Guanidineacetic Acid (GAA), also widely known as Glycocyamine, is gaining significant recognition as a highly effective nutritional supplement. As a direct and natural precursor to creatine, a compound indispensable for energy metabolism, GAA plays a pivotal role in biological processes, particularly within muscle cells. Its increasing adoption across various sectors, especially in animal husbandry, underscores its profound impact on improving physiological performance and overall well-being. This article delves into the fundamental properties, intricate mechanism of action, diverse applications, and safety profile of Guanidineacetic Acid, highlighting its emerging status as a vital component in modern nutritional strategies.

Chemically identified by its CAS number 352-97-6, Guanidineacetic Acid is typically found as a white or off-white crystalline powder. With a molecular formula of C3H7N3O2 and a molecular weight of 117.11 g/mol, GAA exhibits high stability in water, a characteristic that contributes to its practicality and extended shelf life, often surpassing that of creatine itself. While it undergoes thermal decomposition at approximately 190°C, its crystal structure remains robust until melting above 284°C, further attesting to its stable nature.

The biological efficacy of Guanidineacetic Acid primarily stems from its function as an immediate precursor to creatine. Once ingested, GAA is transported to the liver through the bloodstream. Here, it undergoes a crucial methylation process, catalyzed by guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) and utilizing S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor, to synthesize creatine. The newly formed creatine is then released into the bloodstream and absorbed by cells, notably muscle cells, via specific transporters. Inside the cells, creatine is reversibly phosphorylated to phosphocreatine (Cr-P) by creatine kinase, establishing a vital energy reservoir. This Cr-P pool is instrumental in rapidly regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy currency, particularly during periods of high energy demand such as muscle contraction. It is important to note that the conversion of GAA to creatine consumes methyl groups, underscoring the synergistic relationship with other nutrients like methionine, which supplies these crucial methyl groups, and betaine, which facilitates the regeneration of methionine from homocysteine, ensuring efficient metabolism and preventing homocysteine accumulation.

The application of Guanidineacetic Acid has revolutionized animal husbandry, offering substantial benefits in enhancing livestock and poultry performance. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that GAA supplementation significantly improves growth performance, leading to increased daily weight gain and improved feed conversion ratios. By optimizing energy distribution towards muscle tissue, GAA contributes to a higher lean meat percentage and an overall increase in carcass yield. Beyond quantitative improvements, GAA also positively impacts meat quality, by influencing post-slaughter glycolysis, which results in reduced lactic acid accumulation, decreased drip loss, and enhanced brightness and tenderness of the meat. Furthermore, GAA has shown promise in bolstering reproductive performance, contributing to higher fertility rates, improved embryo survival, and increased egg production and hatch rates in breeding animals. Its superior stability, high bioavailability, and economic viability make it a preferred alternative to direct creatine supplementation in animal diets, ensuring that animals receive sufficient creatine without depleting endogenous amino acid reserves like methionine and arginine.

Guanidineacetic Acid boasts a commendable safety profile, having been thoroughly evaluated in numerous studies and clinical applications, confirming its non-toxic and highly tolerable nature. While some research has indicated a potential for elevated serum homocysteine levels at higher doses due to methyl group consumption, this can be effectively mitigated through the co-administration of methyl donors such as betaine and methionine, ensuring a balanced metabolic environment. The overall consensus regards GAA as a safe and beneficial dietary additive, offering antioxidant effects at appropriate dosages. For those looking to buy or purchase high-quality Guanidineacetic Acid, it is crucial to select a reliable manufacturer and supplier committed to stringent quality control. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. stands as a reputable supplier and manufacturer of premium Guanidineacetic Acid (GAA) pharmaceutical powder, offering competitive price and consistent product quality to meet diverse industrial and research needs. Their commitment ensures that customers receive a high-grade product, making them a preferred choice in the global market.