Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Physical Exercise in Adults Over 55 Years of Age: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

It is known that the consumption of proteins, and their consequent hyperaminoacidemia, acts synergistically with exercise in the modulation of muscle protein synthesis. In this sense, a recent study demonstrated that supplementation of a blend of collagen and milk proteins is effective in inducing increases in muscle protein synthesis rates in combination or not with exercise. Accordingly, collagen protein supplementation has also been shown to reduce nitrogen excretion and maintain body mass in individuals undergoing caloric restriction and exercise program.

Additionally, increasing collagen peptide intake has been shown to be effective in increasing collagen synthesis and reducing musculoskeletal pain. In fact, there is evidence that collagen peptide supplementation can improve functional properties in patients with chronic ankle instability. Collagen peptides have a low molecular weight and a high proportion of proline and hydroxyproline, making them more resistant to intestinal digestion and conferring a high transport efficiency and absorption speed. Thus, collagen peptides can accumulate in connective tissue, stimulating the synthesis of extracellular matrix in chondrocytes, for example.

Taken together, the evidence suggests that collagen peptide supplementation may be potentially beneficial for improving functionality in different contexts. In this sense, global demographic projections indicate that the oldest population (>55 years old) will increase substantially in the next 50 years, surpassing 2 billion by the year 2050. Aging, which leads to loss of functionality and clinical conditions associated with muscle, bone and cartilage dysfunctions. The search for lifestyle strategies capable of ensuring quality of life and autonomy and preventing chronic diseases in older individuals is of great clinical relevance. Thus, the eventual scientific proof of the efficacy of collagen protein supplementation in this population may constitute a therapeutic alternative of broad social, marketing and clinical interest, with possible extension of benefits to other age groups and groups with other characteristics.

Thus, the present study aims to investigate whether collagen peptide supplementation combined with exercise provides gains in functionality (primary outcome), muscle mass and strength, bone remodeling markers, and quality of life in adult individuals over 55 years of age.