The endurance elixir? How collagen may redefine athletic limits

When it comes to physical performance, increasing endurance is of huge concern to many athletes.

In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with GELITA, we take a closer look at an ingredient that is making waves in the world of sports nutrition: collagen.

Although most of us will be familiar with its potential benefits to skin health, its allure extends far beyond aesthetics, especially for athletes.

From its role in enhancing muscle recovery and growth, to its impact on bolstering joint health, collagen is emerging as a game-changer for sports performance both on and off the field.

And with athletes constantly pushing their bodies to the limit, collagen could provide the extra endurance needed in striving for that personal best.

But what does the science say? Do collagen supplements have the potential to revolutionise athletic performance? And how can it be used to optimise training and endurance?

Dr Andrea Löw

Andrea Löw is an historian based in Munich and a passionate runner.

She started running 20 years ago, when she was 30 years old, when a doctor told her that she may face a hip operation. Another doctor advised her to start running instead.

She started running 6k and 10k distances in 2006, did her first half marathon that year, and her first marathon in 2008.

She has since run a number of ultra-races, covering distances of 220k, 250k and 520k. She never did have that hip operation.

Andrea is using GELITA’s bioactive collagen peptides for over four years now – and feels the difference!

PeptENDURE^®

PeptENDURE^® is the first collagen protein on the market addressing the specific needs of endurance athletes. Clinical studies with PeptENDURE^® have shown to substantially enhance the effects of training, leading to a higher endurance performance on the track.

It therefore offers a fundamental, sustainable strategy for change rather than a mere quick-fix.

With PeptENDURE^®, brands can reach new consumers and provide inspiring new options for existing fans of sports nutrition products.

Bioactive Collagen Peptides at a Glance

• Bioactive collagen peptides are protein fragments with health-promoting properties
• GELITA Bioactive Collagen Peptides are optimized for specific physiological benefits
• They maximize stimulation of the human cell types involved in collagen biosynthesis
• GELITA applies a proprietary, carefully controlled process to obtain the beneficial peptides

Dr Ulrike Braun, Scientific Affairs and Communication, GELITA

Ulrike Braun is responsible for Scientific Affairs and Communication for the Business Unit Nutrition and Health Ingredients at GELITA AG in Eberbach, Germany.

Ulrike promotes the science behind the use of specific bioactive collagen peptides, and their potential to make a real difference to performance, wellbeing and appearance on the goal to benefit quality of life.

She is a phD chemist with over 20 years of working experience in the field of nutrition and health.

GELITA

GELITA is the leading company for collagen proteins. These are collagen peptides with proven body-stimulating capabilities and tailor-made gelatines.

Coordinated from the headquarters in Eberbach, Germany, GELITA provides customers around the world with products of the highest standard, comprehensive technical expertise and sophisticated solutions.