Glycine
Overview
Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that serves multiple important functions in the body and brain. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, improving sleep latency and quality by supporting GABA pathways and neurotransmitter balance. Glycine is essential for the synthesis of collagen and gelatin, which support gut barrier integrity by helping seal the gut lining and reduce permeability. It is also required for glutathione synthesis, supporting antioxidant defense and detoxification. Slow-cooked bone-in meats and cartilage-rich cuts release glycine-rich collagen and gelatin into the broth.
Recipes
1 recipe containing this substance
Turkey Wing Stew
A collagen-rich, glycine-heavy slow-cooked stew made from affordable turkey wings — supporting gut, joint, sleep, and brain health.
Foods
1 food containing this substance
Turkey
High tryptophan and niacin for serotonin synthesis and NAD+ production
Biological Mechanisms and Implications
| Biological Target | Therapeutic Areas | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gut Microbiome | Supports gut barrier integrity through collagen and gelatin synthesis; helps seal gut lining and reduce permeability; affects inflammation and gut-brain communication | |
| Neurochemical Balance | Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter; improves sleep latency and quality; supports GABA pathways and neurotransmitter balance | |
| Stress Response | — |
References
- Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, improving sleep latency and quality
- Glycine supports gut barrier integrity through collagen and gelatin synthesis, helping seal gut lining and reduce permeability
- Glycine is required for glutathione synthesis, supporting antioxidant defense and detoxification
- Slow-cooked bone-in meats and cartilage-rich cuts (such as turkey wings) release glycine-rich collagen and gelatin into the broth
- Glycine supplementation has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep latency