Collagen amino acids
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Collagen Amino Acids: Composition, Function, and Dietary Impact
Unique Amino Acid Composition of Collagen
Collagen is a unique protein characterized by its distinct amino acid composition. It contains 19 amino acids, including hydroxyproline, which is not found in other proteins. The high content of proline and glycine, along with the absence of cysteine, distinguishes collagen from other proteins. The amino acid profile varies depending on the source of collagen. For instance, bovine Achilles tendon collagen has a hydroxyproline content that is 30% higher than that of fish skin collagen, while bone collagen contains twice as much hydroxyproline as fish skin collagen.
Role of Specific Amino Acids in Collagen Synthesis and Stability
The synthesis and stability of collagen are influenced by the availability and interaction of specific amino acids. Glycine, which constitutes about one-third of the amino acid residues in collagen, is crucial for its synthesis. The supply of glycine can be a limiting factor for collagen production. Additionally, aromatic amino acids, although present in low abundance, play a significant role in the structural integrity of collagen through interactions with imino acids.
Enhancing Collagen Deposition Through Amino Acid Supplementation
Supplementation with specific amino acids can significantly enhance collagen deposition. A mixture of arginine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), and glutamine has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in elderly volunteers, as indicated by higher hydroxyproline content in implanted PTFE tubes. This suggests that targeted amino acid supplementation can be a safe and effective strategy to promote wound healing and tissue repair.
Dietary Sources and Bioavailability of Collagen Amino Acids
Collagen hydrolysate (CH), which consists of amino acids and bioactive peptides, is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Clinical studies have demonstrated that consuming CH in a functional fermented milk product (FMP) significantly increases the plasma concentration of collagen-specific amino acids such as glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine. This enhanced bioavailability suggests that FMP containing CH could be beneficial for joint health and the management of joint diseases.
Collagen in the Diet and Its Health Benefits
Despite being categorized as an incomplete protein due to the lack of tryptophan, collagen peptides can be incorporated into the diet to improve health outcomes. Research indicates that up to 36% of dietary protein can be substituted with collagen peptides without compromising the indispensable amino acid balance. This makes collagen peptides a valuable addition to the diet, particularly for their functional benefits in aging and exercise.
Conclusion
Collagen's unique amino acid composition, particularly its high glycine and proline content, is essential for its structural and functional roles in the body. Supplementation with specific amino acids can enhance collagen synthesis, making it a promising strategy for improving wound healing and joint health. Additionally, incorporating collagen peptides into the diet can provide significant health benefits while maintaining essential amino acid balance.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic