Prevent bone loss

Your bones are primarily composed of collagen, which provides structure and strength. Just as your body's collagen degrades with age, so does bone mass. This can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, which is defined by low bone density and an increased risk of bone fractures. According to research, collagen supplements may aid in the prevention of bone breakdown, which leads to osteoporosis.

In a 12-month study, women were given either a calcium supplement containing 5 grams of collagen or a calcium supplement containing no collagen. At the end of the study, those who took the calcium and collagen supplement had significantly lower blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown than those who only took calcium.

Another study of 66 women who took 5 grams of collagen daily for 12 months found similar results. When compared to those who did not take collagen, those who did show an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) of up to 7%. BMD is a measurement of the density of minerals in your bones, such as calcium. Low BMD is linked to weak bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Although these findings are encouraging, more human studies are required.