“Longevity breakthrough of the century”: Jellyfish collagen investigated for cognition

27 May 2020 --- Edible jellyfish collagen peptides are being studied for their potential in improving cognitive functions. Princeton Consumer Research has partnered with Certified Nutraceuticals, producer of KollaJell, which is a nutritional supplement made of jellyfish collagen peptides and naturally occurring minerals. The randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study in 90 subjects will explore the ingredient’s brain-boosting properties.

“The study aims to demonstrate the uniqueness of jellyfish collagen and the effect it has on cognitive decline. It also seeks to increase people’s awareness of this type of collagen to help the general population,” Abdul Alkayali, Vice President of Certified Nutraceuticals, tells NutritionInsight. 

The product is touted as improving memory. This is thanks to the calcium binding proteins that are made up of amino acids, which are found in very high concentrations in jellyfish collagen.

KollaJell’s purification and extraction is a patented technology and supplies special nutrients of collagen and minerals found only in jellyfish.Certified Nutraceuticals specializes in collagen and anti-aging nutrients for longevity and good health. KollaJell’s purification and extraction is a patented technology and supplies special nutrients of collagen and minerals found only in jellyfish.

Alkayali also highlights that there are no comparable products on the market. KollaJell jellyfish collagen combines certain amino acids and macro elements that are not found in any other collagen type. Macro elements include high percentages of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. In addition, it contains important amino acids that aid neurotransmitters, which send chemical messages through the brain and nervous system, and is involved in regulating communications between brain cells. Another important component is the essential amino acid tryptophan contained in the product, which the body cannot naturally produce and is found in jellyfish collagen.

“We are the first company to produce collagen from jellyfish. This particular variety is edible and in Asia, people have been consuming it for thousands of years. Moreover, it is cruelty-free. The jellyfish appear on North American shores twice a year, where the fisheries use mesh equipment to catch, clean and freeze them,” Alkayali explains.

“Asian consumers sometimes include a healthy portion of jellyfish in their diets and notably live longer and healthier lives. They also maintain good brain functions through their adulthood and further into their old age,” he notes.

Jellyfish protein is made almost entirely of collagen (80-90 percent). Jellyfish are one of Asia’s most popular foods, Alkayali says, and are served dried and used in soups, dips, chopped into small pieces and boiled to add a crunchy texture and remove salt. 

The jellyfish collagen is the longevity breakthrough supplement of the century, according to Alkayali.“The health benefits of edible jellyfish have been tested and spoken about for thousands of years, and clinical data supports medical benefits that include skin hydration, bone structure, anti-inflammatory properties,” he asserts.

Study specifics
The duration of the study will be approximately 180 days and it will include male and female participants, who will attend the test center at baseline (day 1) to complete the informed consent form (ICF) and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Subjects will complete the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview to identify those facing normal cognitive decline due to aging. Qualified subjects will complete a cognitive assessment for baseline analysis. Following assessments, the test product, diary, and instructions for use will be dispensed. Subjects will return for visits on Days 7, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180. Participants will complete the same cognitive assessments and Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ) as a baseline.

The jellyfish collagen is the longevity breakthrough supplement of the century, according to Alkayali supports that he was one of the first to introduce anti-aging supplements to the market more than a quarter of a century ago. 

The product has been available in the US market for a year so far and Alkayali reports no R&D hurdles in production. “We were able to produce this unique product by using our proprietary technology extraction process that is 100 percent natural without using any solvent, or harsh chemicals,” he concludes.

The launch is considered disruptive as most commonly collagen targets areas such as skin and bone health. However, industry is looking for alternative sources to cater to the eco-conscious consumer crowd. Recently, Evonik developed an advanced collagen platform produced via fermentation-based processes without any animal or human-derived ingredients.

By Kristiana Lalou