Collagen Peptides With Calcium and Vitamin D Improved Skin and Reduced Hair Loss in Menopausal Women | Research

The takeaway

Six months of collagen peptide supplementation improved skin hydration by 23% and reduced hair shedding in menopausal women, but did not affect bone markers.

23% more hydrated
Skin hydration improvement in menopausal women after 6 months of collagen + calcium + vitamin D supplementation

What the researchers found

Fish-derived collagen peptides combined with calcium and vitamin D3 significantly improved skin hydration by 23% and skin elasticity by 8.52% in menopausal women after six months. Collagen alone improved elasticity by 12.23%. All active supplement groups (calcium+D3, collagen, and the combination) significantly reduced hair shedding compared to placebo.

However, none of the supplement combinations produced significant changes in bone turnover markers (P1NP, BAP, osteocalcin) or body composition over the six-month period. Safety markers (creatinine, ALT, AST) remained normal across all groups.

Why it matters

Menopause causes estrogen loss that simultaneously affects bones, skin, and hair. This study tests whether a combined supplement approach can address multiple symptoms at once. While the bone benefits weren't seen in this timeframe, the significant skin and hair improvements suggest collagen peptides offer real cosmetic benefits for menopausal women.

The numbers in context

4 groups · 6 months · Skin hydration +23% (combo group) · Skin elasticity +8.52% (combo) and +12.23% (collagen alone) · Reduced hair shedding in all active groups · No bone marker changes

How the study worked

Randomized controlled trial with four groups: placebo, calcium 1000 mg + vitamin D3 400 IU, collagen peptides 5 g, and the combination of all three. Participants received daily supplementation for six months. Outcomes included body composition, bone turnover markers (P1NP, BAP, osteocalcin), skin hydration, skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss, hair loss, and safety labs.

Who was studied

Menopausal women (number not specified in abstract)

What this study cannot tell us

The sample size is not specified in the abstract, which makes it difficult to assess statistical power. Six months may be too short to detect changes in bone density or bone turnover markers. The study does not specify blinding procedures. Specific participant numbers per group are not reported.

How to read the evidence

This is a randomized controlled trial with a placebo group and multiple active comparators, supporting moderate evidence strength. However, the unspecified sample size and lack of detail on blinding procedures limit the certainty of the findings.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, this is very recent research addressing the growing consumer interest in collagen peptide supplementation with rigorous clinical trial methodology.

The bigger picture

Collagen peptide supplements have gained enormous consumer popularity, but clinical evidence has lagged behind marketing claims. This RCT adds to a growing body of evidence supporting collagen's benefits for skin — while importantly showing that bone benefits may require longer supplementation periods or different formulations.

Questions still open

Would a longer study period (12+ months) reveal bone density improvements from collagen and calcium/D3 supplementation?
How do fish-derived collagen peptides compare to bovine or marine collagen for skin and hair outcomes?
Are the skin hydration improvements maintained after supplementation is discontinued?

Common questions

Does collagen supplementation help with menopause-related skin changes?

This study suggests yes — menopausal women taking 5g of fish collagen peptides daily for 6 months saw significant improvements in skin hydration (23%) and elasticity (8–12%). The benefits were seen with collagen alone and were enhanced when combined with calcium and vitamin D.

Can collagen supplements improve bone health during menopause?

In this 6-month study, neither collagen peptides nor calcium and vitamin D supplementation changed bone turnover markers. Bone remodeling is a slow process, and longer supplementation periods may be needed to see skeletal benefits. The supplements were safe and did not negatively affect kidney or liver function.

Read the original research

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study.

Clinics and practice, 15(9)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Duangjai, Acharaporn; Srivilai, Jukkarin; Nangola, Sawitree; Amornlerdpison, Doungporn. (2025). Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study.. Clinics and practice, 15(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15090168