Oral Supplementation With Active Collagen Peptides and Skin Health Improvement

Oral Supplementation With Low Molecular Weight Collagen Peptides Improves Facial Wrinkles and Skin Hydration: Results From a Six-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of daily supplementation with COLLinstant® LMW over a 6-week period in improving visible signs of aging. This in-cludes assessing its impact on skin wrinkle reduction, as well as its potential to en-hance skin elasticity and moisturization. COLLinstant® LMW was administered orally in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A sec-ondary objective involves comparing skin improvement, product satisfaction, and monitoring adverse events among middle-aged female volunteers.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Facial Wrinkles; Skin Hydration
• Intervention / Treatment: Dietary supplement: Bioactive collagen peptides; Dietary supplement: Placebo

Detailed Description

Study design and ethical aspects This was a 6-week, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, monocentric study performed at GALA Laboratories in Don Benito-Villanueva (Badajoz, Spain).

Participants were individually randomized (1:1 ratio) to a strategy of receiving either COLLinstant® LMW (collagen group) or a placebo regimen and followed up for 6 weeks. Subjects were instructed to dose both product regimens as per the manufacturer's package instructions or, when appropriate, investigator guidance.

The investigation was performed according to the ethical guidelines detailed in the Declaration of Helsinki (amendment of the 64th General Assembly, Fortaleza, Brazil, October 2013) and with national regulations of Spain, and in full compliance with the applicable principles of good clinical practice (GCP) and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. The trial protocol was approved (code 075-2022) by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee at the University Hospital of Cáceres (Caceres, Spain) and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects prior to any study procedures being ini-tiated.

Intervention/study products The test product is classified as a food supplement. The preparation under study was COLLinstant® LMW (Viscofan DE GmbH, Weinheim, Germany), an oral food supplement based on bovine bioactive hydrolyzed type I and III-collagen peptides.

Following ICH-GCP requirements and applicable local regulations, the inves-tigational product and placebo were presented as a powder for oral suspension and sealed in sachets that were identical in appearance and odor.

Each sachet of the active COLLinstant® LMW contained low molecular weight hydrolyzed 2.5 g collagen peptides. Other ingredients, which were also contained in the placebo, were 467 mg lemon flavour, 150 mg citric acid, 8.5 mg sucralose and 7.1 mg stevia (97%). The placebo did not contain any nutrients.

Study subjects We recruited a total of 80 women (aged 30-65 years) with phototypes I-IV, who were mentally and physically healthy, had a BMI 20.0-29.9 kg/m2 and displayed visible signs of natural and photoaging on their face (crow´s feet) rated from moderate to se-vere [21].

The Fitzpatrick scale is a numerical classification for human skin color (in a scale of I-VI), with the amount of melanin in the skin indicating the type of skin, its suscep-tibility to burns and its ability to tan.

During the screening phase, the participants satisfied all inclusion and exclusion criteria and agreed to avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for the duration of the study.

Subjects were excluded in case of pregnancy, lactation, acute or chronic skin dis-ease or dermatological disorder; use of natural health supplements for improving the skin within 1 month before the start of the study; low protein diet; planned or una-voidable exposure to UV radiation; tattoos on or near the test area; use of systemic cor-ticosteroids or applied topical alpha hydroxyl acids near the test site within 4 weeks of enrolment; use of topical medications near the test area within 6 weeks of enrolment; Botulinum toxin A (Botox) treatment or filler injection (collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc) near the test sites within 2 years of enrolment; subjects cognitively impaired and/or unable to give informed consent; or had any other condition which in the medical in-vestigator's opinion may adversely affect the individual's ability to complete the study or its measures or which may pose significant risk to the individual.

Study schedule and biometric evaluation All participants (test and placebo group) were instructed to consume the content of one sachet daily, in the morning, on an empty stomach for 6 weeks. It was required that the product was dissolved in at least 100 ml of water, juice or other liquid.

For all women participating in the study, biometric characteristics were assessed at baseline (T0), and after 6 weeks of treatment with the products (T6).

Measurement of skin wrinkling parameters (volume, area and depth) was evalu-ated at the crow's feet region and changes were analyzed and digitally photographed in all patients by VisioFace® 1000D (equipped with a high-resolution reflex camera).

