Find out what the new studies say about our collagen products
If you exercise actively or simply love movement, you surely know how important fast recovery is after a workout or an unusually intense effort. In recent years numerous scientific studies have appeared, showing the positive effect of protein intake on the health of muscles, tendons, joints and bones.
The latest findings on the effect of RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen on the body's condition during more active movement also provide some quite interesting data, the conclusions of which we'll look at now.
What do we know about how collagen works during sport?
It's common knowledge that collagen is found in all of our organs and systems and performs essential functions, such as maintaining muscle fibers, retaining hydration in the skin, healing joint cartilage, and much more.
For our body to function normally and adapt to heavier loads, laying the groundwork for recovery is key…because we don't want to end up with the opposite effect. This is where collagen comes in - with regular intake it not only fills the gaps left by protein, but also stimulates the production of new protein. In this way it keeps tissues and organs healthy and lays the foundation for building muscle mass. It also hydrates the cells, and the wealth of amino acids it contains helps relax the muscles and nervous system for more effective recovery.
What do the updated studies on our collagen show for athletes?
As we shared with you in the first part of the findings from the new studies conducted with our RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen , our team strives every day to develop in line with new technologies, developments and scientific discoveries. That's why it's important to us that the products we offer meet the very latest standards and possibilities. But let's look at the facts:
1. RealFood collagen shortens recovery time and reduces muscle soreness
Intense workouts often lead to muscle soreness and a drop in performance, and delayed-onset muscle soreness often makes us reluctant to get back to the gym. Anything in excess isn't healthy - and that applies to exercise too. The balance between activity and rest is the key to success, but a little help from the right ingredients doesn't hurt either.
In a new study conducted with 24 active men, the participants who took a double dose (20 grams) of collagen daily for 7 days reported that they felt significantly less pain after exertion compared to the periods when they weren't taking additional collagen supplements. After intense exertion the group taking our product rated their muscle soreness at an index of 90.42, while in the placebo group the value was significantly higher - 125.67.
In addition, there is evidence that collagen also helps with faster recovery of muscle strength – participants retained 90% of their initial strength, while in the placebo group it dropped to 80%. Collagen actively works to repair muscle fibers, thereby shortening the period of “muscle soreness.”
2. Collagen also improves cognitive function – key for the body's rest
As we mentioned, sleep and full rest are a key driver for “recharging” the body, especially after intense physical exertion. A study was carried out on precisely this topic - how collagen affects the nervous system and its ability to settle down. It was found that taking 15 g of RealFood collagen 60 minutes before sleep for at least 7 days manages to reduce nighttime awakenings in athletes and improve sleep quality, which in turn leads to better performance during the day.
3. Supports gut health and reduces inflammation
Intense workouts can negatively affect stomach health and cause gastrointestinal discomfort - this happens due to the heavy strain placed on the muscles.
The latest tests show that daily intake of the full daily dose of collagen (10 g) reduces the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, which shows that the protein itself can support the gut's barrier function, strengthen it, and reduce the risk of potential future inflammatory processes.
4.Better joint health and mobility, even with type 1 and 3 collagen
Over time joints lose their flexibility, and with regular strain and no extra care, this is very likely to happen.
In a 6-month study, collagen showed exceptionally good results. It significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness in women with complaints in this area, as well as in active athletes, for whom joint health is essential.
5. Strengthens bone endurance
Besides the benefits for muscles and joints, our collagen products have also been tested for their role in maintaining healthy bones. Since collagen is a major component of bone tissue, the latest scientific studies show that its regular intake can support bone mineralization and improve bone strength. In clinical trials collagen has shown the potential to increase bone density and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, especially in active people and older adults who are predisposed to it.
6. Taking protein and RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen together gives better results
Whey protein has for a long time been among the main supplements taken by people who exercise actively. But that doesn't rule out the effect of collagen as a protein - a new study shows that the combination of collagen and whey protein leads to the same positive results that are achieved with whey protein alone.
In a 3-week study with dozens of active men, the group that took 25 g of whey protein + 20 g of RealFood collagen achieved the same results in supporting muscle mass and recovery as those who took only 45 g of whey. This means collagen can be just as effective as part of a comprehensive sports routine alongside protein, even though many people think of it purely as a beauty supplement.
We reveal more on this topic in our interview with Dr. Silvia Paskaleva, a rehabilitation medicine specialist, which you'll be able to watch very soon. Follow our social channels to be the first to find out about it.
