As part of its commitment to raising awareness of the role of nutrition in optimum bone health, Rousselot, the leading manufacturer of collagen peptides and gelatin, held a seminar on the effect of protein supplementation in bone health at the recent Vitafoods exhibition in Geneva.
This was also in line with its new collaboration with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and its support of the World Osteoporosis Day. Delivered in collaboration with Professor René Rizzoli, IOF board member and bone expert from the Geneva University Hospitals, the presentation entitled ‘Nutrition, a straight way to optimal bone health’ highlighted a number of scientific studies confirming the beneficial effect of dietary proteins on bone well-being.
During the second part of the session, Mai Nygaard, global director for Peptan, also referenced the scientific studies supporting collagen peptides’ ability to help maintain healthy bones.
Starting from the pathogenesis of osteoporotic fractures, Professor Rizzoli, explained the relationship between protein intake and bone health, emphasising the importance of sufficient protein intakes to support bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly population.
In particular, he referenced Schürch et. al, which described the impact of protein supplementation in patients with a recent hip fracture. Referring to the percentage changes in the proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) from the baseline, Professor Rizzoli demonstrated how protein supplementation was shown to help reduce the length of stay in the rehabilitation unit by 25%.
He also listed improved intestinal calcium absorption, decreased bone turnover through decreased PTH hormone production, and increased bone formation through increased IGF-I hormone secretion among some of the potential mechanisms of how dietary proteins can benefit bone health.
Professor Rizzoli also indicated 1.1-1.2g/kg (of body weight) as the recommended daily protein intake for the older population, meaning that an individual weighing 70kg should target an intake around 77-85g of protein. The necessary daily protein intake can be achieved with a balanced diet (100g of meat or fish, for instance, corresponds to 20g of proteins), but to reach adequate protein levels, the diet can also be effectively supported by suitable protein supplements such as collagen peptides.
Linking to the importance of supporting bone health by integrating dietary proteins, Mai Nygaard then described the properties of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, and presented the results of the INRA studies on the effect of Peptan on bone metabolism, showing collagen peptides’ positive effect on bone strength and density. Collagen peptides can also work alongside calcium and vitamin D to promote the healthy functioning of bones, supporting the whole musculoskeletal system.
Rousselot’s Peptan range of safe, bioactive collagen peptides help support protein intake in daily diets. Odourless, colourless and with a neutral taste, Peptan can be easily integrated in everyday food and beverage applications, allowing consumers to increase their protein intake without changing their eating habits.
