Glycine is a non-essential amino acid and has the simplest structure of all amino acids, allowing it to fit easily within protein chains and make space for structurally larger amino acids. This feature makes it very important for specific bodily functions.

Glycine is also a precursor of Creatine, which is used to construct DNA and RNA. And it supports glycogen storage, thereby making more glucose available for energy production.

The amino acid Glycine is non-chiral and only has one form without a D- or L- designation.

Some people apply glycine directly to the skin to heal wounds.

The body uses glycine to make proteins. Glycine is also involved in the transmission of chemical signals in the brain, so some say it can be used trying it for support brain health, cognition and memory.