Tag: Proline hydroxylation

A 2022 review noted that the maturation of collagen, a crucial structural protein, fundamentally relies on proline hydroxylation. For this enzymatic process to occur, the presence of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is absolutely essential. This vital function of ascorbate is rooted in its ability to act as a potent reducing agent that enables the hydroxylation reaction to proceed successfully.

Comprising a significant portion of collagen, hydroxyproline is an important, non-essential amino acid. However, unlike other amino acids, it is not directly incorporated into proteins during synthesis. So, what is the source of hydroxyproline, and how does the body obtain it?

Approximately 75% of the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, is composed of collagen. Scurvy directly attacks this vital protein by interfering with its formation, resulting in the fragile tissues and impaired wound healing characteristic of the disease.