December 4, 2025, 11:38 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Study Examined Role of Collagen for Biological Age

Collagen is the most common structural protein in the bodies of humans and other mammals. Proteins from meat also consist of about 12 to 17 percent collagen. In addition to natural animal sources, there are now numerous dietary supplements that provide this essential structural protein. As people age, the body’s own collagen production decreases by about one to one and a half percent annually—a process that significantly contributes to skin aging, weaker connective tissue, and decreased muscle strength. Many people, therefore, take collagen supplements to support skin, joints, and overall vitality.

However, it was previously unclear which component of collagen is actually responsible for health benefits or even a reduction in biological age. This is precisely where the study led by Collin Y. Ewald comes in.¹ The researchers identified a specific combination of three amino acids—glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—known as the central building blocks of collagen, which appear to be able to measurably slow down the aging process.

Details of the Study

Using preclinical, molecular biological, and clinical approaches, the researchers examined whether these three amino acids from collagen in a specific ratio have health-promoting effects.

Experiments with C. elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a specific roundworm and serves as a proven model organism. The researchers administered various collagen components in defined amino acid ratios to these test animals. They measured their lifespan, collagen expression, and mobility in old age. The worms were kept on nutrient media with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli bacteria, using different wild-type, mutant, and transgenic strains. This allowed the researchers to determine the most effective amino acid combination and statistically evaluate lifespan and mobility.

Mouse Experiment

Male mice aged 20 months (equivalent to about 60 human years) received either standard food or food with the 3:1:1 amino acid mixture (3 glycine, 1 proline, and 1 hydroxyproline) for six months. In addition to food intake, body weight, organ values, and general health status were monitored. At the end, the organs were weighed and pathological changes documented.

Tests with Human Cells

Neonatal dermal fibroblasts—human connective tissue cells—were also treated with the amino acid mixture in a 3:1:1 ratio. At defined intervals, RNA was extracted and sequenced to analyze the effects on gene expression and age-related signaling pathways.

Observational Study with Humans

Sixty-six healthy adults took a dietary supplement daily for six months—the so-called Collagen Activator from a Swiss manufacturer—which contains glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, as well as other supportive ingredients. The researchers repeatedly measured their skin condition and biological age. In addition, participants received monthly questionnaires about their health, skin, and product use to fill out. All data were electronically recorded and statistically evaluated.

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Observations

In the C. elegans worms, the 3:1:1 combination extended lifespan by six to 27 percent and significantly improved mobility in old age. Individual amino acids alone did not achieve a comparable effect. In mice, the treatment led to increased grip strength and reduced visceral fat mass, while weight and general health status remained unchanged. The researchers interpreted this as good tolerability of the treatment.

In human skin cells, the amino acid combination led to a significant increase in the production of collagen and other important connective tissue components after just eight to 24 hours. These are precisely the proteins that stabilize and renew the skin. In the human study, biological age decreased by an average of 1.37 years after six months. In some participants, the reduction was up to 12 years. After just one month, skin texture improved significantly, and skin moisture and elasticity increased. About six percent of participants dropped out of the study due to unwanted side effects of the treatment. However, the authors describe these as “mild symptoms” (e.g., skin redness or mild gastrointestinal reactions).

Significance of the Results and Limitations

The study provides initial evidence that a minimalist, specifically composed amino acid formula of three collagen-typical building blocks not only alleviates age-related symptoms but also reduces biological age. The treatment could thus slow down the aging process at the molecular level. This could be a milestone in the field of longevity and anti-aging. The results are potentially relevant for consumers seeking scientifically based dietary supplements, for medicine—especially dermatology, geriatrics, and preventive medicine—as well as for research. They suggest that certain amino acid combinations could serve as signals for regenerative processes that are evolutionarily conserved.

However, despite the interdisciplinary approach—model organisms, cell cultures, and human observations—there are limitations. The human study lacked a control group. Therefore, the reduction in biological age cannot be clearly attributed to the amino acid mixture. The mouse study also lacked a comparison group with other amino acids. Additionally, participants knew they were taking an anti-aging product, which can lead to subjective biases. The participants were predominantly young, healthy, well-educated, and active, limiting generalizability. Finally, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood: how cells recognize and respond to the specific 3:1:1 ratio remains open. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are necessary to definitively confirm the effect.