What Foods Contain Sarcosine? A Comprehensive Guide

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Sarcosine, also known as N-methylglycine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in many food sources, including meat, eggs, and legumes. While it is also synthesized in the body, dietary intake contributes to its overall level.

Quick Summary

This article explores the dietary sources of sarcosine, detailing its presence in various foods. It explains how this amino acid derivative is metabolized in the body and its potential links to health. Readers will gain a clear understanding of sarcosine's role and how to incorporate it into their diet.

Key Points

Diverse Food Sources: Sarcosine is found in a variety of common foods, including eggs, legumes, nuts, and different types of meat.
Endogenous Production: The human body naturally produces sarcosine as an intermediate in the metabolism of choline to glycine.
Metabolic Role: Sarcosine is part of the one-carbon metabolism cycle, which is essential for important bodily functions like DNA synthesis.
Safety Considerations: While dietary intake is generally safe, supplementation should be supervised by a doctor due to potential health implications and interactions.
Diet vs. Supplements: A balanced diet is the most natural way to get sarcosine, providing it with other synergistic nutrients, unlike isolated supplements.

Understanding Sarcosine: A Quick Overview

Sarcosine, or N-methylglycine, is a simple, naturally occurring amino acid derivative that serves as an intermediate in the metabolism of choline to glycine. It is not a protein-building amino acid, but rather a byproduct of certain metabolic pathways. Present in muscles and other tissues, sarcosine plays a role in cellular energy production. For decades, it has also been used in commercial products, such as toothpaste, due to its sweet taste and foaming properties.

How the Body Processes Sarcosine

In the human body, sarcosine is both produced and broken down. The enzyme glycine-N-methyl transferase generates sarcosine from glycine, while sarcosine dehydrogenase breaks it down back into glycine. This metabolic cycling is part of a larger network of chemical reactions called one-carbon metabolism, which is essential for DNA synthesis and energy production. Since sarcosine is rapidly degraded into glycine, its levels are generally kept in check. Low levels can occur in vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain nutrient deficiencies, while high levels might indicate specific metabolic issues.

Foods with Significant Sarcosine Content

Various food items are known to be natural sources of sarcosine. The concentration can vary, but incorporating a mix of these foods into your diet is the most reliable way to obtain it naturally.

Meat and Poultry: Turkey, ham, and other meats are recognized as significant sources of sarcosine, particularly in muscle tissue.
Eggs: Specifically, egg yolks are mentioned as a food source containing sarcosine.
Legumes: This category includes peas, beans, and lentils, all of which contain sarcosine.
Nuts: Several types of nuts are cited as containing this amino acid derivative.
Vegetables: While a broad category, research indicates a variety of vegetables contain sarcosine.

Can sarcosine intake be increased through supplements?

For those unable to get enough from food, sarcosine is available as a dietary supplement. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen. The appropriate use of sarcosine supplements can vary, and individual reactions and potential interactions with other medications should be carefully considered.

Sarcosine Levels: Diet vs. Supplements

To better understand the differences between obtaining sarcosine from diet and from supplements, the following table provides a comparison.


Aspect	Dietary Intake	Supplementation
Source	Naturally occurring in foods like eggs, meat, and legumes.	Synthetic or concentrated form in pills or powders.
Purity	Mixed with other nutrients, varying concentrations depending on the food.	Higher, standardized concentration.
Absorption	Gradual absorption as food is digested.	More rapid and concentrated absorption.
Nutrient Synergy	Absorbed alongside other beneficial nutrients, such as B vitamins and choline.	Provides sarcosine in isolation, without synergistic nutrients.
Cost	Part of regular food expenses.	Additional cost; can be more expensive over time.

Potential Health Implications and Considerations

While sarcosine from diet is generally considered safe, some health contexts require consideration. Research has explored its use as an adjunct treatment for mental health disorders like schizophrenia, showing potential benefits. It's also been studied as a biomarker for certain diseases, although further research is needed. The safety of sarcosine supplementation is a separate matter, and it's particularly important to discuss its use with a doctor if you are on medications, as there can be interactions. For example, studies have shown that patients taking sarcosine alongside certain antidepressants may experience undesirable effects like agitation. For an example of a relevant clinical trial, see the study on sarcosine for schizophrenia on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Sarcosine is an amino acid derivative widely available in a balanced diet, with rich sources including meats, eggs, legumes, and nuts. For most individuals, obtaining sarcosine from whole foods provides the necessary levels without the need for supplements. However, in specific cases and under medical supervision, supplements may be considered. As with any dietary or supplemental change, understanding the sources and implications is key to a responsible and healthy approach. A balanced diet rich in varied proteins and vegetables is the most direct and safest way to ensure adequate sarcosine intake for general health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sarcosine, or N-methylglycine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in the body's tissues and various foods. It plays a role as an intermediate in the metabolic pathway from choline to glycine.

Common meat and poultry sources of sarcosine include turkey and ham. It is present in the muscle tissues of various meats.

Yes, plant-based sources of sarcosine include legumes, nuts, and certain vegetables, making it accessible to those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The body metabolizes sarcosine through a cycle involving the enzymes glycine-N-methyl transferase and sarcosine dehydrogenase, converting it into glycine.

Yes, lower-than-average sarcosine levels can be seen in vegans or vegetarians, or in individuals with deficiencies in certain nutrients like folate and vitamin B12.

Yes, sarcosine is present in eggs, specifically in the yolks.

Sarcosine supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially since it may interact with certain medications. A balanced diet is typically sufficient for obtaining sarcosine naturally.