Our landmark clinical trial on True Collagen for whole-body health

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At Ancient + Brave, we honour the intelligence of nature and the wisdom of science to create powerful, effective rituals for well-being. As experts in collagen and with our unwavering commitment to innovation, I am proud to be leading Ancient + Brave in this pioneering research. 

We are thrilled to introduce the BECOME Study (Benefits of Bovine Collagen vs. Placebo on Skin, Hair, Nails, and Whole-Body Health in Healthy Adults)—a groundbreaking independently run clinical trial verifying the whole-body health benefits of True Collagen. 

Advancing collagen science

While numerous studies have demonstrated collagen’s effectiveness in enhancing skin, hair, and nail health, our commitment to innovation drives us to explore its broader impact. The BECOME Study not only reaffirms that True Collagen is clinically effective for beauty-related benefits but also deepens our understanding of collagen and its wider impact on whole-body health. 

By investing in our own rigorous, independent clinical trial, we not only give you our assurance that True Collagen peptides are clinically effective and backed by science, but we are setting a new benchmark for evidence-based supplementation in the wellness industry at large.

Why collagen is important to whole body health

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, often revered for its role in healthy skin, but its importance extends far beyond just keeping skin looking plump.

• Structural foundation: Collagen forms the framework that holds together our skin, joints, bones, muscles, and even the gut’s connective tissues. Its unique triple-helix structure—bolstered by key amino acids like proline and glycine—creates a robust, high-tensile matrix essential for cellular strength and resilience.
  

• Natural decline and its impact: Starting in our mid-twenties, natural collagen production declines by about 1% each year. This reduction is influenced by intrinsic factors (such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and metabolic changes) and extrinsic stressors (including UV exposure, pollution, and smoking). The decline not only contributes to visible signs of ageing—like fine lines, wrinkles, and decreased skin elasticity—but also affects gut health, muscle recovery, and bone density. Moreover, collagen loss accelerates during menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels, which are vital for stimulating collagen synthesis.
  

• Nourishing your body: Supplementing with bioavailable collagen peptides helps support this critical framework, promoting enhanced structural integrity and overall vitality.

 

A clinical trial redefining collagen science

The BECOME study is one of the most comprehensive trials of its kind. Conducted over twelve weeks, this study was designed to meet the gold standard for scientific rigour; a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. This is the same level of scrutiny applied to pharmaceutical research, ensuring that our findings are held to the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and clinical significance.

With ninety healthy female participants aged between 35 and 55, the trial was meticulously structured to assess the effects of True Collagen vs. placebo in a real-world setting. Neither participants nor study coordinators knew which product was being taken, ensuring unbiased and scientifically robust findings.

With a precise 10g daily dosage, the study was conducted over twelve weeks, demonstrating the transformative power of consistency. Assessments were conducted at three key touchpoints—baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks—utilising a combination of bioinstrumental measurements, expert visual grading, and subjective assessments via validated questionnaires to assess broader markers of whole-body health.

The study received approval from an independent research ethics committee and adhered to the highest standards of clinical research.

This isn’t just another study on skin-deep beauty. It is a bold step forward in understanding how collagen weaves into the tapestry of whole-body health. As we continue to share our findings, we remain committed to equipping you with knowledge, empowering informed choices, and redefining the future of supplementation with integrity and curiosity.

How true collagen transforms skin health

The results of the BECOME Study offer powerful, science-backed evidence of True Collagen’s ability to enhance skin health at a deep, cellular level. Across multiple measures, True Collagen supplementation demonstrated statistically significant improvements in skin hydration, firmness, brightness, and resilience—validating its transformative role in skin function and appearance. Let’s dive in:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: After just six weeks, participants experienced an 8% reduction in fine lines and crow’s feet, with more than double the improvement after twelve weeks. Remarkably, 100% of participants saw an improvement at both time points.
  

• Collagen density: Advanced imaging showed a 31% reduction in collagen fragmentation by week 12, meaning the skin’s internal collagen support network became stronger and more structured. Collagen fragmentation refers to the breakdown of collagen fibres, which weakens the skin’s foundation and leads to wrinkles and sagging. A decrease in fragmentation indicates that True Collagen helped to preserve and reinforce the skin’s natural collagen matrix. By week 6, 66% of participants showed signs of improvement, increasing to 87% by week 12, demonstrating a progressive strengthening of the skin’s structure compared to placebo.
  

• Firmness and elasticity: True Collagen significantly improved skin firmness by 2% at week 6, progressing to a 9% increase by week 12. 73% of participants saw improvements within six weeks, and 100% experienced firmer skin by week 12.
  

