- Helps Maintain Skin Hydration and Elasticity*
- Provides Antioxidants to Protect Skin from Oxidative Stress*
- Delivers Collagen Peptides for Joint Comfort*
- Supports Bone Strength and Density*
- Supports Muscle and Joint Recovery After Exercise*
- Helps Maintain Healthy Hair and Nail Appearance*
Collagen Elite features highly bioavailable collagen peptides, plus lutein and vitamin C, in a complementary formulation designed to support vibrant skin, hair, and nails, and promote joint comfort. This formula helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, provides antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, and supports post-exercise muscle and joint recovery.
Mix 1 level scoop (15.9 g) with 6-8 oz of cold water. Consume daily, or use as directed by your healthcare professional.
Consult your healthcare professional before use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
s
Collagen is a primary structural component of connective tissue that
accounts for as much as 30% of the body’s total protein.1 It is found in
skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, tooth dentin, bone, hair, and muscle,
and is also part of the structure of arteries and veins.2 Collagen has a
unique amino acid composition, characterized by unusually high levels of
glycine and proline, as well as the modified amino acid hydroxyproline.
These amino acids group together to form protein fibrils arranged in a
triple helix configuration, which supports the turnover and renewal of
structural proteins.3 As a critical component of the structural, mechanical,
and tissue-building properties of the body, collagen is important for
healthy aging.*2
Similar to other dietary proteins, collagen is digested in the
gastrointestinal tract into smaller peptides and amino acids before
absorption. Supplemental collagen peptides are bioactive fragments
derived from animal and marine sources, including bones, cartilage, and
tendons. They are produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, a process that
yields low-molecular-weight peptides with improved bioavailability that
can support metabolic processes in target tissues.*2
Skin Hydration and Elasticity
As the body’s largest organ, the skin serves as the primary barrier to the
external environment. Dermal fibroblasts produce essential structural
components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagen and
elastin.4 Collagen is a key component of the ECM, and, as part of the
natural aging process, reduced fibroblast activity results in a weakened
structural framework for maintenance of firmness and resilience.2,4
In a preclinical in vitro study designed to assess the mechanism for
age-related changes in human dermal fibroblasts exposed to collagen
peptides, it was found that collagen peptides help to maintain ECM
structure in skin cells by stimulating fibroblast activity, providing potential
beneficial effects for skin-firming and anti-aging properties.*4
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Clinical Applications
» Helps Maintain Skin Hydration and Elasticity*
» Provides Antioxidants to Protect Skin from Oxidative Stress*
» Delivers Collagen Peptides for Joint Comfort*
» Supports Bone Strength and Density*
» Supports Muscle and Joint Recovery After Exercise*
» Helps Maintain Healthy Hair and Nail Appearance*
Collagen Elite features highly bioavailable collagen peptides, plus lutein
and vitamin C, in a complementary formulation designed to support
vibrant skin, hair, and nails, and promote joint comfort. This formula
helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, provides antioxidants to
combat oxidative stress, and supports post-exercise muscle and joint
recovery.*
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in female subjects (N = 69)
aged 35 to 55 years, participants received 2.5 or 5 g of collagen peptides
daily for 8 weeks. Skin-related biophysical parameters were assessed
at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. Both dosage groups showed
statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity, along with
increased hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss, reflecting
improved barrier function.*5
Another study evaluated the effects of low-molecular-weight collagen
peptide supplementation on skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity. In this
12-week trial, subjects (N = 64) taking 1,000 mg daily showed increased
skin hydration and improvements in skin wrinkling and elasticity at both 6
and 12 weeks.*6
Together, these findings support the use of collagen peptides as a
functional ingredient to help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.*
Joint Comfort
Collagen loss in bone and joint tissues is multifactorial and influenced by
aging, hormonal changes, inflammation, immobility, mechanical stress,
and repetitive strain.2 Collagen comprises approximately 60% of cartilage,
the resilient tissue that cushions and protects joints. Chondrocytes,
specialized cells in cartilage, have a primary role in maintaining the
cartilage matrix, which consists of collagen and proteoglycans, the
molecules that attract and retain water to provide strength and shock-
absorbing properties. Collagen-derived peptides may accumulate in
cartilage and stimulate chondrocytes to produce ECM molecules, helping
counteract tissue degeneration.*7
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in subjects
(N = 30) with osteoarthritis (OA), supplementation with 5 g of collagen
peptides twice daily for 13 weeks improved OA symptoms. Researchers
suggested that this effect was attributed to the role collagen peptides play
in regulating chondrocyte differentiation and stimulating proteoglycan
synthesis, resulting in cartilage tissue support.*3
Continued on next page
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In another randomized, controlled trial, the influence of collagen peptides on
activity-related joint discomfort in active young adults (N = 180) aged 18 to
30 years was explored. Subjects were given placebo or 5 g of peptides for a
12-week period, with changes in pain during or after exercise assessed using
the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and through physical examination. Discomfort
level during activity was significantly lower in the test group compared with
the placebo group.*7
Additional research suggests that collagen peptide supplementation, when
combined with exercise, may support functional adaptation of both the ECM
and muscles. In a randomized trial, sedentary-to-moderately active males
(N = 55) participated in a training intervention combined with either 15 g of
collagen peptides or placebo for 12 weeks. The collagen intervention group
