The effect of collagen supplementation on human tendon protein synthesis
Tendon protein synthesis in otherwise healthy males and females scheduled for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.
The study involves two parallel groups: an intervention group and a control group: Intervention: A vitamin C-containing collagen supplement (20 g per dose) will be ingested as a drink (100 mL of water mixed with 20 g of collagen powder) twice daily for 7 days, once at breakfast and once before sleep. Control: A vitamin C-enriched maltodextrin will be used as an isocaloric placebo. Using a computer random number generator, participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention group or the placebo group on a 1:1 ratio, stratified by sex. This study has a double-blind design, with both participants and researchers blinded to treatment allocation. A member of our research group will create the randomization list. The intervention providers are an experienced lab technician with a background in chemistry and a researcher with a background in human movement sciences. The intervention is a food-grade supplement which will be provided to the participant by the researcher. Vitamin C-enriched collagen or maltodextrin supplementation will be administered at a twice daily dose of 20 g (40 g per day), as an oral supplement of 100 ml per drink. The participant mixes the dose of powder with tap water at home. After stirring the mixture for 10 seconds, the participant drinks the mixture. Intervention occurs at the participant's home. Surgery will occur in the hospital. Participants will be visited once at their home for baseline measurements. The second study visit will take place at the hospital before surgery.
1. Otherwise healthy male and female volunteers 2. Aged 18 to 40 years old 3. Recruited from patients attending the Department of Orthopedics from the participating hospital 4. Planned for ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft 5. BMI ≥18.5 and ≤27.5 kg/m2
1. Blood donation during the study period or during the last 2 months 2. Pregnancy 3. Third-generation oral contraceptives 4. Currently smoking 5. Consumption of >21 alcoholic beverages per week 6. Use of any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e. corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescribed acne medications) 7. Regular use of protein or other nutritional supplements (including vitamins). 8. Reported slimming or medically prescribed diet 9. Use of antibiotics in the past month 10. Current participation in another biomedical research study