Collagen Peptides With Calcium and Vitamin D Improved Skin and Reduced Hair Loss in Menopausal Women
Six months of collagen peptide supplementation improved skin hydration by 23% and reduced hair shedding in menopausal women, but did not affect bone markers.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 23% more hydrated Skin hydration improvement in menopausal women after 6 months of collagen + calcium + vitamin D supplementation
- Evidence Grade:
- 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.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025, this is very recent research addressing the growing consumer interest in collagen peptide supplementation with rigorous clinical trial methodology.
- Original Title:
- Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study.
- Published In:
- Clinics and practice, 15(9) (2025)
- Database ID:
- RPEP-10782
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-10782APA
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
MLA
Duangjai, Acharaporn, et al. "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, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15090168
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Colla..." RPEP-10782. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/duangjai-2025-calcium-and-vitamin-d
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.