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

Background: 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. Aims: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the significant potential of tuna collagen peptides to promote human skin health, warranting further investigation as a potential nutraceutical.