List of Amino Acids in Collagen

Collagen is a hard, insoluble and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. Collagen structure is a triple helix of alpha-chains of 19 amino-acids.

Here are the amino acids found in the collagen structure :

Arginine

• Indispensable to eliminate nitrogen waste products normally generated by the body (for instance, ammonia is toxic for our cells)
• Supports the immune system (helps prevent communicable diseases)
• Helps secrete growth hormone (supports regeneration)
• Helps to regulate protein metabolism

Glycine

• Each three amino acids of the collagen peptide chain is a glycine; it is thus an abundant amino acid that is important for collagen structure
• Has a scarring effect (burns, postoperative trauma)
• Is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system and therefore possesses a calming effect
• Participates in the production of creatine in muscle and thus favors muscle energy and healthy contraction

Leucine

• Essential amino acid
• Most abundant amino acid in our body
• Participates in the production of muscle proteins and the healthy use of energy by muscle
• Helps promote insulin secretion to maintain blood glucose equilibrium
• Important for brain and balance functions

Glutamine

• Plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA
• Helps protect the brain against ammonia toxicity
• Favors better muscle recovery after intense exercise and helps rebuild damaged muscle

Hydroxylysine

• Part of the main components of collagen
• Promotes skin, joint, tendon and cartilage health

Hydroxyproline

• Part of the main components of collagen
• Plays a major role in bone and connective tissues

Histidine

• Essential amino acid
• Primary role in binding of iron in hemoglobin
• Participates in controlling acidity

Alanine

• Helps generate energy in the liver
• Helps promote insulin secretion to maintain blood glucose equilibrium
• Essential to the synthesis of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Isoleucine

• Essential amino acid
• Favors the production of red blood cells
• Helps promote blood glucose equilibrium

Lysine

• Essential amino acid
• Large amounts in muscle
• Helps the immune system work properly
• Important for collagen production and healthy bone generation
• Favors calcium absorption
• It is one of the most important amino acids for the elderly

Proline

• Major constituent of collagen (collagen is the main reservoir of proline, representing 50% of all the proline in the body)
• Stimulates scarring through collagen production

Tyrosine

• Its concentration in muscle is considerable
• Precursor for many neurotransmitters important for the proper functioning of the central nervous system
• Together with other factors, it helps reduce problems related to attention deficit

Valine

• Essential amino acid
• Source of muscular energy
• Stimulates the nervous system and favors intellectual performance

As collagen in its native form is not easily absorbed once ingest, we must choose Hydrolyzed Collagen as supplement, which has smaller collagen peptides. Genacol’s exclusive AminoLock Collagen has the lowest molecular weight in the world, at less than 1 kilodalton. This smaller peptides has superior bioavailability for better results on your entire body. It has been recognized that its unique chains of amino acids will help by acting as building blocks to regenerate every type of collagen in the body.