You probably know by now that supplementing with collagen protein helps your bones. Collagen provides building blocks for protein synthesis in the way of amino acids and is the foundation upon which your skeleton is built. But what you may not know is that there are receptors on osteoblast cells that collagen peptides can stimulate. This “indicates a much wider potential role for collagen than just a structural molecule.” (Boraschi-Diaz, et al., 2017)
When you supplement with collagen it is readily absorbed through your small intestine both as amino acids after its completely digested, but also as intact peptides or long strings of amino acids. (Omar A., et al., 2007)(Benito-Ruiz, et al., 2009) It is this small fraction–up to 10% if the collagen is processed properly–of peptides that remain intact through the digestion process, that provides you with the most benefit to your bones.
The reason this stimulation can happen is because of the presence of integrin receptors on osteoblasts. This is why collagen is capable of having this added benefit of not just providing you with substrate for bones but actually stimulating bone formation. (Jikko, et al., 1999)
Integrin receptors function to communicate signals either from other cells or from substances (like peptides) within the extracellular matrix. These signals feed into the nucleus of an osteoblast and tell it to make more collagen for new bone.
It is type 1 collagen that has been processed in a proprietary manner so as to preserve uniquely shaped peptides, that capitalizes on this receptor connection to bone formation. These peptides need to be rich in proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine in order to make their way into the extracellular matrix and stimulate the integrin receptors. (Boraschi-Diaz, et al., 2017) The cool thing is that when lab testing is done before and after supplementing with this specialized type 1 collagen, we can see an increase in the P1NP biomarker. What this means is that you are enhancing osteoblast bone building activity.
In a study with rats, collagen increased osteoprotegerine (also known as osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor) levels and reduced RANKL. Osteoprotegerine is produced by osteoblasts and prevents RANKL from stimulating the osteoclasts. This is great because it reduces bone loss and promotes bone formation for enhanced strength. (N’deh, et al., 2020)
It is through the use of supplemental collagen that you can boost your levels of osteoprotegerine. In another study, 131 postmenopausal women supplemented with just 5 grams of the type 1 collagen found in OsteoNaturals’ OsteoCollagen-Pep for 12 months and showed improvements in the P1NP bone formation marker, and averaged 4% increases in spine bone density and 7% improvement at the femoral neck. (Konig, et al., 2018)
It’s the specific proline-hydroxyproline-glycine peptide chains found in OsteoCollagen-Pep that prove superior for enhanced bioavailability and bone-building action. These specific peptide chains fold in such a way (single helix) as to enhance their ability to be absorbed through tight junctions in the gut. Once absorbed intact, the peptides make their way to the extracellular matrix in bone where they stimulate integrin receptors on osteoblasts.
To celebrate President’s Day, OsteoNaturals is having a 3 day sale on our small, one month supply, containers of OsteoCollagen-Pep. 40% off, so stock up, and build better bones! To order, go to www.osteonaturals.com or call our office at 413-253-9777.
(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)
