What Food Has DGL? Decoding Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3,000 years ago, traditional medicine began using licorice root for digestive issues, but modern health-conscious consumers often ask, "What food has DGL?". The key takeaway is that deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is a processed extract from the licorice plant, not a naturally occurring compound in food. It is typically consumed in supplement form, specifically tablets or capsules, for its gastrointestinal benefits.

Quick Summary

DGL is a processed licorice extract, with the compound glycyrrhizin removed, to offer digestive support without negative side effects. It stimulates mucus production to protect the gut lining and is used to manage conditions like acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Key Points

DGL is Not a Food: DGL is a processed extract, not a naturally occurring nutrient found in whole foods.
Source is Licorice Root: DGL is derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, but it has been modified.
Glycyrrhizin is Removed: The processing removes glycyrrhizin, the compound in licorice root that can cause side effects like high blood pressure.
DGL Protects the Gut Lining: It works by stimulating mucus production, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acid.
Supplement Form is Required: The benefits of DGL are obtained through supplements, most effectively in chewable tablet form.
Beneficial for Digestive Issues: DGL is commonly used for conditions like acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.

DGL: An Extract, Not a Whole Food

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a common herbal supplement known for its ability to soothe the stomach and support digestive health. However, it's a critical distinction to make that DGL itself is not found in foods, but rather it is a derivative of licorice root, a root from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. The processing involved removes glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for potentially elevating blood pressure and causing other side effects associated with regular licorice consumption. By isolating the beneficial flavonoids and other compounds while eliminating glycyrrhizin, DGL provides a safer option for long-term digestive support.

Why DGL Isn't in Foods

Simply chewing on a piece of licorice root will not provide the benefits of DGL because the crucial step of removing the glycyrrhizin has not occurred. This process requires specialized extraction methods to isolate the desired compounds. Therefore, anyone seeking the specific effects of DGL must rely on commercially prepared supplements, which are often available as chewable tablets, capsules, or powders. This is why you won't find DGL listed as an ingredient in your everyday foods, but rather as a key component in digestive health supplements.

How DGL Supplements Work for Digestive Health

DGL operates differently than traditional antacids, which primarily work by neutralizing stomach acid. Instead, DGL focuses on strengthening the body's own defense mechanisms.

The primary mechanisms include:

Stimulating Mucin Production: DGL increases the production of mucin, the protective substance that coats the digestive tract. This creates a stronger mucosal barrier against stomach acid and other irritants.
Enhancing Blood Flow: Research indicates that DGL increases blood supply to the damaged mucosal lining, promoting faster healing.
Boosting Cell Count and Longevity: It helps increase the number of mucus-producing cells and extends their lifespan, further reinforcing the gut lining.
Combating H. pylori: Some studies suggest DGL has a significant effect against the H. pylori bacterium, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis.

DGL vs. Regular Licorice Root: A Comparison Table


Feature	DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)	Regular Licorice Root
Glycyrrhizin Content	Glycyrrhizin is removed during processing.	Contains glycyrrhizin, the active compound.
Safety for Long-Term Use	Considered safe for long-term use for most people.	May cause side effects with long-term use due to glycyrrhizin.
Impact on Blood Pressure	Does not typically affect blood pressure.	Can potentially raise blood pressure in some individuals.
Side Effects	Generally very few side effects.	Potential for sodium retention, potassium loss, and hormonal effects with high doses.
Recommended Form	Chewable tablets or capsules for optimal digestive effect.	Used in traditional medicine, teas, and flavoring.

How to Use DGL Safely

For DGL to be most effective, especially for conditions like acid reflux and ulcers, experts recommend using chewable tablets. Chewing the tablet allows the DGL to mix with saliva, which activates its protective compounds before it reaches the stomach. The optimal time to take it is typically about 20 minutes before a meal to create a protective barrier in the stomach and esophagus. Dosage and duration vary, so it's always best to follow package instructions or consult with a healthcare professional, especially for specific conditions or if taking other medications.

DGL and Other Digestive Support Herbs

DGL is often combined with other soothing botanicals to enhance its effects, and while these are not foods containing DGL, they are important to mention in the context of herbal digestive support. Some common partners include marshmallow root and slippery elm, both of which are known for their mucilage properties that further coat and protect the gut lining. Another example is aloe vera gel, prized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Zinc carnosine is also used in conjunction with DGL to help maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of what food has DGL stems from a misunderstanding of what DGL actually is. Instead of being a whole food, it is a specially prepared extract from the licorice root that has been made safer for consumption by removing the potentially harmful glycyrrhizin. It is available primarily as a supplement and works by stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms to protect and heal the gut lining, making it a popular natural alternative for addressing various digestive complaints. For those seeking to leverage its benefits, the proper administration is through chewing tablets before meals.

Citations

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) - PMC - PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7348626/ Deglycyrrhizinated licorice - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deglycyrrhizinated_licorice DGL Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract - Better Health Market, https://betterhealthmarket.com/shop-by-health-concern/natural-factors-dgl-deglycyrrhizinated-licorice-extract-90chewable-tablets Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) for Acid Reflux - Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/dgl-for-acid-reflux 6 Herbs That Restore Gut Health - Amy Myers MD, https://www.amymyersmd.com/blogs/articles/restore-gut-health

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular licorice candy does not contain DGL. While it is flavored with licorice extract, it is not deglycyrrhizinated and therefore retains the glycyrrhizin compound.

No, you cannot get DGL by eating licorice root. The deglycyrrhizination process requires specialized extraction to remove the glycyrrhizin. Eating the raw root exposes you to this compound with potential side effects.

DGL supplements are known to support digestive health by soothing the stomach lining, increasing protective mucus production, and aiding in the healing of conditions like acid reflux and peptic ulcers.

For optimal results, DGL is best taken in chewable tablet form. Chewing the tablets allows the extract to mix with saliva, activating its compounds for maximum effectiveness in the digestive tract.

DGL is generally considered safe for most people, especially because the glycyrrhizin is removed. However, you should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

The main difference is the glycyrrhizin content. DGL has the glycyrrhizin removed, which makes it safer for long-term use without the risk of elevated blood pressure associated with regular licorice root consumption.

While its primary use is for digestive health, traditional licorice root has other uses, but the specific benefits of DGL are focused on soothing the gastrointestinal tract and do not include the same range of effects as licorice with glycyrrhizin.