Proline is an amino acid. The human organism is able to produce proline based on glutamic acid. It is a non-essential amino acid.
What is proline?
Proline belongs to the non-essential, secondary amino acids or imino acids in the human organism, as it can produce proline independently. Nevertheless, prolonged and chronic diseases, as well as old age, can negatively affect the body’s production of proline. In these cases, the proline supply may no longer be sufficient. This amino acid is found in the proteins of cartilage, in connective tissue and in bones. If there is a proline deficiency, this endogenous amino acid is rapidly degraded at these sites and can lead to various complaints. The aliphatic side chain has a ring structure that influences the three-dimensional protein structure. The amino group has a nitrogen atom that binds the side chain to it.
Function, action, and roles
The word component “Pro” stands for the precursor of hydroproxylin. This is always formed with the cooperation of vitamin C, either due to endogenous production or through supply from the outside. As an amino acid, L-proline is an exception for the human organism. It forms protein and has a second amino group. Although L-proline is not essential for the human body and is genetically neutral, it is important for connective tissue, bones and cartilage mass. It equally provides protection against ions that can interfere with enzyme activities of cytoplasm. It is produced in collagen, which is responsible for its mechanical properties. Cyclic proline, unlike other amino acids, does not have a free amino group. A ring formation occurs and, together with the alpha amino group, causes a cyclic amino group. However, proline is not only an important component for the supply of connective tissue, bones and cartilage, it also has a protective function. Proline prevents [[collagen degradation by blocking the digestive enzymes (collagenases) responsible for this degradation. If a patient suffers from chronic and/or long-lasting diseases or advanced age, the risk of degradation of connective tissue, bone and cartilage mass increases. The enzymes become more active, start digesting and can cause multiple damage if the proline supply is no longer guaranteed due to illness or signs of aging. If the patient is supplied with a sufficient amount of vitamin C, the body is able to produce proline-based hydroxyproline, a related substance that is equally important for the formation of the structural proteins elastin and collagen. Human skin records a large amount of peptide-bound L-proline. Proline is the only amino acid that does not have a hydrogen atom during peptide formation. Therefore, it is also known as a helix-breaker, often transitioning from an alpha helix to another secondary structure, usually random coil. Like proline, hydroxyproline counteracts cartilage and bone inflammation, helps build connective tissue and joints, and is instrumental in regeneration after chronic and/or prolonged illness.
Formation, occurrence, properties, and optimal values
Structural protein is a protein in which proline or hydroxyproline occurs. However, other proteins do not have these amino acids. Therefore, there is no genetic code for hydroxyproline. It is formed from proline, which is already incorporated into the protein chain. It is formed by the docking of a hydroxy group to this protein chain. Dairy and meat products have large amounts of proline, while plant-based foods record little amino acid. A proline deficiency can lead to various ailments in these areas, such as bone loss, joint and bone inflammation, breakdown of cartilage and connective tissue, and a general decrease in performance, due to its direct connection with bone, connective tissue, and cartilage mass. Reduced stability can also occur within arterial walls. To ensure an optimal supply of proline, a regular supply of vitamin C must be taken. In healthy people, the intake of vitamin C from the daily diet is sufficient. In sick or elderly people, additional administration must be considered. The attending physician decides on the type and amount of dosage.An overdose of proline through dietary supplements can have various undesirable side effects. No side effects are known with supplemental vitamin C intake at medically acceptable levels.
Diseases and disorders
Proline is important for human growth because the growth of bone requires collagen, which is formed from L-proline. Medical researchers have found that a combination of proline, lysine and ascorbic acid recorded antimetastatic and antiproliferative effects on breast cancer, cancer cell lines, colon cancer and skin cancer. This combination of nutrients prevented the extracellular matrix from invading the body. The spread of cancer cells was reduced. The additional administration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) increases this nutrient synergy. According to experts, this combination of nutrients is considered a safe tool for cancer control. If the human organism is under permanent stress or if long-lasting or chronic diseases exist, the body is no longer able to produce this collagen building block from glutamic acid. The structure-giving protein is missing and can be supplied by dietary supplements. Manufacturers and physicians recommend taking two L-proline capsules daily. One capsule contains 500 mg of powder. The recommended consumption is three months. Amino acids are all-rounders and thus the supply of proline with simultaneous vitamin C administration causes a reduction of arthrosis pain in the knee, shoulder and neck area. It also has a positive effect on the regeneration of bones, connective and cartilage tissue. With this targeted natural support, the body is able to activate its self-healing powers.
