Proline (l-proline): properties, side effects, and benefits

Proline is such a percussionist in the world of amino acids. He's always in the shadow of the rest of the band, but without him all the music falls apart. Similarly, your body would fall apart if it ran out of proline.

That is why, together with a doctor of medicine, a master's degree in pharmacy and a clinical nutritionist I will give you the most important information about it.

See also:

• The best collagen on the market
• Best collagen for nails
• Best collagen for face
• Best collagen for wrinkles
• Best collagen for skin
• Best collagen for joints
• Best collagen for hair
• Best collagen for cellulite
• Best collagen for acne
• Best collagen for stretch marks
• Best collagen for scars
• Best collagen for bones
• Best collagen for drinking and collagen for drinking (effects)

What is proline?

Proline is an endogenous amino acid protein - the body can produce it itself. It is mainly produced from glutamic acid (commonly found in animal organisms). Proline is one of the most important protein amino acidsand.

His unique structure allows the formation of proteins with specific structures - with turns and loops. These unusual structures are essential for the proteins to function properly and stabilise their tertiary structure (i.e. shape).

Proline is involved in processes such as protein synthesis, immune regulation and tissue development. Like lysine, it is also essential for the production of collagen, the richest protein in the human body, highlighting its importance for skin, joint and bone healthand.

What formula does proline have?

Proline has the formula C5H9NO2. It is characterised by its unique structure and is a key component of collagen. In addition, its specific structure allows it to give unique shapes to protein structures, influencing their stability and function.

Proline is a key component of collagen.

Proline, L-proline and D-proline - what are the differences?

Amino acids, such as proline, can exist in two spatial forms, super scientifically speaking, they are chiral. In the case of proline, a distinction is made between: L-proline and D-proline.

L-proline

L-proline is one of the two forms of proline. It is biologically active and occurs naturally in the body. L-proline is a type of proline that is used in the production of proteins, including the key protein for health - collagen.

In short, L-proline is an actively biological variant of proline. It is the one that plays key structural and functional roles in the human body.

D-proline

D-proline is the second form of proline, less common and biologically less active than L-proline. D-proline occurs naturally in some micro-organisms, such as bacteria, where it is involved in some specific biochemical processes.

In humans, the role of D-proline is significantly limited. Most human enzymes are unable to metabolise it. Nevertheless, human organisms have the ability to convert a certain amount of D-proline to L-proline by means of appropriate enzymes.

Human organisms have the ability to convert a certain amount of D-proline to L-proline by means of appropriate enzymes.

D-proline is not common, nor is it actively used in human metabolism.

What about hydroxyproline?

Hydroxyproline is a derivative of the amino acid proline, whose unique properties are due to an additional hydroxyl group.

The most important role of hydroxyproline is its role in collagen, which consists of three polypeptide chains that twist inwards and outwards.

Hydroxyproline helps stabilise this complex structure by forming water bridges, increasing the stability and strength of the entire collagen protein.

What properties does proline have?

Responsible for protein structure

Proline is an unusual amino acid that plays a special role in protein structure. It is often found where the protein chain makes a turn, forming twists and loops. This property comes from the unique structure of proline and is crucial to the three-dimensional structure of proteins.

Proline also gives proteins rigidity, helping them to hold their shape. Not only does it affect the structure of proteins, but it also plays a vital role in cell signalling - the process by which cells communicate with each other.

Proline is a key contributor to the structure of proteins.

Responsible for collagen production

Proline is one of the key amino acids in the body's collagen production process. Its key functions include:

• Peptide chain formation. Proline is essential for the formation of the basic structure of collagen - the triple helix. This amino acid is part of the peptide chain of collagen and influences the stability and structure of this helix.
• Hydroxylation. In the process of hydroxylation, enzymes modify certain proline molecules, converting them into hydroxyproline. This process is important for the stability of the collagen structure.
• Collagen resynthesis. Proline is also a key component in collagen resynthesis. Collagen resynthesis is a process that enables the body to repair and regenerate connective tissue.

Influences the wound healing process

Proline is also involved in the wound healing process. It has several important functions that affect tissue reconstruction and regeneration. The most important of these include:

• Collagen formation. The wound healing process depends largely on collagen, and proline is one of the main components of this protein. Collagen forms the structure that supports the new tissue during healing.
• Regulation of apoptosis; Proline may also play a role in regulating apoptosis (programmed cell death), which is essential for removing damaged cells and replacing them with new ones during the healing process.
• Angiogenesis and cell migration. The process by which new blood vessels are formed from existing ones is called angiogenesis. Proline can be associated with angiogenesis, which is crucial during the wound healing process. In addition, this amino acid may promote migration - the process by which cells move to where they are most needed, which is key in wound healing.
• Fighting inflammation. The inflammatory process is a normal part of wound healing. Yet an excess of it can lead to continued damage. Proline may play a role in modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation.

