Data published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicated that 12 weeks of supplementation with 5 g per day of Peptan collagen peptides led to significant improvements in skin density, elasticity and hydration, compared to placebo.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 85 East Asian women between the ages of 40 and 65, and also found that wrinkle depth was reduced.
"By standardizing facial care, confounding factors related to the participants daily skin care routine were eliminated," wrote researchers from Rousselot (Belgium) and COSderma Laboratory (France). "This approach allows to conclude that visible signs of skin aging can be delayed by nourishing the skin from within. Given its role in maintaining skin integrity and structure, collagen supplementation offers a non-invasive approach to attenuate signs of skin aging.”
Commenting on the findings, Gaëtan Noiret, global director of health & nutrition at Rousselot, said: "This study solidifies Peptan’s robust scientific foundation as a powerful ingredient for delivering evidence-based beauty solutions globally, including in Asia."
Bioavailability
In a second study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers from Rousselot, BioTeSys and Triskelion conducted a randomized, double-blind crossover trial to explore the absorption of bioactive di- and tri- peptides and free amino acids from bovine hide, porcine skin and fish skin, each with varying molecular weights.
This bioavailability study included six people and assessed the response to a single 10-gram dose.
“Bioavailability refers to the fraction of a nutrient or bioactive compound that can be absorbed into the bloodstream from food upon consumption and is available for use by the body,” the researchers, led by Rousselot’s Nicolina Virgilio, explained.
“Due to its scarce presence in animal protein, Hyp [hydroxyproline] is considered as the signature AA [amino acid] for collagen and is used as a marker to track the uptake of [collagen hydrolysate]-derived metabolites into the bloodstream.”
The data indicated that the single dose led to significant levels of free Hyp in plasma, with consistent bioavailability across different raw material sources and molecular weights.
On the other hand, the difference sources did impact the bioavailability of the peptides Hyp-Gly, Pro-Hyp, Gly-Pro-Hyp and Pro-Gly, "indicating an impact of the animal species and potential inter-individual variation," the researchers wrote.
"It is noteworthy that a growing body of literature reports health benefits for different [collagen hydrolysate] products, regardless of their source or molecular weight," they added. "This suggests that certain products may be used interchangeably.
“However, further research is needed to understand the complex matrix connecting (1) the [collagen hydrolysate] product origin (animal source, molecular weight, enzymatic hydrolysis process), (2) the metabolite patterns that appear in the circulation after [collagen hydrolysate] ingestion, to (3) the bioactivity in the target tissues and the potential overall health benefit.”
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1111/jocd.16458
“Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and -aging in an East Asian population: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial”
Authors: S. Vleminckx et al.
Frontiers in Nutrition
2024, Volume 11, doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1416643
“Absorption of bioactive peptides following collagen hydrolysate intake: a randomized, double-blind crossover study in healthy individuals”
Authors: N. Virgilio et al.