RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of a Collagen Supplement on Quality of Life, Appetite and Glycaemic Control

Researchers are investigating if taking a collagen supplement could make a positive difference to the lives of adults aged 18 to 65 who are overweight or obese and feel their quality of life isn't as good as it could be. The study will explore whether an eight-day course of a collagen supplement can improve feelings of well-being, appetite, and help manage blood sugar levels, compared to a dummy pill (placebo). Participants will be asked to take the supplement, complete questionnaires about their mood, energy, and sleep, and wear a device to track changes in their blood sugar over time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Quality of Life Appetite Sleep Mood Energy Blood Glucose Profile

What is this study about?

This research study aims to understand if a daily collagen supplement can improve overall well-being, how hungry people feel, and blood sugar control in adults who are overweight or obese. Many people in this group sometimes feel their quality of life could be better, experiencing issues with energy, mood, or sleep. The study wants to see if this particular supplement could offer a simple way to help.

We anticipate that taking the collagen supplement for just eight days might lead to improvements in how someone feels day-to-day and could also help to keep their blood sugar levels more stable. To test this thoroughly, some participants will receive the collagen supplement, while others will receive a placebo – a dummy pill that looks just like the real one but has no active ingredients. This helps us to truly understand if any changes are due to the collagen itself, rather than other factors.

By carefully comparing the experiences of those taking the collagen with those taking the placebo, we hope to gain valuable insights. The information gathered could eventually help us better understand simple ways to support people's health and well-being. It's important to remember that this is a research study, and the aim is to learn more, not to provide medical treatment.

Key takeaways

Investigating if collagen helps quality of life, appetite, and blood sugar.
Aimed at overweight or obese adults aged 18-65.
Compares collagen supplement to a dummy pill (placebo).
Participation includes questionnaires and wearing a blood sugar monitor.
Study involves virtual visits and smartphone apps.
The collagen supplement is of animal origin.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 65 years old. You should also be considered overweight or obese, based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). We are particularly looking for people who feel their quality of life isn't as good as it could be, perhaps experiencing low energy, feeling less calm, or having some sleep difficulties.

It's important that you have an email address, regular internet access, and a smartphone that works over the internet, as some parts of the study will be done online through video calls and mobile apps. You must also be willing to follow all the study instructions, including taking the supplement daily, wearing a blood sugar monitor, completing special meal tests, and filling out health questionnaires.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have certain serious health conditions like uncontrolled heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems. People with diabetes (type 1 or type 2), severe mental health conditions, or certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, would not be eligible to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) that places you in the overweight or obese category?
Do you sometimes feel your quality of life could be better (e.g., low energy, poorer sleep, less calm)?
Do you have regular internet access, a compatible smartphone, and an email address?
Are you willing to take a supplement of animal (bovine) origin?
Do you have no serious or uncontrolled health conditions (like diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be asked to take either a collagen peptide supplement or a placebo (dummy pill) every day for a total of eight days at a time. During the study, you'll need to fill in questionnaires about how you're feeling, including your mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns. You'll also wear a continuous glucose monitor for a total of 22 days (this involves wearing two separate monitors for 11 days each) to track your blood sugar levels automatically. You’ll also be asked to complete some standardised meal tests.

Many of the interactions, including some visits, will be done virtually via video calls, and you'll use mobile apps to answer questionnaires. At the end of the study, you might also be invited to take part in an online interview to share your experiences. The supplement is made from animal sources (bovine), so you need to be comfortable with this. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be spread out by the different assessments and wearing of the monitors.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, as you'll be closely monitored, and you might find the supplement improves your quality of life, appetite, or blood sugar levels. However, it's also possible you may experience no direct benefit from participating. There are minimal risks involved, as the collagen supplement is generally considered safe. However, as with any supplement, there's always a small chance of mild side effects, which will be carefully monitored. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Metabolic Research Unit (KCL, Waterloo Campus)
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein found naturally in your body, forming an important part of your skin, bones, and other tissues. Supplements are often derived from animal sources.

What does 'placebo' mean?

A placebo is a 'dummy' pill or treatment that looks exactly like the real thing but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers compare the effects of the actual supplement.

What is a continuous glucose monitor?

It's a small device worn on the skin that automatically measures your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night without needing to prick your finger.

Will I know if I'm taking the collagen or the placebo?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the research team will know whether you're taking the collagen or the placebo until after the study is finished. This helps ensure fair and accurate results.

How long will I be involved in the study?

While you'll take the supplement for 8 days at a time, your overall participation involves wearing glucose monitors for a total of 22 days and completing questionnaires and virtual visits over a longer period.

How to find out more

Alex Cheok, PhD

alex.cheok@kcl.ac.uk +442078480313 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.