Proline

An Amino Acid

Description:

The nonessential amino acid, proline, is synthesized from L-ornithine or L-glutamate. The proline from L-ornithine is linked to protein metabolism in the urea cycle and the proline from L-glutamate is linked to carbohydrate metabolism. Collagen is the major reservoir for proline in the body. Vitamin C should be used with proline for collagen problems.

Plants/Foods:

Avocado
Cheese
Chicken
Chocolate
Cottage cheese
Duck
Egg
Granola
Oat flakes
Pork
Ricotta
Turkey
Wheat germ
Whole milk
Wild game

Physiologic Functions:

Essential element in some neuropeptides
One form of substance P is a tetrapeptide containing arginine-proline, lysine-proline
One of the main component of collagen
Stimulates wound healing

Clinical Indications:

Ageing
Soft tissue injury, strains, lax tone, etc

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Limited data

Causes of Deficiencies:

Deficiencies found almost exclusively in women and poorly nourished individuals

Contraindications:

Individuals with inborn errors of metabolism causing elevated levels of proline

Toxicity and Side Effects:

Extremely high doses of D-proline injected into the brain of chickens caused death