Comparing the Effects of Collagen Hydrolysate and Dairy Protein on Recovery from Eccentric Exercise: A Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Consuming collagen hydrolysate (CH) may improve symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), however its acute effects have not been compared to dairy protein (DP), the most commonly consumed form of protein supplement. Therefore, this study compared the effects of CH and DP on recovery from EIMD. Thirty-three males consumed either CH (n=11) or DP (n=11), containing 25 g of protein, or an isoenergetic placebo (n=11) immediately post-exercise and once daily for three days. Indices of EIMD were measured before and 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours after 30 minutes of downhill running on a -15% slope at 80% of VO2max speed. Downhill running induced significant EIMD, with time effects (all P < 0.001) for delayed onset of muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), countermovement jump height, isometric midthigh pull force, maximal voluntary isometric contraction force, running economy, and biomarkers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). However, no group or interaction effects (all P > 0.05) were observed for any outcome measures. The findings suggest that post-exercise consumption of CH or DP does not improve indices of EIMD during the acute recovery period, in recreationally active males.