A recent study conducted by researchers from various institutions, including Swiss longevity startup Avea Life AG and ETH Zurich, demonstrated that a collagen activator supplement can improve skin appearance and reduce biological age in humans. The research focused on the efficacy of a product known as Collagen Activator, which incorporates a patented vegan collagen precursor called Colgevity.
Colgevity features a blend of three amino acids—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—in a specific ratio of 3:1:1. In addition, the formulation includes alpha-ketoglutarate, astaxanthin, and vitamin C derived from acerola cherry. The study aimed to explore the potential of this amino acid combination in extending lifespan and enhancing health in various pre-clinical models, such as C. elegans (a type of roundworm), laboratory mice, and human cell lines.
The findings of the study were promising. Scientists reported that the combination of amino acids showed consistent physiological and molecular effects across different organisms, including the roundworm, mice, and human cells. The team, which included experts from University Hospital Zurich, TruMe Inc, and Hautwerk AG, noted that the supplementation led to improved collagen and extracellular matrix homeostasis during the aging process in C. elegans and was associated with visible dermatological improvements in humans.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Dr. Matilde Mantovani, Avea’s Scientific Research Manager and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of the research. She remarked that the formulation stemmed from extensive studies on in vivo models to identify an optimal amino acid ratio that promotes collagen synthesis and enhances overall health.
Study Methodology and Results
The researchers conducted a series of trials using the Colgevity amino acid combination alone in C. elegans, human skin cells, and geriatric mice. Results from the trials indicated a lifespan increase of between 6% and 27% in C. elegans across five independent experiments, with the amino acid combination surpassing the benefits of traditional collagen supplementation. Further analysis revealed that alpha-ketoglutarate had an additional positive effect on lifespan extension when paired with the amino acids.
In studies involving geriatric mice, the supplementation was linked to enhanced grip strength and a reduction in age-related fat accumulation. Following these pre-clinical successes, the team studied the full Collagen Activator formulation in a human clinical trial involving 66 healthy adults aged 35 and older. Participants consumed one sachet of the Collagen Activator powder daily for six months. Skin measurements were taken at the beginning of the study, as well as at four and twelve weeks, alongside monthly self-assessment questionnaires. Biological age was assessed using an epigenetic methylation clock test.
The research team concluded that the Collagen Activator was both safe and effective in improving dermatological features and reducing biological age among participants. They noted that the additive longevity effects of the amino acid supplementation, particularly in conjunction with alpha-ketoglutarate, were significant.
Future Implications and Research Directions
The study’s findings suggest a potential ancient mechanism for the body’s recognition of the specific ratio of these three amino acids. The researchers expressed optimism regarding future studies, which may clarify the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed benefits of the 3:1:1 glycine to proline to hydroxyproline ratio.
In summary, this research presents compelling evidence for the health and longevity benefits of a collagen-derived amino acid composition, showcasing its effectiveness across various model systems. As the demand for effective health supplements continues to rise, products like the Collagen Activator could play a significant role in enhancing quality of life and promoting longevity.
The study has been published in the journal npj Aging and is expected to contribute to the growing body of literature on nutritional interventions in aging and health.
