Study Suggests Collagen Tripeptide Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training May Enhance Soleus Muscle and Triceps Surae Tendon Volume Gains

Jellice Co., Ltd. conducted a collaborative research study with a research team led by Professor Takashi Okada of Nippon Sport Science University.

The findings were presented by Shogo Okamura, a doctoral student at the university’s Graduate School, at the 80th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine, held at Hirosaki University from September 25 to 27, 2026. The research received the Otsuka Sports Medicine and Science Award.

Research Background

Tendons transmit the force generated by muscles to bones and are composed primarily of collagen. While resistance training (RT) is known to induce adaptations in both muscles and tendons, the effects of nutritional supplementation on tendon adaptation remain insufficiently understood.

This study investigated the effects of collagen tripeptide (CTP) supplementation combined with RT on the morphology and function of the triceps surae muscle group (calf muscles) and its associated tendons.

Study Design and Findings

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving 24 young men who did not regularly exercise.

Participants consumed either 2 g/day of CTP (CollaTP™) or a placebo while performing high-load resistance training three times per week for 14 weeks.

Assessment of muscle and tendon volumes demonstrated that, compared with the placebo group, the CTP group showed significantly greater increases in:

• Triceps surae tendon volume from baseline to Week 7.
• Soleus muscle volume from baseline to Weeks 7 and 14.

These findings suggest that CTP supplementation, when combined with resistance training, may promote adaptations not only in tendons but also in skeletal muscle development.

This announcement reports findings presented at a scientific conference and does not imply or establish the efficacy or effects of any specific commercial product.CollaTP™ is a trademark of Jellice Co., Ltd.