As we age, maintaining strong bones becomes more essential than ever. Whether it’s for supporting everyday activities or staying active in later years, bone health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing. While calcium and vitamin D are often top of mind when thinking about bone strength (and for good reason!), there’s another key player in the game that’s gaining attention: collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and it serves as a structural framework for our skin, joints, and bones. But did you know that collagen is also a vital component of bone density and strength? Let’s explore why collagen is so important for bone health, how it works, and how you can incorporate collagen into your daily routine for stronger bones.
What is Collagen and Why Does it Matter for Bone Health?
Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in our bodies, including bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It forms a scaffold-like structure that allows bones to remain flexible while still being strong enough to bear weight.
How collagen supports bone strength and flexibility:
- Flexibility: Collagen adds flexibility and elasticity to bones, preventing them from becoming brittle.1
- Framework for mineralisation: Collagen serves as a foundation that helps bones absorb and retain minerals like calcium, making bones denser and stronger.2
- Protects cartilage and connective tissue: Keeps joints comfortable and mobile.1
In fact, bones are made up of a combination of collagen (protein matrix) and minerals (mainly calcium and phosphorus). This combination gives bones both strength and flexibility, ensuring they can handle the stress that is placed on them every day.
Why Bone Health Matters – Especially as We Age
Our body’s natural collagen production slows down as we age. This decline can have a significant impact on bone health, leading to:
- Reduced bone density: Without enough collagen, bones may become less dense, making them more fragile and susceptible to fractures.1
- Joint pain and stiffness: Collagen is also an essential part of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. As collagen levels decline, joint mobility can decrease, leading to pain and discomfort.3
Bone density naturally decreases with age, particularly after the age of 30 – but there’s good news! You can help support your bones and joints naturally by boosting collagen levels through supplementation.
Marine Collagen for Strong Bones
While there are various types of collagen available, marine collagen is widely regarded as one of the best options for bone health – and there’s a few reasons why:
- Bioavailability: Marine collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning it’s easily absorbed by the body. This makes it an efficient source of collagen that can quickly support bone and joint health.
- Sustainability: Marine collagen is sourced from fish, which is a more sustainable option compared to bovine or porcine collagen.
- Rich in Type I Collagen: Marine collagen is particularly rich in Type I collage, the type found in bones, skin, and tendons, making it ideal for supporting bone strength.4
How to Support Bone Strength Naturally
Collagen supplementation is beneficial on its own, but for best results, it should be part of a holistic approach to bone health. Try combining:
- Marine collagen to provide structure and strength to bones
- Calcium and vitamin D for remineralisation
- Weight-bearing exercise to stimulate bone building and protect bone density
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Balanced nutrition rich in protein, antioxidants and magnesium
Click here for a deep dive on lifestyle and nutritional interventions to support bone and joint health.
Micronutrition’s Cartidyss Plus
If you’re looking for a high-quality supplement, consider Cartidyss Plus by Micronutrition. Here’s why Cartidyss Plus is a trusted choice for bone health above other collagen supplements:
- Scientifically Backed: Cartidyss Plus is formulated using research-backed ingredients designed to support bone density, strength, and joint mobility.
- Low Excipient Formula: It contains a minimal number of excipients (inactive ingredients), ensuring that you get the purest and most effective collagen available.
- Professional-Grade Quality: Cartidyss Plus is made with the highest-quality marine collagen, sourced from clean, sustainable marine environments.
- Optimal Absorption: The formula is designed for superior absorption, ensuring that your body can make the most of every dose.
Incorporating Cartidyss Plus into your daily routine can be an excellent strategy for supporting overall healthy ageing, bone strength, and joint flexibility.
Collagen is much more than just a beauty supplement – it’s a vital protein that plays a critical role in maintaining bone density, strength, and flexibility. Whether you’re looking to improve bone density, enhance joint mobility, or simply support healthy ageing, collagen is a natural ally in your efforts for long-term bone strength.
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This article was written by Sophia Power, a Clinical Nutritionist.
References:
- Sun C, et al. (2025). Efficacy of collagen peptide supplementation on bone and muscle health: a meta-analysis. Front. Nutr. 12.
- Landis WJ, et al. (2013). Association of calcium and phosphate ions with collagen in the mineralization of vertebrate tissues. Calcif Tissue Int, 93(4):329-37.
- Martinez-Puig D, et al. (2023). Collagen supplementation for joint health: The link between composition and scientific knowledge. Nutrients, 15(6):1332.
- Geahchan S, et al. (2022). Marine collagen: A promising biomaterial for wound healing, skin anti-ageing, and bone regeneration. Mar Drugs, 20(1):61.