A clinical study examining joint pain in physically active middle-aged people has found consuming Solugel collagen peptides can lead to significant reductions in pain and discomfort. The research was carried out by Florida State University (FSU) and commissioned by PB Leiner.
Research shows 93% of those aged 45 to 59 globally have concerns about joint and muscle pain, with two-thirds saying it has a moderate to severe impact on their health. This can cause significant discomfort during exercise and can even limit the ability to carry out everyday activities.
PB Leiner commissioned FSU to carry out a study exploring whether its Solugel collagen peptides could reduce joint pain among physically active middle-aged people.
Study participants were all aged 45 to 65 and spent at least three hours each week undertaking activities such as hiking or cycling. For six months, each consumed either a placebo or Solugel collagen peptides every day.
Those consuming 10 g per day of the collagen peptides reportedly saw a 36% improvement according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, indicating significant reductions in pain and improvement in knee functionality. By contrast, more than half of those in the placebo group saw a decline in their score, the company says.
The study also suggests collagen peptides may improve the ability to carry out everyday tasks such as commuting, cleaning and shopping. A third of those consuming 10 g of the collagen peptides each day also saw clinically meaningful improvements in their scores while undertaking these activities, while none of the participants in the placebo group saw any improvement.
Previous research has reportedly established collagen can reduce joint pain among those suffering with conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as joint stability problems, injured joints, or exercise-induced issues. This recent study has expanded its scope to demonstrate collagen’s long-term impact on both joint pain and everyday activities in the healthy and active middle-aged population.
Dr Mike Ormsbee, Associate Director at FSU Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine and the lead clinical study researcher, said: “This is the first and only study to examine the impact of collagen peptides on joint pain in this demographic group. The findings suggest they have protective as well as beneficial effects, supporting the growth and repair of connective tissue as well as reducing joint pain.”
Dr Reyhan Nergiz Unal, Health & Nutrition Science Lead at PB Leiner, said: “We commissioned this research because such a huge number of fit and healthy middle-aged people suffer with joint pain – and the results show collagen peptides’ enormous potential to help this demographic. Solugel is a clinically proven solution that can not only support joint health but may contribute to the healthy functioning of your body, including muscle and connective tissue recovery and bone health.”
Dr Nergiz Unal will be hosting a presentation on the study at Vitafoods Europe on October 6, 2021, in the sports nutrition theatre. The presentation will also be streamed online and available to those registering for the event.
The study is due to be published later in 2021 in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Supplement.
