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 intake 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 Reporting System Committee No. 23000158, Approval No. 2025-001). The results confirmed that the intake 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 Intake on Concentration and Intellectual Work Efficiency').

■ Research Background and Objectives

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 performance enhancement in athletes. 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 trial to clarify the impact of surimi-derived fish protein intake 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 a calorie-matched 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 rates in continuous addition of two numbers serving as indicators.

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