As one of the few collagen products designed specifically for brain and cognitive health, Alkayali said it’s a “true category disruptor. Until now, no one imagined collagen could fuel mental clarity, memory and neurological resilience.”
Speaking to NutraIngredients, Alkayali noted that the company is leading the charge in educating consumers about the benefits of this single-ingredient product and redefining what collagen can do for the mind—not just the body.
Sustainable sourcing
Longevity By Nature’s KollaJell relies on jellyfish that are sustainably wild-caught from the Gulf of Mexico. Because jellyfish are composed of over 95% water, Alkayali explained that they must be flash-frozen immediately after harvest to preserve their integrity. From there, they are transported directly to KollaJell’s facility, where they use a proprietary, chemical-free extraction method to produce the collagen powder.
“This gentle process retains the full spectrum of nutrients—including high concentrations of essential and nonessential amino acids, mucopolysaccharides and vital minerals—that serve as the foundational building blocks of life and cognitive health,” he said.
Neurological function meets foundational nutrition
Jellyfish collagen peptides are the only form of collagen known to contain all essential and nonessential amino acids, making them a complete protein source, Alkayali said. He added that they also deliver calcium-binding proteins, a rare feature not found in other collagen types.
“Packed with 10 vital minerals and collagen types I, II and V, jellyfish collagen offers a comprehensive nutrient profile that no other source can match,” he said.
“The human body relies on 20 amino acids to function optimally—yet only 11 are naturally produced. The remaining 9, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained through diet. KollaJell delivers all 20, making it a truly complete protein source. That’s why we call it a superfood for the brain—no other collagen offers this level of comprehensive support for both neurological function and foundational nutrition.”
Science-driven
KollaJell was the subject of a recent human clinical trial that evaluated the effects of oral consumption of an encapsulated powder form of jellyfish extract on global cognitive parameters.
The eight-week open-label trial was conducted by a team of doctors, professors and researchers at the Colorado Center for Health and Sports Science, the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Colorado Christian University.
The findings show that KollaJell consumption led to sharper memory, faster mental processing, enhanced focus and decision-making, and improved brain activity.
“KollaJell features a single, clinically backed ingredient with proven neurocognitive benefits,” Alkayali said. “There’s truly nothing else like it—no other ingredient on the market can match its substantiated impact on mental clarity, memory and overall brain function.”
One of the authors of the study is Gerald Haase, MD, clinical professor of surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Haase told NI that the research team measured five domains, including verbal memory, visual memory, composite memory, executive function (logic, processing, regulating thoughts, planning and actions) and neurocognitive index (objective inventory of overall mental reasoning).
“All of these parameters statistically significantly improved,” he said. “At baseline and after eight weeks, we also performed EEG’s (electro-encephalographic monitoring) and measured auditory and visual response reactions and trail-making times.
“Again, there were statistically significant improvements with increased brain activity in sensory and processing regions. Total voltage remained in the normal range demonstrating more efficient neural activity (no unhealthy brain hyper-stimulation or over-excitation, as with caffeine and other stimulants).”
A further finding, he noted, was that these beneficial outcomes were uniquely due to the supplement itself.
“The subjects were essentially healthy adults and not those with cognitive issues who would have been exceptionally motivated to do well on objective testing,” he said.
“In addition, we did not allow any changes in activity pattern, dietary nutrition, exercise or lifestyle that would have contributed to improvements in brain function. Our subjects were above average, average or below average on their initial measures, so regardless of their starting point, they all improved.”
Dr. Haase said that one observation he has made in the brain health category is how maximizing cognitive function throughout the life/health span has become more recognized.
“It currently has even impacted the consciousness of Gen Xers and millennials, not just the Baby Boomers as many people assume,” he added.
“The dramatic shift in emphasis really inspired our research group to seek out those potential natural therapeutic interventions that could positively address this growing public health issue. We were so fortunate and even excited to come across the Longevity By Nature product portfolio.”
Coming this fall: The Nutra Healthspan Summit
Join NutraIngredients on Nov. 12-13 in London for the inaugural Nutra Healthspan Summit that will bridge the science and business of nutritional interventions for boosting healthspan and improving cellular aging.
The event will bring together international stakeholders, including brands, product developers, researchers and investors for two days of cutting-edge insights, panel discussions, expert-led roundtables, curated 1-1 meetings and an all-new start-up competition that will feature some of the most innovative early-stage companies disrupting healthspan and longevity.
Click here for more information and to register your interest.
Source: Journal Clinical Research and Reports. “Effects of a Jellyfish Collagen-Based Amino Acid Supplement on Cognitive Function and Memory: A Pilot Investigation”. doi:10.31579/2690-1919/532. Authors: N Wolkodoff, et al.
