In fact only one study to date has investigated the effect of CP supplementation in the form of gelatin on collagen synthesis in humans. However, the amino chains of CP have been cut into smaller pieces which, in contrast to gelatin, makes them easily soluble in water.ĭoes collagen peptide supplementation stimulate muscle collagen synthesis?

The amino acid profile of CP and gelatin is similar. CP, and gelatin which is extracted from bones and skins of beefs, pigs, and fish. Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are primary substrates for the production of collagen. However, the non-essential amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are more abundant. Conversely, CP contains lower fraction of essential amino acids such as leucine. In this regard, the high leucine content in whey protein plays a key role in the activation of myofibrillar protein synthesis. High-quality whey protein isolate supplements are first choice to stimulate myofibrillar protein synthesis because of high fraction of essential amino acids. What makes the difference between whey protein, collagen protein, and gelatin? Strong muscles require strong and healthy connective tissue. Clearly, collagen plays a pivotal role in muscle force production. Furthermore, also tendons, ligaments and cartilage are largely composed of collagen. This network links the ‘soldiers’ (~muscle fibers) to form a functional ‘army’ (~muscle). Therefore, the fibers are embedded in a tight network of connective tissue, the so-called ‘extracellular matrix’, which is largely composed of collagen. However, for muscles to be able to generate high force and power outputs, the individual muscle fibers must act as a ‘team’. Skeletal muscle tissue is largely composed of muscle fibers. Interestingly, some research data suggest that oral collagen peptide (CP) supplementation might promote connective tissue synthesis during training.īut, how strong is the evidence in this regard? However, besides the muscle fibers per se, also connective tissue plays a pivotal role in muscle force and power production. In the above context we refer to the muscle proteins involved in muscle contraction, the so-called myofibrillar proteins.

By analogy, research also has clearly demonstrated that protein ingestion before bedrest, especially casein, suppresses overnight muscle protein degradation, which in turn also facilitates long-term training adaptation. This is justified by the fact that a large number of studies have demonstrated that protein intake post exercise, and whey protein in particular, stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Protein supplements are very popular in athletic populations.

Do collagen peptide supplements stimulate muscle, tendon, or joint repair post exercise?

Collagen vs gelatin for joint pain