The anabolic effects of collagen protein

Abstract

Skeletal muscle includes both contractile as well as connective proteins, which require rebuilding after physical activity. While whey protein is known to support muscle contractile proteins, its effect on muscle connective proteins is less clear. Collagen, rich in the amino acid glycine, has been suggested to help build connective tissue. However, this thesis shows that ingesting collagen does not significantly increase muscle contractile or connective protein synthesis, either at rest or after exercise. Combining whey protein with a small amount of collagen protein does improve amino acid availability, particularly glycine, without reducing the availability of key amino acids like leucine. The whey and collagen protein blend increases muscle contractile and connective protein synthesis at rest, but only muscle contractile protein synthesis after exercise. This thesis also stresses that measuring muscle connective protein synthesis is not a direct measure of collagen production, as it includes other structural proteins. More research is needed to confirm collagen's benefits for overall musculoskeletal health.

Defence date: 27/06/2025