Glycine

Simplest amino acid; building block of proteins and in combination with its sodium salt approved as a food additive (E 640).

Glycine as a neurotransmitter: Glycine is stored vesicularly in glycinergic neurons. It is released exocytotically after adequate stimulation. It acts via the ionotropic glycine receptor. An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) occurs via the opening of ligand-gated chloride channels, resulting in a decrease in the activity of the downstream neuron. At the NMDA receptor(glutamate receptor), on the other hand, it has a stimulatory effect at a specific glycine binding site, in addition to the main agonist glutamate.

The slightly sweet compound itself and its sodium salt round off the taste of sweeteners

Food additive (E 640)

Flavour enhancer

Soups, sauces

Meat products

Seasoning

Sweetener tablets