Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissues, including skin, tendons, cartilage, and bones (Zague et al., 2025). Natural collagen production decreases significantly with age, causing a variety of conditions including wrinkled skin, stiff joints, and digestive problems. Oral supplementation with collagen-based nutraceuticals has grown in popularity, widely used to mitigate common symptoms associated with aging. This edition highlights four recent studies published in the past four months, examining collagen supplementation on skin properties, knee osteoarthritis symptoms and severity, and post-exercise appetite. 

Skin anti-aging and moisturizing effects of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide supplementation in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 

Skin aging is a multifactorial biological process, characterized by the degradation of dermal collagen and reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in wrinkle formation, skin dryness, and loss of elasticity. Low-molecular-weight collagen peptides have been shown to improve skin properties; however, heterogeneity in clinical trial designs limits a full understanding of their overall efficacy. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of collagen peptides in improving the biophysical properties related to skin structure and moisture in healthy adults. A total of 70 healthy adults aged 20 and 59 years were randomized to consume either 1,650 mg of collagen peptides, including 74.25 mg of glycly-L-proline (Gly-Pro) daily or a placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period to evaluate the persistence of effects. Skin parameters including wrinkles, pores, stratum corneum condition, sebum levels, elasticity, density, and hydration were measured using high-precision dermatological devices and expert visual assessments at baseline, Day 10, Weeks 4 and 8 of supplementation, as well as 2 weeks after discontinuing the study products. The collagen peptide group showed significant improvements in wrinkle depth, height, and visual severity scores across multiple facial regions. Skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal density were significantly increased, and pore size and sebum secretion decreased significantly from baseline in the collagen peptide group. The effects of the treatment were maintained during the 2-week washout period, and no adverse events were reported. Overall, this study highlights that oral administration of collagen peptides confers multifaceted benefits to skin health and presents as a safe and efficacious ingredient to mitigate the visible signs of skin aging.  

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40935395/ 

Reference: Lee, E., Ahn, D., Kim, J., Lee, S., Kim, H., Lee, H., & Shin, J. (2025). Skin anti-aging and moisturizing effects of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide supplementation in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Microbiol Biotechnol, 35: e2507008. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2507.07008. 

Efficacy of combined undenatured type II collagen and hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial 

Knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage and is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s society due to aging populations and rising obesity rates. Collagen supplements have grown in popularity, with numerous products marketed for improving osteoarthritis symptoms. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) and hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 68 adults aged 50 to 80 years with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either collagen tablets containing 480 mg hydrolyzed collagen and 20 mg UC-II twice daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. Clinical outcomes such as pain intensity, functional outcomes (Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; KOOS), rescue medication consumption, and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at Weeks 2, 6, and 12 of supplementation. Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between the collagen and placebo groups, and both groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity and KOOS scores over time. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of pain intensity, functional outcomes, rescue medication consumption, or patient satisfaction, and no adverse effects were reported in either group. Overall, the combined administration of UC-II and hydrolyzed collagen did not demonstrate superior efficacy compared to placebo in managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms over 12 weeks. Future research is warranted to explore the longer-term effects of combined collagen supplementation in specific patient populations with osteoarthritis.  

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40897777/ 

Reference: Yuenyongviwat, V., Anusitviwat, C., Tuntarattanapong, P., Hongnaparak, T., & Iamthanaporn, K. (2025). Efficacy of combined undenatured type II collagen and hydrolysed collagen supplementation in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Sci Rep, 15(1):32313. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-17505-0. 

The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on appetite and post-exercise energy intake in females: a randomised controlled trial 

Studies have demonstrated that oral collagen supplementation before or after exercise bouts has many benefits, including enhanced recovery, increased muscle mass, improved body composition, reduced muscle and joint pain, and enhanced sleep quality. Collagen supplements are increasingly recommended to athletes for health and performance benefits; however, current evidence on the effects of collagen supplementation on appetite regulation following exercise is lacking. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study examined whether supplementation with collagen peptides affects appetite and post-exercise energy intake in healthy active females. A total of 15 healthy females (aged 23 ± 3 years) consumed 15 g/day of collagen peptides or a non-energy control for 7 days. On day 7, participants cycled for 45 minutes before consuming the final supplement. One hour post supplementation, an ad libitum meal was provided, and energy intake was recorded. Subjective appetite sensations were measured daily before and 30 minutes after supplementation, as well as before and 280 minutes after exercise on day 7. Blood glucose and hormone levels were measured at fasted baseline and throughout the study visit. Ad libitum energy intake was 10% lower in the collagen peptide group compared to the placebo group. Additionally, there was no difference in gastrointestinal symptoms or subjective appetite sensations throughout the trial between the groups. Total plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and insulin were significantly higher, while plasma ghrelin and leptin were significantly lower, following collagen peptide supplementation compared to the placebo. Peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and glucose were not different between the groups. Overall, these findings indicate that 7 days of collagen peptides supplementation decreases energy intake at the meal following exercise. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and examine the effects of longer-term collagen peptide supplementation, with a focus on appetite and weight management in other populations.    

