Collagen Peptides May Ease Daytime Fatigue and Boost Vigor: What a 2024 RCT Found

Collagen Peptides May Ease Daytime Fatigue and Boost Vigor: What a 2024 RCT Found


  • In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy but easily-fatigued adults who took 10 g/day collagen peptides for 8 weeks reported less fatigue and more vigor on a validated mood scale (POMS 2). PubMed
  • Participants also reported feeling more rested after sleep; immune markers didn’t change; no safety issues were noted. PubMed
  • Results are promising but modest (n=62 per-protocol) and industry-affiliated; consider this early evidence, not medical advice. PubMed

What the study tested

Researchers ran a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in adults who described themselves as “healthy but easily fatigued.” One group consumed 10 g/day collagen peptides; the other took a placebo, for 8 weeks. Mood and fatigue were measured with POMS® 2 (Profile of Mood States). PubMed

  • Primary outcome (week 8):
  • Fatigue–Inertia T-score: collagen group scored lower (better) than placebo (47.0 ± 7.4 vs. 51.5 ± 9.0; p = 0.045). PubMed
  • Key secondary outcomes:
  • Vigor–Activity T-score: higher (better) with collagen (53.9 ± 10.7) vs. placebo (47.3 ± 9.6; p = 0.002). PubMed
  • Sleep restfulness (self-report): lower fatigue after a night’s sleep vs. placebo (median 3.0 vs. 4.0 on Likert scale; p = 0.038). PubMed
  • Immune markers: no significant between-group differences. Safety: no issues reported. PubMed
  • Trial registration: UMIN-CTR UMIN000042291. PubMed

Why this matters (and how to use it)

If you struggle with daytime “low battery,” this study suggests a daily 10 g collagen peptide routine might slightly reduce perceived fatigue and increase vigor over ~2 months. It’s not a stimulant; think gentle support, not a jolt. Collagen also fits easily into shakes or coffee.

At Boomerang, we look at nutrition inputs alongside biomarkers:

If fatigue is a theme, consider pairing a collagen routine with our Vitamin Panel (B12, D, Folate) and General Health or Thyroid panels to rule out common biochemical drivers (e.g., low B12, iron issues via ferritin/eGFR contexts, thyroid imbalance). Collagen is an add-on—not a substitute for medical evaluation when needed.

Important caveats

  • Sample size: Per-protocol analysis included 31 vs. 31 participants; effects were statistically significant but modest. PubMed
  • Industry affiliation: Authors are affiliated with Nippi Inc. (collagen manufacturer). That doesn’t invalidate results, but calls for independent replication. PubMed
  • Mechanism: Immune markers didn’t change; benefits likely reflect subjective energy/mood pathways rather than immunity. PubMed
  • Not medical advice: If fatigue is persistent or worsening, see a clinician.

How to try it (practical)

  • Dose used: 10 g collagen peptides daily for 8 weeks. PubMed
  • Timing: Morning or split doses; consistency > timing.
  • Stacking: Combine with adequate protein, sleep hygiene, daylight exposure, and activity.
  • Track: Use a simple weekly POMS-style check-in (“fatigue,” “vigor,” “sleep restfulness”) to see if it moves the needle for you by week 4–8.

Source and attribution

Kuwaba K, Kusubata M, Saito M, Mizuno K. Dietary Collagen Peptides Ameliorate the Mood Status of Fatigue and Vigor: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparative Trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2024;21(6):791-807. doi:10.1080/19390211.2024.2399343. PubMed: 39291817. PubMed

(Trial registration: UMIN-CTR UMIN000042291.) PubMed

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