demonstrated reduced acute markers of exercise-induced muscle damage
and improved post-exercise regenerative capacity.*8
Overall, the results of these studies indicate that collagen peptide
supplements support joint comfort and may have a positive effect on post-
exercise muscle and joint recovery in healthy individuals.*7,8
Bone Health
Collagen represents approximately 80% of bone protein. Although minerals
determine bone stiffness and rigidity, collagen provides skeletal toughness
by forming the scaffolding, defining tissue structure, and stimulating bone-
forming cells, which determine the amount of mineral deposition.*9
A study assessing the impact of collagen peptides on bone mineral density
(BMD) in postmenopausal women (N = 131), found that 5 g of collagen
peptides daily for 12 months increased BMD in women with age-related
reduction and was also associated with increased bone formation and
reduced degradation.*10
Given that BMD naturally declines with age, postmenopausal women are at
an increased risk for decreased bone density. Further research is needed to
determine the same benefits of collagen supplementation on bone strength
and density in other populations.*
Hair and Nails
Hair and nails are primarily made of keratin protein; however, collagen
plays a secondary role in supporting their health. Collagen is found in the
connective tissue surrounding hair follicles and beneath the nail bed matrix,
where it helps maintain structural integrity. Additionally, collagen peptides
are broken down into amino acids that can be used by the body for protein
synthesis, including keratin production.*11,12
In a small open-label study in subjects (N = 25) with brittle nails, daily
supplementation with 2.5 g of collagen peptides for 24 weeks led to
noticeable improvements, including increased nail growth and a decrease in
the frequency of cracked or chipped nails. Some benefits persisted 4 weeks
post-supplementation, suggesting a sustained effect on nail health.11 An
additional study in female subjects (N = 44) with self-perceived hair thinning
found that 2.5 g of collagen peptides given over 16 weeks increased hair
thickness.*12
Overall, this research suggests that collagen peptides may benefit hair and
nail health; however, current studies are limited by small sample sizes,
multi-ingredient protocols, lack of placebo control, and reliance on subjective
outcomes such as perception of the appearance of subjects’ hair and nails.
Further research with a more rigorous, controlled study design and objective
clinical measures is needed to confirm these effects.*
Lutein and Skin
Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid pigment found in a wide variety of plants,
along with zeaxanthin, another xanthophyll carotenoid. These pigments
are known for absorbing blue light, including portions of the UV spectrum.
Because they accumulate in the macula, the protective benefits of
these xanthophylls have been extensively studied in relation to eye
health. However, lutein and zeaxanthin are also deposited in the skin,
where they play an important protective role.*13
The unique molecular structure of lutein and zeaxanthin makes them
efficient scavengers of reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen
and peroxyl radicals.14 As a result, they have the capability of protecting
skin from oxidative damage induced by UV and visible light, with
emerging evidence also suggesting protection from oxidative stress
associated with aging.15,16 Lutein and zeaxanthin may further support skin
structure by modulating ECM remodeling. In human dermal fibroblasts,
lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce the expression of
matrix metalloproteinases, such as MMP-1, a key enzyme responsible for
collagen breakdown, without compromising cell viability.*16
A randomized, double-blind trial evaluated the effects of lutein and
zeaxanthin on 5 skin parameters in healthy women (N = 40) with signs
of skin aging. Participants given a 10-mg oral dose of FloraGLO® lutein
(derived from marigold flowers, Tagetes erecta) demonstrated marked
improvements in skin health, with an increase in skin hydration,
lipid content, and elasticity. Photoprotective effects were also
observed, including reduced UV-induced free radical formation and
decreased lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that oral lutein
supplementation may provide meaningful benefits for skin health.*17
Vitamin C and Skin
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that
must be obtained exogenously. Pollution, smoking, radiation, and
heavy metal exposure, as well as stress, immune challenges, and
temperature changes, all increase human requirements for vitamin
C. Well-known functions of this versatile vitamin include antioxidant
protection against free radicals and oxidation, and the synthesis of
collagen.*18-20
Vitamin C’s role in collagen formation makes it vital for maintaining
skin, joint, and skeletal health.19,20 In vitro and animal studies have
shown that vitamin C acts as a cofactor for proline and lysine
hydroxylases that stabilize the structure of collagen cells and promote
collagen gene expression. In the skin, fibroblasts in the dermis rely
on vitamin C to support both the synthesis and structural integrity
of collagen in the dermal matrix; in its absence, collagen production
is reduced, and crosslinking is impaired, leading to less stable
collagen.*19
Vitamin C also plays a key physiological role in the antioxidant
defense system of human skin. At the cellular level, it interacts with
other antioxidants, including vitamin E, enzymatic antioxidants, such
as superoxide dismutase, and the master antioxidant, glutathione.
Glutathione helps regenerate oxidized vitamin C, which in turn helps
restore vitamin E, thereby supporting an integrated antioxidant network.*18
In a study evaluating radical-scavenging activity in human skin,
subjects (N = 33) were supplemented with vitamin C or placebo.
After 4 weeks, daily doses of 100 and 180 mg increased cutaneous
antioxidative activity by 22% and 37%, respectively, with no change
observed in the placebo group.*18
Collagen Elite features a comprehensive blend of highly bioavailable
collagen peptides, vitamin C, and FloraGLO® lutein. Supporting beauty
from within, this formulation provides collagen peptides to help maintain
skin hydration and elasticity and promote a healthy hair and nail
appearance, while lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C provide antioxidant
support to help protect skin from oxidative stress. The collagen peptides
in this formula also support joint comfort, bone strength and density, and
muscle and joint recovery following exercise.*
