Improvement in Concentration and Intellectual Work Efficiency Confirmed Through Consumption of Surimi-Derived Fish Protein

Suzuhiro Kamaboko Co., Ltd. (Odawara, Kanagawa; President: Tomohiro Suzuki; hereinafter "Suzuhiro") conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to clarify the effects of surimi-derived fish protein consumption on concentration and intellectual work efficiency, following approval by the Suzuhiro Human Clinical Trial Ethics Review Committee (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Research Ethics Review Committee Report System Committee No. 23000158, Approval No. 2025-001). The results confirmed that the consumption of surimi-derived fish protein improves concentration and intellectual work efficiency. These research findings were presented on March 27, 2026, at the 2026 Spring Meeting of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science (Presentation Title: "Effects of Surimi-Derived Fish Protein Consumption on Concentration and Intellectual Work Efficiency").

■ Research Background and Objective

Kamaboko, surimi, and fish peptides, which are rich in fish protein, possess excellent nutritional properties, such as a high Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), in addition to various health functionalities. Our Fish Protein Research Institute has previously focused on the health functions of fish protein, publishing research results on effects such as blood pressure suppression and improved athletic performance. In particular, fish peptides contain dipeptides with high antioxidant activity, and their anti-fatigue effects have been recognized in human clinical trials.

Since it is known that brain fatigue, in addition to physical fatigue, is caused by oxidative stress, we hypothesized that reducing brain fatigue with materials possessing high antioxidant activity could enhance concentration. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to clarify the effects of surimi-derived fish protein consumption on concentration and intellectual work efficiency.

■ Confirmation of Improved Concentration and Intellectual Work Efficiency

The study targeted 19 healthy men and women aged 19-29 (average age 24.3). Participants orally ingested either fish peptides or an isocaloric placebo (dextrin) as a fish protein source, and changes in various indicators were compared over time. Subjective sensations were quantified using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) method, and intellectual work efficiency was measured using the Uchida-Kraepelin test, with the number of processed items and accuracy rate of continuous addition of two numbers used as indicators.

As a result, the consumption of fish peptides significantly improved concentration and intellectual work efficiency. 60 minutes after ingestion, subjective concentration was significantly higher and fatigue was lower compared to the placebo group. The volume of intellectual work significantly increased compared to pre-ingestion levels starting 45 minutes after fish peptide consumption. Furthermore, the volume of intellectual work and accuracy rates at 45 and 105 minutes after fish peptide consumption were significantly higher than those in the placebo group. These results suggest that fish peptide consumption enhances intellectual work efficiency, such as calculation ability. It is possible that components with high antioxidant activity contained in fish peptides reduce brain fatigue, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of performance.