Collagen Gut Health Studies

Research design

Prospective, open-label, longitudinal, single-arm study

Objective

To understand the effect of dietary collagen peptides on digestive symptoms management. 

Subjects

40 participants

Main results 

1. Most participants (more specifically, 93%) who completed the entire course of supplementation — 20 grams of collagen peptides daily — for 8 weeks experienced a reduction in digestive symptoms, including bloating.

 2. The researchers concluded that using a 20-gram daily collagen peptide supplement could reduce bloating and improve mild digestive symptoms without any other dietary or lifestyle interventions.

Research design

 In vitro study on Caco-2 cells (the Caco-2 cell line is originally derived from a colon carcinoma) 

Objective

To investigate the effect of Alaska pollock skin-derived collagen peptides on TMFα-induced barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Subjects

 N/A

 Main result 

The researchers found that collagen peptides may attenuate TMFα-induced barrier dysfunction by inhibiting various pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., the ERK1/2-mediated MLCK pathway). Note: inflammation is commonly associated with an unhealthy gut.

Research design

Animal experimental research (mice) 

Objective

To investigate the effect of hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides on gut microbiota structure in mice.

Subjects

Mice 

Main results 

1. The researchers found that the hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides helped up-regulate tight junction protein expression. Note: tight junction proteins are responsible for maintaining optimal intestinal barrier function. 

2. The hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides also helped reduce the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumour necrosis factor α (TMFα), known contributors to gut dysbiosis.