Improvement of skin condition by oral supplementation with sphingomyelin-containing milk phospholipids in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial

Abstract

Sphingomyelin (SM), an essential phospholipid for the skin, is contained largely in the milk fat globule membrane surrounding milk fat, concentrated fractions of which are also generated concurrently during the manufacture of dairy products. Such an SM-containing milk phospholipid concentrate (SM-MPC) is useful for investigating the benefits of dietary SM. Here, we examined the effect of consuming SM-MPC on the condition of skin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Ninety-six healthy subjects aged 20 to 39 yr with low skin hydration were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a high-SM group supplemented with SM-MPC at a dose equivalent to 10 mg/d of SM, a low-SM group supplemented with SM-MPC equivalent to 5 mg/d of SM, and a placebo group fed a vehicle composed of olive oil and beeswax. During daily supplementation for 12 wk, parameters related to the condition of skin were evaluated at baseline and every 3 wk. Skin hydration at the heel was significantly increased at wk 9 and 12 in the low-SM group compared with the placebo group. Skin elasticity in the region below the eye was significantly increased at wk 9 in the high-SM group versus placebo. Questionnaire-based subjective perceptions of skin conditions were significantly improved for facial skin moisture at wk 3 and 12, and in the wrinkle around the eyes at wk 9 and 12 in the high-SM group versus placebo. Our results indicate that constant and long-term supplementation with SM-MPC is capable of improving the general condition of skin.

Recent Advances in Phospholipids from Colostrum, Milk and Dairy By-Products

“…Morifuji and co-workers [ 111 ] fed female hairless mice with low and high concentration of milk phospholipids, and they reported that mice on a diet with supplemented with a high phospholipid concentration showed higher covalently-bound ω-hydroxy ceramides in the epidermis and, generally, an improved skin barrier function due to the suppression of skin inflammation. Higurashi et al [ 112 ] carried out their experimentation on human subjects orally supplemented by a commercial SM-containing milk phospholipid concentrate containing 5.9% of SM; their results showed that subjects supplemented with phospholipids reported higher skin elasticity below the eye than control subjects. The authors attributed this beneficial effect to an enhanced synthesis of ceramides from SM that led to the production of extracellular matrix and, because of that, improved skin elasticity.…”

Sources, Production, and Clinical Treatments of Milk Fat Globule Membrane for Infant Nutrition and Well-Being

“…Further, these molecules contribute to the proper development of immunity and intestinal trophism, possibly mediated by the evolving microbiota. The second area where MFGM is being positioned is the prevention of several diseases including cardiovascular disease [12], impaired bone turnover and inflammation [13], skin conditions [14], and infection by E. coli [15], as well as age-associated diseases such as cognitive decline and muscle loss. Stemming from the observation that the phospholipid composition of MFGM is quite similar to that of neuronal cell membranes, some investigators are proposing the use of MFGM to counteract the loss of some neuronal components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely those of the omega-3 series [16][17][18][19].…”

Favorableeffect of creams with skimmed donkey milk encapsulated in nanoliposomes on skin physiology

“…Milk‐derived products used in modern cosmetic industry usually include cow milk or whey. Anti‐inflammatory and skin rejuvenating effects of mare milk have been documented on skin fibroblasts, the dermal cells responsible for collagen synthesis and secretion 27,28 . A beneficial effect of ingested milk and related dairy products on skin physiology and acne treatment has been highlighted in some publications 29‐31 .…”