Bone atrophy and the loss of bone density are significant problems for many postmenopausal women. In addition, because of the aging global population, osteoporosis is on the rise. It’s reckoned that by 2025, the condition will affect up to 33.9 million men and women in the EU, an increase of 23% compared with 2017.

And although we automatically associate calcium with bone health … they need much more than one single element! Bone is a mixture of mineral crystals held in an organic collagen matrix. On their own, the crystals would be extremely brittle and prone to breakage. FORTIBONE^®, with its specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s), stimulates osteoblast activity to increase the production of the extracellular bone matrix, which is the essential framework for calcium mineralization.

FORTIBONE^® also regulates the degenerative processes that affect bones by reducing osteoclast-based protease production. It stimulates the body to build the basic components needed for a strong and stable bone structure, supporting overall bone stability and flexibility.

To examine the effect of specific collagen peptide supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), a recent study[1] investigated the long-term effects of FORTIBONE^® in postmenopausal women. More than 130 women (average age = 64) with age-related BMD decline received a daily dose of FORTIBONE^® (5 g) or a maltodextrin placebo for 12 months.

The primary endpoint of the study was defined as comparing BMD differences in the spine (L1–L4) between both study groups. The second primary outcome was defined as changes in the BMD of the femoral neck. Changes in bone metabolism were also evaluated using certain formation and resorption biomarkers.

The results of the study indicated an anabolic effect, showing a pronounced increase in bone mineral density after FORTIBONE^® supplementation. In the femoral neck, BMD increased by 6.7%, whereas the spine results showed an increase of 3% at the end of the treatment phase. In the same period, bone density in the placebo group decreased by 1.3% in the spine and 1% in the femoral neck. Hence, at the end of the study, subjects in the collagen peptide group showed significantly increased

BMDs compared with the placebo — with a 5.3% higher BMD in the spine and a 6.3% higher BMD in the femoral neck.

 

The data strongly suggests that FORTIBONE^® could play a noteworthy role in bone health metabolism and the so called “downward spiral” that often begins with fractures, the subsequent lack of physical movement and the inevitable loss of independence. Plus, as a natural, clean label and easily digestible food product, non-allergenic FORTIBONE^® can be used in a wide variety of foods, such as dairy products, functional foods, food supplements and beverages.

These results have already been very well received by experts: FORTIBONE^® was voted Ingredient of the Year and won the Nutra Ingredient Award for Healthy Aging at the recent Vitafoods Europe trade show. The jury commented that FORTIBONE^® stood out because of its sound scientific background and long-term results, which are very promising.

Want to fortify your bone health products as well? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.