Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
47]
Original Article
A B S T R A C T
Context: Many people around the world strive to achieve younger-looking skin. This is often promised by topical treatments. Oral
treatments for skin ageing have been unsuccessful due to their constituents being broken down by acid and enzymes in the gut; however
several studies have shown that hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed in the gut and then delivered to skin and joints through the blood stream.
Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether an oral nutritional supplement drink containing hydrolyzed collagen and other
specific ingredients reported to have antiageing properties, would have a positive effect on skin wrinkling, elasticity and hydration.
Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on healthy subjects to assess
whether this oral supplement could improve certain specific skin properties of post-menopausal women, namely depth of facial wrinkles,
skin elasticity and hydration.
Results: The evidence provided here proves that the combination of specific ingredients present in this nutritional drink acts to significantly
reduce the depth of facial wrinkles and increase skin elasticity and hydration.
Conclusions: This study shows that the oral nutritional supplement consisting of hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and essential
vitamins and minerals, leads to a significant improvement in wrinkle depth. It is also able to induce noticeable improvement in elasticity
and hydration of the skin.
Key words: Hydrolyzed collagen, nutritional supplement, skin ageing, skin elasticity, skin hydration, wrinkles
Corresponding Author: Dr.Sara Sibilla, MINERVA Research Labs Ltd., 16 Yarmouth Place, London, W1J 7BU, UnitedKingdom.
Email:ssibilla@minervalabs.com
human body and play a pivotal role in the structure Japan in particular have demonstrated a clear effect. The
of several tissues, such as skin and bones, providing benefits of daily ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen(10g) on
rigidity and integrity.[6] All members of this family share skin hydration of 20 healthy Japanese women compared
a triplehelical structure composed of chains;[7] multiple to the placebo group(19 volunteers) were evaluated by
triplehelices form a collagen fibril. In general, collagen Sumida etal.[15] In comparison with the placebo group,
fibrils are made of different collagen types: collagen I and gradual improvement of water absorption capacity was
III in the skin; collagen II and III in cartilage.[8] observed through 60days in volunteers who ingested
collagen peptides. Matsumoto et al.[16] presented results
The first evidence that collagen peptides may have a of a trial also suggesting that a daily ingestion of collagen
chemotactic activity on fibroblasts was presented by peptides improve skin hydration. The authors reported
Postlethwaite etal.[9] in 1978. In this study the chemotactic subjective improvement of the skin condition of womans
response of human dermal fibroblasts to typeI, II, and volunteers after ingestion of fish collagen peptides for
III human collagens and collagenderived peptides was 6weeks. The percentage of positive response between
observed with an invitro assay. The result showed that all the subjects was very high. This study was followed by a
three native human collagens and constituent chains doubleblind placebocontrolled study by the same research
could act as chemoattractants for fibroblasts invitro. In group[17] on healthy women volunteers aged 25-45. In
addition, diand tripeptides containing the hydroxyproline this study 2.5, 5 and 10g of fish collagen peptide were
were chemotactic for fibroblasts. The authors suggested administered and compared to the placebo. The hydration
that both collagen and collagenderived peptides might of the stratum corneum was measured at baseline and after
function as chemotactic stimuli for fibroblasts also invivo 4weeks. Asignificant difference was observed in subjects
and attract these cells to repair damaged tissues. older than 30years between the treated group(5g and
10g) and placebo.
As mentioned previously, the processes that bring about
the changes associated with skin ageing take place in the When administered orally, hydrolyzed collagen reaches the
deep dermal layer and therefore they may not be affected small intestine where it is absorbed into the blood stream.
by topical products. Influencing the collagenproducing Several scientific studies have described the bioavailability
fibroblasts in the dermis through the intake of different of hydrolyzed collagen after oral administration in animals
nutrients is a more effective method. Interestingly, and humans. 14Clabeled hydrolyzed collagen was used in
alterations in diet can change the way skin functions as a study by Oesser etal.,[18] who investigated the time course
evidenced by the effects of dietary deprivation on skin of hydrolyzed collagen absorption and its subsequent
health. For example essential fatty acid deficiency[10] or distribution in various tissues in male mice. The test group
accumulation of abnormal fatty acids[11] results in socalled received 10mg of 14Clabeled gelatin hydrolyzate/g body
skin scaling and poor skin barrier function. Moreover, weight, while the control group14Clabeled proline,
a recent publication shows that in a placebocontrolled along with unlabeled gelatin hydrolyzate(10mg/g body
doubleblind study, the addition in the diet of the omega3 weight). The time course of radioactivity within the
oils from flaxseed and omega6rich oils from the borage mice subsequent to absorption of orally administered
plant leads to a decrease in skin roughness and scaling.[12] 14Clabeled hydrolyzed collagen was measured. The results
showed that about 90% of orally administered hydrolyzed
Scientific studies provide evidence that nutrients can help collagen was absorbed within the first 12h from the intake.
