The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged, Untrained Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Comprehensive review on collagen extraction from food by-products and waste as a value-added material

The consumption of animal products has witnessed a significant increase over the years, leading to a growing need for industries to adopt strict waste control measures to mitigate environmental impacts. The disposal of animal waste in landfill can result in diverse and potentially hazardous decomposition by-products. Animal by-products, derived from meat, poultry, seafood and fish industries, offer a substantial raw material source for collagen and gelatin production due to their high protein content. Collagen, being a major protein component of animal tissues, represents an abundant resource that finds application in various chemical and material industries. The demand for collagen-based products continues to grow, yet the availability of primary material remains limited and insufficient to meet projected needs. Consequently, repurposing waste materials that contain collagen provides an opportunity to meet this need while at the same time minimizing the amount of waste that is dumped. This review examines the potential to extract value from the collagen content present in animal-derived waste and by-products. It provides a systematic evaluation of different species groups and discusses various approaches for processing and fabricating repurposed collagen. This review specifically focuses on collagen-based research, encompassing an examination of its physical and chemical properties, as well as the potential for chemical modifications. We have detailed how the research and knowledge built on collagen structure and function will drive the new initiatives that will lead to the development of new products and opportunities in the future. Additionally, it highlights emerging approaches for extracting high-quality protein from waste and discusses efforts to fabricate collagen-based materials leading to the development of new and original products within the chemical, biomedical and physical science-based industries.

Impact of Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination with Long-Term Physical Training on Strength, Musculotendinous Remodeling, Functional Recovery, and Body Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, collagen peptide (CP) supplements have received considerable attention in sports nutrition research. These supplements have shown promising results in improving personal health, enhancing athletic performance, and preventing injuries in some but not all studies.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been conducted to investigate the effects of long-term daily collagen peptide (CP) supplementation on strength, musculotendinous adaptation, functional recovery, and body composition in healthy adults, both with and without concurrent exercise interventions over several weeks.

METHODS

The PRISMA with PERSiST guidelines were followed for this systematic literature review, which was conducted in December 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases. Eligible studies included healthy, normal to overweight adults over 17 years of age who engaged in exercise and daily collagen peptide (CP) supplementation for a minimum of 8 weeks (except one 3-week trial only included for maximal strength). Studies examining recovery-related outcomes were also eligible if they included a 1-week supplementation period without exercise. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A random-effects model with standardized mean differences (SMD) of change scores was chosen to calculate overall effect sizes.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies comprising 768 participants were included in both the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results indicate statistically significant effects in favor of long-term CP intake regarding fat-free mass (FFM) (SMD 0.48, p < 0.01), tendon morphology (SMD 0.67, p < 0.01), muscle architecture (SMD 0.39, p < 0.01), maximal strength (SMD 0.19, p < 0.01), and 48 h recovery in reactive strength following exercise-induced muscle damage (SMD 0.43, p = 0.045). The GRADE approach revealed a moderate certainty of evidence for body composition, a very low certainty for tendon morphology and mechanical properties, and a low certainty for the remaining.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis represents the first comprehensive investigation into the effects of long-term CP supplementation combined with regular physical training on various aspects of musculoskeletal health in adults. The findings indicate significant, though of low to moderate certainty, evidence of improvements in fat-free mass (FFM), tendon morphology, muscle mass, maximal strength, and recovery in reactive strength following exercise-induced muscle damage. However, further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly regarding tendon mechanical properties and short-term adaptations to collagen peptide (CP) intake without exercise, as observed in recovery outcomes. Overall, CP supplementation appears promising as a beneficial adjunct to physical training for enhancing musculoskeletal performance in adults. Open Science Framework (Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WCF4Y ).

