DGL Licorice: What It Is and Why It's Used for Digestive Comfort
Licorice root has been used in traditional herbal practices for centuries, particularly to support digestive wellness. Today, one form of licorice—known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)—has become especially popular in supplements designed to support digestive comfort and a healthy gut lining.
Unlike regular licorice root, DGL undergoes a process that removes most of its glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring compound that can cause unwanted side effects when consumed in large amounts or over extended periods. This modification allows many people to use DGL while avoiding some of the concerns associated with whole licorice root.
In this guide, we'll explain what DGL licorice is, how it differs from traditional licorice root, why glycyrrhizin is removed, and what current research suggests about its role in supporting digestive comfort. We'll also discuss where DGL fits within a broader gut health strategy.
Key Takeaways
- DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a modified form of licorice root.
- Most of the compound called glycyrrhizin has been removed to improve its safety profile for regular use.
- DGL is different from whole licorice root and should not be considered the same ingredient.
- It is commonly included in supplements designed to support digestive comfort and gut lining integrity.
- Current research is promising but should be interpreted cautiously, as more high-quality studies are still needed.
- DGL is best viewed as one component of a comprehensive approach to supporting digestive health.
Table of Contents
- What Is DGL Licorice?
- DGL vs. Regular Licorice Root
- Why Is DGL Used for Digestive Comfort?
- What Does the Research Say?
- How DGL Fits Into a Gut Lining Support Strategy
- Where DGL Fits in Balance ONE RevivaGut
- Safety and Precautions
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is DGL Licorice?
DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a specialized extract made from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). While licorice has a long history of traditional use, DGL is a more modern preparation developed to retain many of the plant's naturally occurring compounds while removing most of one specific constituent: glycyrrhizin.
The term deglycyrrhizinated simply means that most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed during processing. This allows DGL to maintain many of the botanical characteristics of licorice while reducing concerns associated with long-term intake of glycyrrhizin.
DGL is commonly available in several forms, including:
- Chewable tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
- Combination digestive support formulas
Many digestive health products include DGL alongside ingredients such as L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, slippery elm, and aloe vera because these ingredients are often used together in comprehensive gut lining support formulas.
It's also important to distinguish DGL from products simply labeled as "licorice." Herbal teas, candies, extracts, and supplements containing whole licorice root may still contain glycyrrhizin and therefore have a different safety profile.
If you're new to gut lining support, our guide on What Is Leaky Gut? Symptoms, Diet, and Treatment explains why ingredients that support digestive comfort have become increasingly popular.
DGL vs. Regular Licorice Root
Although DGL originates from the same plant as traditional licorice root, the two should not be considered interchangeable. The key difference lies in the presence—or absence—of glycyrrhizin.
What Is Glycyrrhizin?
Glycyrrhizin is a naturally occurring compound found in licorice root. It contributes to the plant's characteristic sweetness and is responsible for many of the biological effects traditionally associated with licorice.
However, researchers have also found that consuming significant amounts of glycyrrhizin over time may affect the body's balance of sodium and potassium and may contribute to elevated blood pressure in some individuals. Because of these well-documented concerns, healthcare professionals generally recommend caution with long-term use of whole licorice root products that contain glycyrrhizin.
Why Is Glycyrrhizin Removed?
DGL was developed to reduce these concerns while preserving many of the other naturally occurring compounds found in licorice root. During manufacturing, most of the glycyrrhizin is removed, producing an ingredient that is commonly used in digestive support supplements.
This distinction is one of the most important things consumers should understand when comparing products. Research discussing the safety of whole licorice root does not necessarily apply to DGL, and studies involving DGL should not automatically be generalized to traditional licorice preparations.
| Regular Licorice Root | DGL Licorice |
|---|---|
| Contains naturally occurring glycyrrhizin | Most glycyrrhizin removed |
| May affect blood pressure and electrolyte balance when consumed in large amounts | Designed to reduce these concerns |
| Traditional herbal preparation | Modified extract created for specific supplement applications |
| Different safety considerations | Often selected for digestive support formulas |
Because of its modified composition, DGL has become one of several ingredients commonly included in gut health formulations that focus on supporting digestive comfort rather than relying on whole licorice root alone.
Other ingredients frequently paired with DGL include L-glutamine and zinc carnosine, both of which are commonly used in comprehensive gut lining support formulas. You can also learn more about complementary ingredients in our guide to Best Ingredients to Support Your Gut Lining.
Why Is DGL Used for Digestive Comfort?
DGL has become one of the best-known herbal ingredients used in digestive support supplements because of its long history of traditional use and its favorable safety profile compared with whole licorice root. While researchers are still studying exactly how DGL works, it is commonly included in formulas designed to support digestive comfort and help maintain the integrity of the gut lining.