Afterwards, subjects were acclimatized for at least 30 min in the air-conditioned measurement room at a temperature of 21 ± 1°C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5 %.

Skin elasticity was measured at the crow's feet region, so a Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties. This non-invasive tool evaluated the skin elasticity by negative force that distorts the skin mechanically. The functional principle is based on suction of the skin using a probe with negative pressure (450 mbar), which causes the test area to be drawn into the ap-erture of the probe. A non-contact optical measuring system determined the penetra-tion depth of the skin. The parameters evaluated were R0, R2, R5, R7 y R9 and measurements were carried out in triplicate.

R0 represents the final distension of the first curve i.e., the passive behavior of the skin to the suction force and correlates to the skin firmness. This parameter is meas-ured from the highest point of amplitude at the end of the suction phase to the baseline reading (R0 = Uf).

The R2 parameter is related to the gross elasticity/ viscoelasticity, which is the skin's resistance to the mechanical suction force versus its ability to recover (R2 = Ua/Uf).

R5 refers to net elasticity and is represented by the ratio of the elastic portion of the suction stage to fast recovery throughout relaxation stage (R5 = Ur/Ue), meaning the higher the value, the more elastic the skin. R7 is related to biological elasticity. R7 is the immediate elastic recovery in the first 0.1 s compared with the amplitude (total deformation) after suction (R7 = Ur/Uf) and can be interpreted as another marker of elasticity, with aging causing its reduction; and R9, the residual deformation at the end of the measuring cycle, indicating the tiring effects or fatigue of skin after repeated suction (R9 = R3 - R0).

In addition, measurement of stratum corneum hydration was performed at each study visit by the electrical capacitance method using a Corneometer® CM 825 (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). At least five determinations per measure-ment area at four different locations (middle forehead, both right and left cheek bone and the chin area) were performed, then the average was used for analysis.

Self-reported measures After 6 weeks of treatment, the volunteers filled out questionnaires, to subjectively assess their perception of different parameters such as efficacy, organoleptic properties and satisfaction since the last time they took the product. The Spanish version of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire with Medication (TSQM), and a 3-point Likert scale with the following items: Dissatisfied, slightly satisfied and very satisfied, were used.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 80
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Spain
  • Badajoz
    • Don Benito, Badajoz, Spain, 06400
      • GALA Laboratories

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women (aged 30-65 years) with phototypes I-IV, who were mentally and physically healthy, had a BMI 20.0-29.9 kg/m2 and displayed visible signs of natural and photoaging on their face (crow´s feet) rated from moderate to severe

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy, lactation, acute or chronic skin disease or dermatological disorder; use of natural health supplements for improving the skin within 1 month before the start of the study; low protein diet; planned or unavoidable exposure to UV radiation; tattoos on or near the test area; use of systemic corticosteroids or applied topical alpha hydroxyl acids near the test site within 4 weeks of enrolment; use of topical medications near the test area within 6 weeks of enrolment; Botulinum toxin A (Botox) treatment or filler injection (collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc) near the test sites within 2 years of enrolment; subjects cognitively impaired and/or unable to give informed consent; or had any other condition which in the medical investigator's opinion may adversely affect the individual's ability to complete the study or its measures or which may pose significant risk to the individual.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Bioactive collagen peptide; The active treatment group included 40 women who received the bioactive collagen peptide-based food supplement orally	Dietary supplement: Bioactive collagen peptides; 2,5 g collagen peptides
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; Oral suspension and sealed in sachets that were identical in appearance and odor. ingredients, which were also contained in the placebo, were 467 mg lemon flavour, 150 mg citric acid, 8.5 mg sucralose and 7.1 mg stevia (97%). The placebo did not contain any nutrients.	Dietary supplement: Placebo; Placebo sachet daily

