1. The “Chalk” Problem: Why Hardness Isn’t Everything
For decades, women have been told the secret to stronger bones after menopause is simply “more calcium.” Calcium is important for bone mineral content, but mineral hardness is only one part of the story. Think of a piece of chalk: it is hard, yet it snaps easily. Healthy bone strength depends on both mineral density and the underlying protein framework that gives bone structure and resilience.
A practical way to picture it: calcium is the “hard” component, while the protein matrix (where collagen is a major structural protein) helps bones handle load without behaving like brittle chalk.
The “Silent Thief”
Bone loss can be quiet. Many women only discover it after a scan or a fracture. After menopause, changes in oestrogen can accelerate bone turnover, which is why bone-health advice usually focuses on more than one lever: calcium intake, vitamin D status, protein intake, and weight-bearing exercise.
2. The Scaffold and the Bricks
Bones are living tissue. They are built from a structural framework (often described as a scaffold) that is then mineralised with calcium and phosphorus. If you only focus on “bricks” (minerals) without the “scaffold” (the protein matrix), you miss a key part of how bone is actually built and maintained.
- Minerals (like calcium): contribute to bone hardness.
- Protein framework (including collagen): supports structure and load handling.
That is why a practical, menopause-friendly strategy is usually a combination: meeting calcium needs, ensuring vitamin D is adequate, prioritising enough protein, and doing resistance or impact-appropriate training.
3. Why Bone Broth Collagen Fits the “Food-First” Approach
A calcium tablet is a single nutrient. Bone broth collagen is food, and for many people it is simply an easier way to add protein and collagen-containing ingredients into a daily routine—especially when mornings are rushed or appetite is lower.
Collanature’s Original is described as slow-cooked for 48 hours and blast-frozen at −18°C (no preservatives needed). One daily portion is about 50g. The product page lists, per 50g: protein 4.75g, collagen 4g, and vitamin C 12mg (15% NRV).
View Collanature Original (Unflavoured)
4. The Protein Factor for Women Over 50
Protein intake is often overlooked in bone-health conversations, yet it matters. In everyday terms: bones are not “just minerals.” They are living tissue that your body maintains over time, and adequate dietary protein supports that maintenance. Many women also find it harder to hit protein targets consistently as routines change with age.
A warm, savoury option like bone broth collagen can be a practical way to support daily protein intake without feeling like you are “adding another supplement.” Consistency matters more than hype.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop taking my calcium tablets?
Do not stop any prescribed medication or clinician-advised supplementation without speaking to your GP or clinician. If you are taking calcium for a reason (or you have osteoporosis/osteopenia risk), your plan should be guided medically. Food-based habits can complement a plan, but they are not a replacement for medical care.
Does collagen “fix” osteopenia or osteoporosis?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are medical conditions that need clinician-led assessment and monitoring. Nutrition and exercise can support overall bone health, but no food should be positioned as treating or reversing a disease. If you are concerned, start with a scan, a clinician conversation, and a structured plan.
What about vitamin K2?
Vitamin K has authorised roles in the body and is sometimes discussed in bone-health conversations, but it is not appropriate for everyone (especially if you take blood thinners). If you are considering K2 supplements, check with a healthcare professional first.
Is strength training necessary?
For most people, some form of weight-bearing or resistance training is strongly recommended for long-term bone health, adjusted to ability and medical context. Nutrition provides raw materials; exercise provides the signal.
How should I use Collanature for a consistent routine?
Follow the product guidance. Collanature recommends one portion (about 50g) daily. Many people dissolve it in warm water as a drink, or add it to soups or recipes for an easy daily habit.
Final Thoughts
After menopause, the best bone strategy is rarely one single nutrient. Calcium matters, but so do vitamin D, protein, and the mechanical signal from exercise. If bone broth collagen helps you stay consistent with a food-first routine, it can be a simple piece of a bigger, smarter plan.
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace medical advice. If you have concerns about bone density, fractures, or menopause-related symptoms, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Shop Collanature: Original (Unflavoured) or Wild Berries.