Comparative Efficacy of Different Protein Supplements on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Indices of Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling, Hospitalized or Institutionalized Older Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aging-related sarcopenia exerts harmful impacts on muscle mass, strength, and physical mobility. Protein supplementation has been demonstrated to augment efficacy of resistance training (RT) in elderly. This study compared the relative effects of different protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and mobility outcomes in middle-aged and older individuals undergoing RT. A comprehensive search of online databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of protein supplement plus RT in untrained community-dwelling adults, hospitalized, or institutionalized residents who suffered acute or chronic health conditions. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using a frequentist method for all analyses. Treatment effects for main outcomes were expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We used the surface-under-the cumulative-ranking (SUCRA) scores to rank probabilities of effect estimation among all identified treatments. Meta-regression analyses were performed to identify any relevant moderator of the treatment efficacy and results were expressed as β with 95% credible interval (CrI). We finally included 78 RCTs (5272 participants) for analyses. Among the six protein sources identified in this NMA, namely whey, milk, casein, meat, soy, and peanut, whey supplement yielded the most effective treatments augmenting efficacy of RT on muscle mass (SMD = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.62; SUCRA = 0.86), handgrip strength (SMD = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.92, 2.00; SUCRA = 0.85), and walking speed (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.07; SUCRA = 0.84). Participant's health condition, sex, and supplementation dose were significant factors moderating the treatment efficacy on muscle mass (β = 0.74; 95% CrI: 0.22, 1.25), handgrip strength (β = -1.72; 95% CrI: -2.68, -0.77), and leg strength (β = 0.76; 95% CrI: 0.06, 1.47), respectively. Our findings suggest whey protein yields the optimal supplements to counter sarcopenia in older individuals undergoing RT.

Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a glycine-rich collagen peptides (CP) supplement could enhance sleep quality in physically active men with self-reported sleep complaints.

METHODS

In a randomized, crossover design, 13 athletic males (age: 24 ± 4 years; training volume; 7 ± 3 h·wk1) with sleep complaints (Athens Insomnia Scale, 9 ± 2) consumed CP (15 g·day1) or a placebo control (CON) 1 h before bedtime for 7 nights. Sleep quality was measured with subjective sleep diaries and actigraphy for 7 nights; polysomnographic sleep and core temperature were recorded on night 7. Cognition, inflammation, and endocrine function were measured on night 7 and the following morning. Subjective sleepiness and fatigue were measured on all 7 nights. The intervention trials were separated by ≥ 7 days and preceded by a 7-night familiarisation trial.

RESULTS

Polysomnography showed less awakenings with CP than CON (21.3 ± 9.7 vs. 29.3 ± 13.8 counts, respectively; P = 0.028). The 7-day average for subjective awakenings were less with CP vs. CON (1.3 ± 1.5 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6 counts, respectively; P = 0.023). The proportion of correct responses on the baseline Stroop cognitive test were higher with CP than CON (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.97 ± 0.05 AU, respectively; P = 0.009) the morning after night 7. There were no trial differences in core temperature, endocrine function, inflammation, subjective sleepiness, fatigue and sleep quality, or other measures of cognitive function or sleep (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CP supplementation did not influence sleep quantity, latency, or efficiency, but reduced awakenings and improved cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints.

Specific collagen peptides increase adaptions of patellar tendon morphology following 14-weeks of high-load resistance training: A randomized-controlled trial

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a supplementation with specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in structural properties of the patellar tendon. Furthermore, tendon stiffness as well as maximal voluntary knee extension strength and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris muscle were assessed. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, 50 healthy, moderately active male participants completed a 14-week resistance training program with three weekly sessions (70-85% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) for the knee extensors. While the SCP group received 5g of specific collagen peptides daily, the other group received the same amount of a placebo (PLA) supplement. The SCP supplementation led to a significant greater (p < 0.05) increase in patellar tendon CSA compared with the PLA group at 60% and 70% of the patellar tendon length starting from the proximal insertion. Both groups increased tendon stiffness (p < 0.01), muscle CSA (p < 0.05) and muscular strength (p < 0.001) throughout the intervention without significant differences between the groups. The current study shows that in healthy, moderately active men, supplementation of SCP in combination with RT leads to greater increase in patellar tendon CSA than RT alone. Since underlying mechanisms of tendon hypertrophy are currently unknown, further studies should investigate potential mechanisms causing the increased morphology adaptions following SCP supplementation.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00029244..

Effects of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Combination with Concurrent Training on Running Performance and Indicators of Endurance Capacity in Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

First evidence indicates that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides (SCP) is associated with a significant improvement in running performance in physically active women; however, it is unclear if the same is true in males. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a concurrent training program including 60 min of continuous moderate intensity running training and 15 min of dynamic resistance training combined with supplementation of SCP on parameters of running performance in moderately trained males.

METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, participants performed a 12 weeks concurrent training and ingested 15 g of SCP [treatment group (TG)] or placebo [control group (CG)] daily. Before and after the intervention, running endurance performance was measured by a 1-h time trial on a running track. Velocity at the lactate threshold (VLT) and at the individual anaerobic threshold (VIAT) were assessed on a treadmill ergometer. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two men (28.4 ± 5.2 years) completed the study and were included in the analysis. After 12 weeks, TG had a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) higher increase in running distance (1727 ± 705 m) compared to the CG (1018 ± 976 m) in the time trial. VLT increased in the TG by 0.680 ± 1.27 km h-1 and slightly decreased by - 0.135 ± 0.978 km h-1 in the CG, resulting in statistically significant group differences (p ≤ 0.05). A significantly higher improvement in VIAT (p ≤ 0.05) was shown in the TG compared with the CG only (1.660 ± 1.022 km h-1 vs 0.606 ± 0.974 km h-1; p ≤ 0.01). Fat mass decreased (TG - 1.7 ± 1.6 kg; CG - 1.2 ± 2.0 kg) and fat free mass increased (TG 0.2 ± 1.2 kg; CG 0.5 ± 1.3 kg) in both groups with no significant group differences.

CONCLUSION

In summary, supplementation with 15 g of SCP improved running performance in a 1-h time trial and enhanced indicators of endurance capacity at submaximal exercise intensities such as an increased velocity at the lactate as well as the anaerobic threshold more effectively than CT alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ETK: 123/17; DRKS-ID: DRKS00015529 (Registered 07 November 2018-Retrospectively registered); https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00015529.

Preventive Effects of Collagen-Derived Dipeptide Prolyl-Hydroxyproline against Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mouse C2C12 Skeletal Myotubes

Glucocorticoids, commonly used to manage inflammatory diseases, can induce muscle atrophy by accelerating the breakdown of muscle proteins. This research delves into the influence of Prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp), a collagen-derived peptide, on muscle atrophy induced with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, in mouse C2C12 skeletal myotubes. Exposure to DEX (10 μM) for 6 days resulted in a decrease in myotube diameter, along with elevated mRNA and protein levels of two muscle-atrophy-related ubiquitin ligases, muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx, also known as atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF-1). Remarkably, treatment with 0.1 mM of Pro-Hyp mitigated the reduction in myotube thickness caused by DEX, while promoting the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and forkhead box O3a (Foxo3a). This led to the inhibition of the upregulation of the ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF-1. These findings indicate the potential significance of Pro-Hyp as a promising therapeutic target for countering DEX-induced muscle atrophy.

Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on cardiovascular markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials

Previous studies have advocated that collagen peptide supplementation (CPS) can positively affect cardiovascular health. However, the widespread impact of CPS on CVD-related markers is not fully resolved. Consequently, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of CPS on CVD-related markers. A systematic search in the Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases were completed to identify relevant randomised, placebo-controlled trials (RCT) published up to November 2021. Mean Differences were pooled using a random-effects model, while publication bias, sensitivity analyses and heterogeneity were assessed using previously validated methods. Twelve RCT, comprising of a total of eleven measured markers, were selected for the quantitative analysis. Pooled data revealed that CPS significantly decreased fat mass (-1·21 kg; 95 % CI: -2·13, -0·29; I² = 0·0 %; P = 0·010) and increased fat-free mass, based on body mass percentage (1·49 %; 95 % CI: 0·57, 2·42; I² = 0·0 %; P = 0·002). Moreover, collagen peptide supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum LDL (-4·09 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -8·13, -0·04; I² = 93·4 %; P = 0·048) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-5·04 mmHg; 95 % CI: -9·22, -0·85; I² = 98·9 %; P = 0·018). Our analysis also indicated that CPS did not affect glycemic markers. Our outcomes indicate that CPS reduces fat mass, LDL and SBP while increasing fat-free mass. Future investigations with longer CPS duration are needed to expand on our results.

The effect of specific bioactive collagen peptides on function and muscle remodeling during human resistance training

AIM

Bioactive collagen peptides (CP) have been suggested to augment the functional, structural (size and architecture), and contractile adaptations of skeletal muscle to resistance training (RT), but with limited evidence. This study aimed to determine if CP vs. placebo (PLA) supplementation enhanced the functional and underpinning structural, and contractile adaptations after 15 weeks of lower body RT.

METHODS

Young healthy males were randomized to consume either 15 g of CP (n = 19) or PLA (n = 20) once every day during a standardized program of progressive knee extensor, knee flexor, and hip extensor RT 3 times/wk. Measurements pre- and post-RT included: knee extensor and flexor isometric strength; quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus volume with MRI; evoked twitch contractions, 1RM lifting strength, and architecture (with ultrasound) of the quadriceps.

