This article looks at the effects of collagen supplementation on subsequent food intake
What’s the deal?
Collagen supplements are often marketed for joint and skin health, but could they also influence appetite and how much we eat after exercise? This study looked at whether taking collagen peptides affects hunger and food intake in active young women.
What did they do?
Fifteen healthy, active women completed two study conditions. For 7 days, they consumed either a daily collagen peptide supplement or a calorie-free placebo. On the final day, participants cycled for 45 minutes at a moderate intensity, consumed their final supplement, and were then given a meal one hour later where they could eat as much as they liked. Researchers recorded food intake and measured appetite and appetite-related hormones.
What happened?
After taking collagen peptides, participants ate about 10% less food at the post-exercise meal compared to the placebo condition. This amounted to roughly 40 fewer calories. Despite eating less, participants did not report feeling less hungry or experiencing more stomach discomfort.
What can you tell me about the people?
All participants were healthy, active females with an average age of 23 years. They regularly exercised and had no reported health issues that might affect appetite or metabolism.
What else should I know?
Blood tests showed that collagen supplementation increased levels of hormones linked to fullness, particularly GLP-1 and insulin, after exercise. At the same time, levels of ghrelin (often called the “hunger hormone”) and leptin were lower. Other appetite-related hormones and blood glucose did not change. Together, these findings suggest that collagen peptides may subtly reduce how much people eat after exercise, even if they don’t consciously feel less hungry.
What will I do differently?
I already take collagen supplementation with breakfast every day, but this is usually before exercise. I wonder if it has the same effect on my food consumption.
Acknowledgements
This research was published in July 2025 by K Reynolds and colleagues from the Loughborough University in the UK.
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Abstract Athlete 