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40685650/ 

Reference: Reynolds, K., Hansell, E., Thorley, J., Funnell, M., Thackray, A., Stensel, D., Baily, S., James, L., Prawitt, J., Virgilio, N., & Clifford, T. (2025). The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on appetite and post-exercise energy intake in females: a ranomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr, 1-12. doi: 10.1017/S0007114525103851. 

Effects of cartilage-supporting nutritional supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life in a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of moveable joints, characterized by cartilage degradation and bone remodeling, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired movement. Knees are commonly affected by osteoarthritis, and the prevalence is higher in women. Nutritional strategies play a beneficial role in mitigating severity and symptoms of osteoarthritis, providing long-term benefits. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of a formulation containing type II collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate in alleviating knee osteoarthritis in adults with mild to moderate knee pain. A total of 54 participants were randomized to consume either a multi-nutrient food supplement containing 200 mg chondroitin sulfate, 100 mg collagen-complex natural form, 60 mg type II collagen, 30 mg mucopolysaccharides, 10 mg of hyaluronic acid, 80 mg vitamin C, 10 mg vitamin E, 50 µg selenium, 5 µg vitamin D3, and 1 µg manganese or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Knee injury and KOOS, performance-based physical function tests, and global assessment tests were measured at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation. KOOS subscales showed significant improvements in symptoms, sport/recreation, and quality of life in the test product group compared to the placebo. Performance-based measures such as the Chair Stand test and physical component scores from quality of life questionnaires, improved significantly in both the test and placebo groups. Global assessment favoured the test product, with more participants reporting improvements in osteoarthritis-related symptoms and recommending its use. The biomarkers high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) showed no significant changes, likely due to sample variability. Overall, this study demonstrated that nutritional formulations including type II collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate had encouraging improvements in patient-reported symptoms and quality of life. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.  

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40664872/ 

Reference: Fladerer-Grollitsch, J., Klein, T., Kompek, A., Steiner, N., Mezel, D., & Schon, C. (2025). Effects of cartilage-supporting nutritional supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life in a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. Sci Rep, 15(1):25625. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11723-2. 

Bottom Line 

Overall, recent studies continue to demonstrate collagen’s potential to mitigate skin aging and improve symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis, when supplemented alone or in conjunction with other nutritional ingredients. Additionally, collagen peptides following exercise in female participants demonstrated appetite reduction effects and increased hormonal appetite signals such as plasma GLP-1, while reducing ghrelin significantly compared to placebo (Reynolds et al., 2025). As collagen continues to gain popularity as a nutraceutical supplement, additional clinical trials are increasingly needed to further understand its mechanisms of action and diverse benefits.   

References 

Zague, V., Pinheiro, A., Pinto, J., Facchini, G., & Eberlin, S. (2025). Oral collagen oligopeptides as a modulator of skin health: a comprehensive evaluation of clinical and molecular effects. J Med Food, 28(9):869-876. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2024.0252. 

Lee, E., Ahn, D., Kim, J., Lee, S., Kim, H., Lee, H., & Shin, J. (2025). Skin anti-aging and moisturizing effects of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide supplementation in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Microbiol Biotechnol, 35: e2507008. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2507.07008. 

Yuenyongviwat, V., Anusitviwat, C., Tuntarattanapong, P., Hongnaparak, T., & Iamthanaporn, K. (2025). Efficacy of combined undenatured type II collagen and hydrolysed collagen supplementation in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial. Sci Rep, 15(1):32313. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-17505-0. 

Reynolds, K., Hansell, E., Thorley, J., Funnell, M., Thackray, A., Stensel, D., Bailey, S., James, L., Prawitt, J., Virgilio, N., & Clifford, T. (2025). The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on appetite and post-exercise energy in females: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr, 1-12. doi: 10.1017/S0007114525103851. 

Fladerer-Grollitsch, J., Klein, T., Kompek, A., Steiner, N., Menzel, D., & Schon, C. (2025). Effects of cartilage-supporting nutritional supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life in a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. Sci Rep, 15(1):25625. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11723-2.