10 Foods High In Glycine: What Are Their Importance?

May 2, 2025 by Pranay David

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Glycine is an amino acid that’s involved in a variety of biochemical processes in the human body. It plays a role in the synthesis of proteins, DNA and RNA, and is also needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Glycine can be found in many foods, including meat, fish, dairy, legumes and some vegetables.(1)

Article Contains

Foods That are Rich in Glycine

Bone Broth
Gelatin Powder
Fish
Chicken with Skin
Milk & Milk Products
Spinach
Asparagus
Cabbage
Meat
Legumes

Foods That are Rich in Glycine

1. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a rich source of glycine. It’s made by simmering bones in water for an extended period of time, which allows the release of glycine and other nutrients into the broth. Bone broth also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as collagen, which is beneficial for joint health.(2)

2. Gelatin Powder

Gelatin powder is a concentrated source of glycine. It’s made from animal collagen and is often used to make desserts, jellies and marshmallows. Gelatin powder can also be added to soups and stews to give them a thicker consistency.(3)

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3. Fish

Fish is another good source of glycine. It’s especially rich in the amino acid if it’s cooked with the skin on, as the skin contains a high concentration of collagen. Salmon, trout and halibut are all good options.(4)

4. Chicken with Skin

Chicken is another excellent source of glycine. The skin contains a high concentration of collagen, so it’s best to leave it on when cooking chicken to get the most benefit. Have it roasted, grilled or baked for a delicious and healthy meal.(5)

5. Milk & Milk Products

Milk and milk products are also good sources of glycine. The amino acid is found in both the whey and casein proteins in milk. Dairy products like yogurt, cheese and ice cream also contain glycine.(6)

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6. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that’s rich in glycine. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate and iron. Spinach can be enjoyed cooked or raw in salads.(7)

7. Asparagus

Asparagus is another vegetable that’s rich in glycine. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber. Asparagus can be enjoyed cooked or raw in salads.

8. Cabbage

Cabbage is another vegetable that’s high in glycine. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Cabbage can be enjoyed cooked or raw in salads.(8)

9. Meat

Meat is also a good source of glycine. The amino acid is found in both muscle tissue and connective tissue. Beef, pork, lamb and veal are all good options.(9)

10. Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas, are also good sources of glycine. They’re also a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Legumes can be enjoyed cooked or sprouted.

These are just a few of the many foods that are rich in glycine. Including more glycine-rich foods in your diet may have various health benefits, such as improved nerve function and reduced inflammation.(10)