Lean Protein Peptides

Discussion

Collagen Peptides
Collagen is a primary structural component of connective tissue that accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein.[1]

It is found in skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, tooth dentin, bone, and muscle, and it is also part of the structure of arteries and veins. Collagen protein has a unique amino acid composition with an unusually high content of glycine
and proline along with the modified amino acid hydroxyproline, making it ideal for supporting the turnover and renewal of structural proteins.*[2]

Due to the well-established function of collagen’s contribution to the integrity of articular cartilage, supplemental collagen peptides have been studied for their potential benefit to cartilage health. The results of a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of subjects (N = 30) with osteoarthritis (OA) who were given placebo or 5 g of collagen peptide twice daily for 13 weeks demonstrated that collagen peptides were effective in improving OA symptoms. The researchers hypothesized that the mechanism for this effect is attributed to the role
that collagen peptides play in regulating chondrocyte differentiation and stimulating proteoglycan synthesis, resulting in cartilage tissue support.*[2]

Several studies have explored the effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, strength, and muscle health when combined with resistance exercise. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of recreationally active male subjects (N = 57), the test group was supplemented with 15 g of collagen peptides while
engaging in a resistance training program. Both groups showed a slight increase in strength, but an increase in fat-free mass was observed in the supplemented group, suggesting an increased effectiveness when
combined with physical activity. Muscle fiber biopsies in subjects did not differ between the test or placebo group, leading the researchers to attribute the increase of fat-free mass in the supplemented group with
hypertrophy of contractile muscle cells and possibly a higher increase in connective tissue.*[1]

Many of the studies assessing the effect of collagen protein supplementation combined with resistance training have been conducted with male subjects. However, a 12-week randomized, controlled trial in pre-menopausal subjects (N = 77) showed an increase in muscle strength and fat-free mass in women who combined 15 g of collagen peptide
supplementation with resistance exercise three-times per week.*[3]

Oral ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen peptides increases the levels of collagen-derived peptides in the blood torrent and improves the skin properties such as elasticity, skin moisture, and transepidermal water loss, minimizing fine and deep facial lines, improving the hydration and elasticity of the skin. Additionally, daily intakes of collagen peptides protect the skin against UV melasma, enhances the fibroblast production and extracellular matrix of the skin.*[4]

Numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of hydrolyzed collagen on wound repair and improvement of skin and connective tissues. It has been shown that an oral collagen supplement could improve the healing of pressure ulcers in residents of long-term-care facilities. Experimental studies have reported the effect of oral collagen supplements on accelerating the healing of diabetic wounds, alleviating UV induced skin photo-aging, and reducing aging-related changes of the extracellular matrix. A randomized, double-blind controlled pilot clinical trial of 31 men, 18–60 years, with 20–30% total body surface area burn showed that a hydrolyzed collagen-based supplement could significantly improve wound healing and circulating pre-albumin, and clinically reduce hospital stay in patients with 20–30% burn.*[5]