Proline
Also known as L-proline
Proline is a conditionally essential amino acid the body normally makes on its own. It is a major building block of collagen and gives that protein its structural strength, so it is important for skin, joints, and wound healing.
Why it matters
What it does in your body
- Major component of collagen
- Skin, tendon, and cartilage structure
- Wound healing and tissue repair
- Building block of protein
Intake guidance
How much you need
There is no daily requirement, because the body synthesizes proline and dietary protein supplies more. Needs can rise during wound healing or heavy tissue repair, when it is considered conditionally essential.
What affects it
What affects your intake
Collagen demand
Because proline is abundant in collagen, needs increase when building or repairing skin, tendons, and cartilage.
Vitamin C pairing
Turning proline into stable collagen requires vitamin C, so both matter for connective tissue.
Diet source
Bone broth, gelatin, dairy, and meat are rich sources.
In practice
Good to know
Good to know: proline works hand in hand with vitamin C to build collagen, which is why both are marketed for skin and joint health. Collagen and gelatin supplements are essentially concentrated proline and glycine. For most people a normal diet supplies plenty, and the limiting factor for collagen is usually vitamin C, not proline.
Where to get it
Best food sources
The bottom line
Proline is a self-made collagen building block topped up by protein and collagen-rich foods. Pair it with vitamin C for connective tissue rather than seeking proline alone.
Track proline automatically
Proline is one of the 92 nutrients Vora reads from a photo of your meal, so you can see where you stand without weighing or logging by hand.
Sources and method
The classification, roles, and guidance on this page come from the references below, drawing on the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academies) Dietary Reference Intakes and reputable nutrition science.
- Institute of Medicine (2005), Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids
- Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center
This page is for general education, not medical advice. Reference intakes are population averages for healthy people and do not replace guidance from your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you are pregnant, managing a health condition, or considering supplements.