NCT07171411

Combined Whey Protein and Collagen Supplementation in Resistance-Trained Men

The Combined Effects of Whey Protein and Collagen Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density and Muscle Mass in Resistance-Trained Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study tested whether taking whey protein together with collagen peptides would provide greater benefits for muscle and bone health compared to whey protein alone, collagen alone, or a placebo. Forty healthy, resistance-trained men aged 18-35 years were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) whey protein plus collagen (30 g + 10 g/day), (2) whey protein only (30 g/day), (3) collagen only (10 g/day), or (4) placebo (maltodextrin). All participants followed a supervised resistance training program (3 times per week) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was muscle mass, measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Secondary outcomes included bone mineral density (DXA scans), maximal strength (1RM squat and bench press), and blood markers of bone turnover (P1NP and CTX-I). Results showed that the whey + collagen group achieved the largest improvements in muscle growth, lumbar spine bone mineral density, strength, and favorable changes in bone turnover markers compared to all other groups. No serious side effects were reported, and supplement adherence was very high. These findings suggest that combining whey protein and collagen may be a practical strategy to support muscle and bone adaptation in resistance-trained men.

Detailed description

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the combined effects of whey protein and collagen supplementation on muscle mass, bone mineral density (BMD), muscular strength, and bone turnover markers in resistance-trained men. Forty healthy male participants (18-35 years, with ≥1 year of resistance training experience) were recruited and randomized into four parallel groups (n=10 per group): Whey Protein + Collagen (30 g WP + 10 g collagen/day) Whey Protein only (30 g/day) Collagen only (10 g/day) Placebo (10 g maltodextrin/day, isocaloric) All supplements were provided in identical single-dose sachets to ensure blinding. Participants consumed one dose upon waking and one post-exercise (or same time on rest days). A standardized, supervised hypertrophy-oriented resistance training program (3 sessions/week for 8 weeks) was applied to all groups. Primary outcome: Muscle mass (lean body mass, assessed with BIA at baseline and 8 weeks). Secondary outcomes: Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD (DXA), maximal squat and bench press strength (1RM), and serum biomarkers of bone turnover (P1NP and CTX-I). The trial was approved by the Islamic Azad University IRB (Protocol No: IAU.Ilk.C.162911421.2024). All participants gave written informed consent. Compliance with supplementation was \>90% and training adherence was \>95%. No adverse events were reported.

Conditions

• Muscle Hypertrophy
• Bone Mineral Density Loss
• Resistance Training Adaptation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Whey Protein + Collagen	Participants consumed 30 g/day whey protein isolate (Optimum Nutrition) combined with 10 g/day type I \& III collagen peptides (Vital Proteins). Supplements were provided as single-dose sachets, identical in appearance, and taken twice daily (morning and post-exercise or same time on rest days) for 8 weeks.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Whey Protein	Participants consumed 30 g/day whey protein isolate (Optimum Nutrition), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Collagen Peptides	Participants consumed 10 g/day type I \& III collagen peptides (Vital Proteins), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.
OTHER	Maltodextrin (Placebo)	Participants consumed 10 g/day maltodextrin powder (isocaloric to protein supplements), packaged identically, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-01-03
• Primary completion: 2024-03-10
• Completion: 2024-04-10
• First posted: 2025-09-12
• Last updated: 2025-09-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)