The Effectiveness of Oral Fish Collagen Supplementation on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Skin Hydration, Skin Elasticity, and Skin Wrinkles

Abstract

Introduction: Skin aging is a complex biological process with cumulative structural and physiological changes, progressive changes in each layer of the skin, and changes in the appearance of the skin. Human skin undergoes 2 types of skin aging, that are intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. Skin aging is characterized by a decrease in skin hydration and elasticity, as well as an increase in skin wrinkles. Anti-aging strategies are still being developed. A new anti-aging therapy modality that has been widely used is nutraceutical supplementation, such as fish collagen. Fish collagen is a new alternative source of collagen with a high degree of homology to human collagen structure and high bioavailability. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oral fish collagen supplementation on skin aging. Methods: This study was an analytic observational study, with systematic review and meta-analysis. Data searching was conducted online at Pubmed-MEDLINE, EBSCO (CINAHL), Scopus, SpringerLink, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cambridge Core, and Google Scholar, as well as hand searching from libraries in Indonesia. Twelve studies were included in the qualitative analysis (systematic review) (n=753 subjects) and 6 of them were included in the quantitative analysis (meta-analysis) (n=426 subjects). Results: The results of the meta-analysis showed that the increase in skin hydration in the group given oral fish collagen supplementation was greater significantly than in the placebo group, with standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% CI)=0.56 (0.32 to 0.81), Z=4.47 (p<0.00001), I2=24%. The increase in skin elasticity in the group given oral fish collagen supplementation was greater significantly than in the placebo group, with SMD (95% CI)=0.33 (0.17 to 0.49), Z=4.05 (p<0 ,0001), I2=21%. The reduction in skin wrinkles in the group given oral fish collagen supplementation was greater significantly than in the placebo group, with SMD (95% CI)=-0.47 (-0.74 to -0.19), Z=3.34 ( p=0.0008), I2=49%. Adverse events were not found in the included studies. Conclusion: Oral fish collagen supplementation is effective against skin aging, mainly in increasing skin hydration and skin elasticity, and reducing skin wrinkles.