What does L-Proline do? – Why do we need it?

Proline is an amino acid. Amino acids are commonly described as the building blocks of protein.

Proline is considered a non-essential amino acid as some can be synthesised by the human body – glutamate can be used to synthesise proline, however it is important to also try and obtain some through your diet to boost levels and optimise your health. The best food sources of proline are animal sources e.g. meat, fish, eggs. Vegetarian food sources also include cabbage, asparagus, soy and peanuts.

Proline in particular is important in the formation of collagen. Collagen is vital as it helps to form and stabilise connective tissue, the structural components in the body, such as skin, tendons, bones, veins and arteries.

The main benefits of Proline are:

1. Skin repair and wound healing

Because proline supports collagen synthesis, giving structure and strength to your skin.

2. Gastrointestinal health

Collagen can help strengthen tissues lining the GI tract and benefit nutrient absorption. We know that our gut is a very important part of our immune system also, and so it also provides support to the functioning of our immune system.

3. Joint health

Collagen is important for maintaining the strength and flexibility of connective tissue like your tendons, ligaments and muscles. As we age our levels of collagen production declines. Increasing your consumption of the amino acids that help collagen formation such as proline can strengthen cartilage and support tissue growth and performance, to help stabilise and keep your joints healthy.

4. Cardiovascular system support

Amino acids such as proline are needed to continually maintain and repair the tissues that make up the walls of the blood vessels and arteries. Adequate proline intake can potentially reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis (the thickening or hardening of the arteries).

5. Maintaining a healthy metabolism and fighting inflammation

Proline plays an important role in metabolism.[¹] Research has also shown possible anti-inflammatory effects of proline, with one study on rats showing that when proline was administered, the harmful effects of inflammation, oxidative stress and altered energy parameters in parts of their brains was prevented.

You can increase the effectiveness of proline obtained in your diet by using in conjunction with Vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a co factor of the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase to assist in the synthesis of hydroxyproline, a component of collagen.

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As always with any new supplement it is advisable to consult with your doctor or a health care professional before introducing it to your diet.

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