lessen the effect of skin ageing and improve skin appearance. Radioactivity in skin attained its peak values 12h after the
Such nutrients may have specific properties, which attract administration of 14Clabeled hydrolyzed collagen and in
water molecules thus improving hydration in the skin, contrast to plasma, 14Cactivity remained relatively high
scavenge free radicals or reduce inflammation. Vitamins up to 96h.
such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C form part of the skins
natural defense against reactive oxygen species and their Through the network of blood vessels, collagen
interaction is thought to be particularly important in the peptides are distributed in the human body, in particular
protection of skin against photo oxidation.[13] Vitamin C to the dermis, where it has been proven they can remain
is also an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of collagen, up to 14days.[19] The function of collagen peptides on
an important process in the prevention of skin ageing.[14] the migration and growth of mouse skin fibroblasts
was investigated by Shigemura et al. in Japan.[20] They
Consumption of hydrolyzed collagen has also been shown reported that the number of cells migrating from the
to have beneficial effects in the skin. Three studies from explanted skin increased significantly after treatment with
prolinehydroxyproline (ProHyp) peptide. They also showed Table1: Study products and active ingredients
that ProHyp increases significantly fibroblasts growth. Ingredients in test product Ingredients in placebo
Water Water
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Hydrolyzed collagen Glucose fructose syrup
Glucose fructose syrup Citric acid anhydrous
hydrolyzed collagen together with a combination of other Citric acid Stabilizer(soybean
ingredients reported to influence key factors involved in Soybean polysaccharide(stabilizer) polysaccaharide)
skin ageing: namely collagen synthesis. Asupplemented Malic acid Peach flavor
Ascorbic acid(Vitamin C) DLmalic acid
drink containing hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, Flavoring substances(peach flavor) Sucralose
vitamins and minerals was given to a group of women. Hyaluronic acid
Females aged 45years and above were considered as a Borage oil emulsion(borage oil 20%)
dalphatocopherol(Vitamin E)
useful cohort to study, with respect to skin ageing, as the Nacetylglucosamine
quality of skin declines dramatically with age, especially Sucralose
following the menopause. Any intervention aimed at Zinc gluconate
Pyridoxine hydrochloride(Vitamin B6)
correcting the symptoms of skin ageing is therefore likely Piper nigrum(black pepper extract)
to have a greater effect in this target population. Copper(cupric gluconate)
Dbiotin
with the required level of individual active ingredients, except A placebo effect was noted, and there was some
those used for the placebo group. To preserve study blinding, reduction in the wrinkle depth in the placebo group,
all test and placebo products were of similar appearance and mainly after 6weeks. However this was not significant
were packaged and labeled in an identical way. when compared to week 0. Furthermore, with the test
product, there was a gradual reduction in the depth of
Statistical analyses wrinkles from 5% to 8% by week 9, whereas with placebo
Study data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed there was no visible trend. By week 12 the values for
rank test with the change from week 0 after 3, 6, 9 placebo had increased and were close to those for the
and 12weeks. Results were considered significant if group taking the active supplement, which also returned
P <0.05(95% confidence interval) as calculated using to baseline values.
R (www.rproject.com). Pvalues for the differences
between test group and placebo were calculated using Interestingly, a clear correlation between the average values
MannWhitney Utest. The two nonparametric tests were of wrinkle depth at week 9 and the percentage of reduction
used as the sample size was small and we could not assume is shown: in fact, the greatest reductions in wrinkles depth
that our population was normally distributed. were reported for deeper wrinkles[Figure2].
a b
a b
Figure 3: Measurements of elasticity (Cutometer ), expressed as
percentage change from week 0. A significant increase both in net elasticity Figure 4: Example of treatment over time on elasticity. (a) Female aged
(a) and biological elasticity (b) was observed in people taking the test 64 taking test product. (b) Female aged 63 taking placebo
product after 9 weeks. Results are displayed as percentage change from
week 0 calculated by using the mean of the readings for each group taken
at each time point (a) net elasticity, (b) biological elasticity. Significance (*) the depth of wrinkles, whereas there was no significant
is displayed compared to week 0 using Wilcoxon reduction with placebo. In fact, there was 8% reduction in
wrinkle depth in the group taking the test product, which
was found to be significant(P=0.037).
