A groundbreaking human randomized control trial published in Nutrients has unveiled remarkable benefits of a specially formulated collagen supplement in aiding weight loss and increasing feelings of fullness among individuals with overweight or obesity. The study revealed that participants who took 20 grams of this modified collagen daily over a three-month period experienced significant reductions in body weight and body mass index (BMI). But that’s not all—the findings also indicated improvements in waist size, systolic blood pressure, fatty liver index, and even an increase in fat-free mass!

How Does It Work?

The researchers suspect the collagen’s ability to swell when taken with water may be at the core of its effectiveness, as this can enhance the feeling of fullness and impact appetite-regulating hormones. Unlike many weight-loss supplements on the market, this innovative approach does not require a calorie-restricted diet to be effective.

Supplements that enhance satiety are crucial tools for managing hunger and preventing overconsumption of calories. While prior studies have investigated plant-based compounds like RPG dietary fiber and konjac glucomannan for appetite suppression, the focus on collagen—a compound of animal origin—has been relatively limited. This is surprising, considering that bovine collagen is composed of long amino acid chains that contribute to various functions in food technology and dietary interventions.

Study Insights

Conducting a comprehensive study, researchers performed in vitro tests and human trials. Initially, they confirmed the collagen’s low digestibility rate (less than 60%) and impressive swelling capacity (over 1900%). The human trial involved 64 overweight or obese adults who were split into experimental and control groups. For the 12-week duration, both groups adhered to healthy dietary guidelines.

The control group consumed a protein bar enriched with the bovine collagen along with 250 ml of water 45 minutes prior to lunch and dinner. In contrast, the experimental group consumed only water. Each bar contained 90 kcal, with a total of 20g of collagen.

At the conclusion of the study, those in the collagen group showed significant reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure compared to the control participants. They also reported diminished feelings of hunger and an increase in the hormone leptin, known to regulate appetite. Interestingly, participants experienced a heightened sense of thirst, though this was not statistically significant when compared with the control group.

An intriguing aspect of the study was its findings related to the hormone ghrelin, which typically stimulates appetite. Research involving rats demonstrated that those receiving the collagen supplement had lowered ghrelin levels, suggesting a potential pathway for appetite regulation.

Looking Forward

Researcher Fermín Ignacio Milagro remarked, “These findings suggest that taking 10 grams of collagen before meals could significantly help individuals adhere to dietary regimens, reducing the tendency to snack between meals.” However, since the study did not track individual participants' nutritional intake, the exact relationship between the collagen supplement and caloric consumption remains uncertain.

Milagro advocates for further research, particularly in populations with elevated fasting glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, or transaminase levels, to dissect the mechanisms at play and explore the broader benefits of this technologically modified collagen. He proposed that detailed postprandial analyses of gastrointestinal peptides—like acyl-ghrelin, CCK, GLP-1, and PYY—could illuminate the effects on satiety.

With its exciting potential in weight management, collagen supplementation may soon transform our approach to curbing hunger and improving overall health—stay tuned for more discoveries in this area!