Glycine
The smallest amino acid — collagen, calm and sleep.
What is Glycine?
Glycine is the smallest amino acid and makes up about a third of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Beyond connective tissue, it helps build glutathione, creatine and heme, and acts as a calming neurotransmitter that may support sleep quality.
Health benefits of Glycine
- A major component of collagen for skin, joints and bone
- Helps make glutathione, creatine and the heme in blood
- Acts as a calming neurotransmitter and may aid sleep
- Supports the body's detoxification pathways
Top food sources of Glycine
See full rankingGelatin, bone broth, skin-on meats, fish, dairy and legumes. Values shown per 100 g.
Gelatins, dry powder, unsweetened
19,049 mg
Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, added phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin C
13,773 mg
Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, no added sodium
13,773 mg
Snacks, pork skins, plain
11,917 mg
Snacks, pork skins, barbecue-flavor
11,036 mg
Pork, fresh, variety meats and by-products, ears, frozen, raw
4,400 mg
Fish, whitefish, dried (Alaska Native)
4,370 mg
Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, dried (Alaska Native)
4,351 mg
Whale, beluga, meat, dried (Alaska Native)
4,079 mg
Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO
3,700 mg
Soy protein isolate
3,603 mg
Soy protein isolate, potassium type
3,603 mg
How much Glycine do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Some researchers suggest the body's collagen needs exceed what it makes, so foods like bone broth and gelatin can help.
Glycine deficiency
The body can make glycine, but demand can outpace supply during growth or healing, so dietary glycine from collagen-rich foods can be valuable.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Glycine do?
Glycine is the smallest amino acid and makes up about a third of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Beyond connective tissue, it helps build glutathione, creatine and heme, and acts as a calming neurotransmitter that may support sleep quality.
How much Glycine do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Some researchers suggest the body's collagen needs exceed what it makes, so foods like bone broth and gelatin can help.
Which foods are highest in Glycine?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Gelatins, dry powder, unsweetened, Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, added phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin C, Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, no added sodium, Snacks, pork skins, plain, Snacks, pork skins, barbecue-flavor.
What happens if I don't get enough Glycine?
The body can make glycine, but demand can outpace supply during growth or healing, so dietary glycine from collagen-rich foods can be valuable.