Glycine Trend: Dietitian's Take

Glycine, a single compound found in food, is gaining popularity on TikTok.

This compound has been trending for a while, but recently went viral on social media due to an infomercial targeting "glycine girlies," a group of young women interested in this supplement. This has led to discussions about what glycine is and its potential benefits.

To address these questions, we spoke with registered dietitian Katherine Basbaum to understand the science behind glycine.

Glycine is one of the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein in the body. Basbaum explains that it's a non-essential amino acid because the body can produce it, unlike essential amino acids that must be obtained from food.

However, the amount of glycine the body produces may not meet daily needs. While glycine supplements are available, this amino acid is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and legumes.

Glycine's main function is to support cell growth and health, explains Basbaum. However, research indicates potential additional benefits of consuming this amino acid, including:

There isn't an official Dietary Reference Intake for glycine (or other non-essential amino acids). Still, some studies recommend a daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams. Basbaum mentions the average adult consumes around 2 grams daily.

To increase glycine intake, Basbaum advises prioritizing protein in your diet. “Dietary protein sources like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, soy products, beans, and legumes are good ways to ensure sufficient amino acid intake,” she suggests.

Basbaum recommends avoiding glycine supplements, which are popular on TikTok, for now. Instead, she suggests sticking to a balanced diet. She explains that a balanced diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs, and dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated by the FDA, making real food a safer option.