As the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix, collagen plays a vital role in human physiology, with many pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetic applications (Wang, 2021). Natural collagen production decreases significantly with age, causing a variety of conditions that include wrinkled skin, stiff joints, and digestive problems. Therefore, dietary collagen supplementation may mitigate many symptoms commonly associated with aging. Collagen is extracted from the skin and bones of various animals, typically bovine and porcine, and plays an important role in human health (Hashim et al., 2015). Porcine bone and skin are by-products of livestock processing and are generally further processed into lower-value products (Zhu et al., 2020). Porcine collagen is structurally very similar to human collagen, and an excellent source of Type I and Type III collagen which are key components of skin, joints, and tissues. The similarity to human collagen makes porcine collagen an excellent supplement to help treat and prevent osteoporosis, improve skin health, and promote wound healing, while being more biocompatible than other sources of collagen (Wang, 2021). This edition highlights four studies involving the benefits of porcine-derived collagen on glucose metabolism, body composition, and improving heart, skin, and nail health.   

Effects of four-weeks porcine-collagen hydrolysate consumption on glucose concentrations, glycemic variability, and fasting/postprandial cardiometabolic risk markers in men and women with overweight or obesity: a randomized controlled trial 

Overweight and obesity, recognized as a global epidemic, are associated with a dysregulated glucose metabolism and elevated fasting and postprandial glucose levels. This dysregulation increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, controlling glucose metabolism is crucial for overall health and well-being. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of porcine-derived collagen hydrolysate on continuously monitored glucose concentrations in real-life conditions and postprandial responses following a mixed meal in overweight/obese individuals. A total of fifty-six overweight/obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25-35 kg/m2 were recruited and randomized to either consume 10 g/day of porcine-derived collagen hydrolysate, or an erythritol placebo, for a duration of four weeks. Daytime interstitial glucose area under the curve (AUC) was measured during three consecutive days, using a continuous glucose monitor. Postprandial glucose, insulin, and triacylglycerol concentrations were also evaluated after a mixed meal tolerance test, and fasting glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA of β-cell function (HOMA-β), and triacylglycerol changes were analyzed. Additionally, physical activity profiles and dietary intakes were monitored to exclude confounding lifestyle factors. While collagen hydrolysate consumption did not significantly affect daytime interstitial glucose AUC concentrations, it did lead to increases in several glycemic variability metrics such as standard deviation, continuous overall net glycemic action, coefficient of variation, M-value, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions. Postprandial glucose AUC after the mixed meal test significantly increased, as well as fasting insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β. Overall, four-week collagen hydrolysate intake did not change free-living glucose concentrations, but unexpectedly increased glycemic variability, postprandial glucose, AUC, fasting insulin, and measures of insulin resistance such as HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. These changes were small and would likely have little clinical evidence, as absolute values remained well below recommended thresholds. Further research is warranted to understand the potential effect of collagen hydrolysates on glucose metabolism among different populations.  

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39889494/ 

Reference: Chaves-Alfaro, M.A., Mensink, R.P., & Plat, J. (2025). Effects of four-weeks porcine-collagen hydrolysate consumption on glucose concentrations, glycemic variability, and fasting/postprandial cardiometabolic risk markers in men and women with overweight or obesity: A randomized, controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 46: 60-71. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.01.018. 

Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and aging in an East Asian population: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial 

Aging results in changes to the skin’s structure and appearance, including wrinkle development, appearance of brown spots, and skin thinning. The aging process has detrimental effects on connective tissue in the skin, including modifications of the structure and functionality of the extracellular matrix with a decrease in collagen fibers, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the dermis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to assess the effect of a collagen peptide dietary supplement on skin aging in the East Asian population. A total of eighty-five healthy women, between the ages of 43 and 65 years old were randomly assigned to consume 5 g/day collagen peptides, derived from porcine skin (CP) or a maltodextrin placebo for a duration of 12 weeks. Daily skin care was standardized to a specific face cream prior to and throughout the supplementation period, to minimize confounding factors. Hallmarks of skin and nail aging, including dermis density, skin moisture and elasticity, wrinkle visibility, beauty perception, and nail colour were assessed at baseline, 4-weeks, and 12-weeks following the intervention. Test areas were a randomized cheekbone, temple, and nails, and participants were exposed to the same environmental conditions for 15 minutes before measurements were taken. After 12-weeks of supplementation with porcine CP, a significant improvement of dermis density and skin moisture was observed compared to the placebo group. Positive effects on skin elasticity, wrinkle visibility, nail colour, and overall beauty perception were observed within 4 weeks of CP supplementation, not observed in the placebo group. Overall, this study demonstrates that 5 g of porcine CP supplemented daily can attenuate age-related reductions in skin density, elasticity, and moisture, caused by collagen fragmentation, and therefore, visible signs of skin aging may be delayed by nourishing the skin from within.  

