Amino Acids and Their Benefits for Joint Health

Amino acids are essential for the body’s proper functioning. But what exactly are they, and how does collagen contribute to their intake? In this article, the Genacol team explores their roles, their connection to collagen, and the importance of choosing an optimized supplement for maximum absorption.

Amino Acids: Definition and Functions in the Body

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are crucial for the human body’s function. Of the dozens of identified amino acids, 20 are required by the human body. They combine into polypeptides, which in turn form proteins that help regenerate tissues and organs—a process directed by our DNA. Amino acids support several vital functions, including:

The 3 Types of Amino Acids

Beyond remembering the names of the 20 amino acids required by the body, it’s helpful to understand the three main categories they fall into:

Essential amino acids

The body cannot produce these naturally and must obtain them through diet or supplementation. The nine essential amino acids are isoleucine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, histidine, leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine.

Non-essential amino acids

These are produced by the body itself.

Conditionally essential amino acids

These are usually considered non-essential. However, in certain conditions, such as illness or intense physical training (e.g. for high-performance athletes), they may become essential.

Sources of Essential Amino Acids

Since essential amino acids come from various foods, it’s vital to have a diverse diet. Protein-rich foods provide the majority of amino acids we need, whether from animal sources (meat, poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, eggs) or plant sources (soy-based products, wheat protein, cereals like quinoa and buckwheat, etc.).

Vegetarians and vegans, who do not consume meat and/or animal-derived products, must ensure they eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to obtain a complete amino acid profile.

Collagen: A Protein Packed with Amino Acids and Bioactive Peptides

Collagen accounts for roughly one-third of the proteins found in body tissues and organs. It’s composed of a chain of 19 amino acids and is the most abundant protein in the human body. However, natural collagen production begins to decline in our 30s. That’s why supplementing with collagen is recommended to compensate for this drop, which becomes more significant as we age.

Not all hydrolyzed collagens are created equal. What sets them apart is their content of bioactive peptides, which affects their effectiveness. For example, Genacol’s AminoLock Collagen is unique due to a patented manufacturing process that reduces its molecular weight to under 1 kDa. In comparison, standard hydrolyzed collagen typically has a molecular weight between 3 and 5 kDa. This ultra-low molecular weight—a unique feature of AminoLock Collagen—enhances absorption, allowing active peptides to more effectively reach joint tissues.

Young and healthy joint Aging joint with collagen loss

Bioactive Peptides and Their Benefits for Joint Health

Some specific peptides derived from collagen have proven effects on joint health:

Pro-Hyp & Gly-Pro-Hyp

These peptides play a crucial role in preserving cartilage integrity and reducing joint pain. They are essential for supporting cartilage structure and improving joint mobility.

Key peptides in Genacol products

Thanks to its exclusive process, Genacol emphasizes these specific peptides, which provide a targeted and effective action on joints.

Backed by Scientific Evidence

A study conducted in collaboration with McGill University showed that Genacol’s AminoLock Collagen has better bioavailability compared to generic hydrolyzed collagens. The results demonstrated that several bioactive peptides, including Pro-Hyp and Gly-Pro-Hyp, are better absorbed and metabolized, leading to superior efficacy for joint health.

A Key Insight from This Research

One critical finding from this research is the liver’s role in peptide metabolism. After absorption, peptides from AminoLock Collagen pass through the liver, where their transformation directly influences how much can actually reach the bloodstream and joints. The study revealed that only the Gly-Pro-Hyp peptide from AminoLock Collagen is absorbed, metabolized, and transferred into systemic circulation—unlike generic collagens, which are limited by poor bioavailability and restricted liver metabolism.

These results confirm that Genacol’s AminoLock Collagen is a unique and optimized option for joint health, delivering key bioactive peptides that support cartilage and joint well-being.

Why Choose Genacol?

With its exclusive manufacturing process and optimized peptide profile, Genacol’s AminoLock Collagen stands out as an innovative long-term solution for joint health. Present in all of our joint health supplements, it becomes a powerful ally for your joints, no matter which product you choose.

Moreover, unlike over-the-counter painkillers that simply mask the pain, Genacol’s natural joint products work deeply by supplying joints with the key components they need for support, offering long-lasting and natural relief.

Lastly, by choosing Genacol, you’re supporting a family-owned Quebec company that has been committed for over 24 years to offering effective and safe joint health solutions. Our natural products, formulated without GMOs and held to the highest industry quality standards, are a trusted option for those who want to care for their joints in a natural and science-backed way.

Experience the Genacol difference for yourself!