A clinical study examining joint pain in physically-active, middle-aged adults found that Solugel collagen peptides, made by supplier PB Leiner, were linked to significant reductions in joint pain and discomfort. The research was commissioned by the company and carried out by a team at Florida State University.
 
PB Leiner cited market research conducted by Euromonitor, noting that it is estimated that 93% of those between the ages of 45 and 59 globally have concerns about joint and muscle pain, with two thirds of those positive respondents saying that it has a moderate to severe impact on their health.
 
With continuous research on the role that collagen peptides can play in the body’s ability to repair connective tissue, the team of researchers put Solugel collagen peptides to the test on subjective measures of joint pain and function in middle-aged people.
 
The participants of the study, all between the ages of 45 and 65 who spent at least three hours per week undertaking activities such as hiking or cycling, were administered either a placebo or 10g of Solugel collagen peptides daily. The supplementation period lasted six months.
 
Following the supplementation period, it was determined that those who consumed the collagen peptides daily had an average 36% improved score on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, which indicates significant reductions in perceived pain and improvements in knee functionality. By contrast, more than half of the participants who were in the placebo group saw a significant decline in their score.
 
Beyond exercise, improvements were noted for everyday activities as well. One third of those supplementing with Solugel saw clinically meaningful improvements in portions of the test which covered activities of daily living such as commuting, cleaning, and shopping, a change which did not occur in any of the participants in the placebo group.
 
The specific results of this study await publication in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition this year, and will also be presented at the 18^th International Sports Nutrition Society Meeting.
 
Takeaways
 
Previous research has established that collagen can reduce joint pain among those with conditions such as osteoarthritis, joint stability problems, injured joints, or exercise-induced issues, however, this study was unique in design, the FSU researchers noted.
 
“This is the first and only study to examine the impact of collagen peptides on joint pain in this demographic group,” Dr. Mike Ormsbee, associate director at FSU Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine, and lead author, said. “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.”
 
“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. Reyhan Nergiz Unal, Health and Nutrition science lead at PB Leiner, said.