Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of specific collagen peptides on bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with osteoporosis or osteopenia have already been investigated in 131 postmenopausal women in a randomized controlled trial. The purpose of this follow-up observation was to determine the longer-term effects of the same specific bioactive collagen peptides after a total intervention time of 4 years. METHODS: In this open-label follow-up observation, 31 postmenopausal women with reduced BMD (initial T-score lower than-1 of either the femoral neck or the lumbar spine) completed the follow-up. BMD was measured via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Absolute changes in BMD and T-scores in the spine and femoral neck were assessed. The number of fractures was also recorded. All participants received specific bioactive collagen peptides. RESULTS: Supplementation with bioactive collagen peptides during follow-up led to a clinically relevant increase in BMD in the spine. These findings were consistent with the results for the femoral neck. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides appears to be effective in counteracting losses in BMD. Moreover, significant increases in BMD could contribute to improved bone stability.