Glycine: The Nutrient in Bone Broth That Works Harder Than Collagen
Collagen has been in the spotlight for years, praised for its role in skin, joint, and gut health. But what if the real star of the show has been hiding in plain sight? According to functional medicine registered dietitian Rebecca Russell, glycine deserves more attention.
“So, glycine is an amino acid, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein,” Rebecca explains. “Glycine is the most abundant amino acid in collagen, and collagen is also the most reliable source of glycine as well.”
In other words, while collagen supplements are popular, it's actually glycine that plays a critical role in many of the benefits people associate with collagen. And unlike collagen, glycine does more than just support skin elasticity, it has a far-reaching impact on overall health and wellness.So, is glycine the real reason to drink bone broth?
What Is Glycine?
Glycine is more than just an amino acid, it’s a powerhouse nutrient that supports multiple functions in the body. While most people recognize collagen for its benefits, glycine is actually the key player behind many of them too. “These tiny little building blocks, these tiny little amino acids really share a bigger story in terms of the benefits of things like collagen,” explains Rebecca.
One of glycine’s most important roles is its contribution to glutathione production. “For example, glycine and some other amino acids, glutamine being another one, are needed to make up this compound in our body called glutathione,” Rebecca says. Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant that helps repair cells, combat oxidative stress, and support overall wellness. Glutathione also helps our body detox by supporting the natural process in the liver.“
Glycine is also conditionally essential. This means our body can make it on its own but when our production of glycine decreases, our need for dietary glycine increases (like in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging)” Rebecca adds.
So while collagen gets all the attention, glycine also plays a huge role in maintaining health, far beyond just skin and joints.
Glycine vs. Collagen: Why Glycine Matters More Than You Think
“Glycine is essentially, in some respects, doing what people expect collagen to be doing,” says Rebecca. While collagen provides structural support to our skin, joints, and connective tissues, glycine goes beyond that.
One major reason glycine is so important is its role in glutathione production. As we age, both collagen and glutathione levels decline. That’s why focusing on glycine, rather than just collagen itself, may have greater long-term benefits. “Glycine, like I said, being the most abundant in collagen, is more beneficial for our whole health and wellness other than just collagen production, collagen synthesis, things like that.”
If you're drinking bone broth for collagen, you’re also getting a critical source of glycine, and that does far more for your body than just improving skin elasticity.
Glycine: The Unsung Hero Nutrient of Bone Broth
Instead of chasing the latest supplement trend, prioritizing whole food sources like bone broth ensures you’re getting glycine in its most natural, bioavailable form along with other essential nutrients your body needs. “Nature is complex,” Rebecca reminds us. When it comes to supporting your health, sometimes the simplest solution like sipping a warm cup of bone broth is the most effective one.
Looking for a whole food source of Glycine and Collagen?
What is glycine?
Glycine is an amino acid, a building block of protein, and the most abundant amino acid in collagen.
Why is glycine important for health?
Glycine plays a key role in supporting cell repair, producing antioxidants like glutathione, and maintaining overall wellness.
How does glycine differ from collagen?
While collagen contains glycine, glycine does much more in the body, including supporting immune health and antioxidant production.
Can collagen supplements replace glycine?
Collagen supplements can provide glycine, but whole food sources like bone broth offer additional nutrients that support overall wellness.
How can I get more glycine in my diet?
Bone broth is an excellent source of glycine, as it naturally contains this amino acid along with other beneficial nutrients. Click here to browse our bone broth flavors.
Liam is the Marketing Coordinator at Denver Bone Broth, where he leads digital marketing efforts, content creation, and community engagement. Passionate about sharing the benefits of sipping bone broth, he crafts thoughtful campaigns that highlight clean ingredients, culinary-inspired flavors, and the small-business story behind Denver Bone Broth. When not working on creative marketing strategies, Liam enjoys skiing, drawing, and watching basketball!
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