Oral consumption of Bonito fish-derived elastin peptide (VGPG Elastin?) improves biophysical properties in aging skin: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

Background Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that the elastin peptide improves the skin's biophysical properties, enhancing the proliferation of fibroblasts and elastin synthesis, resulting in anti-aging properties. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to clinically evaluate the effect of elastin peptide intake on human skin. Materials and Methods Healthy adult participants (N = 100) were randomly assigned to receive a test product containing 100 mg of Bonito elastin peptide (VGPG Elastin (R)) or placebo. In this study, all participants were Asian from Korea. The parameters of skin wrinkles, hydration, and brightening (melanin index) were measured at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention. Results The average skin roughness, maximum peak-to-valley values, maximum peak height of the wrinkle, maximum valley depth of the wrinkle, average maximum height of the wrinkle, and eye wrinkle volume improved considerably in the test group compared with the placebo after 12 weeks of intervention. Skin hydration was enhanced, and the melanin index was significantly lower in the test group than in the placebo group. No participant experienced adverse events related to the test product. Conclusion Oral consumption of Bonito elastin peptide (VGPG Elastin (R)) reduced fine wrinkles, enhanced skin moisture, and decreased melanin index without significant adverse effects and may be a promising anti-wrinkle, anti-dryness, and anti-pigmentation treatment.