Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature

Abstract

Collagen is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix of the dermis and articular cartilage and influences the body's mechanical, organizational, and tissue formation properties. Produced from food industry by-products, it is considered a nutraceutical product widely used as an ingredient or supplement in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the scientific evidence regarding the beneficial effects of collagen consumption in the treatment of skin and orthopedic diseases. Literature data have shown that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation promotes skin changes, such as decreased wrinkle formation; increased skin elasticity; increased hydration; increased collagen content, density, and synthesis, which are factors closely associated with aging-related skin damage. Regarding orthopedic changes, collagen supplementation increases bone strength, density, and mass; improves joint stiffness/mobility, and functionality; and reduces pain. These aspects are associated with bone loss due to aging and damage caused by strenuous physical activity. Thus, this review addresses the economic and health potential of this source of amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from food industry by-products.

Keywords: Aging; Bone metabolism; Joint; Senescence; Skin.

Fig. 1

Chemical structure (A) and distribution of collagen in the body (B). The sequence of amino acids [Gly – X–Y]_n with and without interruptions is a characteristic of the collagen family and the amino acids proline and its hydroxylated form (hydroxyproline) occupy the X and Y positions. n: number of times that this sequence appears in the protein structure. Created by the authors using BioRender.com.

Fig. 2

Structure of young, health skin (A) and the effect of aging on its structure (B). The interaction between collagen and elastin guarantees skin strength and elasticity, however, with aging or due to exposure to other extrinsic factors (nutrition, sun exposure, infrared radiation, visible light, air pollution, for example), collagen production decreases, destabilizing this interaction and, consequently, reducing strength and skin elasticity. Created by the authors using BioRender.com.