Can Collagen Help With Arthritis and Bone Diseases? Can it increase bone density?

If you’re experiencing joint pain and bone loss, you may have considered taking collagen supplements to help with your symptoms. But what is the evidence behind ingesting collagen and its potential benefits for arthritis and other bone diseases? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the science behind collagen supplementation, how it works, and why it might be beneficial for those suffering from joint pain.

Collagen was originally founded for those with bone diseases. 

Collagen supplementation has become increasingly popular as a way to treat various ailments such as arthritis and other bone-related diseases. While there is still much research needed on the subject before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about its effectiveness, there is evidence that suggests it may be beneficial in treating certain symptoms associated with these conditions. Collagen supplementation may help provide relief from joint pain and improve overall health outcomes for those suffering from arthritis or other bone-related diseases.

What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that helps to form connective tissue in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. As people age, their bodies produce less collagen which can lead to a variety of problems including joint pain. By supplementing with collagen, people are able to increase the amount of this important protein in their bodies.

How Does It Work?
The body needs a certain amount of collagen in order to maintain healthy bones and joints. When people take collagen supplements, they are effectively increasing the amount of this important protein in their bodies which can help improve their symptoms related to arthritis and other bone-related diseases. Additionally, taking collagen can also help reduce inflammation which can also alleviate some of the pain associated with these conditions.

What Are The Benefits?
There are a number of potential benefits associated with taking collagen supplements for those suffering from arthritis or other bone-related diseases. These include reducing inflammation and pain; improving mobility; increasing energy levels; aiding digestion; reducing wrinkles; promoting hair growth; helping repair cartilage damage; strengthening nails; improving skin elasticity; improving cardiovascular health; and more.

Bone density is an important factor in maintaining overall health, especially as we age. As we age, our body’s ability to naturally produce collagen decreases, which can lead to a decrease in bone density. But can consuming extra collagen help increase bone density? Let’s take a closer look at the research.

The Science Behind Collagen and Bone Density
Collagen is a protein found naturally in the body that helps to provide structure and support for bones, muscles and skin. When collagen breaks down over time, it can cause joints to become weak or brittle, which can result in reduced mobility and even pain. It’s also been suggested that ingesting extra collagen may help improve bone density by providing the body with more of this essential protein.

Studies have shown that consuming supplemental collagen may have some beneficial effects on bone health and density. A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily supplementation with bovine-derived (animal-based) hydrolyzed collagen improved parameters associated with bone mass and strength among postmenopausal women over a 6-month period. The study concluded that “These findings suggest that the supplement might be beneficial for improving BMC [bone mineral content] and BMD [bone mineral density] in postmenopausal women after 6 months of supplementation."

Another study conducted on rats found similar results; rats who were supplemented with hydrolyzed type I collagen increased their femur bone mineral content compared to those who were not supplemented. Additionally, a third study showed that daily ingestion of bovine-derived hydrolyzed collagen significantly increased serum levels of osteocalcin—a marker for increased bone formation—in men aged 40–70 years old over a 16 week period.

Overall, there is evidence to suggest that ingesting extra collagen can help improve bone health by increasing both bone mineral content and bone mineral density. While further research is needed to determine whether these same effects will be seen in humans long term, adding a high quality dietary supplement containing hydrolyzed type I collagen may be beneficial for those looking to improve their overall bone health. However, it's still important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement routine to ensure it's right for you.