Hydroxyproline

What is hydroxyproline?

Hydroxyproline is a nonessential amino acid derivative, which can be produced in your body from the amino acid proline, so you do not need to get it from foods in order to be healthy ^[1].

Hydroxyproline Functions in the Human Body

Hydroxyproline ^[1]:

• Gives strength to the protein collagen in the bones, tendons, cartilage and skin
• Is produced by hydroxylation (adding hydroxil or [OH] groups) of proline, with the help of vitamin C. In vitamin C deficiency, proline cannot be converted to hydroxyproline, so collagen does not have enough strength to maintain skin integrity, which results in gum and skin bleeding and other symptoms of scurvy.

Hydroxyproline-Rich Foods

ANIMAL FOODS: meat (deer, bison, beef, pork)

There seems to be no evidence that a high high intake of hydroxyproline from foods would result in any specific health benefit.

Hydroxyproline Supplements

Nonprescription (over-the-counter) hydroxyproline supplements are available as capsules and creams:

• L-hydroxyproline
• N-Acetil-L-hydroxyproline

There seems to be NO EVIDENCE  ^[3] about the effectiveness of oral hydroxyproline supplements in the prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin ulcers, sport injuries and wrinkled skin, or in promoting muscle growth or weight loss.

Hyperhydroxyprolinemia

Hyperhydroxyprolinemia is a benign inherited metabolic disorder with increased blood hydroxyproline levels, which causes no symptoms ^[2].

Elevated hydroxyproline levels can be also found in pregnancy and conditions that affect the bone: acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Marfan syndrome, osteomyelitis, Paget disease, polyarteritis nodosa, prostate cancer metastases into the bones and rheumatoid arthritis ^[2].