RESULTS

Percentage changes in maximum strength (isometric or 1RM) did not differ between-groups (0.684 ≤ p ≤ 0.929). Increases in muscle volume were greater (quadriceps 15.2% vs. 10.3%; vastus medialis (VM) 15.6% vs. 9.7%; total muscle volume 15.7% vs. 11.4%; [all] p ≤ 0.032) or tended to be greater (hamstring 16.5% vs. 12.8%; gluteus maximus 16.6% vs. 12.9%; 0.089 ≤ p ≤ 0.091) for CP vs. PLA. There were also greater increases in twitch peak torque (22.3% vs. 12.3%; p = 0.038) and angle of pennation of the VM (16.8% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.046), but not other muscles, for CP vs. PLA.

CONCLUSIONS

CP supplementation produced a cluster of consistent effects indicating greater skeletal muscle remodeling with RT compared to PLA. Notably, CP supplementation amplified the quadriceps and total muscle volume increases induced by RT.

Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Connective tissue injuries are prevalent in active and aging populations, leading to chronic pain and decreased function. Turnover of this tissue is not well understood, especially as it relates to aging and injury. Supplementation of collagen peptides has been shown to improve connective tissue recovery and pain through increased collagen production.

RECENT FINDINGS

Collagen peptide supplementation improves pain and function, and upregulates metabolic pathways associated with muscle and tendon growth. Literature from the past 12-18 months supports that these pathways are also involved with increased synthesis and degradation of collagen and other elements of the extracellular matrix. Improvements in body composition and strength have been noted with collagen peptide supplementation when paired with resistance training. Collagen peptide supplements are hydrolyzed into small peptides, termed bioactive peptides, and individual amino acids. These bioactive peptides are associated with the benefits observed with collagen peptide supplementation and may play a critical role in the collagen turnover.

SUMMARY

Collagen peptide supplementation has been shown to promote recovery, decrease pain, and improve strength and body composition when paired with resistance training. These benefits may be attributed to bioactive peptides in collagen peptide supplements. Additional research is warranted to examine the specific effects of these bioactive peptides.

Effects of specific collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training on Achilles tendon properties

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific collagen peptides (SCP) combined with resistance training (RT) on changes in tendinous and muscular properties. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, 40 healthy male volunteers (age: 26.3 ± 4.0 years) completed a 14 weeks high-load resistance training program. One group received a daily dosage of 5g SCP while the other group received 5g of a placebo (PLA) supplement. Changes in Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), tendon stiffness, muscular strength, and thickness of the plantar flexors were measured. The SCP supplementation led to a significantly (p = 0.002) greater increase in tendon CSA (+11.0%) compared with the PLA group (+4.7%). Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed a significantly (p = 0.014) greater increase in muscle thickness in the SCP group (+7.3%) compared with the PLA group (+2.7%). Finally, tendon stiffness and muscle strength increased in both groups, with no statistical difference between the groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides combined with RT is associated with a greater hypertrophy in tendinous and muscular structures than RT alone in young physically active men. These effects might play a role in reducing tendon stress (i.e., deposition of collagen in load-bearing structures) during daily activities.

Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Following High-Load Resistance Exercise Upregulates Gene Expression in Pathways Involved in Skeletal Muscle Signal Transduction

Previous evidence suggests that resistance training in combination with specific collagen peptides (CP) improves adaptive responses of the muscular apparatus. Although beneficial effects have been repeatedly demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, the primary objective of the present randomized trial was to elucidate differences in gene expression pathways related to skeletal muscle signal transduction following acute high-load resistance exercise with and without CP intake. Recreationally active male participants were equally randomized to high-load leg extension exercise in combination with 15 g CP or placebo (PLA) supplementation. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained at baseline as well as 1, 4 and 24 h post exercise to investigate gene expression using next generation sequencing analysis. Several important anabolic pathways including PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways were significantly upregulated at 1 and 4 h post-exercise. Significant between-group differences for both pathways were identified at the 4 h time point demonstrating a more pronounced effect after CP intake. Gene expression related to the mTOR pathway demonstrated a higher visual increase in the CP group compared to PLA by trend, but failed to achieve statistically significant group differences. The current findings revealed a significantly higher upregulation of key anabolic pathways (PI3K-Akt, MAPK) in human skeletal muscle 4 h following an acute resistance training combined with intake of 15 g of specific collagen peptides compared to placebo. Further investigations should examine potential relationships between upregulated gene expression and changes in myofibrillar protein synthesis as well as potential long-term effects on anabolic pathways on the protein level.