Abstract

Background: Oral low-molecular-weight collagen peptide (LMWCP) hydrolyzed enzymatically is a fish-derived type I collagen hydrolysate with more than 15% of its content made up of tripeptides in the form of Gly-X-Y (X and Y are placed arbitrarily, but are often occupied by proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine) including 3% Gly-Pro-Hyp. LMWCP helps with skin hydration, wrinkles and elasticity via previous findings, has been recognized individually by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS notice No. 2013-30) as a functional food ingredient. In this study, to expand the scope of diversity in the efficacy of LMWCP, we evaluated hydration according to depth of the stratum corneum, facial lifting, dermal density, skin thickness, skin desquamation, and roughness of the nail plate surface. Moreover, the measurement timelines were considered including the early time intake and off-intake periods. Methods and materials: This study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled for 14 weeks including oral intake for 12 weeks followed by 2 weeks of the off-intake period. Water content (depths of 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm), facial lifting, dermal density, skin thickness and skin desquamation were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks after intake of the oral supplementation and after 2 weeks of off-intake (+2W). The roughness of the fingernail plate was measured at 0W, 8W and 12W. Results: The test group saw significant improvements compared to the placebo group. According to each measurement result, the skin moisture (depth of 0.1 mm) and skin desquamation were improved after 2 weeks of ingestion, and the skin moisture (depth of 0.5 mm), facial lifting, dermal density and skin thickness were improved after 4 weeks. For all measurement items, even after 2 weeks of off-intake, the test group showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the placebo group. In the roughness of the fingernail plate, it was found that the roughness was improved in the test group after 12 weeks compared to before ingestion. Discussion: These results demonstrated that the effects of LMWCP appear in early-intake and are maintained even after off-intake. This study suggests LMWCP as a safe and effective ingredient for anti-skin aging in the nutricosmetic market targeting both internal and external beauty and health.