L-Proline
Proline is unique in having a special chemical structure compared to the other amino acids and this imparts structural rigidity to the collagen protein. Proline and hydroxyproline account for about 20% of collagen, second in abundance only to glycine. It is a non-essential amino acid as it can be synthesised from glutamic acid (in a reaction requiring NADH as a cofactor).
Collagen also requires Hydroxyproline for correct synthesis of the protein and the hydroxylation of proline occurs in the cell before the collagen is secreted into the extracellular matrix. The combination of Proline and Hydroxyproline determine the unique structural stability of the collagen proteins and fibres.
L-Proline can be found in asparagus, bell-peppers and broccoli.
Benefits:
- Key amino acid that gives collagen rigidity as a support scaffold for skin and joints.
- Imparts long term stability, such that collagen can be stable for years and decades.
- Helps build connective tissue in skin, bone, muscle and joint.
- Reported as a specific amino acid which can stimulate collagen synthesis.
Did you know…
Hydroxyproline is relatively unique to collagen and is used as a way to measure collagen content in the body?
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