Helps joints

Proline may help people with joint pain and reduce the likelihood of joint-related diseases.

• Builds collagen. Proline is a key component in building collagen protein, which is essential in the formation of connective tissues that are important for joint health. This protects joints from wear and degenerative changes that can lead to ailments such as arthrosisand.
• Regenerates joint tissues. Proline is essential for regenerative processes, helping to repair damaged joint tissues and produce new, healthy cellsand.
• Prevents inflammationand.
• By supporting the immune system, proline can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is often the cause of joint problemsand.

Promotes heart health

Proline is crucial for heart health. One of the main areas where it shows its positive effects is in the regulation of blood pressure .

It is essential for the production of collagen in the body, and it affects the elasticity and strength of blood vessel walls. Healthy blood vessels are more resistant to increased blood pressure, which minimises the risk of cardiovascular disease .

What about cholesterol?

Proline also has a positive effect on cholesterol control. It is a component of lipoproteins - the key molecules that transport fats in the body. When proline levels are normal, the process of transporting lipids (including cholesterol) is more efficient, helping to maintain healthy blood cholesterol levelsand.

Also, proline indirectly reduces oxidative stress by supporting glutathione production. Glutathione is one of the main antioxidants that helps protect the body from free radical damageand.

Proline - uses

• Dietary supplements. Proline is often added to dietary supplements as an essential amino acid for optimal body developmentand.
• Cosmetics. Proline is used in cosmetology and skin care products. It is used in masks, face creams, lotions, etc.and.
• Agriculture. Proline is used in agriculture, particularly to make plants more resistant to external factors such as droughtand.

Where proline occurs - sources in food

Proline in food can allow you to maintain adequate concentrations of this amino acid. A healthy diet is essential for the body's health. Where can you find proline in food?

It is worth remembering that a balanced diet usually provides sufficient proline and supplementation is unnecessary. The exception to this is other recommendations from a doctor or dietician.

Proline deficiency

Proline deficiency is not a very common phenomenon, so there is a lack of research on the subject. Nevertheless, there are some situations in which it can occur.

Proline deficiency is a common occurrence.

Cause of proline deficiencyand:

• Hereditary disorders of proline metabolism. These are rare genetic cases that render the body unable to metabolise proline properly. In extreme cases, this can lead to neurological problems, including developmental delays.
• Nutrition. People who do not get enough protein in their diet can suffer from proline deficiency.
• Absorption-limiting diseases. Gastrointestinal diseases or problems with the liver can interfere with the body's ability to absorb proline from food.

Symptoms of proline deficiency

Symptoms of proline deficiency are difficult to identify, as they are often combined with general protein deficiency or malabsorption associated with other health conditions.

Because proline is responsible for collagen production, a deficiency of this amino acid could theoretically affect skin, hair or joint health. But this is only a theory, as the specific symptoms of proline deficiency are not precisely identified.

Perhaps in the case of a hereditary disorder, proline deficiency could have an impact on collagen production.

In cases of inherited disorders of proline metabolism, the following symptoms may occurand:

• developmental delays,
• neurological disorders,
• convulsions,

Note, most often these symptoms are rare and usually associated with serious metabolic disorders. Any deficiency, including proline, should not be diagnosed by yourself. If you are concerned about nutritional deficiencies, the best course of action is to contact your doctor or a nutritionist.

See also:

• How to rebuild collagen

Proline excess - symptoms and effects

Under normal conditions, proline is converted in an appropriate manner so that it does not accumulate in excess. However, abnormalities in its metabolism can lead to too much of this amino acid in the body, resulting in a rare genetic condition known as hyperprolinaemiaand.

Hyperprolinaemia is a metabolic disorder. There are two types of it: hyperprolinaemia type I and type II.

• Hyperprolinaemia type I - is usually asymptomatic, although some individuals may experience mild neurological problems. People with this condition have approx. 3-10 times more proline in the body than healthyand.
• Hyperprolinaemia type II - is more severe than type I and can lead to mental development problems, seizures, uncontrolled movements (hyperkinesis) and behavioural problems. In this case, proline concentrations can be up to 10-15 times higher than standardand.

