their general psychiatric symptoms across the board.

Researchers noted that sarcosine was well-tolerated, with no significant side effects.

The significant improvement with the sarcosine further supports the hypothesis of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor malfunction in schizophrenia.

This seems to be the most promising avenue for treating this condition.5Tsai G, et al. Glycine transporter I inhibitor, N-methylglycine (sarcosine), added to antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia Biol Psychiatry. 2004

In fact, sarcosine has been widely used in clinical trials of schizophrenia and other disorders, and is considered the “gold standard” for assessing antipsychotic treatment efficacy.6Mark G.A. Opler, et al. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Training Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions Innov Clin Neurosci. 2017

Sarcosine For Depression

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Sarcosine is prescribed in some countries to treat some of the symptoms of psychosis and depression. It also may have some other nootropic benefits.

Sarcosine is generally considered an antipsychotic, but there is also evidence that it can also treat depression symptoms. At least, it may help with depression in the context of schizophrenia.

There is currently not enough evidence to show its full effectiveness, but there is some preliminary evidence nonetheless.

According to recent research, the NMDA receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptors, plays an important role in the neurobiology and treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Sarcosine has been shown to affect this receptor.7Dang YH, et al. Targeting of NMDA receptors in the treatment of major depression Curr Pharm Des. 2014

Some trials show sarcosine can improve depression-like behaviors in rodent models and in human patients. Researchers suspect that glycine transporter-I inhibition could be a novel treatment for depression, although we do need further human studies to confirm this further.8Huang CC, et al. Inhibition of glycine transporter-I as a novel mechanism for the treatment of depression Biol Psychiatry. 2013

Sarcosine For OCD

There is also some preliminary evidence that sarcosine may treat obsessive and compulsive behaviors through its action on the NMDA and glycine channels in the brain.

Current research points to the NMDA system being a major factor in how OCD manifests.9Papouin T, et al. Synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors are gated by different endogenous coagonists Cell. 2012

A study of 25 patients taking a sarcosine treatment showed that it can achieve a fast therapeutic effect in some OCD patients. This study supports the glycine transporter-1 as a novel target for developing new OCD treatment.10Wu PL, et al. Sarcosine therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: a prospective, open-label study J Clin Psychopharmacol. 201111Chan MH, et al. Sarcosine attenuates toluene-induced motor incoordination, memory impairment, and hypothermia but not brain stimulation reward enhancement in mice Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2012

One study showed that sarcosine, taken in addition with a benzoate, significantly improved memory scores of people with schizophrenia.12Chun-Yuan Lin, et al. Adjunctive sarcosine plus benzoate improved cognitive function in chronic schizophrenia patients with constant clinical symptoms: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. 2017

However, there have not been any studies regarding sarcosine’s ability to boost memory in otherwise healthy users. It is possible that it may have some nootropic benefit when taken this way, but more evidence is needed.

Sarcosine For Neuroprotection

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Sarcosine may offer protection for the brain

Sarcosine may act as a neuroprotectant, being able to prevent damage from conditions such as stroke.

One study found that sarcosine could prevent damage from transient ischemic attack (stroke) in mice. Researchers suspect this could be due to its inhibitory effects on glycine receptors.13Huang B, et al. GlyT1 Inhibitor NFPS Exerts Neuroprotection via GlyR Alpha1 Subunit in the Rat Model of Transient Focal Cerebral Ischaemia and Reperfusion Physiol Biochem. 2016

There is also evidence that sarcosine can block the neurotoxicity of NMDA antagonists, such as glutamate. The buildup of excitatory transmitters such as glutamate can eventually damage neurons. Luckily, sarcosine seems to be able to modulate levels of these types of neurotransmitters.14Chaves C, et al. Glutamate-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor modulation and minocycline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia: an update Braz J Med Biol Res. 2009

How Sarcosine Works In The Brain

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Sarcosine is a glycine precursor, which affects the NMDA system in the brain

The enzyme sarcosine dehydrogenase metabolizes sarcosine into glycine. Glycine is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter that is necessary for proper cognitive functioning.15Sarcosine Wikipedia. 2019

The enzyme glycine-N-methyl transferase also generates sarcosine from glycine.

Sarcosine vs Glycine

Sarcosine is structurally similar to the naturally occurring amino acid glycine. This means it is capable of binding to the same receptor sites as glycine.16Hai Xia Zhang, et al. The glycine transport inhibitor sarcosine is an NMDA receptor co-agonist that differs from glycine J Physiol. 2009

Researchers believe that by binding to these receptors, sarcosine inhibits glycine uptake, which in turn agonizes NMDA receptors. This action seemingly improves NMDA function, and is most likely the source of sarcosine’s therapeutic effects.