product and placebo. In the case of the subject who was
taking the test product a constant increase in elasticity By comparing baseline values at week 0 with wrinkle depth
was observed at 6, 9 and 12weeks[Figure4a]. On the after 9weeks treatment, we demonstrated a correlation
contrary, this trend was not present in the subject treated between the two that is, the deeper the wrinkle, the greater
with placebo[Figure4b]. the reduction in depth. This finding provides an indication
to the possible mechanism of action of the product. Fine
Skin hydration lines probably result from alterations in the surface of the
Skin hydration was also measured using Courage and skin or the epidermis, whereas deep wrinkles are formed
Khazaka Corneometer at week 0 and after 3, 6, 9 and by changes in the dermis. Thus, nutritional supplements
12weeks of intervention. Five measurements were taken that have an effect on the dermis will most likely reduce
from the site on the inner part of the left forearm and the the deeper wrinkles to a greater extent compared with
average value calculated for each subject at each time point. products that act on the surface of the skin.
This value was used in subsequent analysis. After 6weeks,
there was a significant increase in hydration from week 0 We also found that the specific formulation of nutritional
in people taking the test product[Figure5]. However, no ingredients within the test product, proven to have benefits
statistical difference was measured between placebo and on the skin, enhance skin elasticity. Even though, there
test product at any time point(data not shown). was the lack of significant overall difference between
elasticity values of subjects taking test product compared
Discussion to the placebo group, a significant increase in elasticity was
observed at week 6 with the test product. This suggests
The aim of this doubleblind, randomized controlled study the product may have some beneficial effect on the elastin
was to discover whether an oral supplement containing network.
a select blend of ingredients, put together as a pleasant
tasting drink, would be effective in improving skin We also demonstrated significant benefit of the test
properties. The investigation was carried out according product on skin hydration of individuals consuming it on
to the principles of International Good Clinical Practice. a daily basis. The water content of the dermis increased by
The products were coded and provided to participating 14% at week 6 from the baseline value. Even though, some
subjects at random. All subjects, investigators and increase in hydration was also observed with placebo, this
statistician remained blind to the coding until initial was not significant compared to week 0, confirming that
data analysis was complete. the retention of water molecules in skin tissues is primarily
mediated by the active ingredients present in the test
A group of 18 postmenopausal women were asked to test product. Thus, this study supports previous finding that
the product, and the results were compared to a similar the intake of hydrolyzed collagen protected mice against
group of women taking placebo. dermal dehydration.[22]
The results show that a combination of hydrolyzed collagen Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of
and hyaluronic acid, together with other ingredients, when nutrients in promoting skin health, with much research
consumed orally for 9weeks can significantly reduce carried out in this area. There is clinical evidence that
2. GuercioHauerC, MacfarlaneDF, DeleoVA. Photodamage, 20. ShigemuraY, IwaiK, MorimatsuF, IwamotoT, MoriT, OdaC,
photoaging and photoprotection of the skin. Am Fam Physician etal. Effect of Prolylhydroxyproline(ProHyp), a foodderived
1994;50:32732, 334. collagen peptide in human blood, on growth of fibroblasts from
3. NaylorEC, WatsonRE, SherrattMJ. Molecular aspects of skin mouse skin. JAgric Food Chem 2009;57:4449.
ageing. Maturitas 2011;69:24956. 21. JacobiU, ChenM, FrankowskiG, SinkgravenR, HundM, RzanyB,
4. BaumannL . Skin ageing and its treatment. JPathol etal. In vivo determination of skin surface topography using an
2007;211:24151. optical 3D device. Skin Res Technol 2004;10:20714.
5. HeinoJ. The collagen family members as cell adhesion proteins. 22. ZhuangY, HouH, ZhaoX, ZhangZ, LiB. Effects of collagen
Bioessays 2007;29:100110. and collagen hydrolysate from jellyfish(Rhopilema esculentum)
6. MyllyharjuJ, KivirikkoKI. Collagens and collagenrelated on mice skin photoaging induced by UV irradiation. JFood Sci
diseases. Ann Med 2001;33:721. 2009;74:H1838.
