Active adults in rehab/prehab for tendinopathy/ligament stress (with physio guidance).
Form: unflavored gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen with ascorbic acid
Dose: 15 g collagen/gelatin + 50 mg vitamin C
30–60 minutes before rehab loading
6–12 weeks alongside structured loading
Why: Randomized crossover study found increased collagen synthesis biomarkers when taken before short loading sessions.
Dose: 3–5 g/day
Any time daily
Notes: Supports training quality and lean mass during rehab (indirect tendon benefits).