Can collagen cause weight gain
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Can Collagen Cause Weight Gain?
Collagen and Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Collagen, particularly collagen VI, plays a significant role in the extracellular matrix of adipose tissue. Research indicates that collagen VI is dysfunctional in obesity and contributes to metabolic syndrome. Increased expression of the collagen VI alpha3-subunit (COL6A3) mRNA is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. Overfeeding studies have shown that weight gain is accompanied by increased COL6A3 mRNA expression, suggesting a link between collagen VI and adipose tissue inflammation, which may contribute to weight gain1.
Fish Collagen Peptide and Weight Management
Contrary to the potential weight gain associated with collagen VI, fish collagen peptides have shown promising anti-obesity effects. Studies on fish collagen peptide (SWFCP) have demonstrated its ability to inhibit adipogenic differentiation in preadipocytes and reduce lipid accumulation. In high-fat diet-fed mice, oral administration of SWFCP significantly reduced body weight gain without affecting food intake. This reduction in weight gain was linked to decreased expression of key adipogenic regulators and smaller adipocyte size, indicating that fish collagen peptides can help manage weight by inhibiting adipogenesis2.
Collagen and Lipid Metabolism
Collagen peptides derived from skate skin have also been found to exert anti-obesity effects by regulating lipid metabolism. In high-fat diet-fed mice, collagen peptide administration resulted in lower body weight gain and reduced visceral adipose tissue weight. This was achieved through the downregulation of proteins involved in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and the upregulation of proteins involved in β-oxidation and bile acid synthesis. These findings suggest that collagen peptides can help reduce fat accumulation and improve lipid metabolism, thereby preventing weight gain5.
Collagen and Gut Microbiota
Another mechanism through which collagen peptides may influence weight is by altering the gut microbiota. Fish collagen peptides have been shown to reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut, which is associated with obesity. This alteration in gut microbiota composition leads to the activation of metabolic pathways that inhibit obesity, such as polysaccharide degradation and essential amino acid synthesis. Consequently, collagen peptides can reduce abdominal fat accumulation, high blood glucose levels, and overall weight gain7.
Collagen and Glucose Homeostasis
Collagen V, particularly the α3(V) chain, is critical for glucose homeostasis. Mice lacking the α3(V) gene (Col5a3) were resistant to high-fat diet-induced weight gain but exhibited glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. These metabolic defects were linked to decreased numbers of pancreatic islets and impaired glucose uptake in white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. This underscores the complex role of collagen in metabolic regulation and its potential impact on weight gain6.
Conclusion
The relationship between collagen and weight gain is multifaceted. While certain types of collagen, such as collagen VI, are associated with adipose tissue inflammation and weight gain, other collagen peptides, particularly those derived from fish and skate skin, have demonstrated anti-obesity effects by inhibiting adipogenesis, regulating lipid metabolism, and altering gut microbiota. Therefore, the impact of collagen on weight gain depends on the specific type and source of collagen.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Adipose tissue collagen VI in obesity.
Increased collagen VI alpha3-subunit (COL6A3) mRNA in adipose tissue may contribute to adipose tissue inflammation and obesity, with weight gain accompanied by changes in COL6A3 expression.
Observational Study
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedFish collagen peptide inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes and ameliorates obesity in high fat diet-fed mice.
Fish collagen peptide reduces body weight gain and adipogenesis in obese mice fed a high-fat diet by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and suppressing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedSTUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF COLLAGEN
Growth rate and caloric intake influence collagen formation in guinea pigs' skin, with growth rate affecting collagen extraction and fasting reducing it.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedSTUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF COLLAGEN
Ascorbic acid deficiency in guinea pigs hinders collagen synthesis or causes its destruction and removal as quickly as it is produced.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyAnti-Obesity Effects of Collagen Peptide Derived from Skate (Raja kenojei) Skin Through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism
Skate collagen peptide effectively suppresses fat accumulation and regulates lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-fed mice.
α3(V) collagen is critical for glucose homeostasis in mice due to effects in pancreatic islets and peripheral tissues.
3(V) collagen plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis in mice, with metabolic defects worsening with age.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyCollagen Peptide Exerts an Anti-Obesity Effect by Influencing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio in the Gut
Fish collagen peptides can suppress obesity by altering intestinal microflora and increasing beneficial bacteria, potentially reducing abdominal fat accumulation, high blood glucose levels, and weight gain.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyCollagen production in fasted and food-restricted rats: response to duration and severity of food deprivation.
Partially fed rats show decreased collagen production, suggesting a potential role for decreased collagen synthesis in connective tissues during mild undernutrition.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyAmelioration of estrogen deficiency-induced obesity by collagen hydrolysate
Collagen hydrolysate supplementation reduces body weight gain and adipocyte enlargement in menopausal rats, potentially improving estrogen deficiency-induced obesity and its associated risk factors.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous Journal