Glycine

Glycine is the simplest amino acid, a building block for proteins. It occurs naturally in many foods, including meat, fish, dairy, and legumes. It can be produced synthetically for use as a food ingredient.

Glycine is used as a sweetener, flavor enhancer, and masking agent in foods. It can also act as a buffering agent. It is found in a variety of products, including beverages, baked goods, and processed meats.

In the US, glycine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the body and in food. JECFA has evaluated glycine and found it to be safe for consumption. Research has explored glycine's potential roles in sleep and neurological function, but more studies are needed to confirm these effects at typical dietary intake levels.