5 Best Glycine Supplements for the Money - 2024 [doctor approved]
KenDBerryMDPublished on June 19, 2025
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Dr. Ken Berry emphasizes the importance of consuming glycine from natural sources for optimal bioavailability and effectiveness. He recommends several meat-based sources of glycine and suggests synthetic supplements for those on plant-based diets. Consuming glycine naturally also offers the added benefit of other essential nutrients.
Key Points
- Natural sources of glycine are more bioavailable and effective than synthetic supplements.
- Top natural glycine sources include cooked ground beef, lamb, chicken legs, kielbasa sausage, and ground turkey.
- Synthetic glycine supplements may be necessary for those on vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diets due to lower glycine content in plant foods.
- Consuming glycine from natural food sources provides additional nutritional benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals.
Unlocking the Benefits of Glycine: A Natural Approach
Glycine supplements are gaining popularity for their wide range of health benefits. However, the source of glycine is crucial for maximum absorption and effectiveness. In this article, we explore the most bioavailable and cost-effective sources of glycine, as highlighted by Dr. Ken Berry, a family physician passionate about natural health solutions.
Natural vs. Synthetic Glycine
When it comes to glycine supplements, many available options are synthetically produced, involving chemical processes that may not align with those seeking a natural health approach. Dr. Berry emphasizes the importance of consuming glycine in its most natural form, as it is more bioavailable and recognizable to the body.
Top 5 Natural Glycine Sources
Dr. Berry shares his five favorite sources of glycine, which not only provide a significant amount of this amino acid but also come in a form that our bodies are accustomed to:
- 6 oz of cooked ground beef - 3,000 mg of glycine
- 6 oz of cooked lamb - 3,000 mg of glycine
- 1 cooked chicken leg (with skin and bone) - 3,000 mg of glycine
- 1 kielbasa sausage - 3,000 mg of glycine
- 6 oz of ground turkey - 2,900 mg of glycine
These sources not only provide glycine in a natural and bioavailable form but also come packed with other essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for health.
Glycine for Plant-Based Diets
For individuals following vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diets, finding high glycine sources can be challenging, as plant-based options generally contain lower amounts of glycine. In these cases, Dr. Berry suggests considering synthetic glycine supplements to ensure adequate intake.
Conclusion
Dr. Ken Berry advocates for obtaining glycine and other nutrients from natural food sources whenever possible. This approach not only ensures the intake of glycine in its most bioavailable form but also provides a broader spectrum of nutritional benefits. For those unable to meet their glycine needs through diet alone, supplementation may be necessary, with a preference for natural sources.