Glycine is an amino acid found in foods such as meat, fish, and gelatin-containing products. In supplement form, it is often used in free form.

No, glycine is considered a non-essential amino acid, which means that animal organisms can produce it themselves under normal conditions.

Essential amino acids cannot be produced by animal organisms themselves and must be obtained through the diet. Non-essential amino acids, such as glycine, can basically be formed internally, although supplementation through food or supplements may sometimes be desirable.

‘Free-form’ means that the glycine in the supplement is not bound to other amino acids or substances, but is present as an individual molecule. This form is often chosen because it is immediately usable in powders or capsules, without the need for breakdown or conversion. This makes it suitable for applications where a pure, easily dosed variant is desired.

Taking amino acids such as glycine on an empty stomach helps to avoid competition with other amino acids from protein-rich foods. This way, the supplement is taken as an individual component, which matches how free amino acids are often used in supplement form.