Effects of Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Cardiovascular Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Previous studies have advocated that collagen peptide supplementation (CPS) can positively affect cardiovascular health. However, the widespread impact of CPS on cardiovascular disease-related markers is not fully resolved. Consequently, the current systematic review and meta-Analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of CPS on cardiovascular disease-related markers. A systematic search in the Scopus, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science databases were completed to identify relevant randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) published up to November 2021. Mean Differences were pooled using a random-effects model, while publication bias, sensitivity analyses, and heterogeneity were assessed using previously validated methods. Twelve RCTs, comprising of a total of eleven measured markers, were selected for the quantitative analysis. Pooled data revealed that CPS significantly decreased fat mass (-1.21 kg; 95% CI:-2.13,-0.29; I2 = 0.0%; p = 0.010), and increased fat-free mass, based on body mass percentage (1.49 %; 95% CI: 0.57, 2.42; I2= 0.0%; p = 0.002). Moreover, collagen peptide supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein (-4.09 mg/dl; 95% CI:-8.13,-0.04; I2 = 93.4%; p = 0.048) and systolic blood pressure (-5.04 mmHg; 95 % CI:-9.22,-0.85; I2 = 98.9%; p = 0.018). Our analysis also indicated that CPS did not affect glycemic markers. Our outcomes indicate that CPS reduces fat mass, low-density lipoprotein, and systolic blood pressure while increasing fat-free mass. Future investigations with longer CPS duration are needed to expand on our results.