When most people think about collagen, they picture smoother skin, stronger hair, or flexible joints. But what’s often overlooked is how collagen actually works. At the heart of collagen’s benefits are its amino acids—the tiny building blocks that give this protein its strength.
Among the most important are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, unique amino acids that set collagen apart from other proteins in your diet. Understanding their role can help you appreciate why choosing a bioavailable collagen supplement, like marine collagen, makes such a difference.
Collagen Begins with Amino Acids
Proteins are like puzzles, and amino acids are the pieces that fit together to complete the picture. Collagen is unusual because it contains amino acids that are less common in a typical diet. That’s one reason why adding a collagen supplement can be so effective for skin firmness, joint resilience, and even gut support.
When you consume collagen, your body breaks it down into amino acids, absorbs them, and then puts them to work rebuilding and repairing tissues all over the body.
Glycine: Small but Mighty
Though it’s the smallest amino acid, glycine makes up a significant part of collagen. Its role goes beyond just structure:
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Supports flexibility in skin and joints
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Helps the nervous system relax, aiding better sleep
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Acts as an antioxidant protector, reducing oxidative stress
If you often feel fatigued or notice dull-looking skin, glycine-rich collagen can provide an internal boost.
Proline and Hydroxyproline: Collagen’s Core Team
Proline is another key amino acid in collagen. When combined with oxygen, it transforms into hydroxyproline, a unique amino acid that exists only in collagen. Together, they’re responsible for collagen’s triple-helix structure, the strong, flexible framework that keeps skin elastic and joints supported.
These amino acids also play a part in:
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Skin repair after injury
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Maintaining firmness and bounce in the skin
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Supporting cartilage strength in joints
Other Supportive Amino Acids
Collagen also contains additional amino acids that bring extra health benefits:
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Arginine – boosts circulation and tissue repair
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Glutamine – helps maintain a healthy gut lining
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Alanine – assists in energy production
It’s the synergy of all these amino acids that makes collagen such a powerful all-in-one protein for skin, bones, joints, and beyond.
Why Marine Collagen Is the Superior Choice
Not every collagen supplement is created equal. Marine collagen—particularly from salmon—has a lower molecular weight than bovine or porcine collagen, making it far more bioavailable. This means your body can absorb and use it quickly and effectively.
Marine collagen is also naturally rich in Type I collagen, the type most abundant in human skin, nails, and bones.
Ballstad Salmon Collagen is an excellent choice: sourced from pure Norwegian salmon, it provides high-quality peptides that dissolve easily in any drink. Odorless, tasteless, and clean—it delivers amino acids in their most effective form, without fillers or fishy aftertaste.
The Bottom Line
Collagen’s power lies in its amino acids—especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—which fuel the repair and resilience of skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues.
Choosing a marine-based, highly bioavailable collagen ensures your body gets the full benefit. With Ballstad Salmon Collagen, you’re not just taking a supplement—you’re giving your body the essential building blocks it needs to stay strong, flexible, and youthful from within.
