Can You Take Collagen and L-Proline Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Collagen supplements are rich in proline (approximately 12% of collagen amino acids). Taking additional L-Proline alongside collagen may cause competitive absorption at peptide and amino acid transporters, reducing efficiency of both.

How to arrange timing

Separate L-Proline and collagen supplements by at least 1 hour for optimal absorption of both.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen structure and stability. Annu Rev Biochem. 2009;78:929-958.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.