Glycine is an important amino acid for relaxation, detoxification, and normal muscle function. Glycine plays a key role in maintaining healthy function of the central nervous system (CNS). Along with GABA, glycine is considered one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS, particularly in the brainstem and spinal cord.

Studies show glycine may help improve memory retrieval in individuals with a wide variety of sleep-depriving conditions, including jet lag and overwork. The benefits of glycine are not just limited to the CNS. Glycine plays a key role in phase II liver detoxification by direct effect on toxin elimination or via its effect on increasing glutathione, which is composed of three amino acids – cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid.

In addition, glycine is necessary for the production of healthy DNA and RNA, and therefore plays an important role in ensuring healthy cell function throughout the body. Glycine is one of three amino acids (along with arginine and methionine) needed for the synthesis of creatine, which in turn supplies energy to muscle and nerve cells. High concentrations of glycine are found in the muscles, the skin, and other connective tissues. Approximately 30 percent of collagen is composed of glycine.

Glycine plays an important role in supporting a healthy digestive system by helping regulate the synthesis of the bile acid that digests fats. Glycine also regulates glucose utilization for energy.