Supplementing with amino acids to maintain collagen can indeed be beneficial, particularly as the body's ability to naturally produce amino acids like proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline may decline with age¹. These amino acids are crucial for maintaining the triple helical structure of collagen, which provides strength and integrity to connective tissues.

Oral collagen supplements, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, can be an effective way to provide the body with these key amino acids. These forms are more easily absorbed and contain the building blocks necessary for collagen production². Supplements can be found as powders or pills and may also include additional nutrients like vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis³.

In addition to supplementation, incorporating foods rich in these amino acids can support collagen production. For example, proline and glycine are abundant in protein-rich foods, such as meat, dairy, and certain legumes. Common beans, in particular, are a good source of amino acids and cofactors necessary for collagen biosynthesis⁴. These foods provide not only the essential amino acids but also other nutrients like minerals that assist in collagen production and stability.

Overall, ensuring a surplus of these amino acids through both diet and supplementation can help mitigate the effects of aging on collagen production and maintain connective tissue health⁵.

Footnotes

1. Vance L Albaugh, "Proline Precursors and Collagen Synthesis," PMC, 2017. ↩

2. "Collagen Supplementation," Harvard School of Public Health, 2024. ↩

3. "Collagen Supplementation," Harvard School of Public Health, 2024. ↩

4. Carolina Añazco, "Common Beans as a Source of Amino Acids," PMC, 2023. ↩

5. Vance L Albaugh, "Proline Precursors and Collagen Synthesis," PMC, 2017. ↩