Specific collagen peptides in osteoporosis management: Unraveling therapeutic potential through expert perspectives and scientific insights

Background: Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mineral density, increased fracture risk and impaired quality of life, remains a significant global health concern. Collagen, serving as the foundational structure for bone mineralization, emerges as a crucial component in the armamentarium against osteoporosis. Objective: This expert opinion captures insights from a panel of experts, highlighting the role of specific collagen peptides in the management of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Methods: To achieve this consensus, a group of 13 orthopedics experts from across India came together in Mumbai on 15 th October 2023 to review the existing clinical data and discuss the role of specific collagen peptides in the management of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Results: Collagen, as the fundamental structural component for bone mineralization, emerges as a critical element in osteoporosis management. Specific Collagen Peptide, being a small chain of amino acids, is easily absorbed from the GI tract and, via the circulatory system, reaches the bone marrow, where it activates the formation of osteoblast from bone marrow stem cells plus also inhibits the activity of osteoclast through an increase in the OPG/RANKL ratio. Specific Collagen Peptides (SCP) demonstrated enhancements in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) by 4.2% in the spine and 7.7% in the femoral neck, coupled with alterations in bone turnover markers in 12 months. A clinically relevant increase in BMD was observed in the 4-year follow-up study; no fractures were reported by any patients, and no drug interaction and tolerability issues were noted in the study. Conclusion: The consensus among experts underscores the necessity of integrating once-a-day oral 5 gm specific collagen peptide supplementation (Nutra with a drug-like action) into standard osteoporosis management. SCP, with its dual action on both osteoblast and osteoclast (Along with Calcium and vitamin D), can be used stand-alone or can be used for its synergistic action when used along with anti-resorptive (Bisphosphonate/denosumab) as well as anabolic (teriparatide) treatment.