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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07171411

Combined Whey Protein and Collagen Supplementation in Resistance-Trained Men

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Hypertrophy Bone Mineral Density Loss Hypertrophy Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Resistance Training Adaptation

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Health Sciences

Ankara, Etlik, 06200, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male participants aged 18-35 years
  • At least 1 year of consistent resistance training experience (≥3 sessions per week, targeting major muscle groups)
  • Healthy, with no history of musculoskeletal, metabolic, or cardiovascular disorders
  • No current or recent (<6 months) use of anabolic steroids, growth hormones, or performance-enhancing substances
  • Non-smoker and no habitual use of anti-inflammatory medications
  • Able and willing to comply with supplementation and supervised training program
  • Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Participation in similar supplementation studies in the past 6 months
  • Recent fractures or surgeries affecting musculoskeletal health (<6 months)
  • Known allergy or intolerance to dairy proteins or collagen supplements
  • Inability to attend scheduled supervised resistance training sessions
  • Non-adherence to dietary control requirements (e.g., use of additional protein/creatine supplements during study)
  • Any condition deemed by investigators to interfere with study compliance or safety

Treatment and study plan

Whey Protein + Collagen

Dietary Supplement

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.

Whey Protein

Dietary Supplement

Participants consumed 30 g/day whey protein isolate (Optimum Nutrition), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

Collagen Peptides

Dietary Supplement

Participants consumed 10 g/day type I & III collagen peptides (Vital Proteins), in identical sachets, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

Maltodextrin (Placebo)

Other

Participants consumed 10 g/day maltodextrin powder (isocaloric to protein supplements), packaged identically, taken twice daily for 8 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Muscle Mass (kg, lean body mass by BIA)

    Time frame: Baseline (week 0) to 8 weeks post-intervention

    Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 770). Measurements were conducted under standardized conditions (≥8 h fasted, no exercise or caffeine for ≥12 h, urine specific gravity <1.020). Values reported as lean body mass (kg). Primary analysis compared changes between Whey + Collagen, Whey only, Collagen only, and Placebo groups after 8 weeks of supplementation combined with resistance training.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

    Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks

    BMD measured at lumbar spine (L1-L4) using DXA (Hologic Discovery A). Scans performed by trained technician with daily calibration.

  2. Change in Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

    Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks

    BMD measured at femoral neck using DXA, reported in g/cm².

  3. Change in Squat Strength (1RM)

    Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks

    Maximal squat strength (kg) assessed via 1-repetition maximum (1RM) testing under standardized protocol, supervised by certified trainers.

  4. Change in Bench Press Strength (1RM)

    Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks

    Maximal bench press strength (kg) assessed via standardized 1RM testing, supervised by certified trainers.

  5. Change in Procollagen Type I N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP)

    Time frame: Baseline to 8 weeks

    Serum P1NP, a marker of bone formation, measured via ELISA. Blood collected after overnight fast (7:00-9:00 AM), samples stored at -80°C.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Collaborators

  • Australian Catholic University
  • Islamic Azad University of Mashhad
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University
  • Muş Alparslan University
  • Pamukkale University
  • Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Sep 12, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 12, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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