The effect of a 12-week dietary intake of food supplements containing collagen and MSM on dermis density and other skin parameters: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised four-way study comparing the efficacy of three test products

Abstract

Dietary supplementation with collagen has been gaining popularity as an anti-ageing remedy. The aim of this randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled four-way study was to investigate and compare the effects of 12-week daily dietary supplementation with products containing 10 g hydrolysed fish collagen (HC) or a combination of 5 g or 10 g HC with 1.5 g methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) on dermis density in healthy human subjects. The secondary objectives were to investigate the effects on a variety of other skin parameters. The study results showed improved dermis density, skin texture and reduced wrinkles for all the active products. However, products containing MSM were superior in the improvement of skin thickness and roughness, and a higher dose of HC combined with MSM was crucial for improvement in hydration. On the other hand, no significant effects of the supplementation on viscoelasticity and transepidermal water loss were determined with any of the products.