Collagen (Avery Claire Jones , University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Collagen

The name collagen comes from the Greek κόλλα (kólla), meaning "glue", and suffix γέν, -gen, denoting "producing" Common Names: Collagen Peptides, Hydroxylated Collagen

Avery Claire Jones, Student Pharmacist, Spring 2022

Background/History:

Collagen makes up approximately 30% of the proteins in the body and is the most abundant protein in the body. It plays a vital role in the health of skin, bones, and connective tissues. It helps to keep joints strong, make skin elastic, and protect organs. Our bodies continuously synthesize collagen; however, after the age of 25 our bodies start to lose collagen.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ejiao (made from donkey-hide gelatin) has been used since ancient times. Scientific efforts to obtain biologically active collagen peptide were pioneered in the 1960s by Paul Börnstein, who developed an extraction-based method of obtaining collagen. However, it was found to not be active collagen. In the 1980s, Polish scientists extracted collagen from fish skin. Methods of collagen production were devised which managed to preserve its unique spatial conformation the triple helix made up of amino acid chains.

Common Uses:

• Improve skin health (aging skin) • Relieve joint pain (osteoarthritis) • Prevent bone loss • Boost muscle mass • Promote heart health

Mechanism of Action:

GNC® | Vitamins, Supplements, Protein Powder & Health Products. Gnc.com. https://www.gnc.com/. Published 2022. Accessed March 3, 2022.

In the dermis, collagen has a dual mechanism of action: 1) free amino acids provide building blocks for the formation of collagen and elastin fibers; 2) collagen oligopeptides act as ligands, binding to receptors present on the fibroblasts’ membrane and stimulate the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid

Dosage Forms:

1. Tablets 3. Liquids 2. Powders 4. Capsules

Dosing:

Collagen peptides have most often been used by adults in doses of 2.5 -10 grams daily for up to six months.

Effectiveness:

Numerous clinical trials have been performed showing the efficacy and benefits of collagen peptides on skin properties, such as hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles. Béguin completed a study demonstrating that collagen may be effective to protec t the skin and support its repair process. Choi et al.'s study showed that daily collagen peptide supplementation improved skin hydration and elasticity. Bolke’s study stated that objective dermatological measurements, such as cutometry and corneometry, have proven that oral collagen peptides together with other dermo nutrients significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density after three months of intake. Taking collagen peptides by mouth might slightly relieve pain and improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis. But it might take about 3-5 months of daily treatment before it helps. The results of a meta-analysis completed by Garcia-Coronado and colleagues showed that collagen is effective in improving OA symptoms by the decrease of both total WOMAC index and VAS score.

Safety/Adverse & Toxic Effects:

When taken by mouth, side effects are rare. Collagen peptides are deemed possibly safe and have safely been used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to five months. There is not enough information to determine if collagen peptides are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects consist of mild digestive symptoms and a bad taste in the mouth. Stimulating collagen production can increase oxidative stress which can lead to cell and tissue damage.

Since collagen is not FDA regulated, it can sometimes contain heavy metals and/or toxins which can cause toxic effects. Too much collagen can cause thicken and harden skin. It could potentially damage internal organs as well.

No known interactions with medications, herbals/supplements, or foods.

Professional Opinion:

After reading the clinical trials on collagen’s safety and effectiveness, I would recommend this supplement to patients with instructions to talk to their healthcare provider before initiating. Studies have shown potential benefits of collagen on aging skin and osteoarthritis with mild but rare side effects. However, collagen is not regulated by the FDA and could be contaminated or adulterated. ~ AC Jones

PDB101: Molecule of the Month: Collagen. RCSB: PDB-101. https://pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/4. Published 2022. Accessed March 30, 2022 References: 1.Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. Published 2019 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/nu11102494 2. García-Coronado JM, Martínez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omaña RE, et al. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a metaanalysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 3. Health Benefits of Collagen: Pros, Cons, and More. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits#side-effects. Published 2022. Accessed March 3, 2022. 2019;43(3):531-538. doi:10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5 4. Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A. and Genovese, L., 2015. An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 8(1), pp.29-42. 5. The Amazing History of Collagen. The Red Tree. https://theredtree.co.uk/articles/the-amazing-history-of-collagen/. Published 2022. Accessed March 3, 2022. 6. What Are Collagen Supplements?. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/collagen-supplements-for-skin-89940. Published 2022. Accessed March 3, 2022.