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Hydroxyproline - Amino Acid

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Description

Hydroxyproline is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is manufactured from other amino acids in the liver; it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet.

Hydroxyproline is necessary for the construction of the body's major structural protein, collagen. Defects in collagen synthesis lead to easy bruising, internal bleeding, breakdown of connective tissue of the ligaments and tendons, and increased risk to blood vessel damage. Increased spill of hydroxyproline in the urine is generally associated with breakdown of connective tissue due to disease process and may also be a manifestation of vitamin C deficiency.

Deficiency of hydroxyproline will only occur if there is a deficiency of vitamin C.

Hydroxyproline has no known therapeutic use.

Method of Action

Hydroxyproline's immediate precursor is proline. The conversion of proline to hydroxyproline requires vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C deficiency results in the poor conversion of proline to hydroxyproline.

Food Sources

Hydroxyproline is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is manufactured from other amino acids in the liver; it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet.

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