Effects of a Jellyfish Collagen-Based Amino Acid Supplement on Cognitive Function and Memory: A Pilot Investigation

Background/Aim This beta investigation assessed the impact of a marine-sourced collagen supplement on measures of cognitive function. Systemic collagen has recently been purported to enhance brain function, but little research has explored this theory. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effects of oral consumption of an encapsulated powder form of a proprietary jellyfish extract on global cognitive parameters during an eight-week open-label trial in middle-aged and older adults. Material & Methods 23 subjects between the ages of 40 and 75 years were selected from the applicant pool for the study. Individuals with specific allergic, cardiometabolic, oncologic, or neurological conditions that may cause undue risk in participation were prospectively excluded. The study consisted of supplement consumption twice daily for eight weeks with an at-home, computer-based standard cognitive battery completed at pre-study baseline and at the end of the trial. In addition, at these same time points, an EEG profile of voltage strength and wave phase pattern was measured during reaction time and trail-making testing. Results Five specific metrics were used from the cognitive profile, all achieving changers that were statistically significant at P < .05. The neurocognitive index (NCI) increased from a standard score, age and gender matched, of 90.51 to 102.07. Composite, verbal and visual memory scores combined increased from 96.80 to a mean score of 110.15. Executive function increased from 96.26 to 105.22. EEG total reaction times in the p300 decreased by 130 milliseconds and combined trail-making scores demonstrated a reduction of test time by 12 seconds. Both were statistically significant. Though not analyzable, over half the individuals throughout the study period voluntarily reported positive outcomes, especially related to alertness, energy, focus, and sleep/dream patterns. Conclusions This pilot investigation showed that taking a proprietary oral jellyfish collagen supplement may offer meaningful benefits for overall cognitive function and brain activity. Seven different measures of cognitive performance improved significantly over the eight-week period. The supplement, derived from marine invertebrate collagen, appears to be a promising way to support brain health in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Importantly, no adverse side effects were reported, suggesting the supplement could be safely used by a large segment of the global population.