Collagen plays an important part in bone mass. Collagen supplementation may help improve bone mass density and slow osteoporosis.
Collagen is a protein found throughout the body. It supports many essential processes, including bone formation.
Collagen peptides are a type of animal collagen broken down into a more digestible form. People can take them as a supplement.
Osteoporosis occurs due to bone structure changes and a loss of bone mineral density and bone mass. These changes cause bones to weaken, increasing the risk of fractures.
This article looks at the potential benefits of collagen for osteoporosis. It also discusses osteoporosis treatments and tips for maintaining bone health.
Collagen may benefit people with osteoporosis. A
The researchers measured the effects of taking 5 grams (g) of collagen peptides daily for 12 months, compared with a placebo. They looked at changes in bone mineral density in the femoral neck, which is the area where the thighbone joins the hip bone and the spine.
The results showed that the collagen peptides increased bone mineral density and improved bone markers, indicating a reduction in bone loss and an increase in bone formation.
The researchers followed up the study with another, smaller-scale study in
Researchers found that a daily intake of 5 g of collagen peptides over 4 years significantly increased bone mineral density. Participants also experienced no fractures during the 4-year period.
Collagen is a protein the body produces. It is an essential part of many bodily processes. As people age, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases by around 1% to 1.5% per year.
Collagen peptides appear to support bone health, as collagen
Collagen peptides may also
Collagen plays an important part in bone development. It helps support processes that allow bone and osteoblasts to form. Osteoblasts are cells required for bone growth.
People can take collagen peptides as a supplement, often in powder form. People can add the powder to a liquid and drink it. Collagen supplements are also available as capsules and tablets.
There are many types of collagens, but type 1 is the most common in bone, tendons, and ligaments, and type 2 occurs in cartilage.
Collagen peptides come from animals, including cows, pigs, and fish. There is
According to a 2019 review, a safe and effective level of collagen supplementation ranges between
Osteoporosis treatments
- eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- eating sufficient calories for a person’s age, height, and weight
- getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein
- getting regular exercise, including strength and resistance training, but avoiding high impact exercise
- avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
- drinking alcohol in moderation, if applicable
- attending any regular medical checkups
Medications a doctor may prescribe to help treat osteoporosis include:
- bisphosphonates
- calcitonin
- estrogen agonists or antagonists
- estrogen and hormone therapy
- parathyroid hormone analog
- parathyroid hormone related-protein analog
- RANK ligand inhibitor
- sclerostin inhibitor
Certain dietary and lifestyle habits may help maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. These include:
- daily physical activity
- eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- avoiding or quitting smoking, if applicable
- limiting alcohol intake, if applicable
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is also important in supporting bone health, although supplementing with either has
During childhood and adulthood, exercise
Osteoporosis causes a loss of bone mass and bone mineral density. Collagen is an essential part of bone mass, and research suggests that collagen peptides may help to improve bone mineral density.
People can take 2.5 g to 15 g of collagen daily. Supplements come as powders, capsules, and tablets.
A balanced, nutritious diet and certain other lifestyle choices are important in helping to prevent and treat osteoporosis. A doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help treat osteoporosis.