Each form of hyperprolinaemia results from a mutation in a specific gene pair. Both forms are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that both copies of the gene must have mutations for the disease to develop.

What is the treatment for proline hyperplasia?

The treatment of hyperprolinaemia, like other amino acid metabolic disorders, usually consists of a specialised diet and symptomatic treatment. It should be tailored individually to the patient's situation. If the excess proline is caused by a specific disease or condition, the most important goal is to treat this underlying problem.

Do I have to take proline supplements?

Most often, proline supplementation is unnecessary - the amino acid is naturally produced by the body. However, if your specialist has recommended that you take proline supplements, it's better not to ignore it.

Collagen preparations you can choose instead of proline

The main function of proline is to support the production of collagen. Presumably that's what you want - collagen support for skin, hair, nails and joints. So maybe it would be simpler to take just collagen? Here's a list of the 10 best collagen supplements on the market.

Best overall

Natu.Care Premium collagen 10 000 mg, mango-maracuja

5.0

• Collagen content: 10,000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (and L-theanine and coenzyme Q10 in cocoa flavoured collagen or vitamin A and vitamin E in mango–passion fruit flavoured collagen)
• Form: powder sachets
• Dose: 1 sachet per day
• Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

One of the strongest collagens on the market, whichós provides as much as 10,000 mg in a daily serving. This allows the formula to effectively support the condition of the skin, hair and nails. 

With this supplement, you will support your beauty, which will allow you to visually stop the ageing process and feel a second youth!

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 10 000 mg comes in two flavours – cherry and mango-maracuja. Both formulas have the same product backbone – collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. 

In the cherry version you additionally find glucosamine, chondroitin and Indian frankincense resin extract. Mango-maracuja, on the other hand, contains vitamin E and vitamin A.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Tested collagen formula – SeaGarden, whose effects have been confirmed in clinical studies.
• Effective dose of hyaluronic acid, additionally moisturizing the skin and positively impacting joint health.
• Vitamin C supports the body’s natural collagen production.
• The composition has been tested by the independent and accredited J.S. Hamilton laboratory.
• The product has an MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) quality certification – the collagen source supports sustainable fishing practices.

Cons:

• None.

Additional information

Users praise Natu.Care Collagen Premium for the easy dissolvability of the powder.

User review

I noticed a significant improvement in my skin texture after a few weeks of taking collagen regularly. My complexion is now as soft as velvet!

Best for joints

Natu.Care Collagen Premium 10000 mg, cherry

5.0

• Collagen content: 10,000 mg of hydrolyzed bovine collagen
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, extract of Indian frankincense resin (boswellia serrata)
• Form: powder sachets for drinking
• Serving: 1 sachet per day
• Lasts for: 30 days

See price

Product description

One of the strongest collagens on the market, providing as much as 10,000 mg per daily serving. This product can effectively support the condition of joints, skin, hair, and nails.

With this supplement, you will support your skeletal and joint system as well as your beauty, helping you visually halt the aging process and feel rejuvenated!

Pros and cons

Pros:

• The daily portion of collagen is very large – as much as 10,000 mg.
• Proven collagen formula – COLLinstant, whose effectiveness has been confirmed in clinical studies.
• Effective dose of hyaluronic acid, which additionally moisturizes the skin and positively affects joint health.
• Vitamin C supports the body's natural collagen production.
• Glucosamine is a fundamental building block of compounds found in joint cartilage and a component of collagen that gives elasticity to connective tissue in tendons.
• Chondroitin is a natural component found in the human body, mainly in cartilage. This large molecule (mucopolysaccharide) has the ability to absorb water, which helps maintain the elasticity and resilience of cartilage.
• Frankincense resin extract supports blood circulation and joint mobility and reduces their stiffness. It may help alleviate inflammatory conditions.
• The composition has been tested by the independent and accredited J.S. Hamilton laboratory.

Cons:

• None.

Additional information

Users praise Natu.Care Collagen Premium for the easy dissolving of the powder.

Unflavored

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen

4.8

• Collagen content: 12 000 mg marine collagen hydrolysate
• Form: powder
• Dose: 3 tbsp per day
• Sufficient for: 18 days

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Product description

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Peptides is a premium collagen supplement designed for those following pescatarian-friendly diets. This marine collagen powder contains 12g of high-quality collagen peptides per serving, known for supporting skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality. Odorless and unflavored, it blends seamlessly into your favorite drinks or recipes, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Made from wild-caught white fish, ensuring a high standard of quality and environmental responsibility.
• Powder dissolves effortlessly in hot or cold beverages.
• Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed for quick absorption.
• Pescatarian-friendly with sustainably sourced ingredients
• Made without gluten / cholesterol / mercury / dairy.

