Do you suffer from osteoporosis? This disease, which causes bone density loss, is a source of many daily concerns. Even the slightest trauma can lead to a fracture. To combat this, marine collagen-based dietary supplements help maintain good bone strength. Discover all the benefits of this protein, which is essential for the proper functioning of your body, joints, skin, hair, etc.

What is osteoporosis?

Collagène et Ostéoporose

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in accelerated bone loss over time. In concrete terms, this disease weakens the body’s extracellular matrix, preventing bones from renewing themselves properly. In other words, the body is no longer able to remodel bones and compensate for the destruction of old tissue by creating new tissue.

This imbalance inevitably leads to a deterioration in bone health. The main risk of osteoporosis is the occurrence of fractures, whether in the femoral neck, vertebrae or wrists. As the bones are more fragile, they tend to break even with moderate trauma that would normally have no consequences.

However, until a bone fracture occurs, it is difficult to diagnose this disease because it does not cause any pain per se.

How does osteoporosis develop?

Various factors can explain this phenomenon of bone loss. The first is related to the age of the patient. In other words, the older a person is, the higher the probability of developing osteoporosis. This is because bone mass begins to decrease after the age of 40, as ageing reduces the body’s ability to synthesise proteins that are essential for its proper functioning. This is particularly true of collagen.

In addition to age, it appears that women are more susceptible to bone mineral loss. The risk of hip fractures, for example, is therefore higher, particularly for post-menopausal women.

Diet (imbalance in acid-base levels, alcohol consumption, etc.), lifestyle (smoking, for example) and lack of physical exercise are other factors that come into play. In all cases, this health problem is closely linked to a lack of calcium in the body. More specifically, calcium binds to bones thanks to a protein called collagen. A slowdown in the body’s production of this protein is often the cause of the disease.

How does collagen intake help maintain good bone mass?

When the body is unable to synthesise a protein that is essential to it, it is vital to compensate for this deficiency by taking specific dietary supplements. In the case of osteoporosis, the same applies to collagen, as it increases bone mineral density and therefore reduces the risk of fractures.

Naturally present throughout the body (bones, skin, tendons, muscles, ligaments, etc.), collagen is a structural protein. It alone accounts for about one-third of all proteins in the human body. Its main function is to regenerate all these tissues to enable them to withstand stretching. Produced from amino acids provided by protein-rich foods, collagen is also promoted by vitamin C.

But when the collagen matrix in the bone breaks down, it cannot remineralise to ensure proper functioning. In addition to regular physical activity to prevent bone loss and the risk of falls, it may therefore be wise to consume collagen in the form of marine collagen hydrolysate powder to stimulate matrix regeneration.

Marine collagen in the form of a dietary supplement is therefore a very interesting alternative to the bovine version. It is made from extracts of fish skin, bones and scales. It is particularly notable for its better absorption by the body, a direct consequence of its lower molecular weight compared to bovine collagen. The use of this type of supplement, usually in powder form (or even in capsules, but less effective because the quantity is lower), is therefore an excellent treatment for osteoporosis and helps to keep your bones healthy.

More broadly, marine collagen hydrolysate has many benefits for the human body. For example, it can improve the overall appearance of your skin, combat certain symptoms associated with ageing and effectively relieve osteoarthritis. In addition to its direct effect against osteoporosis, it is, in conclusion, a valuable everyday ally thanks to its various virtues.

Another condition: Osteoarthritis
Another article: Collagen peptides, an ally in bodybuilding