Broken bones are a painful problem at any age but become more serious with age. As we get older, our bones are affected by hormonal changes which can make them brittle. Here we explore exactly how the Bioactive Collagen Peptides® in Pura Collagen flex+ can support bone health so you no longer have to fear brittle bones.

What are bones made from?

It’s easy to think of bones as being tough hard structures – almost like rock! But in fact, bones are organic, living tissues, in a constant state of renewal and repair. It’s this balance between breakdown and rebuilding that keeps bones strong and healthy. There are three types of cells responsible for maintaining bones: - Osteoblasts are bone forming cells that secrete collagen and other constituents of bone tissue. As bone tissue develops, osteoblasts stop building new bone and turn into osteocytes instead. - Osteocytes monitor and maintain bone tissue. - Osteoclasts refine and resorb bone tissue, helping bones maintain their shape. Problems occur when bone resorption happens at a faster rate than bone building. Poor dietary choices affect bones too, as bone building relies on nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Bone mineralization Bones contain a mixture of minerals, vitamins, and collagen. The main mineral in bone tissue is calcium, which provides toughness and strength to the honeycomb structure inside bones. Other minerals needed include manganese, zinc, phosphate, and iron. Vitamins A, K, and D are important co-factors for bone building, helping to ensure calcium absorption in the digestive tract and utilisation by bone tissue. Vitamin C is needed for collagen production which gives bones their slight flexibility.

What are brittle bones?

Brittle bones develop when there aren’t enough minerals in the honeycomb structure. The gaps between each section of the honeycomb get larger, and the bone loses strength. At the same time, bone resorption may be happening faster than bone building. Ultimately, bones become porous and weak, resulting in osteoporosis – literally, ‘porous bone’. Osteopenia This is the first stage of osteoporosis. A bone scan will show low bone density, but this isn’t severe enough to be classed as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Bone density is significantly reduced, and there is a high risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent disease’ because many people don’t realise they have it until they break a bone. Other signs and symptoms include: - Back pain - A low stoop caused by crumbling bones in the spine - Loss of height Osteoporosis typically affects bones in the spine, wrist, and hip. It is most common in post-menopausal women, though men and younger adults can also be affected.

What are the risk factors for developing brittle bones?

The risk of developing weak and brittle bones increases if you have: - A family history of osteoporosis - An eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia (or a history of eating disorder) - A low Body Mass Index - An overactive thyroid disorder or other hormone related condition affecting bone metabolism - Use long-term steroid medications - Are Coeliac or have any other disorder affecting nutrient absorption in the digestive system - Eat a diet high in processed sugary foods and fizzy drinks and/or alcohol - Are a smoker or have a history of heavy smoking - Don’t get regular exercise or have had bouts of long-term bed rest: exercise is important for stimulating bone-building cells.

Menopause and Bone Health

Oestrogen plays a key role in bone health. Once oestrogen levels drop post-menopause, the risk of bone fracture increases significantly. According to statistics from the Royal Osteoporosis Society, 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will develop osteoporosis, with as many dying from fracture-related causes as from lung cancer. Oestrogen influences bone health by regulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. When oestrogen levels decline after the menopause, osteoclast cells start resorbing bone faster than osteoblasts can build it. This leads to weak bones that are more prone to fracture.

How can Pura Collagen support bone health?

Specific ingredients in our flex+ formula may help maintain healthy bones and joints. - TENDOFORTE® is a unique combination of bioactive collagen peptides® designed to target tendons and ligaments. Tendons attach bones to muscles, and help bones move properly. Ligaments attach one bone to another, helping provide stability to the structures. The peptides in TENDOFORTE® activate the metabolism of cells in these connective tissues to promote their natural repair and renewal. - FORTIGEL® supports cartilage, the white tissue that surrounds and cushions joints. This specific blend of bioactive collagen peptides is heavily researched and proven to alleviate joint pain. - Vitamin C is needed for collagen production in bone tissue, and osteoblast activity. Human studies show a positive association between vitamin C and bone mineral density, fracture probability and bone turnover markers. Our Flex+ formula contains 80mg of vitamin C, which is 100% of the Nutrient Reference Value. - Manganese is an essential trace mineral that aids bone mineralization and bone density. It can stimulate the bone-building osteoblast cells and is used as an enzyme co-factor in several enzymatic reactions relating to bone health. Studies consistently show that women with osteoporosis have lower serum levels of manganese than women with normal bone density.

Top 3 Foods To Combine With flex+ for Bone Health

Upgrade the bone building effects of flex+ by combining it with these calcium-rich foods: - Full fat live natural yoghurt: rich in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Add your serving of Flex+ to a smoothie with yoghurt or sprinkle it into a bowl of yoghurt and berries. - Spinach and other leafy greens like kale and broccoli are excellent dairy-free sources of calcium and magnesium – another mineral for bone health. Mix Flex+ into an olive oil and lemon juice dressing and drizzle over your favourite greens. - Tofu: another great non-dairy calcium source. Soft tofu can be whizzed into a smoothie with Flex+, or you can use the Flex+ olive oil dressing on sliced firm tofu. Find out more about the amazing benefits of our Bioactive Collagen Peptides® in ‘Collagen and Your White Tissue Issues’ – and hop over to the Pura shop to grab flex+ and other products in our Pura range.