Does collagen cause weight gain
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Does Collagen Cause Weight Gain?
Collagen and Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Collagen VI and Obesity
Research indicates that collagen VI, particularly its alpha3-subunit (COL6A3), is significantly associated with obesity and related metabolic disorders. In human studies, increased COL6A3 mRNA levels in adipose tissue correlate with higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. Additionally, overfeeding studies show that weight gain is accompanied by increased COL6A3 expression, suggesting a link between collagen VI and adipose tissue inflammation. This inflammation is characterized by greater visceral adipose tissue mass, smaller adipocytes, and increased macrophage infiltration, which are all markers of obesity-related inflammation.
Collagen Fragments and Weight Management
Low-Molecular-Mass Collagen Fragments
Contrary to the potential inflammatory role of collagen VI, low-molecular-mass collagen fragments have shown promising anti-obesity effects. In a study on obese rats, these fragments reduced the rate of mass gain, decreased adipose tissue fibrosis, and lowered immune cell infiltration, which are beneficial for managing obesity. This suggests that specific types of collagen, particularly those derived from marine sources, can have a positive impact on weight management and inflammation reduction.
Fish Collagen Peptides
Fish collagen peptides have been found to inhibit adipogenic differentiation and reduce body weight gain in high-fat diet-fed mice. These peptides decrease the expression of key adipogenic regulators, leading to reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and hepatocytes. Oral administration of fish collagen peptides significantly reduced body weight gain and improved lipid profiles without affecting food intake. This indicates that fish collagen peptides can effectively counteract diet-induced obesity.
Collagen and Lipid Metabolism
Skate Skin Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides derived from skate skin have demonstrated anti-obesity effects by regulating lipid metabolism. In high-fat diet-fed mice, these peptides reduced body weight gain and visceral adipose tissue weight. They also improved lipid profiles by downregulating fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis while upregulating β-oxidation and bile acid synthesis. This comprehensive regulation of lipid metabolism underscores the potential of collagen peptides in managing obesity.
Collagen and Gut Microbiota
Gut Microbiota Modulation
Collagen peptides can also influence gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in obesity. In a study involving fish collagen peptides, these peptides altered the gut microbiota composition, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which is associated with obesity. This modulation led to reduced abdominal fat accumulation and weight gain in high-fat diet-fed mice. Thus, collagen peptides not only affect adipose tissue directly but also through gut microbiota alterations.
Collagen and Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Obesity
Menopausal Obesity
Collagen hydrolysate has been shown to ameliorate estrogen deficiency-induced obesity in ovariectomized rats, a model for menopausal women. Supplementation with collagen hydrolysate significantly reduced body weight gain and adipocyte enlargement without significantly affecting blood lipid levels. This suggests that collagen supplementation can be beneficial in managing menopause-related weight gain.
Collagen and Resistance Training
Sarcopenic Men
In older sarcopenic men, collagen peptide supplementation combined with resistance training resulted in significant gains in fat-free mass and loss of body fat. This combination was more effective than resistance training alone, highlighting the potential of collagen peptides in improving body composition in older adults.
Conclusion
Overall, while certain forms of collagen, such as collagen VI, may be associated with weight gain and inflammation in obesity, other forms, particularly low-molecular-mass collagen fragments and fish collagen peptides, have demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects. These benefits include reduced weight gain, improved lipid metabolism, and positive modulation of gut microbiota. Therefore, collagen supplementation, depending on its type and source, can play a beneficial role in weight management and obesity-related conditions.
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