Low-Molecular-Weight Bovine Collagen Peptides Reduce Fat Accumulation in C. elegans and Ameliorate Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction and Microbiota Diversity in C57BL/6 Male Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Collagen and its derivatives, including hydrolyzed collagen peptides, have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with potential benefits in obesity and metabolic syndrome prevention and management. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of a low-molecular-weight bovine collagen hydrolysate (COLLinstant^® LMW) on metabolic health using <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> and C57BL/6 diet-induced obese mice. In <i>C. elegans</i>, C-LMW (2 mg/mL) improved healthspan by significantly reducing fat accumulation (as measured with Nile Red) and reactive oxygen species measured through dihydroethidium, slowing the aging process measured with lipofuscin, and extending the median lifespan of the nematodes. In 32 male 20-week-old diet-induced obese mice, C-LMW supplementation (1 mg/animal/day) for 8 weeks led to a significant reduction in mesenteric, visceral and total adipose tissue (-28% -15% and -18%, respectively; <i>p</i> > 0.05), improved glucose tolerance, and partially restored glucose homeostasis, as demonstrated by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance (-26% AUC, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Additionally, collagen hydrolysate supplementation led to a significant impact on gut microbiota composition by increasing microbial diversity and modulating beneficial bacterial populations, which may contribute to the observed metabolic improvements. These findings suggest that bovine-derived collagen peptides exert anti-obesogenic and metabolic regulatory effects, supporting their potential as functional dietary ingredients for obesity management.