Collagen supplementation and bone health - a narrative review

Osteoporosis is a known skeletal chronic disease which decreases bone mass, damages bone microarchitecture and increases the risk of fragility fractures. Non pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional changes play a significant supportive role in bone health maintenance along with pharmacological treatments. Collagen is a key organic component of the bone matrix, which subjects it to intensive research as a potential dietary supplement, especially in individuals with low bone mass. The review aims to critically evaluate and summarize novel studies between 2020 and 2025 that described the significance of oral collagen supplementation, especially in individuals with poor bone health. A narrative review of human studies published from 2020 to 2025 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included observational studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines focusing on the evaluation of oral collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen supplementation and bone related outcomes. Preclinical and animal studies were excluded. The prevailing evidence suggests that oral collagen has a beneficial supportive effect on bone health, particularly in individuals with early bone loss. Due to the heterogeneous nature of currently available literature and limited studies on fracture outcomes, collagen supplementation can not be considered as a replacement therapy but rather an adjunctive treatment to established osteoporosis regimes.