Resumen del estudio
Background: Tendons adapt to mechanical loading by increasing cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, and matrix organization, with structural remodeling critical for both rehabilitation and performance. Collagen supplementation has been proposed to enhance this process by supplying key amino acids for collagen synthesis; however, inconsistent results across trials have limited its clinical and athletic application. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating collagen supplementation in humans was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from database inception through May 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale (≥6/10 classified as good-to-excellent quality). Due to substantial heterogeneity in supplementation protocols, training modalities, and outcome measures, results were synthesized narratively without meta-analysis. Data extraction included collagen type, dose, training modality, intervention duration, and outcome measures. Results: Of 887 unique citations, eight RCTs (n = 257; ages 18-52; 246 M:11 F) met the inclusion criteria. All studies incorporated resistance or plyometric training (3-15 weeks). Three of four studies reported significantly greater increases in tendon CSA in collagen groups versus placebo. Four studies investigated tendon stiffness and Young's modulus; the two using higher doses (15-30 g/day) demonstrated significant between-group improvements favoring collagen, while lower-dose studies (~5 g) showed only within-group effects. Muscle strength improved with training in all trials, but no additive effects of collagen were observed. One study reported improvements in eccentric rate of force development and deceleration impulse with collagen, though gross explosive metrics (e.g., jump height) were unaffected. Conclusions: Collagen supplementation (15-30 g) with vitamin C (≥50 mg) may enhance tendon remodeling when combined with high-intensity resistance training (≥70% 1 RM). The current literature suggests strong evidence (GRADE A) for increases in tendon CSA and stiffness, strong evidence (GRADE A) against an effect on muscle strength, and conflicting evidence (GRADE C) for muscle cross-sectional area and physical performance. Limitations include small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and short intervention durations. DOI: 10.3390/jfmk11010130 PMCID: PMC13028264
Detalles bibliográficos
- Autores: Buchalski A, Jeanfavre M, Altorelli C, Leff G
- Publicado en: Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology
- Fecha: 2026 Mar 23
- PMID: 41900537
- DOI: 10.3390/jfmk11010130
📖 Leer el estudio completo en PubMed →
Esta evidencia se ha indexado automáticamente desde la base de datos PubMed (NCBI/NLM, US National Institutes of Health). El resumen mostrado es propiedad intelectual de sus autores y editorial.
