There’s no denying that the pandemic has led to unprecedented consumer interest in immunity and preventive health measures. That’s why in this, the third and final part of our immunity blog series, we explore and explain the important role that bone health plays in supporting this most vital of bodily defence mechanisms.

We’ve already learned that specific collagen peptides can help keep the skin barrier intact and support important proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) – which, in turn, strengthens our body’s first two lines of immune defence to better withstand external threats.

Now let’s turn our attention to the connection between bones and immune health. Bone cells, which were once thought to only regulate each other, are now known to influence immune cells too. Likewise, immune reactions can also disturb bone metabolism – particularly when an immune response has been triggered. The bone-immune system cross talk is now a well-accepted concept. The overlap of these two organ systems has even led to a new interdisciplinary field, known as osteoimmunology.

Role of bone marrow

It’s important to understand that all cells in the immune system are derived from the bone marrow – the spongy soft tissue found in the hollow centre of certain bones. These include the hip bone, breastbone, ribs and the ends of the long arm and leg bones. The bone marrow is formed of fibrous, collagen-rich connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and cells, and supplies the cells that regulate bone turnover - osteoblasts and osteoclasts - and the white blood cells destined to become specialised immune cells.

Osteoblasts build bones, while osteoclasts resorb bones. In other words, in an ongoing cycle, osteoclasts remove old bone and osteoblasts fill the cavity with new bone. The balanced metabolism of bone cells is not only important for the continuous remodelling of the bone matrix necessary for the maintenance of skeletal strength, but also to support the normal production of immune cells.

Optimal regulation of bone formation

And this is where bone-specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^â) in GELITA’s IMMUPEPT™ 50 play a key role, as they help optimally regulate the metabolism of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These ingredients were chosen for their strong potential to benefit the collagen-rich tissues that are becoming increasingly recognised for their role in supporting a well-functioning immune system – tissues such as bone marrow (as we’ve now learned) along with skin and the extracellular matrix, as discussed in our previous two blogs.

So what better time for manufacturers to tap into the booming market for immune-health supporting products?

The Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^â) in IMMUPEPT™ can be used to create a wide variety of nutraceutical and functional food products, including drinks, shakes, powders and protein bars. They won’t affect the taste, smell or mouthfeel of the end product, and are also non-allergenic.

Keen to find out more? Contact us today for expert advice and support.