Study: How GlyNAC improves the hallmarks of aging in older adults | Purovitalis

Study: How GlyNAC improves the hallmarks of aging in older adults

An older woman wearing blue tights practices yoga in a rocky coastal landscape with a clear view of the sea. She holds a balanced pose with calm focus, surrounded by cliffs and open sky.

The global population is aging rapidly. By 2050, more than 20% of people worldwide will be over the age of 60.

WHO, 2024

This shift brings clear challenges for health systems – but it also highlights something more fundamental: the importance of maintaining health, not just extending life.

Healthy longevity isn’t achieved late in life. It’s shaped over decades – by environment, habits, and the small biological processes that keep our cells functioning over time. Understanding and supporting those processes is becoming one of the most relevant health priorities of our time.

The study

A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT from 2022 investigated whether it’s possible to influence these biological changes through supplementation with GlyNAC – a combination of two amino acids: glycine and N-acetylcysteine.

The improvements were remarkable. After just 16 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation, older participants showed measurable progress in 7 out of 9 recognized hallmarks of aging — read on to find out what GlyNAC does in the body – and why this combination may be uniquely suited to support healthy aging.

Hallmarks of Aging

The hallmarks of aging are a set of key biological processes that contribute to the gradual decline in function and increase in disease risk as we get older. Scientists have identified nine original hallmarks, each of which drives aging when it becomes unbalanced or damaged ⟶ read this.

Who took part in the study?

The study involved both older and younger adults to investigate the effects of GlyNAC at different life stages. All participants were examined at baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 16 weeks of supplementation.

Group overview:

GroupAge rangeBMIParticipantsSupplementDuration
OAG61–80 years>2712GlyNAC16 weeks
OAP61–80 years>2712Alanine placebo16 weeks
YA21–40 years<2712GlyNAC2 weeks
OA: Old adults, YA: young adults.

This setup allowed researchers to:

  • Compare the effects of GlyNAC to placebo
  • See how the older adults’ values changed compared to younger reference values
  • Investigate whether GlyNAC provides any benefit to already healthy young adults

What did the study measure?

To understand how GlyNAC works, the researchers looked at how aging affects the body on multiple levels – from energy production to inflammation and cell repair. Here’s what they tested:

What was measuredWhat it shows
Glutathione levelsThe body’s main antioxidant and defense system
Oxidative stressDamage from free radicals that accumulates with age
Mitochondrial functionHow well cells produce energy and regulate fat and sugar
Inflammatory markersSigns of low-grade chronic inflammation
Insulin sensitivityHow effectively the body regulates blood sugar
DNA damage & repairThe body’s ability to repair genetic damage
Autophagy & mitophagyInternal cleanup processes that remove damaged cell parts
Muscle stem cell activityThe body’s potential to regenerate muscle tissue
Senescent cellsAged, non-functioning cells that accumulate with age
Physical performanceStrength, walking speed, and endurance
Body compositionFat distribution and waist circumference
Blood pressureIndicator of cardiovascular health
Liver & kidney functionSafety markers to ensure the intervention doesn’t cause harm

The results

Glutathione and oxidative stress

Older participants had much lower glutathione levels in both muscle and blood compared to younger adults. GlyNAC restored these levels to normal. The placebo group showed no changes.This was accompanied by a more than 70% reduction in oxidative stress markers, suggesting that GlyNAC doesn’t just supply antioxidants – it helps the body produce its own.

GroupMuscle GSH<br>(mmol/kg)Total GSH in Blood<br>(mmol/L)Reduced GSH in Blood<br>(mmol/L)GSH/GSSG Ratio
YA-0w
(Young Adults)
7.01.41.424.6
OAG-0w
(Older Adults, Before GlyNAC)
2.4 ↓66%0.4 ↓70%0.4 ↓73%7.5 ↓70%
OAG-2w
(After 2 Weeks GlyNAC)
5.3 ↑121%1.2 ↑173%1.1 ↑195%14.7 ↑96%
OAG-16w
(After 16 Weeks GlyNAC)
6.3 ↑164%1.4 ↑225%1.3 ↑259%27.6 (normalized)
OAP-0w/16w
(Older Adults, Placebo)
2.4 → 2.4 (no change)0.5 → 0.5 (no change)0.4 → 0.4 (no change)9.0 → 9.5 (no change)
GSH = Glutathione, YA = young adults, OAG = older adults + GlyNAC, OAP = older adults + placebo, ↑/↓ = relative change compared to OAG-0w (older adults baseline)

Summary

After 16 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation, the older participants reached glutathione levels that were no longer different from those of the young adults. They went from a significant deficiency in the body’s most important antioxidant to normalized levels, both in muscle tissue and red blood cells.

Mitochondrial function

Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses” of the cell because they turn food into energy. With age, they tend to burn less fat and rely more on sugar, which is less efficient. In this study, older adults had reduced fat burning and excessive glucose use.

⟶ After GlyNAC, fat oxidation improved by 78% and glucose reliance fell by 65%. This shift matters because it means cells can produce energy more efficiently, which can impact everything from stamina to brain function.

Chronic inflammation

Low-grade chronic inflammation increases with age and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. Older adults in the study had inflammatory markers like IL-6 up to 820% higher than in young adults.

