Collagen aids Osteoporosis

Bone turnover, the process of bone destruction and bone formation continues throughout life. Peak bone mass occurs between the age of 20-30 years following which bone loss begins at a rate of about 1% to 2% per year. This rate of bone loss accelerates during the menopause and can result in a disorder termed 'osteoporosis'. Whilst bone loss is accelerated following menopause, osteoporosis is a disorder which affects both men and women, and is a major cause of disability and excess mortality in men and women. Osteoporosis is a disorder of the bone that leads to a reduction in bone mineral density resulting in weaker bones which are susceptible to fractures and breaks. The treatment for osteoporosis includes weight bearing exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, hormone replacement therapy (in females) selective oestrogen receptor agonists, bi-phosphonates and calcitonin Bone collagen breakdown products are often used to identify osteoporosis and as such demonstrate an increased collagen breakdown associated with ostepororosis. As a consequence, a small number of studies have examined the role of collagen supplementation in osteoeporosis. the results of these studies are promising, demonstrating that collagen supplementation improves and prolongs the effects of calcitonin. Author: Professor Greg Whyte PhD FACSM - Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science