Could collagen peptides help protect female runners’ bones?

July 27, 2026

Collagen supplements have mostly been marketed to runners for their possible effects on joints, tendons, skin and hair. In a new study, researchers from the University of Connecticut examined the way collagen impacts bone health in female distance runners, with promising results.

Collagen peptides are produced by breaking collagen into smaller pieces that dissolve easily and can be digested and absorbed; peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks that make up proteins. The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, included 22 naturally menstruating women (women who were not using birth control) between 18 and 35 who ran at least 56 kilometres per week. Half consumed 20 grams of collagen peptides each morning for four weeks. The others received an equal-calorie maltodextrin powder that served as a placebo. CANADIAN Running