• Skin brightness and pigmentation: By week 6, 96% of participants saw brighter skin, with improvements reaching 100% by week 12. Skin microcirculation also improved by 12% at week 6 and 43% at week 12, reducing redness and evening skin tone.
  

• Skin hydration: True Collagen enhanced hydration by 63% at week 6 and 76% at week 12, with 100% of participants experiencing an increase in moisture retention.
  

• Skin barrier strength: The ability of the skin to be resilient and protect against environmental stressors improved significantly, with a 17% enhancement at week 6 and a 27% improvement by week 12. Again, 100% of participants saw benefits at both timepoints. 80% of participants noticed an improvement in skin healing rates after 12 weeks.

These results reaffirm the power of True Collagen to not only improve visible signs of ageing but also enhance deep structural resilience, reinforcing the skin’s natural collagen matrix. True Collagen helps not only to reduce signs of ageing but also improve the skin's ability to shield itself against environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure, support skin healing and reinforce the body’s natural ability to regenerate and maintain optimal skin health.

True Collagen improves the health of hair and nails

After just 12 weeks of supplementation with True Collagen, our study participants reported notable improvements in hair quality alongside promising trends in nail health.

After 12 weeks of True Collagen:

• 73% of participants noticed an increase in hair thickness.

• 80% experienced enhanced hair strength.

• 77% observed less hair breakage.

By working at the cellular level, True Collagen not only improves the visible quality of hair but also fortifies its underlying structure, resulting in a fuller and more resilient hair profile. 

Collagen supplies key amino acids—such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline—that are crucial for keratin production, the primary protein that forms hair. Collagen helps protect hair follicles from environmental stressors, thereby supporting tissue repair and reducing the likelihood of breakage. True Collagen provides robust support for overall hair health, contributing to a fuller and more resilient hair profile. 

In addition to the improvements in hair, 63% of participants noted increased nail growth and enhanced nail strength. Although these benefits did not reach statistical significance, they suggest a positive trend toward improved nail resilience. Collagen plays a vital role in reinforcing the structural integrity of nails, potentially supporting the growth and durability of the nail matrix.

Whole body health benefits: beyond skin-deep

Unlike many collagen studies that focus solely on skin, hair, and nail improvements, our research with True Collagen uniquely highlights its comprehensive benefits for whole-body health. This study evaluated multiple facets of well-being—spanning digestion, sleep, exercise recovery, energy levels, and joint comfort—demonstrating that True Collagen can support health from the inside out.

• Digestive health: At the 6-week mark, 70% of participants experienced fewer digestive issues such as bloating or constipation. Improvements in gastrointestinal comfort may be linked to collagen’s role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and supporting digestive function.
  

• Enhanced sleep and recovery: After 12 weeks of True Collagen, 70% of participants noticed an improvement in sleep quality and felt more restored upon waking. Equally compelling, 70% found they fell asleep faster and enjoyed more restful nights. 
  

• Energy and physical activity: A significant 90% reported faster recovery from exercise with less muscle soreness, suggesting that True Collagen aids in tissue repair and reduces exercise-induced inflammation—benefits that are vital for overall recovery and vitality. Participants also reported feeling more energised throughout the day, with 80% noting an increase in daily energy levels. Joint comfort and flexibility were enhanced as well; 70% of participants observed improved joint function, and 73% experienced less pain or stiffness, making daily movement easier and more comfortable. These results underscore collagen’s role in strengthening the connective tissues that support not just joints but the entire musculoskeletal system.

Setting True Collagen apart: why this study matters

At Ancient + Brave, we are committed to redefining industry standards by harnessing rigorous scientific research to transform the way we understand health, nutrition and well-being.  What makes the BECOME True Collagen study truly unique is its holistic approach. While most collagen products are primarily marketed for beauty enhancements, our BECOME study demonstrates that True Collagen supports a wide range of health benefits. Beyond skin-deep improvements, it eases digestive discomfort, enhances sleep quality, accelerates exercise recovery, boosts energy levels, and improves joint comfort. These multi-dimensional benefits position True Collagen as a pioneering supplement—one that transcends cosmetic applications to promote overall health and vitality.

The groundbreaking BECOME study is a testament to our vision. It repositions collagen supplementation from a mere beauty supplement to a hard-working comprehensive tool for whole-body health. But this is only the start. We are dedicated to continually investing in science, testing new products, and expanding our research to further illuminate how innovative nutrition can optimise health. Our commitment to independent, high-integrity research ensures that every formulation not only meets but exceeds the evolving standards of the wellness industry.

Join us on this exciting journey as we forge a new era of supplementation—one that is defined by transparency, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Stay tuned for more insights and breakthroughs as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in science-backed well-being.