Oral collagen supplements. Are they useful for the skin?

 

What is collagen? 

Collagen is a large molecule that forms the main structural protein found in connective tissues of many animals and plants. Connective tissues in humans include the skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones. Collagen is also found in the cornea, teeth, blood vessels, intestines and muscle. Collagen makes up more than a quarter of the body’s total protein content. 

Gelatin is a form of collagen partially broken down by enzymes. 

On the skin, collagen is suspended in a gelatinous material called the matrix. Hyaluronic acid, a major molecule that retains skin moisture and frequently used as a filler in cosmetic dermatology, is the major component of the matrix. 

What is collagen made up of? 

Collagen is made up of amino acids that are bound together to form peptide fibrils (small fibres). At least three of these twist together like a rope to form longer collagen fibers. 

Are there different types of collagen? 

Yes, there are. In a human body there are currently more than 30 types of collagen identified. They vary depending on their function and the organ/tissue where they are found. 

What is the role of collagen on the skin? 

• Serves as scaffolding to allow movement of cells under the skin 
• Protects underlying structures of the skin 
• Functions as a shock absorber of the skin together with the matrix 
• Together with platelets, helps stop bleeding by forming a clot 
• Critical in wound healing by guiding cells that heal the skin, triggering their movement to injury sites 
• It is a major component of a scar 

When do we have low or abnormal collagen levels? 

Amongst others: 

• There are inherited or genetic diseases where the body produces inadequate quantities of collagen or the collagen produced is abnormal 
• Nutritional disorders like scurvy (lack of vitamin C) result in collagen deficiency. Vitamin C is essential for formation of collagen 
• Prolonged use of cortisone promotes breakdown of collagen in all tissues 
• Prolonged and excessive sun exposure, especially in lighter skinned people. The sun breaks down and fragments collagen 
• Some bacteria produce enzymes that break collagen during an infection 
• Some autoimmune diseases destroy collagen 
• In normal aging production of collagen slows down

What are the signs of collagen degradation in a normal skin?

• Wrinkling 
• Bruising 
• Delayed wound healing

Thus, it is understandable why there has been an effort by dermatologists and scientists to find safe, effective and non-invasive ways to enhance the quality and quantity of collagen in the skin as a strategy to improve cosmetic appearance. One of these strategies has been oral intake of collagen supplements.

What is in oral collagen supplements? 

Collagen is a large molecule that cannot be absorbed into the body in its normal state. For the supplement to be absorbed into the body after oral consumption, it has to be modified into an absorbable form through the gut. For this purpose, the collagen is broken down into smaller fragments. These are referred to as “collagen peptides” or “hydrolyzed collagen”.

 

There is increasing evidence that these smaller peptides are absorbed directly into the body through the gut without being a need for them to be broken down further. 

Does oral collagen supplementation improve cosmetic appearance of the skin? 

When you consume oral collagen supplements you are consuming building blocks for the collagen needed to revitalize your skin not the end product itself. 

Most large studies in both humans and animals show promising benefit of oral collagen supplementation. These studies, some of them well designed, suggest that short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements improves wound healing and has positive effects on skin aging. 

The supplements are being shown to improve cosmetic appearance of the skin by:

• Increasing density and quality of collagen
• Reducing collagen fragmentation
• Increasing quantity of the matrix, which results in improved skin hydration
• Improving skin elasticity
• Increasing nail growth 
• Reducing nail brittleness

Is oral collagen supplementation safe? 

Oral collagen supplementation is considered to be generally safe with few, if any, adverse events reported. 

What is the source of the collagen used in oral supplements? 

Collagen in supplements can be obtained from:

• Animals 
• Bovine (cow)
• Porcine (pig) 
• Human
• Fish (scales or skin)
• Vegetables
• Synthetic forms

Animal collagen is the most commonly used. 

Which oral collagen supplement should I choose? 

When shopping for an oral collagen supplement, important considerations include: 

• Collagen is too large to be absorbed directly. Thus, ensure that the product contains “hydrolysed collagen” or “collagen peptides” 
• Low molecular weight collagen peptides offer the best skin results 
• Porcine (pig) sourced collagen may not acceptable in some religions as is bovine (cow) in others. Similarly, as a vegan or vegetarian, one may want to avoid collagen of animal origin 
• Addition of vitamin C to oral collagen supplements increases their benefits 
• Natural collagen has no flavour and this makes flavourless preparations more versatile to use in dietary preparations 
• Collagen peptides should be soluble in cold and hot liquids and should not thicken on standing. These make it easier to incorporate into routine diets

How can oral collagen supplements be incorporated into your daily eating? 

Oral collagen supplements can be incorporated into:

• Stews
• Soups
• Sauces
• Smoothies
• Batter
• Porridge
• Salad dressings etc. 

Which formulation of oral collagen supplement is best? 

• Collagen protein powders 
• Collagen tablets 

I hope this enlightens you and helps on how to best spend your hard-earned money to maintain and improve your skin. 

Prof. Ranks Lehloenya