A recent wave of consumer interest in collagen peptides has swept through Thailand, with many athletes and wellness enthusiasts hoping these popular supplements can strengthen tendons and prevent injuries. But new research, as highlighted in a recent Barbend article, challenges widely held beliefs about the effectiveness of collagen peptides for increasing tendon thickness—a key marker often associated with tendon health and injury prevention [barbend.com].
The fascination with collagen peptides stems from their biological role as building blocks for connective tissue, skin, and cartilage. In Thailand, where sports like badminton, football, and Muay Thai are widely practiced, tendon injuries are a common concern. Supplement brands have capitalized on this demand, marketing collagen as a solution for joint pain, faster recovery, and even enhanced athletic performance. However, scientific evidence behind some of these claims has been less clear.
According to the Barbend article, while collagen supplements are often claimed to improve tendon strength and healing—especially when combined with vitamin C and exercise—evidence that they actually increase tendon thickness remains mixed. Tendon thickness is sometimes considered an indirect measure of tendon health; thicker tendons may be better at absorbing stress from physical activity and are believed to be less prone to rupture. But recent peer-reviewed studies, including randomized controlled trials, have found no significant differences in tendon thickness between groups taking collagen peptides and placebo groups during periods of structured training.
A recent study published in the “International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism” supports these findings. Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with over 60 athletes, comparing collagen peptide supplementation with placebo during a 12-week resistance training program. While both groups displayed expected training adaptations, such as increased muscle strength and some improvements in tendon mechanical properties, there was no meaningful difference in tendon thickness. “Our results indicate that, under these conditions, collagen peptide supplementation does not significantly increase Achilles tendon thickness compared to placebo,” the researchers concluded [journals.humankinetics.com].
In discussions with experts in sports medicine and orthopedics, there is broad consensus that tendon thickness is only one aspect of overall tendon health. A physical therapist at a leading Bangkok hospital explained: “Tendon composition, collagen fiber alignment, and vascularization are equally important. Supplementation alone cannot replace well-structured rehabilitation and balanced loading.” In practice, most injuries in Thai athletes are caused by overuse, improper loading, or a lack of recovery, rather than nutritional deficiencies.
Another sports nutritionist from a Chiang Mai-based university added, “While collagen peptides might support general connective tissue health, the evidence doesn’t currently support their use as a shortcut to thicker, stronger tendons. More research is needed, especially among Asian populations, as most trials are conducted on Western cohorts with different diets and lifestyles.”
Thailand has a vibrant supplement market, routinely influenced by global trends. Local regulatory authorities, such as the Thai Food and Drug Administration, currently allow the sale of collagen products but caution against overblown claims. In recent years, authorities have increased public education campaigns and policing of false advertising after social media was flooded with testimonials promising miraculous tendon or skin benefits without proper evidence [fda.moph.go.th].
From a cultural perspective, the allure of collagen extends beyond sports. In Thailand, beauty ideals and the desire for youthful skin drive high demand for collagen drinks and powders. However, when it comes to musculoskeletal health, experts recommend a holistic approach that prioritizes balanced nutrition, regular exercise emphasizing both strength and mobility, and adherence to evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for injury prevention and recovery.
Looking ahead, more targeted research is expected. Thai universities and sports teams are already collaborating with international partners to assess whether gene-diet interactions or local training regimens might influence how collagen is processed in the body and its potential effects on tendon adaptation. Until such region-specific studies are published, medical experts urge the public to temper expectations fueled by marketing and focus on proven injury-prevention strategies: progressive resistance training, flexibility exercises, and proper recovery.
For everyday Thais wondering how best to protect their tendons, the science is clear: supplements can only play a minor role, if any, and should not be relied upon in isolation. Instead, individuals are encouraged to seek professional advice, maintain consistent and moderate exercise routines, and focus on complete dietary patterns rich in whole foods—such as fish, lean meat, eggs, tofu, fruits, and vegetables—which naturally provide the essential amino acids and vitamin C the body uses to build strong connective tissues.
While collagen remains a safe nutritional supplement for most people, current evidence advises caution against expecting it to magically increase tendon thickness or prevent injury. Further research, especially among Thai populations and athletes, will be essential to clarify its precise role in tendon health and broader musculoskeletal wellbeing.