Collagen Supplements: Optimal Dosage, Timing, & Implementation for Tendon Health

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan 🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉 For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/  In this episode, Brodie breaks down a brand-new 2026 systematic review investigating whether collagen supplementation truly improves tendon health, recovery, and performance. With conflicting advice from experts and unclear evidence in the past, this paper helps clarify what actually works—and more importantly, *how to apply it* to your training. Paper: Collagen Supplementation on Tendon-Related Structural and Performance Outcomes: A Systematic Review  Key Takeaways - Collagen **can improve tendon structure and stiffness**—but only when combined with proper strength training - **Dosage matters**: 15–30g appears more effective than lower doses - **Timing matters**: ~60 minutes before training aligns with peak amino acid availability - **Vitamin C enhances the process**, helping collagen synthesis and cross-linking - Collagen **does NOT improve muscle strength** beyond what training alone achieves Bottom line: collagen seems **tendon-specific**, not a general performance enhancer Training Requirements - Must include **structured resistance training** - Target **70–90% of 1RM (heavy loading)** - Tendons need a **strong mechanical stimulus to adapt** Collagen without loading = minimal benefit Final Thoughts This paper helps move us from confusion to clarity. Collagen isn’t a magic fix—but when used **strategically alongside heavy strength training**, it may: - Improve tendon structure - Increase stiffness - Enhance long-term resilience In other words, it’s a **potential amplifier—not a replacement—for good rehab and training principles**.