Using bovine collagen peptides by Rousselot BV, the women took the supplement for seven days, with the final dose consumed post-exercise on the last day. The results revealed that CP influenced appetite hormones and insulin concentrations.
“Our findings suggest that if consuming CP after exercise for health or recovery benefits, there may be a compensatory decrease in energy intake at the next meal,” wrote researchers from Loughborough University, Rousselot BV and other institutions in the UK, Japan and Hong Kong. Rousselot BV funded the study.
Adding a note of caution, the researchers acknowledged that the 41 kcal reduction in energy intake was relatively small, “so may not be clinically meaningful.”
Collagen peptides
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for around 25% to 30% of all body protein. There are at least 28 different types of collagens acting as building blocks for skin, muscles, ligaments and other tissues.
Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, are small pieces of protein from collagen. Because of their smaller size, the body can absorb them better, and they are therefore used in health supplements.
Collagen is commonly extracted from bovine, porcine or marine animals’ skin, hides and bones. It is processed first into gelatin and then into free amino acids and peptides through hydrolyzation techniques.
Collagen applications continue to drive market growth, moving from being used predominantly as beauty and joint supplement to more diverse and specialized categories. Studies are now exploring the benefits of collagen peptides for metabolic, cognitive and periodontal health, opening up opportunities for ingredient suppliers.
Study details
The double-blind crossover study randomly assigned 15 active female participants between the ages of 18 and 30 to consume 15 g of collagen peptides or a control daily for seven days.
On day seven, they cycled for 45 minutes at ~55% Wmax (maximal work capacity) before consuming the final supplement. An hour after the supplementation, the participants consumed an ad libitum pasta meal, and their energy intake was recorded.
The researchers measured subjective appetite sensations, blood glucose and hormone concentrations.
Although there were no differences in the appetite ratings between the two groups, the findings revealed that participants who took the CP supplement consumed 10% less total energy intake at the post-exercise pasta meal.
The researchers noted that this may partially be explained by lower levels of the hunger hormone grehlin and higher GLP-1 and insulin concentrations in the CP group.
“This is the first study to report that consuming CP after exercise increases GLP-1 and insulin concentrations and may attenuate energy intake at a subsequent meal in healthy females,” the researchers wrote. However, they noted that six days of CP intake did not significantly affect morning sensations and hormones or fasting blood glucose.
They called for further research to examine the effects of longer-term CP supplementation on weight and appetite, using different doses and populations.
Source: British Journal of Nutrition. 2025, doi: 10.1017/S0007114525103851. “The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on appetite and post-exercise energy intake in females: a randomised controlled trial”. Authors: K.M. Reynolds et al.
