Collagen for Osteoporosis: Benefits and Treatments Explained
Explore the benefits of collagen supplements for osteoporosis and how collagen peptides can improve bone health. Learn effective ways to integrate collagen for osteoporosis into your daily routine.
Collagen plays an important role in bone mass. Supplementing with collagen can help improve bone 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. They can be taken as a supplement.
- Osteoporosis occurs due to changes in bone structure and 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 for Osteoporosis
Collagen may benefit people with osteoporosis. A 2018 study investigated the effects of specific collagen peptides on bone health in 131 postmenopausal people with low bone mineral density.
Researchers measured the effects of taking 5 grams (g) of collagen peptides per day for 12 months, compared to a placebo. They looked at changes in bone mineral density in the femoral neck, the area where the femur bone joins the hip bone and spine.
The results showed that 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 study in 2021. It examined the long-term effects of the same collagen peptides in 31 postmenopausal people. The participants came from the treatment and placebo groups of the original study.
Researchers found that a daily intake of 5 g of collagen peptides over 4 years significantly increased bone mineral density. Participants had no fractures during the 4-year period.
How do Collagen supplements work for Osteoporosis ?
Collagen is a protein that the body produces. It is an essential part of many bodily processes. As people age, the body's ability to produce collagen decreases by about 1% to 1.5% per year.
Collagen peptides appear to support bone health, as collagen is essential for bone mass. Collagen peptides may help with bone mineralization, the process that strengthens and hardens bones.
Collagen peptides can positively influence cartilage, tendons, and ligaments because peptides can stimulate the production of elastin and certain types of collagen.
Collagen plays an important role in bone development. It helps support the processes that allow for bone formation and osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are cells necessary for bone growth.
In this context, collagen supplements are highly recommended. For example, 21Collagen’s Liquid Marine Collagen contains 10,000 mg of Premium Liquid Marine Collagen Peptides, along with 21 complementary collagen boosters. This formula was developed by a team of experts and includes low molecular weight collagen for superior absorption.
It is a non-GMO, sugar-free, and artificial flavor-free liquid marine collagen with 21 complementary collagen-boosting ingredients, all in a ready-to-drink liquid formula.
How to take Collagen Peptides?
People can take collagen peptides as a supplement, often in powder form. They can add the powder to a liquid and consume it. Collagen supplements are also available in capsule and tablet form.
There are many types of collagen, but type 1 is most common in bones, tendons, and ligaments, and type 2 is found in cartilage.
Collagen peptides come from animals, including cows, pigs, and fish. There is not enough evidence to know which type of collagen peptides is most beneficial for osteoporosis. Effects may vary depending on the type and condition. Manufacturing processes may also alter their effect.
According to a 2019 review, a safe and effective level of collagen supplementation ranges from 2.5 g to 15 g of collagen per day. Research suggests that collagen peptides are a generally safe and well-tolerated supplement.
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Osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis treatment may involve lifestyle changes, including:
- eating lots of fruits and vegetables
- consuming enough calories for a person's age, height, and weight
- getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein
- performing regular physical exercise, including strength and resistance training, but avoiding high-impact exercises
- avoiding smoking and passive smoking
- moderate alcohol consumption, if applicable
- participation in regular medical check-ups
Medications that a doctor may prescribe to help treat osteoporosis include:
- bisphosphonates
- calcitonin
- estrogen agonists or antagonists
- estrogen and hormone therapy
- parathyroid hormone analogue
- parathyroid hormone-related protein analog
- RANK ligand inhibitor
- sclerostin inhibitor
Habits to maintain bone health
Certain dietary and lifestyle habits can help maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. These include:
- daily physical activity
- eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- avoiding or quitting smoking , if applicable
- limiting alcohol consumption, if applicable
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is also important for supporting bone health, although supplementing with either has not been shown to significantly decrease the risk of fractures.
During childhood and adulthood, exercise can help strengthen bones. Strength and endurance training can be particularly effective. In older adults, exercise can help improve balance, mobility, and function, and reduce the risk of falls.
