Key Takeaway
Elderly men taking 15g collagen peptides daily with resistance training gained more muscle mass (+4.2 kg vs +2.9 kg) and strength than placebo over 12 weeks.
Summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined whether collagen peptide supplementation enhances the effects of resistance training in elderly men with sarcopenia. 53 men (average age 72) completed a 12-week guided resistance training program while receiving either 15g collagen peptides or placebo daily.
The collagen group showed significantly greater improvements in fat-free mass, muscle strength, and fat loss compared to placebo. This suggests collagen peptides may provide additional benefits beyond regular protein for older adults doing resistance training.
Methods
- 53 sarcopenic men (72.2 ± 4.68 years)
- 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
- All participants did guided resistance training 3x/week
- Treatment: 15g collagen peptides daily vs silica placebo
- Measured: body composition, isokinetic quadriceps strength, sensory motor control
Key Results
Collagen vs placebo group:
- Fat-free mass: +4.2 kg vs +2.9 kg
- Quadriceps strength: +16.5 Nm vs +7.3 Nm
- Fat mass loss: -5.4 kg vs -3.5 kg
- All differences statistically significant (p < 0.05)
Figures
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Limitations
- Sarcopenic elderly men only (may not generalize to younger/healthy)
- Funded by Collagen Research Institute
- 12 weeks may not capture long-term effects
- Silica placebo (not isocaloric protein control)