The effects of collagen peptides on exercise-induced gastrointestinal stress: a randomized, controlled trial

Purpose We examined the effects of collagen peptides (CP) supplementation on exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) stress. Methods In a randomized, crossover design, 20 volunteers (16 males: $$\dot{V}$$ V ˙ O2max, 53.4 ± 5.9 ml·kg−1) completed 3 trials: a non-exercise rest trial, with no supplement (REST) and then an exercise trial with CP (10 g·day−1) or placebo control (CON) supplements, which were consumed for 7 days prior to, and 45 min before, a 70 min run at 70–90% of $$\dot{V}$$ V ˙ O2max. Outcome measures included urinary lactulose and rhamnose (L/R), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), anti-LPS antibody, monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL) 6 and 8, cortisol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (measured pre, 10 min post and 2 h post) and subjective GI symptoms. Results There were no differences in heart rate, perceived exertion, thermal comfort, or core temperature during exercise in the CP and CON trials (all P > 0.05). I-FABP was higher in CP (2538 ± 1221 pg/ml) and CON (2541 ± 766 pg/ml) vs. REST 2 h post (1893 ± 1941 pg/ml) (both P P P P > 0.05), and no differences in L/R or GI symptoms between CON and CP (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Collagen peptides did not modify exercise-induced changes in inflammation, GI integrity or subjective GI symptoms but LPS was higher in CON 2 h post-exercise and thus future studies may be warranted.