Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

PlexusDx delivers personalized health reports which analyze genetic traits while emphasizing Glycine's effects on your health

This blog post will explore how Glycine functions as a non-essential amino acid that supports essential bodily functions and affects your nutrition and well-being through dietary choices. The essential amino acid Glycine originates from food sources such as grains, dairy products, soy, and meat and functions as a basic unit for protein synthesis. Glycine helps control blood pressure levels while enhancing brain function and producing collagen while also fighting oxidative stress. When Glycine levels are low they interfere with glutathione production which leads to greater chances of developing heart disease and diabetes. To avoid safety risks it is best to obtain Glycine only through food intake. The genetic makeup of an individual significantly influences their Glycine levels. Genetic factors account for up to 80% of the variability seen in Glycine levels among individuals. The breakdown of Glycine involves genes like CPS1 which influence how the body processes Glycine degradation products. The CPS1 gene contains variants that either increase or decrease Glycine levels. Low Glycine levels can result from lifestyle factors such as poor vegetable intake and medical issues like obesity and diabetes. High Glycine levels might indicate either a Vitamin B6 deficiency or the presence of specific rare genetic disorders. The presence of genetically reduced Glycine levels appears to establish a causal relationship with overweight conditions and cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure. This report excludes rare genetic disorders generally identified during infancy because these conditions occur so infrequently. Understanding how Glycine affects health through genetic interactions can provide valuable insights for people who want to improve their well-being based on their genetic traits. The Precision Health & Wellness tests from PlexusDx available at PlexusDx.com as well as Amazon and Walmart enable users to discover important information about their nutrition and diet-related genetic traits which helps in making better health decisions. Glycine functions as an essential component in numerous bodily processes while its quantity in the body depends on both inherited genes and personal lifestyle habits. PlexusDx's genetic testing results enable users to actively enhance their health through informed actions. The Precision Health & Wellness tests help you gain insight into your genetic characteristics to support better health decisions now and in the future.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

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