When people talk about collagen, they often focus on the benefits—glowing skin, stronger joints, healthier hair. But have you ever stopped to wonder what collagen actually is? At its core, collagen is a protein made up of tiny building blocks called amino acids. And some of these, like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, are especially important for keeping your body looking and feeling its best.
If you're taking collagen or thinking about it, understanding these amino acids can help you see why a quality supplement really makes a difference—especially one that’s easy for your body to absorb, like marine collagen.
Collagen Starts with Amino Acids
So let’s break it down: amino acids are like puzzle pieces that come together to form proteins. Collagen is a unique type of protein because it’s packed with certain amino acids your body doesn’t get a lot of from regular food. That’s why supplementing with collagen—especially fish collagen—can be such a smart move for your skin, joints, and even your gut.
When you consume collagen (from a supplement or collagen-rich foods), your body breaks it down into these amino acids, absorbs them, and then uses them to rebuild and repair tissue all over your body.
Glycine: The Gentle Multi-Tasker
Glycine might be the smallest amino acid, but it plays a big role in your health. It makes up a large portion of collagen and helps keep your connective tissues—like skin and joints—flexible and strong. But glycine isn’t just about structure. It also supports better sleep, calms the nervous system, and even helps your body fight oxidative stress.
If you’re feeling run down or your skin seems dull, a collagen supplement rich in glycine might give your system the boost it needs.
Proline and Hydroxyproline: The Structure Squad
Proline is another key player in the collagen lineup, and when your body adds an oxygen molecule to it, it becomes hydroxyproline—a special amino acid that only exists in collagen. Together, these two are what help collagen hold its triple-helix shape, which gives it that tough, flexible structure your skin, bones, and joints rely on.
They’re also involved in healing wounds and keeping your skin firm and elastic. If your skin feels like it’s lost some bounce, or your joints are creaking more than usual, proline and hydroxyproline are likely the ones to call in for support.
What About the Other Amino Acids?
While glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are the stars of the show, collagen also includes others like arginine, glutamine, and alanine. Arginine is known for supporting blood flow and wound healing. Glutamine helps keep your gut lining healthy, and alanine plays a role in energy production.
It’s this full mix of amino acids that makes collagen such a unique and beneficial protein. And when it comes from a bioavailable source—like fish collagen—your body doesn’t have to work hard to absorb and use it.
Why Marine Collagen Makes a Difference
Not all collagen is created equal. Marine collagen, particularly from wild-caught fish like salmon, is known for being highly bioavailable. That means your body can absorb and use it more easily compared to other types like bovine or porcine collagen. Plus, marine collagen tends to be rich in Type I collagen—the kind your skin, bones, and nails love most.
Ballstad Salmon Collagen is a great example of a clean, odorless, tasteless option that blends seamlessly into coffee, smoothies, or even water. It delivers those essential amino acids in their purest form, with no fishy aftertaste.
In a Nutshell
When you think of collagen, think beyond the beauty buzzwords. Think amino acids. These tiny compounds—especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—are what give collagen its real power. And when you’re getting them from a source your body actually knows how to use, like marine collagen, you’re setting yourself up for stronger joints, firmer skin, and more resilience from the inside out.
If you're choosing a collagen supplement, look for one that’s rich in these amino acids and easy for your body to absorb. It might seem like a small detail—but it makes all the difference.
