Effects of 12 weeks of low molecular collagen peptide supplementation on body composition in overweight Korean adults aged 50 years and older

Abstract

Abstract After the age of 50, their muscle mass gradually declines each year, and the lost muscle is often replaced by fat mass. Insufficient protein intake after middle age further accelerates this process. Previous studies that have used collagen as a supplementation, which accounts for about 30% of the body's protein, have combined it with resistance exercise. This study investigated the effects of collagen supplementation on body composition in individuals over the age of 50 (23≤BMI≤32), while maintaining their daily activity levels constant. Participants were assigned to either the collagen group (n=42) or the placebo group(n=42). Collagen supplementation (15g of collagen) and placebo product (xanthan gum) were offered. Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which is a type of low molecular weight collagen extracted from porcine raw materials, was used. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were taken for analysis. Physical activities and dietary intake were measured by international physical activity questionnaire and a 3-day food record, respectively. 74 participants in the collagen group (n=37) and placebo group (n=37) were used in the final analysis. Physical activity and dietary intake showed no significant difference between the two groups. The collagen group showed a significant reduction in total body fat mass compared to the placebo group, as evidenced by both BIA (P=0.021) and DEXA (P=0.041) measurements. There were no significant differences in blood measurements between the two groups. Therefore, the intake of collagen supplementation after middle age may be used for preventing age related fat mass accumulation.