Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study

König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A · Nutrients

The strongest structural outcome anywhere in the collagen literature — and it is bone, not cartilage. Spine T-score rose +0.1 on collagen against -0.03 on control (p=0.030) and femoral neck +0.09 against -0.01 (p=0.003), with the bone-formation marker P1NP rising on collagen while the resorption marker CTX-1 rose in controls. Twelve months, DXA-measured, 131 women.

Population

Postmenopausal women with primary age-related reduction in bone mineral density (spine T-score -2.4, femoral neck -1.4)

Intervention

5 g specific collagen peptides daily for 12 months

Comparator

Placebo

Limitations

The conflict declaration states all authors have none, but co-author Oesser is at the Collagen Research Institute in Kiel, the GELITA-linked research arm, and the product is a branded specific collagen peptide — read that declaration with the same scepticism this guide applies elsewhere. 102 of 131 completed, analysed by ITT. Bone density is not cartilage, and the result should not be transferred to a joint claim.