7. GelseK, Pschl E, AignerT. Collagensstructure, function, and 23. EberleinKnig B, PlaczekM, PrzybillaB. Protective effect
biosynthesis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2003;55:153146. against sunburn of combined systemic ascorbic acid(vitamin
8. RicardBlumS. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harb Perspect C) and dalphatocopherol(vitamin E). JAm Acad Dermatol
Biol 2011;3:a004978. 1998;38:458.
9. PostlethwaiteAE, SeyerJM, KangAH. Chemotactic attraction of 24. FuchsJ, KernH. Modulation of UVlightinduced skin inflammation
human fibroblasts to typeI, II, and III collagens and collagenderived by Dalphatocopherol and Lascorbic acid: A clinical study using
peptides. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1978;75:8715. solar simulated radiation. Free Radic Biol Med 1998;25:100612.
10. ProtteyC. Essential fatty acids and the skin. Br J Dermatol 25. BrincatM, KabalanS, StuddJW, MonizCF, de TraffordJ,
1976;94:57985. MontgomeryJ. Astudy of the decrease of skin collagen content,
11. DykesPJ, MarksR, DaviesMG, ReynoldsDJ. Epidermal skin thickness, and bone mass in the postmenopausal woman.
metabolism in heredopathia atactica polyneuritiformis(Refsums Obstet Gynecol 1987;70:8405.
disease). JInvest Dermatol 1978;70:1269. 26. AffinitoP, PalombaS, SorrentinoC, Di CarloC, BifulcoG,
12. De SpirtS, StahlW, TronnierH, SiesH, BejotM, MauretteJM, ArienzoMP, etal. Effects of postmenopausal hypoestrogenism
etal. Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements on skin collagen. Maturitas 1999;33:23947.
modulates skin condition in women. Br J Nutr 2009;101:4405. 27. AdamiakA, SkorupskiP, RechbergerT, JakowickiJA. The
13. WefersH, SiesH. The protection by ascorbate and glutathione expression of the gene encoding proalpha 1 chain of typeI
against microsomal lipid peroxidation is dependent on vitamin collagen in the skin of premenopausal and postmenopausal
E. Eur J Biochem 1988;174:3537. women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2000;93:911.
14. PinnelSR, MuradS, DarrD. Induction of collagen synthesis 28. McGrathJA, UittoJ. Anatomy and organization of human skin.
by ascorbic acid. Apossible mechanism. Arch Dermatol In: BurnsT, BreathnachS, CoxN, GriffithsC. Rooks Textbook
1987;123:16846. of Dermatology. 8thed. Oxford, UK: WileyBlackwell; 2010.
15. SumidaE, HirotaA, KuwabaK. The effect of oral ingestion of 29. SchwartzSR, ParkJ. Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(), a novel
collagen peptide on skin hydration and biochemical data of hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood
blood. JNutr Food 2004;7:4552. microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Clin Interv Aging
16. MatsumotoH, OharaH, ItoK, NakamuraY, TakahashiS. Clinical 2012;7:26773.
effect of fish typeI collagen hydrolysate on skin properties. ITE 30. Bguin A. Anovel micronutrient supplement in skin aging: A
Lett Batteries New Technol Med 2006;7:386-390. randomized placebocontrolled doubleblind study. JCosmet
17. OharaH, ItoK, IidaH, MatsumotoH. Improvement in the moisture Dermatol 2005;4:27784.
content of the stratum corneum following 4weeks of collagen 31. ChoiSY, KoEJ, LeeYH, KimBG, ShinHJ, SeoDB, etal. Effects of
hydrolysate ingestion. JJpn Soc Food Sci Technol 2009;56:13745.
collagen tripeptide supplement on skin properties: Aprospective,
18. OesserS, AdamM, BabelW, SeifertJ. Oral administration
randomized, controlled study. JCosmet Laser Ther 2014;16:132-7.
of(14) C labeled gelatin hydrolysate leads to an accumulation of
radioactivity in cartilage of mice(C57/BL). JNutr 1999;129:18915.
19. WatanabeKamiyamaM, ShimizuM, KamiyamaS, TaguchiY, How to cite this article: Borumand M, Sibilla S. Effects of a nutritional
supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and
SoneH, MorimatsuF, etal. Absorption and effectiveness of orally
wrinkles. J Med Nutr Nutraceut 2015;4:47-53.
administered low molecular weight collagen hydrolysate in rats.
JAgric Food Chem 2010;58:83541. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared.