Harvard Nutrition Source Article
Vitamin C plays a role in controlling infections and healing wounds, and is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals. It is needed to make collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue that is weaved throughout various systems in the body: nervous, immune, bone, cartilage, blood, and others. The vitamin helps make several hormones and chemical messengers used in the brain and nerves.
National Library of Medicine Study- Vitamin C
A Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. This data suggest that adding gelatin to an intermittent exercise program improves collagen synthesis and could play a beneficial role in injury prevention and tissue repair.
National Library of Medicine Study- Collagen Peptides
This was the first clinical trial of 24-weeks duration to show improvement of joint pain in athletes who were treated with the dietary supplement collagen hydrolysate. The results of this study have implications for the use of collagen hydrolysate to support joint health and possibly reduce the risk of joint deterioration in a high-risk group. Despite the study's size and limitations, the results suggest that athletes consuming collagen hydrolysate can reduce parameters (such as pain) that have a negative impact on athletic performance. Future studies are needed to support these findings.
National Library of Medicine- A White Paper on Collagen Hydrolyzates and Ultrahydrolyzates
The results indicated that COL is most beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. Certain improvements in body composition, strength and muscle recovery were present.
Oxford Academic Narrative Review
Collagen-derived protein sources may have the capacity to stimulate and/or support connective tissue protein synthesis rates and promote connective tissue remodeling.