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Glycine: Benefits and Foods High in Glycine

Discover Glycine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Glycine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Glycine?

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it on its own. Despite this, it is important to obtain additional glycine from dietary sources to support its various functions in the body. Glycine plays a critical role in the synthesis of proteins, the production of important compounds like creatine and glutathione, and the functioning of the central nervous system.

Benefits of Glycine

  • Protein Synthesis: Essential for the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.

  • Antioxidant Production: Involved in the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

  • Detoxification: Helps in detoxifying harmful substances in the liver.

  • Sleep Quality: Supports healthy sleep patterns by calming the nervous system.

  • Joint and Skin Health: Plays a role in the production of collagen, which is important for skin, joints, and connective tissues.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Glycine

The DRV for Glycine is approximately 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 15 mg x 70 kg = 1,050 mg per day

Foods High in Glycine

Here are some foods rich in Glycine along with their approximate Glycine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,050 mg per day).

Top Sources of Glycine for Carnivores

  1. Gelatin

    • Glycine content: 27,600 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 2,629%

  2. Chicken Skin

    • Glycine content: 3,300 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 314%

  3. Turkey Breast

    • Glycine content: 2,250 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 214%

  4. Lean Beef

    • Glycine content: 2,110 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 201%

  5. Pork Loin

    • Glycine content: 2,040 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 194%

Top Sources of Glycine for Vegans

  1. Spirulina

    • Glycine content: 3,100 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 295%

  2. Soy Protein Isolate

    • Glycine content: 2,320 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 221%

  3. Soybeans

    • Glycine content: 1,770 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 169%

  4. Sesame Seeds

    • Glycine content: 1,470 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 140%

  5. Sunflower Seeds

    • Glycine content: 1,130 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 108%

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