What Is Sarcosine?

Sarcosine (also known as N-methylglycine) is required to produce the amino acid glycine and is also a byproduct of glycine breakdown. In the body, it is produced by turning dietary choline into glycine, or by breaking down methionine to glycine [R].

It is also produced in the laboratory (from chloroacetic acid and methylamine) [R].

Sarcosine has a distinct mild, sweet flavor. An ingredient of toothpaste for decades, one derivative of sarcosine appears to help prevent cavities and cause foaming [R].

Sarcosine has other surprising health benefits. Studies over the past 2 decades uncovered its role in treating mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and depression [R, R, R].

Mechanism of Action

Some researchers believe that sarcosine’s apparent effects in different mental health disorders stem from its effect on 2 important receptors in the brain. In cell studies, sarcosine:

• Activated the NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor): Sarcosine increased the activity of NMDAR in the same way as glycine. Both glycine and glutamate are required for increasing the activity of NMDAR, which is thought to bring about the therapeutic effects of sarcosine in schizophrenia and other mental health disorders [R, R].
• Blocked the GlyT1 (type 1 glycine) transporter: GlyT1 maintains glycine levels in the brain. Sarcosine blocks this transporter leading to glycine builds up in the brain (which then may increase the activity of NMDAR). This could improve the symptoms of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia [R, R].

Potential Benefits of Sarcosine

Sarcosine supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Insufficient Evidence For

The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of sarcosine for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking sarcosine supplements, and never use it in place of something a doctor recommends or prescribes.

1) Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is

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