Proline is a non-essential amino acid produced by glutamate, important for healthy skin, collagen formation, muscle maintenance, and breaking down proteins. It is found in meat and dairy, and supplements are available. It is used in medical treatments for tissue injury, back pain, and arthritis.
Proline is an amino acid necessary for the functioning of the human body. It is produced by glutamate, also known as glutamic acid. With the proper diet, both glutamate and proline are naturally produced by humans. This means that proline is a non-essential amino acid, because people do not require an external source.
This amino acid was first found in the casein compound in 1901, and its discovery is attributed to Hermann Emil Fischer, a German chemist. It occurs naturally as colorless crystals and is soluble in water. Unlike most other amino acids, it is also soluble in alcohol. It is also one of only two amino acids, the other being glycine, that does not follow what is known as the Ramachandran plot. This describes several typical angles that occur in the structure of amino acids, in a protein structure. Both he and wisteria have angles that don’t fit the plot.
Proline is key to maintaining healthy skin, as well as its underlying connective tissue. Both he and lysine are essential in the formation of collagen, a substance that cushions joints and helps heal cartilage. This amino acid also helps break down proteins in the body, allowing new cells to form.
Furthermore, this amino acid is necessary for the proper maintenance of muscle tissue. Endurance runners and competitive bodybuilders often experience a lack of proline, which can lead to decreased muscle tissue. Without a sufficient source of glutamic acid, the precursor to proline, the body will consume its own muscle tissue for energy, limiting or completely negating any muscle gain from exercise.
The most common natural sources of this compound are meat and dairy products, as they contain high levels of glutamate. A person consuming limited amounts of protein, or on a strict vegetarian diet, is at risk of deficiency and should consider a supplement. Proline supplements are most commonly found as part of combination amino acid formulas.
One of the most common medical uses for this acid is to treat severe tissue injury, as the extra proline in the body promotes skin growth and elasticity. It is also used in treatments for back pain and arthritis, due to its joint cushioning effects. The RDA for this amino acid is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams (mg). Research has also shown an increase in effectiveness when combined with vitamin C.
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