Access to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39143887/ 

Reference: Vleminckx, S., Virgilio, N., Asserin, J., Prawitt, J., & Silva, C.I.F. (2024). Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and aging in an east Asian population: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Cosmetic Dermatology, 23(11): 3645-3653. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16458. 

Low-molecular collagen peptide supplementation and body fat mass in adults aged ≥ 50 years: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 

Normal aging involves changes to the body’s composition, including decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass. After the age of 50 years, the body’s muscle mass steadily decreases by 1-2% annually, resulting in decreased basal metabolic rates, which may contribute to increased fat mass and weight gain. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to assess if collagen peptide supplementation has any beneficial effects on body fat control in older adults. A total of seventy-four adults (BMI between 23 – 32 kg/m2) were randomized to either consume 15 g/day collagen peptides sourced from porcine, or a placebo, for a duration of 12 weeks. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and following the supplementation period. Additionally, blood tests measured total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and serum glucose at baseline and following the supplementation period. The results demonstrate that collagen supplementation led to significantly reduced total body fat mass compared to the placebo group, as evidenced by both BIA and DEXA measurements. Specifically, body fat mass and percent body fat of the whole body and trunk reduced significantly at week 12 compared with baseline only in the collagen group, and total fat mass change (%) showed a significant difference between the groups. There were no significant differences between physical activity levels, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters between the collagen peptide and placebo groups. These results demonstrate that collagen supplementation has a beneficial effect on body composition in older adults, specifically reducing abdominal fat and overall body fat, even in the absence of resistance training. 

Access to the study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10641330/ 

Reference: Park, J., Kim, M., Shin, H., Ahn, H., & Park, Y.K. (2023). Low-molecular collagen peptide supplementation and body fat mass in adults aged ≤ 50 years: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition Research, 12(4): 245-256. doi: 10.7762/cnr.2023.12.4.245 

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study of the effect of pork collagen peptide supplementation on atherosclerosis in healthy older individuals 

Atherosclerotic diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), are leading causes of death in many countries. Consequently, reducing risk factors for atherosclerosis is important to improve and maintain quality of life. Collagen peptide supplementation has been linked to various beneficial effects, including aiding in the circulation of dipeptides. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to examine whether a marker of arterial stiffness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) could be affected by pork collagen peptide (CP) ingestion. A total of seventy healthy older adults (average age of 73 ± 3 years) were randomized to either consume 2.5 g/day of pork CP, or a placebo containing 2.5 g/day of whey protein, for a duration of 12 weeks.  Blood pressure, pulse rate, baPWV, and hematological examinations, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, were measured by a doctor at baseline and following 12 weeks of supplementation. No significant changes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate were observed between the pork CP and placebo group following the supplementation period. The baPWV values were significantly lower at week 12 compared to baseline in the pork CP group, which was not observed in the placebo group. No biochemical parameters showed any significant variation during the study period and may demonstrate the safety of pork CP supplementation. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the daily ingestion of pork CP may be an important component of prevention for atherosclerosis. A long-term study is warranted to further understand the potential protective effects of pork CP on atherosclerosis and related diseases.  

Access to the study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09168451.2018.1434406 

Reference: Igase, M., Kohara, K., Okada, Y., Ochi, M., Igase, K., Inoue, N., Kutsuna, T., Miura, H., & Ohyagi, Y. (2018). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study of the effect of pork collagen peptide supplementation on atherosclerosis in healthy older individuals. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 82(5): 893-895. https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2018.1434406 

Bottom Line 

Overall, porcine collagen is a valuable source of collagen that has demonstrated beneficial effects on body composition, skin and nail health parameters, and biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Surprisingly, one study found that supplementation with porcine collagen increased glycemic variability; however, the observed changes were minor and are unlikely to have significant clinical implications (Chaves-Alfaro et al., 2025). Porcine farms are widespread and represent reliable sources of collagen while lacking safety concerns associated with other sources of collagen, such as bovine derived spongiform encephalopathy (Parenteau-Bareil et al., 2011; Wang, 2021). Overall, the growing body of research highlights porcine collagen’s promising role in promoting skin and nail health, improving body composition, and mitigating against diseases such as atherosclerosis. 

References 

Hashim, P., Ridzwan, M., Bakar, M.S., & Hashim, D.M. (2015). Collagen in food and beverage industries. Food Research Journal, 22(1): 1-8. http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/36110 

Parenteau-Bareil, R., Gauvin, R., Cliché, S., Gariepy, C., Germain, L., & Berthod, F. (2011). Comparative study of bovine, porcine and avian collagens for the production of a tissue engineered dermis. Acta Biomaterialia, 7(10): 3757-3765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2011.06.020 

Wang, H. (2021). A review of the effects of collagen treatment in clinical studies. Polymers, 13(22): 3868. doi: 10.3390/polym13223868 

Zhu, L., Xie, Y., Wen, B., Ye, M., Liu, Y., Imam, K.M.S.U., Cai, H., Zhang, C., Wang, F., & Xin, F. (2020). Porcine bone collagen peptides promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Functional Foods, 64: 103697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.103697