Supplements for bone health: What is safe?

@prarysky Another issue to be aware of with collagen is Dupuytren's disease. This disease involves an overproduction of type III collagen causing fibrous collagen cords in the palm of the hand and fingers which can lead to contraction of the fingers. As a musician suffering from this condition I am not ever going to consider collagen supplements for my osteoporosis.

Thank you for adding more information about collagen as a supplement. I am so sorry that you have this disease which would be tough for anyone but even more challenging if you are a musician.

@pmhpesp5 I have started Algecal powder with Fortibone and Fortigel for DJD and to hopefully prevent osteoporosis from forming. This is a collagen product and I have found almost immediate results in that my back is less stiff and I have increased flexibility. Will have to wait for my next Dexa scan to see if any positive gains. I also do Yoga and core exercises 3-4 times a week. Good luck!

@llander1966
I can certainly see your concern about collagen supplements, I would certainly eliminate any potential for problems if I was dealing with the same disease which you are.
But Dupuytren's disease is more strongly tied to genetics, Northern European ancestry, smoking, alcohol use, and diabetes, rather than supplement consumption.
Indeed...
There is currently no scientific evidence that dietary collagen supplements cause or worsen Dupuytren’s disease. While the condition is characterized by an abnormal buildup of collagen in the palm, the process is driven by local cellular signaling and genetics, not by the amount of collagen you consume.

Still.....
Theoretical concerns:
While There is no direct scientific evidence conclusively linking collagen supplements to the initiation of Dupuytren's disease, theoretical concerns exist. Collagen supplements increase collagen production, and Dupuytren's is a condition involving excessive, abnormal collagen buildup in the palm. Experts advise caution, noting that factors promoting collagen synthesis might worsen existing fibrotic conditions.
Plus...
Interestingly supplements which increase collagen production like vit c are being investigated as a theoretical risk:
Supplements that boost collagen production (including vitamin C) could theoretically exacerbate conditions characterized by excessive collagen, such as Dupuytren's.
In addition:
Beyond Vitamin C, key supplements that boost collagen production and might in theory play a role include hydrolyzed collagen peptides, zinc, copper, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids like proline and glycine. Additionally, CoQ10, Vitamin E, and antioxidants help protect existing collagen and support fibroblast activities.

So with most conditions and diseases the answer is varied and complicated and in this case unknown to a large degree.

@tiny28 Where do you purchase fortibone only to sprinkle on porridge and what brand? I have only found it in collagen products.

@kathleen1314
Yes, you are correct, there is no medical evidence that collagen can make Dupuytren's worse. By no means did I mean to imply that collagen can cause Dupuytren's. In light of what we do know it makes sense to me to avoid collagen as I have a strong genetic history of Dupuytre. I am currently struggling with a new contraction in my left hand and at the same time I have just scheduled a laminectomy and 3 level lumbar TLIF even though I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and for mutiple reasons I cannot tolerate the prescription drugs for it. I am no longer young but I do not wish to end my playing days so I am being very careful about all of this.

I agree there is a lot that modern medicine does not have answers for and all of it can be very complicated. Especially in the case of people, such as myself, who have multiple issues that need to be addressed.

@llander1966
I agree totally with you, and I would not want to use the collagen supplement either, in your situation. Dealing with the genetic component and your own cholesterol working to make collagen is stressful enough to add in a collagen supplement would be just too much, plus all the other supplements and vitamins that play a role in collagen production. Diet and genes are more than enough to worry with for you.

My husband and I were both musicians with my husband being the professional. The joy of playing and all forms of music is a life long joy that I so hope that you are able to continue.

@kathleen1314
Thank you! I have have been dealing with more than one problem with my hands; multiple trigger fingers, CMC joint arthritis, carpal tunnel and extensor tendon subluxation along with the Dupuytren's so it has been a long battle for me to continue playing. I gave up giving private cello lessons due to these problems but I am not ready to give up my orchestral playing, I have played in many community orchestras, sometimes in more than one orchestra at a time. I can only handle one orchestra now and a chamber music session once a week with musician friends just for fun. Like you said the joy of playing music that I love is what it is all about so I am being proactive when it comes to the health of my hands and my bones. I simply cannot take the chance on any unproven supplements, especially collagen. Thank you for understanding and being supportive. I hope both you and your husband are also able to continue to enjoy creating music for the sheer enjoyment of it.

@llander1966
Yes, I understand there is a theory in patient forums that if someone already has active, aggressive Dupuytren's, a high-protein or collagen-rich diet might theoretically support the myofibroblasts' activity. However, even this is considered unlikely by clinicians because the body is rarely "short" on the amino acids needed to build collagen.

If I were you though I would be hesitant and very careful with my diet, but then we are alike in being very proactive in guarding our health.

But for anyone who does not have Dupuytren's. Collagen supplements neither cause nor are linked in any research to Dupuytren's syndrome. Collagen supplements cannot cause a genetic disease.

What music is saying is that she is concerned that collagen supplements, indeed other various supplements, might aggravate her disease, and she is operating on a very narrow band width now to perserve her quality of life.

Those are two entirely different concerns. I will continue to take my collagen supplements. I have gluten intolerance and do not absorb my nutrients from food well if I am exposed at all to gluten. The exposure will also tank my white cell count leaving me open to diseases and cancers. So I use supplements to well supplement. I do notice that the collagen helps with my stress related blood pressure rises and that alone makes it a good supplement for me.

So my band width is different from music and my choices different. We just all have to look at our unique situations and make decisions based on our own bodies, as music is doing.

@loplady When I read that post, I thought she was referring to sprinkling the collagen powder on her porridge. FYI, I make a smoothie every day with Algae Cal brand, which contains Fortibone.