Salmon cartilage supplement trial found differences in most measured skin features
In healthy adults, an oral salmon cartilage supplement improved most measured skin features compared with placebo by the trial's end. Crow's-feet wrinkle area showed no significant difference, and effect sizes were not reported.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The supplement group showed improvements in most skin measurements compared with placebo by the end of the trial. The percentage of wrinkle area at crow's feet did not show a statistically significant difference. No adverse effects were reported during the study, but the abstract does not establish longer-term safety or how noticeable the changes were.
The abstract gives statistical significance without absolute changes or confidence intervals. The brief observation period cannot establish lasting effects, and reported tolerability does not establish safety for broader populations.
What researchers found
Placebo comparison at 56 days
Elasticity, hydration, roughness, wrinkles and pigmentation were assessed. Most measures favoured the supplement by 56 days; crow's-feet wrinkle area showed no statistically significant difference.
What was tested
Proteoglycans extracted from salmon nasal cartilage were taken orally. The trial measured skin features before and during supplementation. Double-blind means two parties were unaware of treatment assignment; the abstract does not specify which parties.
Significance does not describe visible size
Statistical significance indicates evidence of a difference under the analysis used. It does not tell readers how large or noticeable that difference was. The abstract therefore supports changes in measured features without quantifying their visible impact.
The original publication
Clinical Trial of Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycans on Human Facial Antiaging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Bai XD, Liu YC, Ge SY et al.
J Cosmet Dermatol · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40613544
- Record checked
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