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It is a widespread proteinogenic amino acid. It is the main component of a protein called collagen. In addition, hydroxyproline is also found in elastin, which is responsible for normal skin turgor. Due to the presence of this amino acid in our body, collagen is able to maintain stability and can successfully perform its functions.
Hydroxyproline rich foods:
General characteristics of hydroxyproline
Despite the fact that hydroxyproline is a non-essential amino acid, its presence in our body is closely related to the presence of two substances essential for the formation of this compound. The essential ingredients are the amino acid proline and ascorbic acid. Only if they are present can hydroxyproline be generated.
Daily requirement for hydroxyproline
The daily requirement of hydroxyproline, according to research by Danish scientists, cannot be less than 5 grams. It should be emphasized that this amino acid is successfully absorbed by the body only in the presence of ascorbic acid.
Based on this, we can say that when eating foods rich in the proteinogenic amino acid – hydroxyproline, you should also use vitamin C. And since vitamin C grown in the beds and branches of trees is most useful for our body, then we should also use it, preferably together with vegetables , fruits, herbs.
The need for hydroxyproline increases with:
- toxicosis of pregnant women;
- reduced immunity;
- depression and similar conditions;
- general intoxication of the body;
- increased brain load;
- stressful situations;
- increased physical fatigue;
- muscular dystrophy;
- profuse blood loss (including during menstruation);
- wounds, injuries and other conditions in which the integrity of the ligaments and skin is impaired.
The need for hydroxyproline decreases with:
- intolerance to hydroxyproline;
- diseases associated with impaired assimilation;
- Paget’s disease.
Digestibility of hydroxyproline
Due to the fact that hydroxyproline is formed from the amino acid proline only in the presence of ascorbic acid, its absorption is also associated with vitamin C. Thanks to vitamin C, this amino acid is best absorbed not only in the gastrointestinal tract, but also at the level of cell membranes …
Useful properties of hydroxyproline and its effect on the body:
Hydroxyproline is responsible for meeting the following needs of our body:
- improves skin condition;
- provides synthesis and preservation of glycogen in muscles and liver;
- participates in eliminating the consequences of poisoning our body;
- speeds up and optimizes metabolism;
- activates the activity of the pituitary gland;
- stimulates the synthesis of adrenal and thyroid hormones;
- participates in the formation of protein compounds such as elastin and collagen;
- accelerates the regeneration of bone tissue;
- accelerates wound healing;
- takes an active part in the process of hematopoiesis;
- normalizes arterial and venous pressure;
- improves the body’s immunity;
- has an analgesic effect;
- improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- relieves premenstrual tension syndrome;
- reduces headaches, as well as pain associated with diseases of the joints and spine.
Interaction with other elements:
As for the essential elements, the main elements with which hydroxyproline interacts are the proteinogenic amino acids proline and vitamin C. It is thanks to them that hydroxyproline is able to exert such an effect on the basic functions of our body.
Signs of a lack of hydroxyproline in the body:
- muscle weakness and dystrophy;
- anemia (low levels of hemoglobin in the blood);
- weak brain activity, often turning into a stupor;
- skin problems;
- frequent headaches and menstrual pains;
- metabolic disorder;
- problems with excretory function (evacuation of harmful compounds is impaired).
Signs of excess hydroxyproline in the body:
There are practically no signs of an overabundance of hydroxyproline in medical research. Theoretically, it is believed that we can talk about an excess of hydroxyproline only when there is an excess of vitamin C in the body in combination with an excess of proline. In very rare cases, there may be an individual intolerance to this substance, manifested in allergic reactions.
Factors affecting the content of hydroxyproline in the body:
The main criteria for the presence of hydroxyproline in the body are:
- the presence of the primary components of the synthesis of hydroxyproline (proline and vitamin C);
- full synthesis of this amino acid by our body;
- the absence of diseases in which hydroxyproline ceases to be absorbed.
Hydroxyproline for beauty and health
In the article on the amino acid proline, we have already talked about the effects of this acid on the skin and connective tissue. As for hydroxyproline, since this substance is a derivative of proline and vitamin C, its effects are also closely related to beauty. Thanks to hydroxyproline, the skin not only improves its turgor, but is also saturated with moisture, and also receives additional energy due to the presence of ascorbic acid.