Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bovine collagen is increasingly investigated as a supplement to support bone health, including in conditions such as osteoporosis. Collagen is the main protein in bone matrix, providing structural integrity and flexibility. With aging and in osteoporosis, there is a reduction in both bone mineral density and collagen content, leading to fragility. The rationale for using bovine collagen in osteoporosis is that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen peptides may stimulate the synthesis of bone collagen, improve bone mineral density, or reduce bone resorption.

Studies in animal models have shown that oral collagen supplementation can increase bone mineral density and improve bone microarchitecture. A few small human clinical trials suggest that collagen peptides may have beneficial effects on bone turnover markers and, when combined with calcium and vitamin D, may help slow bone loss in postmenopausal women. For example, a randomized controlled trial (König et al., Nutrients, 2018) found that daily intake of specific collagen peptides over 12 months increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. However, the body of evidence is still limited, with relatively few large-scale, long-term studies and inconsistent methodologies.

Therefore, while the use of bovine collagen for osteoporosis is supported by plausible biological mechanisms and some early clinical data, the strength of evidence remains modest. It is not yet a standard medical treatment for osteoporosis, but ongoing research may clarify its role as a supportive intervention.

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