The 3–1–1 Collagen Code: A Minimal Amino Acid Ratio That Drives Healthy Aging

New research reveals that the true bioactive core of collagen’s health benefits lies in a precise amino acid ratio—three glycine to one proline to one hydroxyproline. This minimal “collagen unit” was shown to extend healthspan and lifespan in C. elegans, enhance collagen homeostasis in human fibroblasts, improve strength and reduce fat accumulation in aging mice, and even lower biological age by 1.4 years in humans within six months. These findings suggest that targeted delivery of this 3–1–1 amino acid ratio, rather than whole collagen, may be the key to unlocking collagen’s evolutionarily conserved effects on healthy aging.

Source : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-025-00280-7