Developing a Nutritional Supplement to Increase Collagen Synthesis in People

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether a natural dietary supplement can enhance collagen production in healthy young adults aged 18 to 30 years. The study focuses on understanding if the supplement can increase collagen synthesis after consuming collagen protein, using a model that tests natural products certified as safe that stimulate collagen production in laboratory settings. The investigation aims to see how this supplement affects collagen synthesis in connective tissue with the support of exercise. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will consume a supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen (20 grams) combined with vitamin C, epicatechin, vitamin E, and stevia extract. The other group will receive a placebo supplement with hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, and sweetener. Both groups will perform load-bearing exercise daily for 7 days while consuming their assigned supplement. Blood samples will be collected before and one hour after supplement intake, and also four hours after the final exercise session on day seven. During the study, researchers will analyze blood samples and treat engineered human ligaments with these serum samples to assess collagen production. They will measure collagen protein synthesis over 7 days, as well as the strength and collagen content of ligament constructs 60 minutes after exercise. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the trial, which is expected to last about one week. The study is conducted by the University of California, Davis, and includes healthy volunteers within the specified age range.

Developing a Nutritional Supplement to Increase Collagen Synthesis in People