Combined Whey Protein and Collagen Supplementation in Resistance-Trained Men

Summary

This study tested whether taking whey protein together with collagen peptides would provide greater benefits for muscle and bone health compared to whey protein alone, collagen alone, or a placebo. Forty healthy, resistance-trained men aged 18-35 years were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) whey protein plus collagen (30 g + 10 g/day), (2) whey protein only (30 g/day), (3) collagen only (10 g/day), or (4) placebo (maltodextrin). All participants followed a supervised resistance training program (3 times per week) for 8 weeks.

The primary outcome was muscle mass, measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Secondary outcomes included bone mineral density (DXA scans), maximal strength (1RM squat and bench press), and blood markers of bone turnover (P1NP and CTX-I).

Results showed that the whey + collagen group achieved the largest improvements in muscle growth, lumbar spine bone mineral density, strength, and favorable changes in bone turnover markers compared to all other groups. No serious side effects were reported, and supplement adherence was very high.

These findings suggest that combining whey protein and collagen may be a practical strategy to support muscle and bone adaptation in resistance-trained men.

Conditions

• Muscle Hypertrophy
• Bone Mineral Density Loss
• Resistance Training Adaptation

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Whey Protein + Collagen

Participants consumed 30 g/day whey protein isolate (Optimum Nutrition) combined with 10 g/day type I \& III collagen peptides (Vital Proteins). Supplements were provided as single-dose sachets, identical in appearance, and taken twice daily (morning and post-exercise or same time on rest days) for 8 weeks.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Whey Protein

Participants consumed 30 g/day whey protein isolate (Optimum Nutrition), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Collagen Peptides

Participants consumed 10 g/day type I \& III collagen peptides (Vital Proteins), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

OTHER

Maltodextrin (Placebo)

Participants consumed 10 g/day maltodextrin powder (isocaloric to protein supplements), packaged identically, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

  collaborator OTHER

• Islamic Azad University of Mashhad

  collaborator OTHER

• Manisa Celal Bayar University

  collaborator OTHER

• Muş Alparslan University

  collaborator OTHER

• Pamukkale University

  collaborator OTHER

• Australian Catholic University

  collaborator OTHER

• Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-01-03

Primary Completion

2024-03-10

Completion

2024-04-10

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations