The Inner Circle Protein Study: How Daily Protein Supports Female Health

As a female-founded brand, we’ve made it our mission to support women in living healthier lives and invest in research to help close the female health data gap.

To help us better understand what happens when women support their bodies' protein needs, we invited members of our Inner Circle community, our trusted community of loyal customers, to help shape every product that we make, to participate in an exciting citizen science project.

For two weeks, 159 midlife women incorporated Brave Ancestral Protein into their daily routines, and here, we proudly present the results.

Why do women need protein?

When we think of protein, we often associate it with gyms and muscles, but the truth is, protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a fundamental role in supporting the everyday strength that women need to live well for longer.

Essential for musculoskeletal health, metabolism, recovery and overall wellbeing, protein is increasingly being recognised as an important tool for navigating menopause. However, while protein has become one of the loudest words in wellness, in real kitchens, we see something different. A ‘protein gap’, especially in midlife women.  

What happens when women increase their protein intake?

Our study saw 159 women transform into citizen scientists by using Brave Ancestral Protein to support their daily protein needs, experimenting with recipes in our Good Start protein breakfast guide and recording their perceived insights with energy, digestion, focus, cravings, sleep and recovery.

See the results at a glance below or keep scrolling to dive into each result in more detail: 

After taking Brave Ancestral Protein for two weeks^,

+ 79% reported their energy was better than before the study

+ Average brain fog ratings reduced by 38%

+ The proportion frequently experiencing afternoon energy dips fell from 54% to just 4%

+ Average evening sweet craving intensity reduced by 45%

+ Participants also reported improvements in bloating, sleep and muscle recovery

Protein benefits for midlife women: Inner Circle study results explained

Supporting energy levels

Findings: Over the two-week period, average daily energy ratings increased by 37%. 79% of participants reported their energy was better at the end of the study than at the start, based on a direct comparison to how they felt before the study began.

The science explained: While many factors influence energy perception, adequate protein intake and micronutrient sufficiency are essential for normal energy metabolism. Brave Ancestral Protein is crafted with B vitamins, which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.*

Steady energy levels 

Findings: At baseline, 54% of participants frequently experienced an afternoon energy dip. By the end of the two weeks, just 4% reported this, a 93% reduction in the proportion of frequent slumpers.

The science explained:  Afternoon energy dips are multifactorial and can relate to sleep, stress, meal timing and blood sugar regulation. Protein distribution earlier in the day may influence satiety and perceived steadiness of energy. 

Thinking more clearly through brain fog

Findings: Average brain fog ratings reduced by 38% over the two-week study period. These are average score changes across all participants, reflecting a meaningful shift in how the group as a whole perceived their cognitive clarity. No cognitive testing was performed. However, participants frequently described feeling “clearer” and “more switched on” as the study progressed.

The science explained: While many factors influence mental clarity — including sleep, stress and overall nutrition — adequate protein and micronutrient sufficiency form part of the physiological foundation that supports everyday cognitive function. Brave Ancestral Protein crafted with thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate, which contribute to normal psychological function.*

Feeling less bloated

Findings: Participants reported lower bloating scores during the study period, notable given that 71% of the cohort entered the study with moderate to severe bloating at baseline. This study was not tested in ideal digestive conditions. It was tested in real-world digestive sensitivity, which makes these findings more meaningful, not less.

The science explained: Brave Ancestral Protein uses a highly digestible lactose-free beef isolate and is free from artificial sweeteners and additives that are often found in protein powders and some individuals find difficult to tolerate.

Brave Ancestral Protein also contains Actazin® green kiwifruit extract, which is a natural protein-digesting enzyme that has been shown to support digestion and protein breakdown, helping the body absorb protein more comfortably and smoothly.

Reduced sweet cravings 

Findings: Average evening sweet craving intensity reduced by approximately 45% over the study period. The proportion of participants reporting high or very intense cravings dropped from 42% to just 5%. Many participants had integrated Brave Ancestral Protein at breakfast, supporting a more protein-forward start to the day.

The science explained: While cravings are influenced by multiple factors, including sleep, stress and routine, participants described feeling less driven towards late-day sugar during the study. One 30g serving of Brave Ancestral Protein delivers 22g of complete protein. When paired with whole foods rich in fibre, such as oats, berries, seeds or nut butters, this may support a more satisfying and balanced morning meal.

Muscle soreness recovery

Findings: At baseline, nearly 1 in 4 participants (24.7%) reported needing more than 24 hours to feel recovered after exercise. By the end of the study, fewer than 1 in 20 reported this. Participants reported a reduction in prolonged muscle soreness following exercise during the study period.

The science explained: Exercise places temporary stress on muscle tissue. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass,* providing the amino acids required for repair and adaptation over time.

Supporting sleep quality 

Findings: Participants reported improved self-rated sleep quality during the two-week study period as their protein intake became more consistent. Average sleep quality ratings increased by 32% over the study.

The science explained: Sleep experience is influenced by many factors, including stress, daily energy patterns and overall nourishment, and these findings reflect perception, rather than a clinical measurement. Brave Ancestral Protein includes naturally occurring minerals from cacao, beetroot, pink Himalayan salt and cinnamon, contributing to overall nutritional adequacy. 

Final thoughts:

Our protein Inner Circle study was a blinded short-term, home-use observational study based on self-reported perceptions, and the results should be interpreted in that context. While it was not a randomised controlled trial, and outcomes reflect individual experience rather than clinical measurement, it shows that when women increase high-quality protein in a considered way, they notice positive wellbeing benefits.

Perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates the power of feasibility. This matters. Protein myths often focus on timing windows and perfection. What this study suggests is simpler: Consistency matters more than precision, and when midlife women increase high-quality, digestible protein, with attention to micronutrient density and ritual integration, they notice meaningful shifts.

Brave Ancestral Protein was designed to make supporting your daily protein needs simpler. A top-up, not a takeover, this nutrient-dense formula has been thoughtfully crafted with additional nutrients chosen because they support everything from energy and strength to clarity and recovery.

Finally, we’d like to thank our Inner Circle co-community for making this study possible. We’re delighted that 97% of participants said they would take part in future studies and welcome everyone to be part of this incredible experience. 

Find out more or subscribe and take a step closer to securing your place at the next Inner Circle study.

^Self-reported data, 146 participants, 14-day blinded home-use study. Results reflect perceived experience, not clinical measurement.

*Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism (EFSA authorised health claim).
*Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, Folate and B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (EFSA authorised health claim).
*Thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate contribute to normal psychological function (EFSA authorised health claim).
*Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass (EFSA authorised health claim).