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Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol)

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Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol). 15 g hydrolyzed collagen + 50 mg vit C taken 60 min pre-rehab — Shaw 2017 protocol.

How it works. Spikes plasma glycine/proline + vit C cofactor; loaded tissue uses substrate for collagen synthesis.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Doubles collagen synthesis pre-rehab (Shaw 2017) (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 15 g collagen + 50 mg vit C 60 min pre-loading.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol). 15 g hydrolyzed collagen + 50 mg vit C taken 60 min pre-rehab — Shaw 2017 protocol.

Key compound: prolylhydroxyprolineC10H16N2O4 · 228.24 g/mol

What it is

15 g hydrolyzed collagen + 50 mg vit C taken 60 min pre-rehab — Shaw 2017 protocol.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

How it works

Spikes plasma glycine/proline + vit C cofactor; loaded tissue uses substrate for collagen synthesis.

Pathways

  • Spikes plasma glycine/proline + vit C cofactor
  • loaded tissue uses substrate for collagen synthesis

Effects

  • +Doubles collagen synthesis pre-rehab (Shaw 2017) supports

What the research supports

Doubles collagen synthesis pre-rehab (Shaw 2017)moderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
15 g collagen + 50 mg vit C 60 min pre-loading
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodPre-rehab
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) — Doubles collagen synthesis pre-rehab ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) and "Doubles collagen synthesis pre-rehab". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Collagen + Vitamin C (Tendon Protocol) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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