1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Collagen for osteoporosis?

Posted by cpb @cpb, Jul 26, 2021

My friend's medical doctor has her take collagen for her bones. I decided to try it and wondered if anyone knows more than I do about this.

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leeosteo | @leeosteo | Jan 31, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@colely I have been considering this for some time now to keep my bones strong, so..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@colely I have been considering this for some time now to keep my bones strong, so I sat down and did an hour of research. There are a lot of references to collage for osteoporosis, and wonderfully also some some documented studies. Here are links to 2 of them:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383229/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8441532/
The common denominators for success seem to be:
Hydrolyzed Collagen containing Types I, II, III, V & X = 5 gram (5000 mg)/ day taken for at least 6 months.
(Also known as Collagen Peptides) Many supplements only contain types I & III which are great for hair and nails, not so much for bones.
Plus:
Vit D 800 iu/day, Calcium 1200 mg/day & Protein 1g/1kg body weight (45 gr of protein/100 lb of body weight)
Research has also shown weight-bearing exercise is needed.

By the way, do you have a measured Vitamin D deficiency? Otherwise, there is no benefit to the higher dose.

With a keen eye, you will be able to identify those with all the types of collagen, and figure out the 5000 mg (5g) dosage. There are hundreds of choices out there, gummies, capsules & powders. (Caution - the gummies seem to contain very little collagen) I have not tried any specific ones yet, so cannot recommend.

Sue

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Sue, this information is very helpful. The one study references FORTIBONE. Is this how you derived success denominators (Hydrolized Collagen type 1, 11, 111, X & X)?

Also, I've read a few of your responses. Have you been on a series of different osteoporosis meds?

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 31, 2023
In reply to @leeosteo "Sue, this information is very helpful. The one study references FORTIBONE. Is this how you derived..." + (show)
@leeosteo

Sue, this information is very helpful. The one study references FORTIBONE. Is this how you derived success denominators (Hydrolized Collagen type 1, 11, 111, X & X)?

Also, I've read a few of your responses. Have you been on a series of different osteoporosis meds?

Jump to this post

First, I don't remember which article(s) I used - have read many & cited the two I thought were the most helpful and "user friendly."

I do not, and probably never will, recommend any brand of supplement over any other - I especially shy away from those brands promoted on Web Sites or TV because we are paying for their advertising.

So far, I am testing at the edge of healthy bone density and osteopenia - tests are still "good enough" so I am using exercise, diets and supplements to try to maintain. I have witnessed the ravages of untreated osteoporosis in my family and will not hesitate to choose an appropriate medication when/if that day comes.
Sue

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1 reply
fearfracture | @fearfracture | Feb 1, 2023

Yes, collagen is extremely important for bones/bone formation. Last Summer, I added Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (chocolate) to my diet. I have been using/taking 1/2 a serving every other day—on alternate days, I use/take 1/2 a serving of Isopure whey protein (vanilla). Did her dr. tell her to take a specific type of collagen?

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fearfracture | @fearfracture | Feb 1, 2023
In reply to @leeosteo "Sue, this information is very helpful. The one study references FORTIBONE. Is this how you derived..." + (show)
@leeosteo

Sue, this information is very helpful. The one study references FORTIBONE. Is this how you derived success denominators (Hydrolized Collagen type 1, 11, 111, X & X)?

Also, I've read a few of your responses. Have you been on a series of different osteoporosis meds?

Jump to this post

Tried looking up FORTIBONE. Found some info but still a bit unclear, is that a supplement or a prescription med?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 1, 2023
In reply to @fearfracture "Tried looking up FORTIBONE. Found some info but still a bit unclear, is that a supplement..." + (show)
@fearfracture

Tried looking up FORTIBONE. Found some info but still a bit unclear, is that a supplement or a prescription med?

Jump to this post

At the risk of repeating, I posted this a while ago. It cites studies of the types of collagen needed to help bone growth, and the articles where I found the information.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/collagen-for-osteoporosis/?pg=9#comment-804738
As nearly as I can tell, Fortibone contains Type I collagen plus some other ingredients, which studies show is not enough for bone strength. You need to study the collagens of interest to you to determine what they contain.
Further, I will reiterate - check out your local pharmacy and some of the on-line vitamin sellers who offer multiple brands. Supplements are not regulated, but reputable companies will show they are evaluated by an independent certifier like NSF or USP. On-line single type of supplement sellers tend to be among the most expensive ways to buy these items.
Sue

REPLY
leeosteo | @leeosteo | Feb 1, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "First, I don't remember which article(s) I used - have read many & cited the two..." + (show)
@sueinmn

First, I don't remember which article(s) I used - have read many & cited the two I thought were the most helpful and "user friendly."

I do not, and probably never will, recommend any brand of supplement over any other - I especially shy away from those brands promoted on Web Sites or TV because we are paying for their advertising.

So far, I am testing at the edge of healthy bone density and osteopenia - tests are still "good enough" so I am using exercise, diets and supplements to try to maintain. I have witnessed the ravages of untreated osteoporosis in my family and will not hesitate to choose an appropriate medication when/if that day comes.
Sue

Jump to this post

Sue, thank you for your reply. I've been really down in the dumps over my diagnosis. I haven't been diligent with diet/exercise over pandemic period and I believe I may have a malabsorption issue (per my 24hr urine test). It may be a result of my diet or genetics, who knows. My PCP is pushing hard for meds. Your last paragraph was honest and helpful. Thanks.

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bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | May 7, 2023

Has anyone improved their DexaScan results from using collagen peptides?

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 7, 2023
In reply to @bruceandruth1970 "Has anyone improved their DexaScan results from using collagen peptides?" + (show)
@bruceandruth1970

Has anyone improved their DexaScan results from using collagen peptides?

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@bruceandruth1970, I think you'll find some helpful responses to your question in this related discussion:
- Collagen for osteoporosis?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/collagen-for-osteoporosis/

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bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | May 7, 2023

Thank you. I still haven’t seen if anyone’s bone density was improved by taking collagen peptides.

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bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | May 7, 2023

Do you know if your friends bone density improved from taking collagen peptides?

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