Replacing part of a whey protein dose with collagen peptides provided no additional benefit for muscle damage or recovery during eccentric exercise in fit young men.
No benefit from collagen additionPartly replacing whey with collagen peptides (20g collagen + 25g whey vs 45g whey) made no difference for muscle recovery in fit males
What the researchers found
Partly replacing whey protein with collagen peptides (20g collagen + 25g whey vs. 45g whey alone) provided no additional benefit for muscle damage or functional recovery during eccentric exercise training.
Why it matters
Collagen peptides are heavily marketed for muscle and joint recovery. This study provides evidence that for fit individuals already consuming adequate protein, adding collagen peptides does not offer extra muscle recovery benefits.
The numbers in context
20 g collagen peptides + 25 g whey protein vs. 45 g whey protein alone. Participants were young fit males doing eccentric exercise training.
How the study worked
Randomized controlled trial comparing combined collagen-whey supplementation versus whey alone during eccentric exercise training in fit males.
Who was studied
Young fit males undergoing eccentric exercise training
What this study cannot tell us
Only tested in young fit males, so results may differ in older adults or less trained individuals. The study used eccentric exercise specifically.
How to read the evidence
Rated moderate: randomized controlled trial with appropriate design, but limited to one specific population (young fit males) and exercise type.
When this study was published
Published in 2024. Provides evidence-based counterpoint to collagen peptide marketing claims for athletic recovery.
The bigger picture
Collagen peptides are heavily marketed for muscle and joint recovery. This study shows that for fit individuals already consuming adequate protein, replacing some whey with collagen provides no additional recovery benefit from eccentric exercise.
Questions still open
- Would collagen peptides help older or less-trained individuals?
- Do collagen peptides provide benefits for joints rather than muscles?
Common questions
Should I take collagen peptides for muscle recovery?
When might collagen peptides help?
Read the original research
Partly Substituting Whey for Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Neither Indices of Muscle Damage Nor Recovery of Functional Capacity During Eccentric Exercise Training in Fit Males.
International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 34(2), 69-78
Citation
Robberechts, Ruben; Poffé, Chiel; Ampe, Noémie; Bogaerts, Stijn; Hespel, Peter. (2024). Partly Substituting Whey for Collagen Peptide Supplementation Improves Neither Indices of Muscle Damage Nor Recovery of Functional Capacity During Eccentric Exercise Training in Fit Males.. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 34(2), 69-78. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0070