Oral supplementation with Peptan collagen peptides may significantly contribute to improving the overall appearance of skin and hair in an ethnically diverse population. This is according to a study conducted by Rousselot – a Darling Ingredients global company and global producer of gelatin and collagen peptides. The findings add further evidence to Peptan’s strong scientific portfolio which spans healthy aging and active lifestyle benefits.

“What we’re trying to do now is show people that collagen is a very versatile ingredient and can be used in many different applications – from bars and gummies, to gels and powdered formats,” Dr. Jeff Daelman, Product & Business Development Manager Rousselot, told NutritionInsightat the recent Vitafoods Europe 2019. “We are trying to promote what is called ‘personalized nutrition,’ – depending on your age and background, you can make a very custom made product, with collagen being a part of that.”

Collagen comprises roughly 30 percent of the body’s protein and is responsible for tissue regeneration, bone health and skin elasticity. Despite the body’s ability to produce its own collagen, its reserves start to run short from after the age of 30. A plethora of alternative resources, however, support the body’s functions through supplementation. Collagen has been previously touted for its efficacy in supporting healthy aging and active lifestyles, supporting opportunities for NPD in this space.

Promoting smooth-looking skin with collagen peptides
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical research was conducted with 60 healthy Brazilian women, aged 45 to 60 years. During a set period of 90 days, a group of 30 participants received a 5g daily dose of Peptan collagen peptides from bovine origin (Peptan B) while the remaining subjects consumed a placebo control. Parameters of skin characteristics in the region of the cheeks, around the nose, eyes, mouth, as well as hair strength, were evaluated at baseline prior to supplementation and again 45 and 90 days after supplementation with high-end, state-of-the-art techniques.

Results showed significant improvements in the overall appearance of the skin, characterized by a decrease in periorbital wrinkles by 13 percent and nasolabial wrinkles by 10 percent and a reduction of the visibility of pores in the region of the cheekbones in 57 percent of the Peptan-supplemented participants. At the basis of those observations was a clear increase of the density of the dermis, which contains the strength-providing collagen layer of the skin, following Peptan supplementation.

Bringing new scientific evidence for hair strength
While collagen is known for promoting stronger and healthier hair, there has been no scientific assessment of these beauty benefits until now. This new study evaluated the characteristics of hair using a texturometer before and after Peptan supplementation clearly demonstrating an increase of the mechanical strength of the hair by 13 percent in the Peptan group compared to the placebo group. Mechanical strength is linked to improved properties of the hair cortex, which can be especially beneficial for aging hair.

Broadening Peptan’s scientific portfolio for skin beauty
The new scientific evidence broadens the understanding of benefits delivered by Peptan collagen peptide supplementation for beauty in several ways. Previous clinical reports have demonstrated that oral Peptan collagen peptide supplements can reduce the signs of skin aging by improving skin hydration, elasticity and dermal collagen density. The study provides further evidence on the efficacy of Peptan collagen peptides from bovine origin, at a lower dose. Conducted in a Brazilian population of mixed skin and hair types, this also brings additional proof that Peptan is efficacious across populations of different ethnical backgrounds, adding to the previous evidence obtained from trials in Caucasian and Asian populations.

Peptan’s range of collagen peptides are safe, bioactive and developed through an optimized hydrolyzation process, which makes collagen peptides highly bioavailable, and provide targeted benefits in the key connective tissues of the human body. Peptan collagen peptides are widely used in nutricosmetic applications and continue to grow in popularity among manufacturers looking to differentiate their products, due to the wealth of vital information supplied by Rousselot’s extensive scientific research.

Rousselot’s Peptan has also been found to reduce muscle damage, proving its potential for the sports nutrition segment.