Revealing Novel Insights on How Oral Supplementation With Collagen Peptides May Prevent Hair Loss: Lessons From the Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture

The study examined the impact of collagen peptides (CPs) from marine and bovine sources on human hair follicle function, using hair follicle specimens from six donors. The research found that both types of CPs reduced the proliferation of K15+ epithelial hair follicle stem cells (eHFSCs) and enhanced the generation of K19+ and/or CD34+ stem cell progenies. Bovine CPs significantly increased K15+ cells in the bulge, while marine CPs significantly maintained hair follicles longer in the anagen (growth) phase. These findings suggest that both marine and bovine CPs may help to prevent hair loss and maintain healthy hair by preserving eHFSCs and/or improving the generation of stem cell progenies. The study concludes that collagen peptides, isolated from different sources, exert distinct biological effects by differentially and selectively targeting diverse hair follicle stem cell populations, suggesting potential benefits for individuals suffering from different hair loss conditions. Further studies are needed to fully understand the specific mode of action of these peptides and to confirm their beneficial effects in well-designed clinical trials.