Rather than acting as a digestive stimulant, DGL is generally thought of as a soothing botanical. Laboratory and clinical research suggests it may help support the body's normal protective mechanisms within the digestive tract, including healthy mucus production that helps maintain the stomach and intestinal lining.
It's important to understand that supporting digestive comfort is not the same as treating digestive diseases. DGL supplements are marketed to support normal digestive function and everyday gut wellness—not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions.
How DGL May Support the Digestive Tract
Although more research is needed, several mechanisms have been proposed:
- Supports the body's natural protective mucus layer.
- Helps maintain normal gut lining integrity.
- Supports everyday digestive comfort.
- Provides botanical compounds traditionally associated with digestive wellness.
- Works well alongside other gut-support ingredients.
Because digestive wellness depends on many factors—including diet, stress, sleep, hydration, and the gut microbiome—DGL is generally considered one part of a broader digestive health strategy rather than a standalone solution.
What Does the Research Say?
Research on licorice has been conducted for decades, but it's important to distinguish studies using whole licorice root from those specifically evaluating deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Since the removal of glycyrrhizin changes the composition of the extract, findings from one form should not automatically be applied to the other.
Several clinical studies have explored DGL as a supportive ingredient for digestive comfort. While some findings are encouraging, many studies are relatively small or older by today's research standards. More well-designed human trials are needed to better understand DGL's long-term role in digestive wellness.
Scientific reviews generally conclude that DGL appears to have a favorable safety profile when used appropriately and may support normal digestive function. However, researchers also emphasize that dietary supplements should complement—not replace—appropriate medical evaluation for persistent digestive symptoms.
Overall, the current evidence supports viewing DGL as a promising ingredient for digestive support, while recognizing that research continues to evolve.
How DGL Fits Into a Gut Lining Support Strategy
No single ingredient determines digestive health. Maintaining a healthy gut lining depends on multiple lifestyle and nutritional factors working together.
In addition to choosing evidence-informed supplements when appropriate, many healthcare professionals recommend focusing on habits that support everyday digestive wellness, including:
- Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
- Getting adequate dietary protein.
- Managing everyday stress.
- Prioritizing quality sleep.
- Staying physically active.
- Maintaining adequate hydration.
Supplement ingredients are also frequently combined because they may provide complementary support. For example, DGL is often paired with ingredients such as L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, slippery elm, aloe vera, marshmallow root, arabinogalactan, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in comprehensive gut lining formulas.
For additional lifestyle strategies, see our guide on How to Support Your Gut Lining Naturally.
Where DGL Fits in Balance ONE RevivaGut
Rather than relying on a single ingredient, RevivaGut combines DGL with several complementary nutrients and botanicals commonly used to support digestive comfort and gut lining integrity.
Each serving includes DGL alongside L-glutamine, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, arabinogalactan, slippery elm, marshmallow root, aloe vera, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), MSM, and zinc carnosine. Together, these ingredients are formulated to support a healthy gut barrier and everyday digestive wellness as part of a comprehensive approach.
As with any dietary supplement, RevivaGut is intended to complement healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits—not replace them.
Safety and Precautions
Although DGL differs significantly from whole licorice root because most glycyrrhizin has been removed, it is still important to use supplements responsibly.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommended serving instructions. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new dietary supplement.
Speak with a healthcare professional if digestive symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by unexplained weight loss, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or other concerning symptoms.
Bottom Line
DGL licorice is a specialized form of licorice root that has had most of its glycyrrhizin removed, giving it a different safety profile than traditional licorice root. Today, it is commonly included in digestive health supplements because of its long history of traditional use and its potential to support digestive comfort and gut lining integrity.
While current research is encouraging, DGL should be viewed as one component of a broader digestive wellness plan that includes balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate medical care when needed.
When combined with complementary ingredients such as L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, slippery elm, and aloe vera, DGL can play a valuable role in a comprehensive gut support strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DGL stand for?
DGL stands for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a form of licorice root from which most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed.
Is DGL the same as regular licorice root?
No. Although both come from the same plant, DGL has undergone processing to remove most of the glycyrrhizin, giving it a different safety profile than whole licorice root.
Why is glycyrrhizin removed?
Removing most of the glycyrrhizin helps reduce concerns associated with excessive intake of whole licorice root, particularly effects on blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
Can DGL be taken every day?
Many DGL supplements are designed for regular use according to the manufacturer's directions. However, it's best to discuss long-term supplement use with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.
Is DGL included in RevivaGut?
Yes. RevivaGut includes 500 mg of DGL per serving as part of a multi-ingredient formula designed to support digestive comfort and gut lining integrity.
