Effects of collagen supplementation on the physical, functional, and metabolic parameters in male soccer players: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: Collagen supplementation in athletes has been associated with physical and functional performance. Accordingly, the effects of collagen on various parameters, such as body composition, strength, flexibility, speed, hydration status and heart rate, which are important determinants of performance and endurance, are extensive. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of collagen supplementation on physical, functional, and metabolic parameters in male soccer players. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 13 volunteer male soccer players (placebo = 7 and collagen = 6) aged 19–24 years. Hydration analysis, lactate measurement, heart rate (HR), body composition analysis, 30 m sprint test, vertical jump, anaerobic power test, single leg hop tests (SLHT), sit-and-reach test, isometric mid-thigh pull test, proprioceptive sense evaluation, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), visual analog scale (VAS), and rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) results were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of PROFIN® type I and type III bovine collagen peptides supplementation. Results: In the collagen group, statistically significant improvement was observed in the RPE score (p = 0.037) and VAS value (p = 0.043) between baseline and final assessments. No specific significance was detected in the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) interactions for the other physical, functional, and metabolic parameters included in the study. Conclusions: 8-week supplementation with PROFIN® type I and type III bovine collagen peptides specifically reduced pain perception and perceived training exertion levels in male soccer players, but had no significant effect on various physical, functional, and metabolic parameters. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian Clinical Trials Registry on 13 December 2024 with the number IRCT20240411061470N5, https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT20240411061470N5.

Collagen supplement; Soccer player; Functional performance; Endurance; Body composition

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