Explore the benefits of collagen for sports health
Participating in sport and recreational activities is all about maintaining, or improving our level of performance and fitness. To do this, we must keep our bodies in good condition in terms of strength and muscle mass.
We should be aware that training program of high intensity or with short recovery times raises the risk of injury. Our musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments) become susceptible to injury even if we become fitter and stronger. This is where collagen hydrolysate stands out as a leader in the pack when it comes to protein supplementation.
The Australian Institute of Sport classify collagen supplements within Group B for athletes, this means that there is emerging evidence of the benefits of collagen for exercise recovery and muscle maintenance. It is suggested that collagen supplementation may assist in the prevention and/or treatment of muscle, cartilage, connective and bone tissue injury and/or degenerative disorders.
The intake of a collagen supplement 40 to 60 minutes before training or competition may help to support connective tissues by providing increased availability of amino acids, particularly when the body is unable to keep up with the demands for collagen support during high training intervals. It may also support support tissue integrity for those with previous connective tissue injury and the repair of various tissues, including bone, skin and ligaments/tendons during rehabilitation. When consumed immediately after exercise it may also support the repair and recovery of muscle tissue, potentially reducing delayed onset muscle soreness.
With a unique amino acid profile, collagen peptides contain high levels of the amino acids glycine, hydroxyproline, proline, alanine and arginine – providing specific sport nutritional benefits. In short, they offers multiple benefits linked to muscles, exercise and injury recovery and connective tissue support. The other major advantage of collagen is that it contains no dairy or lactose which makes it an ideal protein supplement for those who are lactose intolerant and users will not experience the discomfort of gas and bloating that many whey proteins users experience.
There are many health benefits to supplementing with collagen, outlined in our collagen facts pages below.