Cons:

• Doesn't contain additional ingredients, e.g vitamin C.
• The packaging isn't sufficient for a whole month.

High dose

Orgain Collagen Peptides

4.8

• Collagen content: 20 000 mg bovine collagen hydrolysate
• Form: powder
• Dose: 2 scoops per day
• Sufficient for: 22 days

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Product description

With 20g of Type I and III collagen peptides per serving, this unflavored, odorless powder easily blends into any beverage or recipe, making it a versatile addition to your daily wellness routine. High dosage enables you to see effects faster.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High collagen content per serving, hydrolyzed for easier absorption.
• Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, ensuring quality and ethical sourcing.
• Unflavored powder can be seamlessly incorporated into coffee, smoothies, soups, and more.
• Non-GMO and free from dairy, soy, gluten, sugar and artificial ingredients.

Cons:

• Doesn't contain additional ingredients, e.g vitamin C.
• The packaging isn't sufficient for a whole month.

With probiotics

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

4.8

• Collagen content: 10 000 mg collagen hydrolysate
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, SBO probiotics
• Form: powder
• Dose: 1 scoop per day
• Sufficient for: 60 days

See price

Product description

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein offers a powerful blend of ten types of collagen from four whole-food sources: grass-fed bovine, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and eggshell membrane. Formulated with Types I, II, III, V, and X collagen, this powder supports the health of your skin, joints, nails, and gut.

The included SBO probiotics promote gut health, while Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis and boosts immune function, delivering a holistic approach to wellness in every scoop.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Contains 10 types of collagen to support skin, joint, gut, and nail health
• Enriched with clinically studied probiotics and Vitamin C for additional gut and immune benefits
• Versatile vanilla flavor, perfect for adding to smoothies, coffee, or other recipes.
• Paleo and keto-friendly, with no dairy or gluten

Cons:

• Each collagen source (bovine, fish, chicken) requires distinct quality controls. Consumers concerned about sourcing may want to research the origin and processing of each source for peace of mind.
• The producer doesn't specify the percentage composition of the various types of collagen in the product.

Product tiles contain affiliate links. As An Amazon Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases.

See also:

• How to choose collagen
• How to choose collagen to drink
• How to choose collagen powder
• How to choose collagen in sachets
• How to choose liquid collagen
• How to choose collagen in tablets
• How to choose collagen in capsules
• How to choose fish collagen to drink
• How to choose fish collagen powder
• How to choose hydrolyzed collagen
• How to choose hyaluronic acid collagen

How to dose proline?

The dosage of proline depends on various factors such as health, age, lifestyle and diet. Typically, safe and effective doses of this amino acid range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day.

Remember, however, that there are no clearly established dosages for proline supplementation, so it is always advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist who will be able to tailor the dosage to your individual needs and health status.

Proline contraindications

Proline occurs naturally in the body, so most often its supplementation is safe and not associated with contraindications. Nevertheless, it is worth being careful and checking whether the following restrictions apply to you:

• Kidney disease. People with kidney disease should be particularly careful with proline supplementation, as excess amino acids can stress the kidneys.
• The following restrictions apply to proline supplementation.
• Diseases liver. As with kidney disease, people with liver problems should consult their doctor before starting proline supplementation.
• Metabolic disorders. Some metabolic disorders can cause problems with metabolising proline. People with such problems should avoid supplementation.

See also:

• Norwegian collagen
• What is collagen
• Collagen type I
• Collagen type II
• Collagen type III

Proline and L-proline - side effects

While proline occurs naturally in many foods and is safe for most people, its excessive supplementation can lead to some side effects. Possible side effects include:

• Kidney problems. An excess of proline can stress the kidneys, leading to problems with kidney function.
• Proline is not a good supplement.
• Gastrointestinal disorders. Some people may experience gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea while taking proline supplements.
• Hypoglycaemia. Proline can lower blood sugar levels, leading to anxiety, sweating, tremors, dizziness and reduced appetite.

Expert opinions on proline: a doctor, a pharmacist and a clinical nutritionist

See also:

• Which collagen is the strongest
• Does collagen supplementation make sense
• Collagen deficiency
• Collagen excess

Summary

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