The remarkable effects of Collagen Peptide supplements on the human body – A scientific study
Collagen is the fundamental component of all the connective tissue found in the body, namely bones, ligaments, tendons, and in particular, skin. When collagen levels in the body start decreasing as a result of aging, the skin starts losing its tone and elasticity. Several joint problems also start appearing for the same reason. So, how do we mitigate the decrease of collagen in the body?
Collagen Peptides Provide the Answer
Collagen peptide supplements have long been suggested as a remedy to counter the effects of aging and restore the skin’s elasticity, and the flexibility of joints.
Several scientific studies and clinical trials have been undertaken to observe the effects of collagen supplements on the human body. The results of these studies provide abundant proof to support this theory.
What Are Collagen Peptides Made Of?
The secret to the anti-aging and flexibility boosting abilities of collagen peptides lies in its composition. Human collagen is primarily made up of three essential amino acids, namely,
- Glycine
- Proline
- Hydroxyproline
What makes these amino acids precious is that they cannot be naturally found in sufficient quantities in any of the foods we eat. They have to be supplemented from other sources in the form of collagen peptides.
Collagen peptide supplements have glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, in roughly the same proportion as are found in the human body.
How Do Collagen Peptides Work?
When collagen peptides are ingested orally, they are broken down into their component amino acids. The body quickly use them as raw materials to build its own collagen. The amino acids are eventually absorbed into fibroblasts – specialized cells that are found in all human connective tissue. Collagen supplements also increase production of Elastin, a compound that maintains moisture and elasticity in the skin and the joints.
Daily intake of collagen, thus, makes the skin more elastic and hydrated. There is a visible decrease in wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. A significant reduction in activity-related joint pain has also been observed in athletes.
Complete Benefits of Oral Collagen Peptide Supplements
- · Improve skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density
- · Promote bone and joint health
- · Strengthen hair and nails
- · Support healthy weight management
- · Improve digestive health
- · Boost immunity
What Kind of Collagen Peptides Is The Best?
Now that we have established that collagen peptides provide the best possible solution against aging skin, we need to find out if all kinds of collagen peptides available perform the same on these parameters. Most collagen peptides are found to be bovine, porcine or marine in origin. Of these, marine collagen has some salient characteristics that set it apart from the rest of the sources.
Is Collagen from Fish Scales a Better Option?
Marine collagen sourced from fish scales is similar to conventional bovine and porcine collagen in terms of amino acid composition and biocompatibility. However, marine-based collagen peptides are more bioavailable compared to bovine collagen. They also boast a higher absorption capability (up to 1.5 times more efficient than their bovine and porcine counterparts) and more rapid bloodstream circulation due to their low molecular weight and small particle size.
Collagen from fish scales has also been shown to have better water absorption (13.3%) and retention properties (15%), making it suitable for medical and therapeutic applications.
Studies Supporting the Choice of Marine Collagen
Recent studies suggest that collagen obtained from fish scales also possesses properties that are typical of Type I collagen with two α1 chains and one α2 chain. It has also been reported to have high absorption levels of the three primary amino acids, hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. (Hu et al. 2017; Kim et al. 2012).
Prolyl-hydroxyproline, another important amino acid component of marine collagen, stimulates cell proliferation and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin. (Ohara et al. 2010)
Recently, Shin et al. demonstrated that the dietary intake of fish scale-derived collagen peptides significantly reduces wrinkle formation, thickening of the skin, and acute erythema while increasing skin hydration (Shin et al. 2016).
Another study observed a significant increase in visco-elasticity of human skin as a result of dietary supplementation with 2.5–5 g of fish scales-derived collagen peptides (Inoue et al. 2016; Sugihara and Inoue 2012; Sugihara 2015).
A recommended daily intake of fish scale-derived collagen peptides (3000 mg for 12 weeks) was effective in reducing wrinkles around the eyes, and improving skin moisture content and skin elasticity. (Choi et al. 2014)