Glycine supplementation for MASLD health
Official title: Investigating the Effects of Dietary Glycine Supplementation in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Run by Singapore General Hospital · NCT07285135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding glycine to the diet helps people with MASLD improve liver fat and metabolic balance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Singapore General Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | methotrexate |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore, Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07285135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 21-70 with MASLD (BMI 25-50) or healthy controls (for the cross-sectional component); MASLD participants must have hepatic steatosis on MRI and meet inclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
MASLD patients who do not respond to glycine supplementation or have contraindications may not experience liver fat reduction.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project has two parts: a cross-sectional comparison of glycine-related metabolism between MASLD patients and healthy controls, and a 26-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of glycine (9 g/day) versus placebo in MASLD patients. The primary goals are to see if urinary acylglycine levels differ between groups and whether liver fat content measured by MRI-PDFF changes with glycine supplementation. Secondary assessments include broader metabolic profiles and safety monitoring. The study is conducted at Singapore General Hospital with MASLD participants aged 21-70 and BMI 25-50, alongside non-MASLD controls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, glycine supplementation could become a simple dietary approach to improve liver fat and metabolic health in MASLD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has explored amino-acid–based approaches in liver disease, but this specific glycine supplementation strategy in MASLD is being tested for the first time in this design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All subjects: 1. Age 21-70 years 2. Ability to provide informed consent. MASLD group: 1. Hepatic steatosis on MRI 2. BMI of 25-50 kg/m2 Controls: 1. Absence of hepatic steatosis on MRI 2. BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 3. No chronic disease 4. No long-term medications Exclusion Criteria: 1. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \> 8%) 2. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus 3. Clinically significant anemia (Haemoglobin \< 10 g/dL) 4. Chronic liver disorders (except MASLD) such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic cholestatic disorders, and liver cirrhosis 5. Drugs that may induce hepatic steatosis, such as methotrexate, amiodarone, tamoxifen, or Systemic steroid usage (eg. prednisolone, hydrocortisone, cortisone, dexamethasone) 6. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR \< 30 ml/min) 7. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) \> 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) 8. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) \> 3x ULN 9. Liver cirrhosis 10. Significant alcohol consumption (\> 20g/day for women and \>30g/day for men) 11. Pregnancy 12. Uncontrolled thyroid disease 13. Previous bariatric surgery 14. Weight loss \> 5% in the past 1 month 15. Metallic implants (including incompatible pacemakers, AICD, metallic heart valves) or other contraindications to MRI 16. Claustrophobia 17. Any factors likely to limit adherence to study protocol (e.g., dementia; alcohol or substance abuse; history of unreliability in medication taking or appointment keeping; significant concerns about participation in the study from spouse, significant other, or family members)
Where it's running
-
Singapore General Hospital
Singapore, Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hong Chang Tan, MD PhD
- Email: tan.hong.chang@singhealth.com.sg
- Phone: +65 63214658
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Liver Inflammation Index test for MASH in adults with T2DM and MAFLD
This study tests a Liver Inflammation Index to see if it can identify MASH in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and MAFLD.
-
Observing IBD patients with fatty liver disease
This study looks at people with inflammatory bowel disease to see how common fatty liver disease is among them and how it affects their overall health.
-
Evaluating the link between thyroid dysfunction and fatty liver disease
This study looks at how common thyroid problems are in adults with fatty liver disease to see if there's a connection between thyroid hormones and liver health.
-
Investigating a new inflammatory marker's link to fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis
This study is trying to see if a new blood marker can help doctors diagnose fatty liver disease and liver scarring in people who have these conditions.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.