Shiloah A Kviatkovsky, Robert C Hickner, Hannah E Cabre, Stephanie D Small, Michael J Ormsbee
Journal: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2023;20(1):2243252
PMID: 37551682
As we age, collagen degrades, which can result in an increased risk for injuries and pain. Pain management largely focuses on drugs to control inflammation, which can result in side effects. Collagen is the predominant component of connective tissues and supplementation has been shown to have beneficial effects on joint pain and inflammation. This randomised control trial aimed to determine the effect of different doses of collagen over 3 different time periods on measures of pain, function, and mental and physical health in 86 active, middle-aged men and women. The results showed that daily activity was improved when individuals were given 10g/day collagen for at least 6 months. Pain was also improved with this dose for at least 6-months, but only in those who exercised more than 3 hours per week. Mental health improved with 10g/day when given for at least 3-9 months. Physical function was also improved with 20g/day collagen for at least 3-9 months, but only amongst women. It was concluded that 10-20g/day collagen supplementation for at least 6 months may improve pain, functionality, and mental health in healthy, middle-aged men and women. Women may particularly benefit from 20g/day collagen and enhanced effects may be seen when in combination with exercise. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to recommend collagen supplementation to improve joint pain and physical and mental health in combination with exercise.
INTRODUCTION
Chronic pain affects 19% of adults in the United States, with increasing prevalence in active and aging populations. Pain can limit physical activity and activities of daily living (ADLs), resulting in declined mental and social health. Nutritional interventions for pain currently target inflammation or joint health, but few influence both. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body and constituent of the extra cellular matrix, is such a nutraceutical. While there have been reports of reductions in pain with short-term collagen peptide (CP) supplementation, there are no long-term studies specifically in healthy middle-aged active adults.
PURPOSE
To determine the effects of daily CP consumption over 3, 6, and 9 months on survey measures of pain, function, and physical and mental health using The Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) and Veterans Rand 12 (VR-12) in middle-aged active adults.
METHODS
This study was a double-blind randomized control trial with three treatment groups (Placebo, 10 g/d CP, and 20 g/d CP).
RESULTS
Improvements in ADLs ( = .031, η = .096) and pain ( = .037, η = .164) were observed with 10 g/d CP over 6 months, although pain only improved in high frequency exercisers (>180 min/week). Additionally, VR-12 mental component scores (MCS) improved with 10 g/d of CP over 3-9 months ( = .017, η = .309), while physical component scores (PCS) improved with 20 g/d of CP over 3-9 months, but only in females ( = .013, η= .582).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest 10 to 20 g/d of CP supplementation over 6 to 9 months may improve ADLs, pain, MCS, and PCS in middle-aged active adults.
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