Daily collagen peptides for cellular aging in middle-aged adults
Collagen Peptides and Cellular Aging: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Intervention Study on Telomere Length, Inflammation, Body Composition, and Functional Capacity in Middle-aged and Older Adults
This trial will test whether taking daily collagen peptides for 24 weeks can stabilize or lengthen telomeres and improve cellular aging markers in adults aged 50–70 with overweight and low-to-moderate physical activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna, State of Vienna) |
| Trial ID | NCT07456449 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with a BMI of 25–30 kg/m² and low-to-moderate physical activity will take either collagen peptide supplements or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. Participants attend three in-person visits at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, when blood samples and other measurements are collected. Primary laboratory measures include telomere length and telomerase activity, alongside markers of inflammation, body composition, and functional health. The study compares changes over time between the collagen and placebo groups to determine whether collagen supplementation is associated with favorable cellular-aging outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 50–70 years with BMI 25–30 kg/m², low-to-moderate physical activity, able to live independently and mobile, without major chronic diseases, and willing to provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with diagnosed chronic diseases affecting immunity or metabolism, those using immunomodulatory or systemic anti-inflammatory medications, regular users of high-dose supplements affecting oxidative stress, or those outside the age/BMI/activity criteria are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, daily collagen supplementation could slow markers of cellular aging, lower inflammation, and support healthier body composition and function in the target group.
How similar studies have performed: While collagen supplements have some evidence for skin and joint outcomes, using collagen to affect telomere length and telomerase activity is largely novel with limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 50-70 years; both male and female participants are eligible * Body mass index (BMI) 25-30 kg/m² * Low to moderate physical activity: not meeting current WHO recommendations (\<150 minutes/week) or ≤2 sessions/week structured training * Able to live independently and mobile in daily life * No regular resistance training within the past 6 months * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed chronic diseases relevant to the immune system, metabolism, or cellular aging (e.g., diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular, rheumatologic diseases) * Use of immunomodulatory, systemic anti-inflammatory, or hormonal medications (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants) * Acute infections or surgeries within the last 3 months * Regular use of supplements known to affect oxidative stress or cellular aging (e.g., high-dose antioxidants, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, high-dose vitamin D) * Participation in another clinical study within the last 3 months * Vegetarian or vegan diet (product contains animal-derived collagen)
Where this trial is running
Vienna, State of Vienna
- University of Vienna, NuTraLab — Vienna, State of Vienna, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel König, Univ. Prof. Dr.
- Email: daniel.koenig@univie.ac.at
- Phone: +43-1-4277-59130
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.