Effects of a Combination of Water-Soluble CoenzymeQ10 and Collagen on Skin Parameters and Condition:Results of a Randomised, Placebo-Controlled,Double-Blind Study

Abstract

Skin is a complex and dynamic organ that provides a protective interface between theexternal environment and the body; changes in skin appearance are often the first visible signs ofaging. It is well established that nutrients and other bioactive substances have important roles in thestructure and functions of human skin; however, the effects of dietary supplementation of suchbioactives are much less investigated. The objective of this randomised, double-blind placebocontrolledstudy was to investigate the effects of liquid food supplement, characterised by acombination of water-soluble coenzyme Q10 (Q10Vital®) and collagen, on dermal density and otherskin parameters in comparison to placebo. The trial was performed on 34 healthy women aged 40-65 that received either the test product (n = 17) or the placebo (n = 17) for twelve weeks.Measurements and assessments of skin parameters were performed at baseline and after 12 weeksof intervention. We observed improved dermis density, reduced periorbital wrinkle area and thetotal wrinkle score, and improved skin smoothness was observed. On the other hand, changes inskin hydration, dermis thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and viscoelasticity were notsignificant.

Keywords: CoQ10; Coenzyme Q10; Q10Vital; collagen peptides; dermis density; skin health.

Figure 1

CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) flow diagram showing trial design and subjects’ assignment and progression through the trial.

Figure 2

Dermis density before intake (T0) and after 12 weeks of intake of study products (T12). Oral administration of the test product led to increased dermis density after 12 weeks, while in the placebo group there was no significant change over the same period of time. (ns: not significant, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001).

Figure 3

Examples of ultrasound images of the skin before and after 12 weeks of supplementation for a subject from the test group (a1 and b1) and from the placebo group (a2 and b2). In the ultrasound image, the white line to the left represents the epidermis with a water film, to the right followed by dermis, characterized by varying intensities, and subcutis by low-intensity areas due to a homogenous composition. From images a1 and b1, an increase in dermis echogenicity is visible, indicating an improvement in dermal density throughout the study, while slight deterioration can be observed from images (a2) and (b2). Echogenicity colour scale: white > yellow > red > green > black.

Figure 4

Wrinkle area fraction (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) before intake of study products (T0) and after 12 weeks of intake (T12). Oral administration of test product resulted in decreased wrinkle area in comparison to placebo (ns: not significant, **** p < 0.0001).

Figure 5

Relative change of total wrinkle score (TWS) from baseline after 12 weeks of supplementation for placebo and test group; **** p < 0.0001.