Can collagen promote bone health?

Feb 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, collagen can promote bone health. If necessary, it is recommended to consult a professional opinion. The fibrous structure of collagen forms a network that provides structural support to bones, giving them elasticity and toughness, which helps bones withstand pressure and maintain their shape. Collagen presents an overlapping network structure within bones, with calcium embedded within these networks.

Under normal circumstances, collagen can promote bone health. If necessary, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The fibrous structure of collagen forms a network that provides structural support for bones, giving them elasticity and toughness, which helps bones withstand pressure and maintain their shape. At the same time, collagen forms an overlapping mesh-like structure within the bones, with calcium embedded in these networks. This arrangement not only strengthens the bones but also effectively prevents calcium loss, thus maintaining bone health.

Collagen can also enhance calcium absorption and deposition. The amino acid hydroxyproline present in collagen binds with calcium ions in the plasma to form soluble complexes, thereby increasing calcium's bioavailability. This facilitates the transport of calcium to bone cells, enhancing bone density and hardness. Additionally, collagen can stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, promoting their proliferation and differentiation. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue, and their activity directly influences bone growth and repair.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet by consuming foods rich in collagen, such as pig's feet, chicken feet, fish skin, and beef tendon, while also ensuring adequate intake of vitamin C.