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This amino acid was introduced to the world in 1901. It was discovered by E. Fischer, a German organic chemist, when he was researching casein.
Proline is one of the twenty amino acids involved in building our body. According to the research of Finnish biochemists, proline is a part of almost all proteins of living organisms. Particularly rich in proline is a connective tissue protein called collagen.
Proline rich foods:
General characteristics of proline
Proline is not an essential amino acid. In other words, it is able to be synthesized in our body from the foods we eat. It is especially well synthesized from glutamic acid. However, if there is information about a violation of its synthesis, in this case, proline should be used in the composition of dietary supplements.
Proline is also famous for the fact that, unlike other amino acids, its amino nitrogen is attached here not to one, but to two alkyl groups. Due to this, proline is referred to as the so-called secondary amines.
Daily need for proline
The daily requirement of proline for our body is 5 grams. It should be noted that the most useful is proline, synthesized in our body, or consumed with food. In third place, in terms of benefits, is proline produced by the pharmaceutical industry. This is due to the fact that the proline contained in pharmaceutical preparations is absorbed, at most, by 70 – 75%.
The need for proline increases with:
- intoxication of the body;
- toxicosis of pregnant women;
- reduced immunity;
- depression;
- stress;
- muscular dystrophy;
- increased fatigue;
- blood loss (including during menstruation);
- wounds and injuries associated with a violation of the integrity of the skin and ligaments;
- while doing mental work.
The need for proline decreases with:
- intolerance to proline and products containing it;
- diseases that result in impaired absorption of proline;
- full-fledged synthesis of proline from glutamic acid (without the use of products and preparations containing this amino acid).
Proline absorption
Proline is essential for a huge number of chemical reactions in the body and is 100% absorbed by the body.
Useful properties of proline and its effect on the body:
- proline is responsible for the formation and accumulation of glycogen in muscles and in the liver;
- participates in the detoxification of the body;
- improves metabolism;
- stimulate the work of the pituitary gland;
- takes part in the synthesis of thyroid and adrenal hormones;
- participates in the formation of collagen and elastin;
- promotes the restoration of skin and bone tissue;
- used in wound healing;
- takes part in hematopoiesis;
- improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
- has a tonic and adaptogenic effect;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- has an analgesic effect;
- relieves headaches and pain associated with diseases of the joints, spine, as well as menstrual pain.
Interaction with other elements:
In the body, proline is synthesized from glutamic acid. Thus, we can say that the interaction of these two amino acids occurs at the highest level. In addition, proline interacts well with ascorbic acid, converting to hydroxyproline.
Signs of a lack of proline in the body
- weakness;
- muscular dystrophy;
- anemia;
- decreased brain activity;
- skin problems;
- menstrual and headaches;
- metabolic disorders.
Signs of excess proline
Usually proline is well absorbed by the body and there are no signs of its excess.
Factors affecting the content of proline in the body
The main criteria responsible for the presence of proline in the body are: normal synthesis of proline by the body itself, the absence of diseases in which proline becomes an irritant, as well as the use of foods rich in this amino acid.
Proline for beauty and health
Due to the fact that proline takes an active part in the regeneration of damaged skin areas, it can be classified as a substance responsible for beauty. Thanks to proline, the skin gains elasticity, velvety, and soft shine. In addition, under the influence of proline, a developed network of blood vessels is formed in the thickness of the skin, which leads to improved skin nutrition, smoothing of fine wrinkles and blush on the cheeks.