The evidence from in vitro primary fibroblasts and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of tuna collagen peptides intake on skin health.

Abstract

Collagen peptides from various sources demonstrate benefits in health and well-being both in vitro and in clinical trials. However, there is a scarce study of collagen peptides from Tuna on skin health. To investigate the impact of collagen peptides derived from Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis and Thunnus albacares) on skin health, utilizing in vitro biological studies and a randomized controlled trial. In vitro biological studies on human dermal primary fibroblasts were evaluated in terms of collagen and elastin synthesis and senescent cell inhibition. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 72 women who were randomly assigned to receive either tuna collagen peptides (n = 36) or a placebo (n = 36) orally for 8 weeks and 2 weeks post-ingestion by measuring skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, and skin density. In vitro biological effects demonstrated dose-dependent positive results in increasing collagen and elastin synthesis and reducing senescent cells. The effects on collagen and senescent cells plateaued at high concentrations. A clinical trial showed that the test group experienced a significant increase in skin hydration, elasticity, and density, along with a decrease in TEWL compared to the baseline. The test and placebo groups showed statistically significant differences at 8 weeks for all parameters except for the TEWL at the face. All positive effects were substantially retained even after 2 weeks of discontinuation. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of tuna collagen peptides to promote human skin health, warranting further investigation as a potential nutraceutical.