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Rejuvenation Complex

Also known as: Hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides, collagen supplements, Rejuvenation Complex (as primary active ingredient), Hydrolyzed Collagen

Overview

Hydrolyzed collagen, often referred to as collagen peptides, is a form of collagen protein that has been enzymatically broken down into smaller, more bioavailable peptides. It is typically derived from animal sources such as bovine, porcine, or marine collagen. While "Rejuvenation Complex" is a proprietary term, hydrolyzed collagen is a primary active ingredient commonly found in such blends, aimed at skin anti-aging and overall skin health. It is primarily used as an oral nutritional supplement to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Research indicates that these peptides are orally bioavailable and can stimulate the skin's extracellular matrix components, leading to systemic effects on skin physiology. The research supporting its efficacy is moderate to high, with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses published recently, generally showing positive outcomes for skin health.

Benefits

Hydrolyzed collagen supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits primarily focused on skin health. The most significant primary effects include a statistically significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity, typically observed after 8 weeks of consistent supplementation. Studies have also shown a reduction in wrinkle depth and an overall improvement in global wrinkle appearance, skin texture, and firmness after approximately 90 days of daily intake. Secondary benefits include a decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating enhanced skin barrier function. While most key studies have focused on healthy adult women, the observed effect sizes are clinically meaningful, with meta-analyses reporting moderate improvements. Combining hydrolyzed collagen with micronutrients like vitamins may offer additional benefits. The benefits are generally observed within 2 to 3 months of consistent daily use.

How it works

Oral hydrolyzed collagen peptides are absorbed into the bloodstream, primarily as di- and tri-peptides. Once absorbed, these peptides are transported to the dermis, where they are believed to stimulate the activity of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are crucial cells responsible for synthesizing endogenous collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are vital components of the skin's extracellular matrix. By promoting the production of these structural proteins and molecules, hydrolyzed collagen helps to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall structural integrity. The systemic absorption of these peptides allows them to influence skin remodeling and repair processes throughout the body.

Side effects

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are generally considered safe for consumption, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect, though rare, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which may include bloating or a feeling of fullness. There are no significant reports of uncommon or rare severe side effects in high-quality randomized controlled trials. No major drug interactions have been identified, but caution is advised if combining with other protein supplements or if individuals have known allergies. The primary contraindication is an allergy to the source material (e.g., fish, bovine, porcine). Safety in specific populations such as pregnant or lactating women has not been extensively studied, and therefore, use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical guidance.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of hydrolyzed collagen typically ranges from 2.5 to 10 grams daily. Most randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy have utilized dosages around 5 grams per day. While doses up to 10 grams daily have been shown to be safe in trials, extensive data for higher doses are limited. Hydrolyzed collagen is commonly available in powder or capsule forms, with similar bioavailability across these forms. It is generally recommended to take the supplement daily, often with meals, to potentially enhance absorption. Co-ingestion with vitamin C is beneficial, as vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis and cross-linking, optimizing the body's ability to utilize the collagen peptides.

FAQs

Is hydrolyzed collagen safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports the safety of hydrolyzed collagen for at least 3 months of continuous use. Longer-term safety data are still limited but no significant concerns have been identified.

How long does it take to see results from hydrolyzed collagen supplementation?

Benefits typically become noticeable after 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation, with more significant improvements in skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction observed around 3 months.

Can hydrolyzed collagen replace topical anti-aging treatments?

Oral hydrolyzed collagen supplements complement, but do not replace, topical anti-aging treatments like retinoids. They work synergistically to improve skin health from within.

Are all sources of collagen (bovine, marine, porcine) equally effective?

Meta-analyses have not found significant differences in efficacy between hydrolyzed collagen derived from bovine, porcine, or marine sources for skin health benefits.

Does hydrolyzed collagen work for all skin types?

Most studies have involved healthy adults, and while generally effective, individual results may vary based on age, skin condition, and other factors.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1721 adults concluded that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity. The study found robust statistical significance for these effects, despite some heterogeneity in collagen sources and potential biases in included RCTs, supporting its efficacy for skin health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10773595/ – This meta-analysis investigated the effects of hydrolyzed collagen on skin parameters, reporting a significant reduction in wrinkles (effect size -0.21) and improved transepidermal water loss (TEWL). While acknowledging some heterogeneity and limited data on firmness, the findings are consistent with other reviews, indicating moderate quality evidence for its anti-aging benefits.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effects-of-hydrolyzed-collagen-supplementation-on-a-Miranda-Weimer/c014fa6d77a76a2cd28af5cea4531dedab49283a – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, primarily in healthy women over 90 days. It found that hydrolyzed collagen reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity and hydration. The review also suggested that blends with micronutrients could enhance these effects, providing good quality evidence supporting clinical relevance, though noting the focus on female subjects.