Introduction
gastrointestinal tract, pain, chronic pain, disability, connective tissue injury
DEGENERATION, CHRONIC PAIN, INFLAMMATION
Aging is accompanied by declines of physiological processes related to tissue regeneration in skin, muscle, connective tissue, and bone. Degeneration of these tissues commonly result in decreased physical function, injury, and subsequent long-term pain and disability [Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a predominant component of tendons and ligaments, that unfortunately degrades disproportionately with age compared to muscle tissue and bone. Onset of age-related losses of collagen begins as early as the second to third decade of life, with reductions of approximately 1% per year after 40 years of age [Although physical activity is largely recommended to improve health and prevent age-related declines in body tissue, prevalence of chronic pain increases with age and activity level, especially in females compared to males [Pharmacological interventions for chronic pain management consist of drugs that reduce pain and inflammation, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids. While effective short term, this modality of pain management can have drastic side effects when taken long term, such as gastrointestinal tract, nerve, and connective tissue injury [Collagen peptides (CP) are a well-established supplement in the skin and anti-aging industry for their beneficial effects on skin elasticity and hydration as well as reversing photodamage from UV radiation [Therefore, 