Effects of collagen supplementation on body composition and muscle strength in Korean adults aged 50 years and older

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Insufficient protein intake can accelerate the loss of muscle mass as one ages. A decrease in muscle mass leads to an increase in fat mass, creating a vicious cycle that can result in sarcopenic obesity. 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. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of collagen supplementation on body composition in individuals over the age of 50, while maintaining their daily activity levels constant. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial PARTICIPANTS: Participants were assigned to either the collagen group (n=42) or the placebo group(n=42). MEASUREMENTS: Collagen supplementation (14g of collagen) and placebo product (xanthan gum) were offered to collagen group and placebo group respectively, once a day. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants were instructed to maintain their dietary intake and physical activity levels, which were evaluated through a 3-day food record analysis and an international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) analysis, respectively. RESULTS: 74 participants in the collagen group (n=37) and placebo group (n=37) completed the follow-up, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of physical activity levels. 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. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of muscle mass. Conclusion: From this study, the consumption of collagen supplementation is effective in reducing fat mass, which is significant in preventing sarcopenic obesity after middle age.