Collagen stands out from other proteins due to its distinct amino acid profile. Unlike other animal proteins, collagen contains a unique combination of amino acids that make it particularly effective at supporting tissue repair and regeneration—an especially beneficial trait for athletes.
What makes collagen so special? It all comes down to three key amino acids—small but powerful building blocks found in every protein and every cell of all living organisms. Knowing which amino acids are in collagen and how they impact your fitness goals can help you choose the right protein to support your performance and recovery.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in everything from bones and muscles to veins, arteries, organs, joints, skin, hair, and nails. What makes collagen so versatile is its unique combination of strength and flexibility—it provides essential structural support while remaining elastic enough to bend and move without breaking.
Your body naturally produces collagen throughout your life, but this production gradually decreases with age. If you're lacking any of the essential amino acids that make up collagen, your body may produce it more slowly than it otherwise could.
What are amino acids?
What are amino acids? They’re small molecules that join together to form peptides—short chains—or combine further to build full proteins.
Proteins are intricate chains composed of 20 or more amino acids, essential for structural support and nearly every cellular function. Out of the many amino acids that exist, the human body uses only 20 that we know of. These are divided into two main categories: essential and non-essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids
Essential amino acids must be consumed in your diet. Your body needs them to function, but can’t make them.
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Histidine is one of the most versatile essential amino acids, playing a key role in the formation of various proteins—especially red and white blood cells. It's also essential for producing histamine, a vital compound involved in your body's immune response.
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Isoleucine, one of the amino acids found in collagen, plays a role in wound healing and helps maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels.
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Leucine is closely related to isoleucine and shares many of the same functions, including supporting wound healing and energy regulation. It also plays a key role in stimulating the production of human growth hormone.
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Lysine supports calcium absorption, aids in collagen formation, and contributes to hormone regulation within the body.
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Methionine helps your body absorb essential micronutrients like zinc and supports the detoxification process by removing heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
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Phenylalanine plays a key role in helping your body access other amino acids and enzymes, acting as a precursor to various hormonal processes.
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Threonine supports collagen production and is a key component in maintaining strong, healthy tooth enamel.
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Valine supports tissue repair and muscle growth, and it may also play a role in regulating energy levels.
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Tryptophan is essential for producing serotonin, making it vital for regulating mood and sleep patterns.
Non-essential amino acids
Non-essential amino acids are those your body can produce on its own—but there’s a catch. Around half of them are considered “conditionally” essential, meaning that under specific conditions like illness, injury, or pregnancy, your body may not be able to produce enough to meet your needs.
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Alanine aids in the breakdown of tryptophan and vitamin B6, while also supplying energy to your muscles.
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Arginine plays a crucial role in cell signaling, promoting healthy blood flow, and supporting the immune system.
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Asparagine supports communication between neurons and helps eliminate toxins like ammonia from your cells.
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Aspartic acid aids in neuron communication and plays a role in energy production.
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Cysteine is essential for collagen’s elasticity and plays a key role in its production. It also functions as a powerful antioxidant in the body.
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Glutamic acid plays a vital role in learning and memory. It's one of the key amino acids involved in neuron communication and can also serve as an energy source for brain cells.
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Glutamine acts as a natural detoxifier by helping eliminate ammonia from your cells. It also supports normal immune function and may contribute to healthy digestion.
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Glycine, a key amino acid in collagen, serves as both an antioxidant and a fast energy source for your cells. It's also one of the most abundant amino acids in collagen—but we’ll dive deeper into that shortly.
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Proline supports the body's antioxidant defenses and plays a vital role in immune function and wound healing.
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Serine helps strengthen neurotransmitter function and assists the body in producing other non-essential amino acids.
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Tyrosine plays a role in melanin production and helps regulate hormone levels.
Key Amino Acids That Make Up Collagen
Collagen protein features a triple-helix structure composed of three primary amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Hydroxyproline is formed when the body adds hydrogen and oxygen to proline—a process that occurs almost exclusively during the creation or breakdown of collagen.
Together, these amino acids make up roughly 50% of the total amino acid content in collagen, with glycine alone accounting for about 30%. Glycine plays a crucial role in stabilizing collagen’s triple-helix structure—which, in turn, helps keep your body structurally intact.
Supplements
The amino acids found in collagen play a vital role in supporting your body’s overall health and well-being. By understanding which amino acids are present in collagen and their individual benefits, you can make more informed and effective dietary choices.
The Co Being Marine Collagen peptides – The combination of Type 1 & 2 collagen provides the perfect solution for comprehensive support of skin, hair, nails, and joint health.
The Co Being Skin Glow Collagen - Enriched with potent skin-nourishing ingredients—RESVERATROL to extend cellular longevity and combat aging, and GLUTATHIONE to reduce pigmentation and enhance skin brightness.
Conclusion
Collagen’s unique amino acid profile—rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—sets it apart from other proteins, making it especially effective for supporting skin, joint, muscle, and overall tissue health. These amino acids not only contribute to the structural integrity of your body but also aid in recovery, immune function, and cellular regeneration.
By understanding the role of both essential and non-essential amino acids in collagen, you can better appreciate its impact on your wellness and performance goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skin's radiance, strengthen your joints, or support muscle recovery, incorporating high-quality collagen supplements like The Co Being Marine Collagen Peptides or Skin Glow Collagen can be a smart and effective part of your health routine.
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