I get asked this question pretty often, so this week, I am going to answer it!
I first wrote about Bone Density and Collagen back in December 2022, (you can read my blog post here). But I wanted to bring it up again, as I have many new subscribers and I also know you want my specific recommendations.
Andrea, What kind of collagen do you take?
First, I want to state that I hesitate to give specific recommendations. I am a physical therapist, not a physician, Naturopath or Functional Medicine doctor, so I don't prescribe medication or supplements. Second, you are all unique, and there are different reasons to take or not take a collagen supplement.
But I want to help you make the right decision with some important information to work with.
In 2020, there was a study done with two groups of postmenopausal women with osteopenia (mean age 62 for both groups). Group A took a Collagen Peptide (Fortibone), Vitamin D, and Calcium for 3 months, while Group B took just Vitamin D and Calcium. After 3 months, the women in Group A, with the Collagen Peptide, showed bone marker changes that Group B did not. It showed that adding collagen peptides along with Vitamin D and Calcium may have slowed down the bone turnover rate. More research is definitely needed, but it is a good thing to think about.
I bring this up because while the research on collagen and bone is limited, what has been done seems to point toward positive results with the addition of collagen.
So the question is, what exactly am I taking to keep my bones healthy and strong?
I have a few different products that I have been rotating through lately. They are all available on Amazon, and I have no affiliation with any of the companies. I am not even going to link, you have to copy and paste!
Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder - Sparkle Skin Boost Plus (No Flavor) [50-Serves] VERISOL Collagen Peptides Protein Powder & Vitamin C, Non-GMO Collagen Supplement Drink, Keto Protein Powder Nutrition
Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein with Probiotics, Unflavored Multi Collagen Protein with Vitamin C, 45 Servings, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Supports Skin and Nails, Gut Health, 16oz
If you would like to know even more about the different types of collagen and how to pick out a collagen for yourself, I have a recorded collagen masterclass available for just $7. You can get it here. It is about 37 minutes and I go through all the details of what collagen is, why you might want to take it, and how to read a label. This class was one I did for my Strong Women members back in October. I do a different class each month.
I hope this was helpful, let me know if you have a collagen you think is particularly good, and why.
I look for collagen products that are from a reputable company (preferably with 3rd party testing), have research, list all the ingredients, have no added sugar (I tend to like plain and add it to coffee), has Vitamin C. If you would like to see how I add it to coffee, watch me here.
Have a fantastic day,
Andrea
PS - The Collagen masterclass is included in my Strong Women, Strong Bones 4-week jumpstart that begins next Monday, March 27th. Sign up todauy, and you get the chance to talk to me and ask questions after every live class (there are 4 live classes every week). Join Strong Women here, I would love to help you figure this out and get you strong.
Reference:
Lampropoulou-Adamidou, K., Karlafti, E., Argyrou, C., Makris, K., Trovas, G., Dontas, I. A., Tournis, S., & Triantafyllopoulos, I. K. (2022). Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation With and Without Collagen Peptides on Volumetric and Areal Bone Mineral Density, Bone Geometry and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia. Journal of clinical densitometry : the official journal of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, 25(3), 357–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocd.2021.11.011
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I help women over 50 exercise to prevent unnecessary bone loss, prevent falls that fracture, and stay fearlessly active with their friends and families for years to come.
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