Why do athletes take collagen? Athletes take collagen for increasing muscle mass, workout recovery purposes and reducing sports injuries. Collagen is a type of protein that provides a lot of structure and elasticity in muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and connective tissues.
When we age our collagen levels drop and this contributes to saggy skin, wrinkles, joint health, stiff joints, and ligaments. Collagen supplements provide a source of collagen that you may not obtain from food. Collagen supplements is necessary if you are obtaining a lack of collagen from food and if you are deficient in this.
Why do athletes take collagen? Photo Credit: iStock- Tonelson
Collagen supplements are typically labeled as collagen peptides, collagen hydrolysate, etc. Collagen hydrolysate is when it has been hydrolyzed or broken down in smaller pieces like peptides. Collagen is hydrolyzed and turned into peptides for supplements to make it easier to absorb and digest.
As we get older especially among ex athletes, we obtain a wear and tear on the knee and hip joints. When the cartilage wears away, we experience joint pain and arthritis. So, studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can reduce joint pain and osteoporosis.
One study examined 147 athletes who took collagen supplements for their joint pain. The study revealed that the athletes that took collagen supplements experienced a reduction in joint pain. This study lasted about 24 weeks.
Studies show that collagen supplements can help with the recovery of damaged muscles through hard workouts for athletes. It showed that collagen consumption helped reduce the healing.
Collagen is found in the following foods if you choose not to go the collagen supplementation route.
- Chicken
- Pork
- Egg Yolks
- Bone broth
One of the reasons why it may be better to take collagen supplement vs food is because it is hydrolyzed and broken down. And the body can absorb it and use it more easily. Collagen supplementation is safe to take but the only potential risk may be food allergens. And those food allergens can be fish, eggs, shellfish, etc. If you have allergies check the ingredients in the back of the supplement bottle.
“So, studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can reduce joint pain and osteoporosis.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line is collagen supplements is helpful when it comes to recovery from workouts, increasing of muscle mass because of the protein in it, improving joint pain, etc.
You can get your collagen from food or supplements. But supplements may be better because it is hydrolyzed, and your body can easily absorb it better.
If you have any interest in trying any of our Ethical Supplement products to help you heighten your immune system or assist you with your fitness, weight loss or health goals.
You can get a discount below at this link.
https://offer.ethicalinc.com/suppressant-offer/ ?utm_source=blog
References
- Clark, K.L., Sebastianelli,W., Flechsenhar, K.R., Aukermann, D.F., Meza, F., Millard, R.L., Deitch, J.R., Sherbondy, P.S., and Albert A. (2008). 24-Week Study on the Use of Collagen Hydrolysate as a Dietary Supplement in Athletes with Activity-Related Joint Pain. Curr. Med. Res. Opin.24(5), 1485-96. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885
- Zdzieblik, D., Oesser, S., Baumstark, M.W., Gollhofer, A., and Konig, D. (2015). Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination with Resistance Training Improves Body Composition and Increases Muscle Strength in Elderly Sarcopenic Men: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Br. J. Nutr.114(8), 1237-45. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594048/
- Buford, T.W., Kreider, R.B., Stout, J.R., Greenwood, M., Campbell, B., Spano, M., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., and Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Creatine Supplementation and Exercise. J. Int. Soc. Sports Nutr.4(6). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2048496/
- Dressler, P., Gehring, D., Zdzeiblik, D., Oesser, S., Gollhofer, A., and Konig, D. (2018). Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability. J. Sports. Sci. Med.17(2). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5950747/
- Moskowitz, R.W. (2000). Role of Collagen Hydrolysate in Bone and Joint Disease. Semin. Arthritis Rheum.30(2), 87-99. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580
