Proline is one of the non-essential amino acids, meaning that the body can synthesize it if a person is generally well-nourished and ingests sufficient levels of protein. The body synthesizes Proline from Glutamic Acid. Like other amino acids, Proline affects multiple systems of the body – because we need it in order to produce collagen, the most abundant protein in all mammals, a Proline deficiency, though rare, is devastating to the entire body. Collagen is our main structural protein, and as such, it is a component of skin, tendons, muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, and arteries. Having adequate levels of Proline affects all of these systems.
Proline stabilizes and strengthens bones, joints and muscles, and allows the body to repair damage to tissue. This makes it particularly important to active people whose level of exercise may put a strain on muscles and joints. Adequate Proline can help enhance performance, prevent exhaustion and facilitate healing from injuries. Proline is also of particular benefit to older people, who need abundant collagen production to maintain and improve the joint fluidity. Moreover, Proline can actually help skin maintain its youthfulness by facilitating the body to repair sun damage, improve elasticity, and reduce sagging and wrinkling. Proline is essential for cardiovascular health as well, as it is used in the production of arterial lining, and improves the functioning of all muscles, including the heart.
While Proline supplementation may not be necessary for most people, those who are very active – for example, long distance runners – will benefit. Prolonged exercise may lead to the body 'feeding off' the muscles, and Proline is necessary to repair the damage. Vegetarians may also benefit from supplementation, because they may not ingest sufficient protein to synthesize Proline.
Supplementing with 100 –500 mg of L-Proline per day is generally recommended.
Reference (1) http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/L-Proline.htmlPhenylethylaminee, (2) http://www.pdrhealth.com
