Collagen Plus Exercise Boosts Function and Strength in Adults Over 55

A completed clinical trial from the University of Sao Paulo examined whether collagen peptide supplementation combined with exercise could enhance physical function, muscle mass, and quality of life in adults over 55 years old. The study enrolled 160 participants and ran from January 2023 to January 2024.

The research was motivated by evidence that collagen peptides can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, reduce musculoskeletal pain, and support connective tissue health. These peptides have unique properties including low molecular weight and high concentrations of proline and hydroxyproline, making them highly absorbable and resistant to digestive breakdown.

Participants received collagen supplementation while following an exercise program. Researchers measured multiple outcomes including functional capacity as the primary endpoint, along with muscle mass, strength, bone remodeling markers, and quality of life assessments.

The trial addresses a critical health challenge as global demographics shift toward an aging population. By 2050, over 2 billion people will be older than 55, making strategies to prevent age-related muscle, bone, and cartilage dysfunction increasingly vital for public health.

While specific results have not been published, this research could establish collagen peptides as a practical intervention for healthy aging. The combination of supplementation with exercise represents a potentially accessible approach to maintaining physical function and independence in older adults, with implications extending beyond this age group to anyone seeking to optimize musculoskeletal health and longevity.