Collagen plays a key role in overall brain health, influencing neurotransmitter activity, reducing inflammation, and supporting essential brain structures.
While research is still emerging, here’s how incorporating hydrolysed marine collagen into your routine may offer additional cognitive benefits.
Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter. Studies suggest glycine may enhance memory, mental clarity, and cognitive flexibility by supporting synaptic plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and learn.
Glycine also contributes to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation and cognitive performance. By ensuring a steady supply of glycine, collagen may play a role in supporting brain function and emotional well-being.
A recent pilot investigation found that participants taking a marine-sourced collagen supplement showed significant gains in memory and overall cognitive function after eight weeks, including improved EEG markers for brain activity and reaction time [1].
Chronic inflammation in the brain is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Collagen contains anti-inflammatory amino acids, such as proline and glycine, that may help combat oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, potentially protecting long-term brain function.
Reducing inflammation is essential for preventing the accumulation of harmful plaques and toxins in the brain that can interfere with memory, focus, and mental agility.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a protective shield, preventing harmful substances from entering the brain. Collagen provides structural support to blood vessels, which may help maintain BBB integrity and support overall brain resilience.
A strong BBB is crucial for keeping toxins and pathogens out of the brain while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. By promoting vascular health, collagen could indirectly support cognitive longevity and neurological defence mechanisms.
Collagen also plays a critical role in maintaining the blood–brain barrier and supporting neural repair, reinforcing the brain’s defence against inflammation and degeneration [2].
Glycine has been shown to improve sleep quality by calming the nervous system. Since deep sleep is essential for memory consolidation and cognitive performance, taking collagen (especially before bed) may indirectly enhance brain function.
Poor sleep is linked to increased brain fog, slower reaction times, and reduced ability to process information. By enhancing sleep quality, collagen supplementation may support overall mental sharpness and long-term brain health.
The myelin sheath is a protective layer around nerves that facilitates communication in the brain. Some research suggests that collagen proteins may support myelin repair, which is essential for neurological health and efficient brain signalling.
Myelin degradation is linked to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cognitive impairment. By helping to maintain or restore myelin integrity, collagen may support faster information processing and enhanced nerve function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Collagen supports gut health by strengthening the intestinal lining and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Since the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in mood, cognition, and overall brain function, maintaining a healthy gut may contribute to improved mental clarity and focus.
A compromised gut barrier can lead to systemic inflammation, which in turn can negatively impact brain function. By supporting gut integrity, collagen may help regulate neurotransmitter production and protect against brain-related inflammatory conditions.
While more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits, collagen may support cognitive function by influencing neurotransmitter activity, reducing neuroinflammation, and maintaining critical brain structures.
Adding hydrolysed marine collagen to your daily routine could be an easy way to provide extra support for brain health and mental performance. Given its role in sleep, gut health, and neural protection, collagen supplementation may be a valuable addition to a holistic brain-care routine.
References
[1] Auctores. Effects of a Jellyfish Collagen-Based Amino Acid Supplement on Cognitive Function and Memory: A Pilot Investigation, 2025. Link
[2] Molecular Neurodegeneration. Collagen in the Central Nervous System: Contributions to the Blood–Brain Barrier and Neural Repair, 2024. Link
