Collagen and sport, an essential duo for athletes

Whether we are amateur athletes or seasoned competitors, performance and recovery inevitably depend on the health of the deep tissues: joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles... At the heart of these essential structures lies a key protein, often overlooked but nonetheless indispensable: collagen.

"A true pillar of the body in motion, it ensures support, flexibility, and resistance. However, intense physical activity accelerates its natural degradation, making supplementation particularly strategic."

In this article, discover why and how collagen treatments can become key allies to optimize your performance, prevent injuries, and sustainably support your physical well-being 💚

Also discover all the D-LAB powdered collagen treatments.

What is collagen?

Collagen is an essential structural protein found abundantly in our body. It accounts for about 30% of the total proteins in the body and plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of the structure of the skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones. 

Collagen contributes to the health of cartilage and connective tissues, which is particularly beneficial for athletes.

Why is it essential for athletes?

For athletes, whose bodies are subjected to repeated mechanical stress, optimal collagen synthesis is therefore essential to preserve the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.

During exertion, the tendons and ligaments are heavily stressed. A deficiency or slowed synthesis of collagen — which naturally decreases from the age of 25 — can weaken these structures and increase the risk of microtraumas, sprains, tendinitis, or chronic joint pain. 

By providing the right amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), collagen supplementation helps to strengthen and repair these tissues, thereby improving endurance and durability in sports practice.

Collagen also plays a role in the recovery phase. After intense training, it helps repair muscle fibers and reduce inflammation, which helps limit soreness and recover more quickly. 

This translates to better continuity in training, a reduction in the necessary rest times, and therefore an overall performance gain.

Finally, beyond the purely mechanical aspect, collagen actively contributes to the quality of the skin, often affected by sports (sweating, friction, dehydration, oxidative stress). It improves elasticity, firmness, and skin hydration — essential criteria for sustainable well-being and a positive self-image, including among athletes.

✅ In summary, collagen is much more than just a "joint booster": it is a global ally for performance, injury prevention, and physical comfort, essential for any balanced sports routine.

Improvement of physical performance

Collagen plays an essential role in the integrity of connective tissues — tendons, ligaments, fasciae, and cartilage — which are directly engaged during physical activity. 

By strengthening these structures, it improves the transmission of muscular strength, optimizes joint movements, and contributes to better neuromuscular coordination. 

Several studies indicate that collagen peptide supplementation can improve joint biomechanics, promote better posture and stability, and thus indirectly contribute to an improvement in sports performance.

Muscle recovery and pain prevention

"After exertion, the body enters a repair phase. Hydrolyzed collagen provides specific amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) essential for the regeneration of damaged muscle fibers and connective tissue." 

Clinical research has shown that a collagen treatment helps to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), accelerate recovery, and reduce inflammatory markers in the body. This is particularly beneficial for athletes subjected to repetitive or intense training.

Joint, ligament, and tendon health

Type I collagen is a major component of tendons and ligaments, while type II collagen predominates in articular cartilage. 

By supporting their regeneration, supplementation helps to preserve joint mobility, improve flexibility, and reduce discomfort or stiffness related to exertion. 

A study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion showed that daily intake of collagen peptides significantly reduces joint pain related to physical activity in athletes.

For more information, see our article on collagen for joints.

Hydration and skin health

Intense physical activity can impair the skin barrier, especially in cases of excessive sweating. Collagen stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and strengthens the extracellular matrix of the skin, improving skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness. For athletes, this means more resilient skin, better protected from oxidative stress and external aggressions.

Interest of collagen in bodybuilding

In weight training, collagen contributes to the mechanical strength of tissues, which limits the risk of injuries to tendons, ligaments, or muscles under tension. 

Combined with resistance training, it has been shown to promote lean mass synthesis, improve muscle strength, and support functional muscle growth. 

"It is therefore a strategic supplement for anyone looking to progress effectively while protecting their body."

To learn more about bodybuilding and collagen, check out our dedicated article.

Collagen treatment: when and how to use it?

For visible and lasting results, it is recommended to follow a collagen regimen of at least 3 months. Daily intake, in the morning on an empty stomach or after training, optimizes the absorption of peptides through the intestinal barrier. 

The association with cofactors such as vitamin C, plant silicon, or hyaluronic acid helps to boost the natural synthesis of collagen and maximize the effects on connective tissues.

Marine collagen: benefits and characteristics

Marine collagen, extracted from fish skin, is highly bioavailable and easily assimilated by the body. It is composed of 94% type I collagen, the most abundant in our body, making it a valuable source for tissues.

Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides

Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption. This form is particularly effective for the skin, hair, and nails. 

Furthermore, its decomposition facilitates its assimilation by the body, thereby optimizing its benefits. 

To learn more about collagen for muscles, check out our dedicated article.

Available forms: powder, capsules, liquid

Collagen is available in various forms: powder, capsules, and liquid. Collagen powder is easy to consume and can be incorporated into your daily routine, whether in your breakfast or in a glass of water.

What type of collagen should be favored for sports?

For athletes, hydrolyzed marine collagen is often preferred due to its high bioavailability and proven effectiveness. It is advisable to choose a high-quality collagen sourced from sustainable and ethical sources.

Quality criteria (purity, traceability, bioavailability)

The quality and source of collagen are paramount. A good supplement must be pure, traceable, and highly bioavailable. It must also be free from contaminants and harmful substances.

Optimal dosage and posology

The optimal dosage of collagen varies depending on individual needs, but it is generally recommended to take between 5 and 10 grams per day. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct and safe use.

Comparison: what is the best collagen for athletes?

For athletes, hydrolyzed marine collagen stands out for its high bioavailability and effectiveness. 

The dietary supplements from D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS, such as the collagen for flexibility and muscles, are formulated with top-quality ingredients, providing visible and lasting results.

Ideal time for taking collagen

The ideal time to consume collagen is in the morning, on an empty stomach, for optimal absorption. It can also be taken after exercise to promote recovery.

Usage tips before, during, or after effort

Before exercise, collagen can help prepare the joints and muscles. During exercise, it can contribute to maintaining performance. After exercise, it helps with recovery and repair of damaged tissues.

Synergies with other nutrients (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, etc.)

Vitamin C plays an important role in the natural synthesis of collagen. It helps in the formation of collagen to ensure the normal functioning of the skin, teeth, gums, cartilage, and bones. The combination of collagen with hyaluronic acid also offers many benefits for the skin, hair, nails, and joints. To learn more, check out our article on the benefits of collagen.

Simple recipes and practical ideas

Powdered collagen can be easily incorporated into smoothies, yogurts, or protein drinks. Here is a simple recipe: mix one tablespoon of powdered collagen with a fruit smoothie for a nutritious breakfast that is beneficial for the joints.

In conclusion, collagen is very useful for sports. It is a vital structural protein that plays an essential role in the health and performance of athletes. 

Collagen for sports strengthens joints, improves muscle recovery, and greatly contributes to the health of skin, hair, nails, and bones. Furthermore, collagen for sports helps with skin hydration, which is crucial for any athlete.

"For high-quality collagen supplementation for sports, D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS products are highly recommended." 

These formulas are crafted with premium ingredients, carefully selected for their naturalness and bioavailability, and are sourced from sustainable and ethical origins. 

By choosing D-LAB, you are opting for a brand that embodies the values of efficiency, quality, naturalness, ethics, and expertise in nutricosmetics.

For more information on collagen and its benefits, please refer to the following resources:

• What is collagen?
• Which collagen to consume?
• Everything you need to know about collagen and cellulite
• Collagen for bones