According to current research “sarcosine may enhance NMDAR function by more than one mechanism and may have different effects from other NMDAR co-agonists.” This means that sarcosine’s particular benefits may be unique in some aspects.17Hai Xia Zhang, et al. The glycine transport inhibitor sarcosine is an NMDA receptor co-agonist that differs from glycine J Physiol. 2009

Where To Buy Sarcosine

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  • Potent glycine precursor

  • Helps settle an overactive mind

  • Shown to enhance NMDA receptor signaling

  • Can help increase motivation and lower stress

Sarcosine is an exciting nootropic that has been gaining popularity in the health and wellness community. It’s a naturally occurring amino acid that has been found to have a variety of benefits, from improving mental health to helping diagnose prostate cancer.

One of the main benefits of Sarcosine is its ability to improve cognitive performance. Studies have shown that it can help increase focus, concentration, and memory recall. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can lead to improved overall mental wellbeing. Additionally, Sarcosine has been found to be effective in treating symptoms of depression and schizophrenia.

Another benefit of Sarcosine is its potential as a prostate cancer biomarker. Studies have shown that it may be able to detect prostate cancer more accurately than other methods currently available. This could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment for those suffering from this disease.

Finally, Sarcosine is considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses. There are no known side effects associated with taking this supplement, making it an ideal choice for those looking for natural ways to improve their health and wellbeing.

Overall, Sarcosine is an exciting nootropic with many potential benefits for both physical and mental health. Its ability to improve cognitive performance, act as a prostate cancer biomarker, and lack of side effects make it an attractive option for those looking for natural ways to enhance their wellbeing.

Nootropics Depot’s Sarcosine Tablets come as a chewable supplement containing 1000mg of pure sarcosine per serving, making it one of the most potent nootropics on the market.

It also comes in a convenient 120 count bottle so you don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon. On top of that, these tablets are sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO – making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to get an edge on their mental performance responsibly.

When it comes to nootropics supplements that provide effective results with minimal side effects, NootropicsDepot’s Sarcosine Tablets stand out from the rest. So get yours today and start experiencing all of its excellent benefits!

Pros
  • Pure Sarcosine nootropic supplement
  • Free international shipping on orders over $200
  • Chewable tablets are easy to take and/or breakup
Cons
  • Some users don’t get full effects

How Much Sarcosine Should I Take?

Most studies found that 1-2 grams a day was effective and well-tolerated in most test subjects.

Sarcosine Potential Side Effects

Sarcosine is generally well-tolerated. However, in high doses it may cause side effects like:

  • Irritability
  • Lack of sleep
  • Overstimulation

There is also the potential that sarcosine can increase the possibility of prostate cancer, although the evidence on this is not conclusive.

Sarcosine Reddit Reviews

I’ve had treatment-resistant depression for 5 years and started taking sarcosine 5 months ago; it definitely works and relieves anhedonia to a modest degree.

Anonymous – source

I just wanted to say I’ve had some great results with depression, especially those symptoms shared with schizophrenia-like apathy, anhedonia, no motvation, etc (sarcosine is used for negative symptoms of schizophrenia). In terms of effects, it mostly feels like a lift in energy and a reduction of negative thoughts. A bit like a stimulant but it feels a bit more ‘clean’.

u/Immortal_Wind – source

Sarcosine allows me to just “get stuff done,” and prioritise my life, even in the smallest of ways that would have, only a week ago, seemed like giant leaps. It is by far the best “antidepressant” (if one could call it that) that I’ve ever experienced.

siwel7 – source

Sarcosine Amazon Reviews

Better sleep. Improved mood.

RICHARD M JONES: view source

The main benefit I’ve noticed has been an improvement in overall mood, cognitive function, and a slight decrease in my symptoms of depression.

Complicated: view source

Had been dealing with schizophrenia since 4 years. Quit benzodiazepene and withdrawal symptoms peaked in 5 days. Just had less than 2gms first dose and it has shown the effects. Improved motor skills, cognition, lessened anxiety.

Bhaskar: view source

Wrapping Up

Do you have questions about, supplementing with Sarcosine? Do you have experience supplementing with Sarcosine? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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References
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Author

Erik Abramowitz is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Naturopathic Doctoral student, health coach, and father. He is the primary content creator for HolisticNootropics.com and the host of the Holistic Nootropics Podcast.

2 responses to “Sarcosine: Benefits, Dosing, Where To Buy, And More!”

  1. Linda Tritton Avatar
    Linda Tritton

    I live in the UK – where can I buy this please??

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