Effects of Milk Protein Hydrolysates on Skin Quality and Advanced Glycation End Products in Women With Perceived Skin Dullness

BACKGROUNDMilk protein hydrolysates have been suggested to exert protective effects against skin aging; however, clinical evidence remains limited.

AIMSThis pilot study evaluated the effects of casein hydrolysate MMP1C and whey protein hydrolysate MMP2W on skin condition in healthy Japanese women.

METHODSTwo randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials were conducted in women aged 35–54 years who were concerned about facial dullness. In Trial 1, 60 participants were randomly assigned to receive 5 g/day of MMP1C, MMP2W, or placebo for 8 weeks. Skin parameters, including skin color, subjective skin qualities, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), were assessed. Based on the preliminary findings from Trial 1, skin AGEs were defined as the primary outcome in Trial 2, in which 120 participants received 1 g/day of MMP1C or placebo for 8 weeks. Additional outcomes included ultraviolet (UV) and brown spots.

RESULTSIn Trial 1, 58 participants were included in the efficacy analysis set. Significant improvements in subjective skin qualities were observed in the MMP1C group compared with the placebo group, whereas no significant effects were observed in the MMP2W group. In Trial 2, 98 participants were included in the efficacy analysis set. The MMP1C group showed a significant reduction in AGEs (p = 0.014) and suppression of the worsening of UV and brown spots compared with the placebo group. No test food-related adverse events were reported in either trial.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that MMP1C is a safe functional food ingredient and may contribute to the prevention of skin aging.

Abstract from Crossref