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Skin wrinkling volume (px^3)	Measurement of skin wrinkling volume (px^3) was evaluated at the crow's feet region and changes were analyzed and digitally photographed in all patients by VisioFace® 1000D (equipped with a high-resolution reflex camera)	6 weeks
Skin wrinkling area (px^2)	Measurement of skin wrinkling area (px^2) was evaluated at the crow's feet region and changes were analyzed and digitally photographed in all patients by VisioFace® 1000D (equipped with a high-resolution reflex camera)	6 weeks
Skin wrinkling depth (px)	Measurement of skin wrinkling depth (px) was evaluated at the crow's feet region and changes were analyzed and digitally photographed in all patients by VisioFace® 1000D (equipped with a high-resolution reflex camera)	6 weeks
R0= Skin firmness (mm)	R0 was used as a measure of skin firmness (mm), assessed at the crow's feet region. A Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties	6 weeks
R2= gross elasticity (%) of the skin	R2 was used as measure of skin gross elasticity (%), assessed at the crow's feet region. A Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties	6 weeks
R5= Skin net elasticity (%)	R5 was used as measure of skin net elasticity (%), assessed at the crow's feet region. A Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties	6 weeks
R7= Skin elastic recovery (%)	R7 was used as a measure of skin elastic recovery (%), assessed at the crow's feet region. A Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties	6 weeks
R9= Skin fatigue (mm)	R9 was used as a measure of skin fatigue (mm), assessed at the crow's feet region, so a Cutometer® dual MPA 580 (Courage & Khazaka) was used to assess skin biomechanical properties	6 weeks
Skin hydration (AU)	Measurement of skin hydration (AU) of the stratum corneum was performed at each study visit by the electrical capacitance method using a Corneometer® CM 825 (Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany).	6 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Subjective perception of product efficacy	After 6 weeks of treatment, the volunteers filled out questionnaires, to subjectively assess their perception of efficacy. A 3-point Likert scale with the following items: Dissatisfied, slightly satisfied and very satisfied, was used.	At (T6), six weeks after the trial began
Subjective perception of the organoleptic characteristics of the product	After 6 weeks of treatment, the volunteers filled out questionnaires, to subjectively assess their subjective perception of the organoleptic properties. A 3-point Likert scale with the following items: Dissatisfied, slightly satisfied and very satisfied, was used.	At (T6), six weeks after the trial began
Opinion on the degree of satisfaction with the product	After 6 weeks of treatment, the volunteers filled out questionnaires, to subjectively evaluate their level of satisfaction with the product. A 3-point Likert scale with the following items: Dissatisfied, slightly satisfied and very satisfied, was used.	At (T6), six weeks after the trial began

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Gala Servicios Clinicos S.L.
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Juan Antonio Carrillo, University of Extremadura; Principal Investigator: Rafael Guerrero, University of Extremadura

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Ryu HS, Joo YH, Kim SO, Park KC, Youn SW. Influence of age and regional differences on skin elasticity as measured by the Cutometer. Skin Res Technol. 2008 Aug;14(3):354-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2008.00302.x.
• Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55. doi: 10.1159/000351376. Epub 2013 Aug 14.
• Tobin DJ. Introduction to skin aging. J Tissue Viability. 2017 Feb;26(1):37-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Mar 14.
• de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Dec;60(12):1449-1461. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518. Epub 2021 Mar 20.
• Wang H. A Review of the Effects of Collagen Treatment in Clinical Studies. Polymers (Basel). 2021 Nov 9;13(22):3868. doi: 10.3390/polym13223868.
• Shenoy M, Abdul NS, Qamar Z, Bahri BMA, Al Ghalayini KZK, Kakti A. Collagen Structure, Synthesis, and Its Applications: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 May 9;14(5):e24856. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24856. eCollection 2022 May.
• Lupu MA, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Chifiriuc MC, Albulescu R, Tanase C. Beneficial effects of food supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen for skin care (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2020 Jul;20(1):12-17. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.8342. Epub 2019 Dec 17.
• Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, Kang YN, Hoang KD, Chen KH, Chen C. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 26;15(9):2080. doi: 10.3390/nu15092080.
• Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerss J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 17;11(10):2494. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494.
• Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16.
• Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Dec;14(4):291-301. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12174. Epub 2015 Sep 12.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): April 16, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): May 24, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 9, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 14, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): March 20, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 20, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 14, 2024
• Last Verified: March 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: randomized controlled trial; aging; wrinkles; nutraceutical; elasticity; skin health; low molecular weight collagen peptides; moisturization
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Disease Attributes; Facies
• Other Study ID Numbers: 075-2022

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No