Branched Chain Amino Acid

Combination of BCAAs and glutamine enhances dermal collagen protein synthesis in protein-malnourished rats.

Murakami H1, Shimbo K, Takino Y, Kobayashi H.

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Abstract

Skin collagen decreases in protein-malnourished states. Amino acids regulate protein metabolism, glutamine stimulates collagen synthesis through the conversion process to proline and provides 75 % of the intracellular free proline in fibroblasts. However, the impact of these amino acids on collagen synthesis under malnutrition has not been examined. We investigated the effect of amino acids on dermal tropocollagen synthesis in protein-malnourished rats. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR, %/h) of dermal tropocollagen was evaluated by the incorporation of L-[ring-(2)H(5)]-phenylalanine after 4 h infusion of each amino acid and the stable isotope. None of the infused 12 single amino acids (glutamine, proline, alanine, arginine, glutamate, glycine, aspartate, serine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine and threonine) significantly increased the FSR (P = 0.343, one-way ANOVA). In contrast, amino acid mixtures of essential amino acids + glutamine + arginine (EAARQ) and branched-chain amino acids + glutamine (BCAAQ) significantly increased the FSR compared to saline, but the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and amino acid mixture of collagen protein (AAC) did not alter the FSR (saline, 0.96 ± 0.24 %/h; EAARQ, 1.76 ± 0.89 %/h; BCAAQ 1.71 ± 0.36 %/h; BCAAs, 1.08 ± 0.20 %/h and AAC 1.39 ± 0.35 %/h, P < 0.05, Tukey's test). Proline conversion from glutamine represented only 3.9 % of the free proline in skin, as evaluated by the primed-constant infusion of L-d7-proline and L-α-15N-glutamine in rats. These results suggested that the combination of BCAAQ is a key factor for the enhancement of skin collagen synthesis in protein-malnourished rats. The contribution of extracellular free glutamine on de novo proline synthesis and collagen synthesis is very low in vivo compared to the contribution in vitro.

Curtesy : Pub Med

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons in our body. Thanks to collagen, we’re better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.  

As we age, and the more stress we put on our body, the greater the impact on collagen production. Getting collagen in a balanced diet can help our bodies regenerate what’s been lost of broken down.  

Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, all of which help our body's connective tissue, skin, hair, nails, as well as gut health stay as healthy as possible. 

Collagen protein is different than whey and casein protein because of these high levels of amino acids. Muscular growth, joint health and an overall glowing appearance can be partially attributed to the amino acid blend in collagen that can't be found anywhere else. 

Collagen and Our Skin

Collagen is an important building block for the skin. It makes up to 30% of the protein in our body and 70% of the protein within our skin. Collagen helps our skin stay toned and supple.

The dermis, which provides the foundation for the skin, is closely involved in the skin’s elasticity and flexibility, and the main source of collagen in the skin. Getting an adequate amount of collagen help to ensure our skin looks glowing.

Collagen in Our Body

Ligaments and tendons are another type of connective tissue that attach two bones and muscles, holding them together. These tissues - bones, ligaments, tendons, and the skeletal muscles are made up of proteins. To a large extent, this protein is collagen.  

Collagen Production as We Age

When we get older, the production of collagen begins to slow down. As a result, skin can become fragile and less elastic. In addition, hair starts losing its color, joints aren’t as flexible and bone may lose their density.  Supplementing with collagen may help you improve your body’s collagen levels.

Vital Proteins Collagen

Vital Proteins Collagen contains 18 amino-acids, including 8 out of 9 essential amino-acids.  It is characterized by the predominance of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which represent about 50% of the total amino-acid content.  Glycine and proline concentration is 10 to 20 times higher than in other proteins. This very specific composition of amino acids, provides Vital Proteins Collagen with nutritional functional properties that can not be found with other protein sources. Our Collagen is a high purity natural bio-active product containing more than 97% protein, supplied in a form that can be easily used and digested by the human body.

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