GlyNAC lowered IL-6 by 78%, TNF-α by 54%, and CRP by 41%. This suggests it helped the immune system move from a constant “alarm” state to a healthier, balanced state.

Insulin and energy use

Insulin resistance means cells don’t respond well to insulin, making it harder for the body to control blood sugar. It can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Older adults in the study had insulin resistance more than four times higher than young adults.

With GlyNAC, insulin resistance dropped by 64% and fasting insulin levels fell by 65%, showing much better blood sugar control and metabolic health.

DNA Damage and cellular cleanup

DNA damage builds up with age and is linked to diseases and cellular decline.

GlyNAC reduced markers of DNA damage by 73% and improved the body’s ability to clear out old or damaged cell parts and mitochondria. In other words: signs of active cellular repair.

Physical function and body composition

Aging often brings slower walking speeds, weaker grip, and reduced stamina. These aren’t just lab measures – they directly affect independence and quality of life.

After GlyNAC, older adults walked faster, had stronger grip strength, and improved endurance in the 6-minute walk test. In some cases, their performance approached that of young adults.

MeasureYA-0wOAG-0wOAG-16wOAP-0wOAP-16w
Gait speed (m/s)1.361.131.341.111.16
Grip strength – dominant (kg)34.832.336.731.429.3
Grip strength – non-dominant (kg)31.729.633.930.727.8
Chair-rise (sec)16.525.618.822.620.7
Six-minute walk (m)635522565518527

Blood pressure

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, and it often rises with age. Higher values increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

GlyNAC lowered systolic blood pressure in older adults, suggesting improved cardiovascular health.

MeasureYA-0wOAG-0wOAG-16wOAP-0wOAP-16w
Systolic BP (mmHg)110.8132.0124.4129.5127.6
Diastolic BP (mmHg)70.079.275.978.175.8

Why GlyNAC works – and why NAC alone doesn’t

According to the study, GlyNAC works because it provides the body with the essential building blocks needed to produce glutathione – the antioxidant that cells depend on to stay healthy. The researchers describe this as:

GlyNAC = The “Power of 3”

Glycine – amino acid needed to make glutathione and support DNA repair.

NAC – provides cysteine, essential for energy production and detoxification.

Glutathione – the body’s “master antioxidant,” protecting cells, supporting mitochondria, and neutralizing harmful oxidative stress.

With both glycine and cysteine available, the body can efficiently produce glutathione, combining all three for greater impact on cellular health and healthy aging.

This combination is what makes the difference.
The study notes that trials using NAC alone or pre-made glutathione often show little or no improvement. In some animal studies, NAC alone even worsened oxidative stress. The conclusion from the researchers is that the body needs the right components in the right balance – not just one of them. stress. The body needs the right pieces in the right balance – not just one of them.

Is GlyNAC safe?

Yes. No adverse effects were reported during the study. Liver and kidney markers remained stable. GlyNAC is made from natural amino acids the body already uses – it’s just delivered in the right amount and combination to support aging from the inside.

Healthy aging with GlyNAC

The world’s population is aging rapidly — by 2050, more than 20% of people will be over 60 (WHO, 2024). This makes healthy longevity one of the most important goals of our time, and it starts with protecting the biological systems that keep us strong, active, and resilient.

The clinical GlyNAC trial showed that combining glycine and NAC — known by researchers as the “Power of 3” when paired with the glutathione they help produce — can restore glutathione levels, reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial energy, and support vital repair processes. In fact, the study found improvements in 7 out of 9 recognized hallmarks of aging.

Purovitalis GlyNAC delivers vegan, sugar-free capsule — 300 mg pure L-glycine and 300 mg NAC — produced in the EU under strict GMP standards and third-party tested for quality. Backed by science, it’s designed to fuel your cells, support recovery, and help you invest in your own longevity – from the inside out.

Curious how GlyNAC might support your healthy aging journey? Learn more about our GlyNAC supplement here:

References
  1. World Health Organization. Ageing and health [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024 Oct 1 [cited 2025 Aug 5]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
  2. Kumar P, Liu C, Suliburk J, Hsu JW, Muthupillai R, Jahoor F, Minard CG, Taffet GE, Sekhar RV. Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, physical function, and aging hallmarks: a randomized clinical trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2023;78(1):75–89. doi:10.1093/gerona/glac135

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Prof. Dr. Andrea Maier

Prof. Dr. Andrea Maier is an internist and professor of aging (“ longevity medicine ”) at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and the University of Melbourne, Australia. She studies the aging body and searches for anti-aging treatments. She heads the Center for Healthy Longevity in Singapore.
Why do we gradually decline during our average life of more than 80 years? Can we stop that process? Or maybe even turn around? And to what extent should we really want that? Maier gives practical tips on how we can extend our lifespan while also staying healthy.

Topics Andrea Maier talks about

  • Health
  • Aging and rejuvenation
  • Interventions to reverse aging
  • Gerontology
  • Innovation in medicine
  • Medicine


Background Andrea Maier

Andrea Maier graduated in Medicine from the University of Lübeck in 2003. She specialized in internal medicine at the Leiden University Medical Center and subsequently chose the subspecialty of Geriatric Medicine. This is where she started her research into aging.

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