Collagen-based supplement shows skin and joint health benefits: RCT

09-Jul-2018 - Last updated on 09-Jul-2018 at 15:49 GMT

Oral supplementation with collagen bioactive peptides, plus chondroitin, glucosamine, L-carnitine, vitamins, and minerals may simultaneously improve both skin and joint health, says a new study.

Using the Active Gold Collagen by UK-based Minerva Research Labs, researchers report that skin elasticity improved by 40%, compared to placebo.

In addition, joint pain decreased by 43%, while joint mobility increased by 39%, according to results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Nutrition Research.

“In this study, we reported for the first time a positive effect of the test product on skin appearance, with a significant increase in skin elasticity, reduction in skin photo-aging, and an improvement in general wellbeing, thus confirming our initial hypothesis,” wrote scientists from Minerva Research Labs (UK), The University of Camerino (Italy), and Roma Medica Srl (Italy).

“We also observed a significant improvement in joint health with reduced joint discomfort and an increase in joint mobility in a subgroup of elderly subjects (51–70 years old).”

A booming market

Euromonitor International estimated the value of beauty supplements to be $2.9 billion in 2015, with the US market valued at $76 million. Much of the growth over the past couple of years has been driven by collagen. As was evident at Expo West 2018 in Anaheim, collagen is increasingly visible across food, beverage, dietary supplement, and cosmetics applications. The global collagen market was valued at almost $4 billion in 2016 and is predicted to surpass $6.5 billion by 2025.

Study details

Active Gold Collagen - Minerva Research — The study used Minerva Research Labs Active Gold Collagen, product. The company was founded in the UK in 2009 and launched its product in the US in 2015. The product is available in retailers, such as ULTA, Walgreens, and Vitamin Shoppe.

Led by Minerva Research Labs’ Anna Czajka, the researchers recruited 120 people (predominantly women) aged between 21 and 70 to participate in their study. The volunteers were randomly assigned to received either placebo or the Active Gold Collagen supplement for 90 days. The product was formulated with hydrolyzed fish collagen type I, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine hydrochloride, L-carnitine, black pepper, maca extracts, plus smaller amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Results showed that, when compared to placebo, increases in skin elasticity were observed at 30 days of supplementation, and this continued to improve to give a final increase in elasticity of 40% by day 90. The participants also perceived their skin to be more hydrated and more elastic.

Data from questionnaires also suggested that the supplement reduced joint pain by 43% and improved joint mobility by 39%, said the researcher.

“Oral supplementation with collagen bioactive peptides combined with chondroitin, glucosamine, L-carnitine, vitamins, and minerals significantly improved the clinical parameters related to skin aging and joint health, and therefore, might be an effective solution to slow down the hallmarks of aging,” wrote the researchers.

“[M]ore in-depth studies are needed to have a better understanding of the mechanism of action and the protective effect of nutrients and nutraceuticals on age-related changes occurring in the body, including skin architecture, joint health, body composition, and in promoting an improvement in the overall wellbeing and quality of life,” concluded the researchers.

Source: Nutrition Research
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.06.001
“Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing”
Authors: A. Czajka et al.