New perspectives for strong bones

How collagen peptides can support bone health

Our bone health is not a static condition. With increasing age, hormonal changes – especially falling oestrogen levels during the menopause – and certain lifestyle factors, bone density naturally decreases.

This makes it all the more important to look at new scientifically based approaches that can support the maintenance of strong and resilient bones.

A recent study in collaboration with the Beijing University of Chemical Technology investigated the effect of Solugel® collagen peptides in High Collagen collagen peptides on bone health.1

Why collagen is so important for our bones

Bones are not just made up of minerals. Collagen is a central structural component and fulfills several crucial functions:

  • It gives bones flexibility and toughness so that they can absorb stress better.
  • It serves as a matrix for mineralization and thus contributes significantly to stability.
  • Collagen fragments act as biological signals for osteoblasts – the bone-forming cells – and promote repair and growth processes
The role of osteoblasts: actively promoting bone formation In the in vitro part of the study, the effect of the collagen peptides on osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells) was investigated. The results show a significant increase in osteoblast activity and improved mineralization – two key factors for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Specifically, an increased activity of the ALP biomarker was measured, which is considered an indicator of bone-forming activity. In addition, there was an increased storage of calcium in the cell matrix, which indicates improved mineralization. What happens with osteoporosis? In order to test the effect under realistic conditions, a mouse model with induced osteoporosis symptoms (OVX model) was used. After six weeks of taking SOLUGEL®, micro-CT analyses showed significant improvements in bone structure

Die 3D-Bildgebung der trabekulären Knochenstruktur verdeutlicht, dass die Knochen im SOLUGEL®-behandelten Modell dichter und intakter waren und der Struktur gesunder Kontrollknochen deutlich näherkamen.

More bone surface, more bone volume, more stability

The quantitative evaluation showed:

  • A significant increase in bone surface area compared to the untreated osteoporosis group
  • A significant increase in bone volume within six weeks

An enlarged bone surface is an indication of active new bone formation. Increased bone volume indicates improved load-bearing capacity and structural stability.

Scientific background

The observed effects are consistent with current research showing that collagen peptides can promote osteogenic processes and activate signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, which are involved in bone formation and vascularization

Conclusion: a holistic approach for strong bones

The study results show that High Collagen

  • increases the activity of bone-forming cells,
  • improves mineralization,
  • regenerates the bone structure and significantly increases the bone surface and volume

This opens up promising prospects for innovative concepts in the field of bone health – especially in cases of age-related or hormonal bone loss.

Note: The results presented are based on scientific studies and are intended for the information of specialist circles. They do not constitute a health-related statement in the regulatory sense.

References: 

Du BW, Deng GY, Song ZH, He TW, Nergiz-Unal R, Li CM, Yu TF, Huang YQ.. Collagen peptides promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mice.

Chin Med J. 2025 5;138(5):610-612.

Sun C, Yang A, Teng F, Xia Y. Efficacy of collagen peptide supplementation on bone and muscle health: a meta-analysis. Front. Nutr Sec. Clinical Nutrition, 2025. Volume 12 – 2025.

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