ModerateTiming Sensitive
Iron
DGL chewables and powders may reduce reliable iron absorption if taken together before meals.
Recommendation: Separate iron by at least 2 hours when treating deficiency.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Herb ·Emerging evidence ·Reviewed May 2026
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is licorice root extract processed to remove most glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice-induced hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. It is used for dyspepsia, reflux-related discomfort, and gastric mucosal support, but evidence is more limited than for standard acid-suppressive therapies. Product quality matters because residual glycyrrhizin can still pose risk.
What it's good for
What to watch for
- Mild GI upset, nausea, or loose stool
- Sweet taste or mouth irritation with chewables
- Residual glycyrrhizin risk: elevated blood pressure, edema, low potassium, or arrhythmia if product is not truly DGL
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clinician-approved
- Hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or history of hypokalemia unless product is verified low-glycyrrhizin and clinician-approved3
The bottom line
Evidence rating emerging. Most-documented uses: may soothe functional dyspepsia and reflux-related discomfort, supports gastric mucosal defense, may help occasional heartburn symptoms when used before meals. 3 sources indexed (1978–2024), with 3 interaction records on file.
The science
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
DGL contains flavonoids and polysaccharide-rich constituents that may support gastric mucus production, mucosal blood flow, and epithelial defense. Removing glycyrrhizin greatly reduces mineralocorticoid-like effects, but incomplete deglycyrrhizination or high intake can still create blood pressure and potassium concerns. Chewable or powder forms are often used before meals to maximize local mucosal contact.2
Class
Low-glycyrrhizin gastric demulcent botanical
Found in food
Licorice root, though whole licorice contains glycyrrhizin and is not equivalent to DGL
Low-status signs
None - DGL is not an essential nutrient and has no deficiency state
Absorption
Best on an empty stomach
Dosing
Dosing & protocol.
Common range
Chewable DGL 350-760 mg 15-20 minutes before meals, up to three times daily; branded extracts vary
Recommended form
Chewable DGL or standardized low-glycyrrhizin extract with glycyrrhizin content disclosed
Chewable DGL is commonly taken before meals for local mucosal contact. Separate from medications and minerals because demulcent products can reduce absorption.
Forms
Forms & what to buy.
Ranked by evidence and value.
Chewable DGL Tablet Recommended
Maximizes local contact with oral and upper-GI mucosa. Chew 15-20 minutes before meals; do not swallow whole if label says chew.
DGL Powder
Flexible dose and local mucosal contact when mixed into slurry. Take before meals and separate from medications.
Standardized Low-Glycyrrhizin Extract
May include defined flavonoid content and controlled glycyrrhizin. Follow product-specific dosing.
Cost
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Chewable DGL tablet.
BudgetBest value
$5 /mo
$0.15 per dose
Mid
$11 /mo
$0.35 per dose
Premium
$23 /mo
$0.75 per dose
Chewables are inexpensive; branded low-glycyrrhizin extracts cost more but may have better constituent control. Updated 2026-06-04.
Goals
Goal-based dosing.
Reflux-Related Discomfort
Dose: 350-760 mg before meals as chewable DGL
Timing: 15-20 minutes before meals
Use for occasional symptoms; persistent reflux needs evaluation and may need evidence-based therapy.
Functional Dyspepsia Support
Dose: 75-150 mg standardized extract twice daily or chewable DGL before meals1
Timing: Before meals
Evidence is emerging and formulation-specific.
Gastric Mucosal Support
Dose: 350-760 mg before meals up to three times daily2
Timing: Before meals
Do not rely on DGL for suspected ulcer, H. pylori, NSAID injury, or GI bleeding.
Why people use it
Symptoms it's matched to.
Where this appears in the symptom-to-supplement map, ranked by relevance.
Indigestion
55% relevance
Standardized licorice extracts have trial evidence in functional dyspepsia.1,3
DigestiveEmerging evidenceLow-glycyrrhizin extract
Avoid assuming all licorice products are DGL.
Gastric irritation
45% relevance
May support mucosal defenses and mucus production.2
DigestiveEmerging evidenceDGL powder or chewable
Suspected ulcer or GI bleeding requires medical care.
Heartburn
42% relevance
Local mucosal coating and mucus-support effects may soothe irritation but do not reduce acid production like PPIs or H2 blockers.
DigestiveEmerging evidenceChewable DGL before meals
Persistent heartburn or alarm symptoms need evaluation.
Protocols
Featured in protocols.
Evidence-based stacks that include it, with the exact dose and timing each one uses.
Gut Lining Repair Protocol
DigestionOptionalEmerging evidenceBeginner$40-70/mo
Dose here
380-760 mg chewed before meals
Timing
20 minutes before meals
DGL increases mucus secretion and the protective mucosal layer of the upper GI tract while avoiding the blood-pressure effects of whole licorice, soothing irritated lining.
Safety
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Mild GI upset, nausea, or loose stool
- Sweet taste or mouth irritation with chewables
- Residual glycyrrhizin risk: elevated blood pressure, edema, low potassium, or arrhythmia if product is not truly DGL
- Allergic reaction in sensitive users
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clinician-approved
- Hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, or history of hypokalemia unless product is verified low-glycyrrhizin and clinician-approved3
- Use with corticosteroids, diuretics, digoxin, or antiarrhythmic drugs without medical supervision
- Unexplained weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood, trouble swallowing, or persistent severe reflux requires medical evaluation
- Avoid whole licorice substitution for DGL1,3
Interactions
Interaction records.
ModerateCaution
Potassium
True DGL should have low glycyrrhizin, but contaminated or incompletely deglycyrrhizinated products can lower potassium and cause hypertension.
Recommendation: Use verified DGL and seek medical advice if taking potassium, diuretics, digoxin, or blood pressure medications.
InfoTiming Sensitive
Zinc
DGL may reduce immediate absorption of zinc supplements if taken together.
Recommendation: Separate zinc by at least 2 hours if using zinc for deficiency or immune support.
Search all 3 interaction records for Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) →
Sources
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Randomized controlled trials
2- 1An Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyNeeds reviewNo linkRaveendra KR et al. · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2012
GutGard improved dyspepsia symptom scores compared with placebo in a short trial.
- 2Double-blind trial of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in gastric ulcerNeeds reviewNo linkBardhan KD et al. · Gut · 1978
An older trial evaluated DGL in gastric ulcer, supporting historical use but not replacing modern therapy.
Reference material
1- 3Licorice Root: Usefulness and SafetyNeeds reviewNo linkNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health · NCCIH · 2024
NCCIH notes serious adverse effects from glycyrrhizin and states DGL products might be safe short term.
Keep exploring
Deep dives & adjacent profiles.
This page is educational. Do not start, stop, or change a supplement or medication based on it without checking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Use this with your stack
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.