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Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), found primarily in human skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It is also an important structural protein of connective tissue.

Collagen is a major component of the dermis of human skin. Together with a small amount of elastin, it forms a regular network of collagen fibers, which gives the skin some elasticity and firmness and allows the epidermal layer to transport moisture.

However, factors such as aging, UV radiation, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyles cause collagen to decrease. When collagen is lost in large amounts, signs of aging such as skin elasticity loss, sagging, wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness, rough skin, and sensitive skin gradually appear.

So, with collagen in decline, can oral collagen products slow down the aging process?

Can oral collagen peptides be absorbed by the body?

The usual collagen products on the market refer to collagen peptides, not collagen.

Collagen peptides are a mixture of low molecular weight peptides with an average molecular weight of 2000 to 10,000 Da hydrolyzed from collagen (300,000 Da). Compared to high molecular weight collagen, collagen peptides have a smaller molecular weight and are more easily digested and absorbed.

In addition, the dipeptides and tripeptides contained in collagen peptides are directly transported and absorbed as peptides by the oligopeptide transporter protein (PepT1) present in the epithelial cells of the small intestine. They can be targeted to specific sites in the body for biological activity and efficacy.

Watanabe-Kamiyama M. et al. ingested 14C-labeled collagen peptides into various organs of mice and observed the distribution of collagen peptides.

The study showed that oral collagen peptides were distributed to major organs throughout the body after digestion and absorption, and were deposited specifically in collagen-rich tissues, especially skin, after a certain period.

Can Oral Collagen Peptides Improve Skin Conditions?

In recent years, more and more studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of oral collagen peptides in delaying skin aging and rejuvenating the skin.

Researchers selected 64 volunteers between the ages of 40 and 60 years old to take 1000 mg of low molecular weight collagen peptides orally daily for 12 weeks and found that after 6 weeks of intake, skin hydration was significantly improved, and after 12 weeks, wrinkles and skin elasticity were improved, showing anti-aging effects The results showed a significant improvement in skin moisture retention after 6 weeks of intake and an anti-aging effect after 12 weeks.