The Future of Menopause Nutrition is Sheep Science

Written By Dr Rob Kelly & Dr Alisa Roddick-Lanzilotta

A white paper on women’s health, aging well, and the innovation pipeline of ovine-derived bioactives.

Dr Rob Kelly & Dr Alisa Roddick-Lanzilotta

Executive Summary

Peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause will affect more than a billion women worldwide by 2030. Women live longer than men but spend more years in poor health, with midlife hormonal decline accelerating risks of bone loss, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Nutrition is one of the most powerful levers for symptom relief, resilience, and longevity. 

Ovitage®, the world’s first ovine whole-skin collagen protein, is available today as a scientifically grounded, sustainable innovation designed specifically for women’s health. Unlike commodity bovine or marine collagens and as a result of the unique composition of sheep skins, Ovitage® provides a richer amino acid profile, including cystine and BCAAs. These important building blocks available from the sheep source directly support the muscle, bone, skin, and cognitive challenges faced during and after menopause as well as underlying glutathione and taurine metabolism to support the body’s stress response. 

While Ovitage® leads the way now, the future of sheep science is even broader: lanolin-derived vitamin D₃, phospholipids and Bioactive Keratin Peptides are in development, representing the next wave of women’s health bio-actives from ovine sources. Together, they form a powerful innovation pipeline to support women aging well.

1. Menopause as a Longevity Inflection Point 

Menopause is not just a reproductive milestone; it is a turning point in ageing biology. 

  • Peri-menopause (35-55): Symptoms emerge as hormones fluctuate. 

  • Menopause (~51 years): Estrogen drops sharply; bone and muscle decline accelerate. 

  • Post-menopause: Risks of osteoporosis, frailty, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline rise dramatically. 

Globally, women spend up to 25% of their lives in poor health after menopause.  

2. Nutrition and the Menopause Transition 

Nutrition offers a scalable, evidence-based intervention to shift this poor health trajectory. Research shows that certain dietary patterns are associated with a later onset of menopause and lower risk of early menopause: 

  • Oily fish and legumes: Linked to delayed menopause in UK cohort studies (1). 

  • Vitamin D and calcium: Higher intakes associated with lower risk of early menopause in US data (2). 

  • Soy and protein-rich foods: Emerging studies link them with milder symptoms and better post-menopausal health outcomes (3). 

These findings, while largely observational, highlight the power of nutrition to influence timing, symptoms, and long-term outcomes. 

3. Ovitage®: An innovation in Sheep Science 

Sheep skin is a highly abundant resource with a highly differentiated composition compared to other animal skins. Sheep skin follicle density is >4x greater than the cow skin typically used for collagen extraction (4) and peptides associated with the follicle are a rich source of cystine and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) either present in low amounts or absent from conventional bovine or marine collagen. Fat content of sheep skin is substantially higher, typically 30% of weight, compared to 2-3% for cow skin (5). These lipids are a rich source of bioactive molecules, making sheep skin a valuable resource for the extraction of these important nutrients.  

Ovitage® is the cornerstone of sheep science, harvesting this potent portfolio of bioactive molecules present in a higher proportion in sheep skin than in other animal sources. The patented Ovitage® technology is commercially available now. 

  • Innovation: The world’s first ovine whole-skin collagen protein platform, upcycling agricultural by-products into premium health solutions. 

  • Nutritional profile: A superior balance of amino acids including cystine in a stabilised, oxidised form, and BCAAs, matched to the specific requirements of women’s health. 

  • Benefits for women: 

  1. Muscle Health: Higher BCAA content supports muscle preservation and recovery, during and after menopause (6). Research also demonstrates that peptides with high proportions of cystine in a stabilised, oxidised form support lean muscle mass as a result of cellular stimulation of protein synthesis (7). 

  2. Skin & Hair: Peptides rich in cystine contribute to building hair follicle strength, reducing hair thinning during ageing (8). Stimulation of proteins to support structural layers in the skin (9) also improves skin barrier function and firmness, leading to visible wellness benefits. 

  3. Bone & Joint Support: A core collagen function is to help maintain skeletal strength and connective tissue integrity (10). Proteins from sheep skin go further due to specific cystine rich peptides shown to stimulate collagen production for connective tissue (9). 

  4. Cognitive & Stress Support: Sheep skins provide a richer source of tyrosine and glutamic acid compared to conventional collagens. Studies show that increasing tyrosine through protein ingestion raises brain tyrosine levels and boosts dopamine production, important for stress control (11), while glutamic acid is an important neurotransmitter for cognitive support and healthy brain function (12).  

  5. Inflammation and oxidative stress. Glutathione and taurine are essential parts of the body’s system for inflammation control and management of oxidative stress. Peptides rich in cystine in a stabilised, oxidised form have been shown to boost these specific pathways (13).

  6. Sustainability: Every sheep skin becomes a source of high-value nutrition, reducing waste and building a circular economy. 

Ovitage® is not just another collagen—it is a category creator. It shifts collagen from a commodity “beauty protein” into a science-backed, women’s health-first longevity platform. 

4. The Future Pipeline of Sheep Science 

While Ovitage® is available today, the next wave of ovine bio-actives is under research and development: 

  • Lanolin-derived Vitamin D₃: Already the global standard for vitamin D₃ production, research is underway to refine this natural product and integrate it into menopause-targeted formulations, building stronger links to bone and muscle health. 

  • Bioactive Keratin Peptides: Specific cystine rich keratin peptides derived from ovine wool have been linked to cell stimulation mechanisms and tissue repair and show promise for antioxidant defence, skin barrier repair, and muscle recovery (9). 

  • Glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid found in the sheep skin play a role in maintaining collagen and elastin for joint and skin health. Animal studies have shown they may play a role in obesity control and metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and promoting fat loss (14). 

  • Phospholipids can be extracted from ovine skin and play an important role in brain health, stress and mood management as well as digestive health and as a result form an important foundation for future nutritional support for women’s health (15).  

These innovations in sheep science represent a pipeline that will keep expanding women’s health solutions for years to come. 

5. Aging Well Through Menopause: A Two-Stage Strategy 

  1. Now: Ovitage® offers women a proven, sustainable, and superior protein platform that supports bone, muscle, skin, and cognitive resilience through peri-, and post-menopause.

  2. Next: Lanolin-derived vitamin D₃, Glycosaminoglycan, phospholipids and Bioactive Keratin Peptides are being developed to complement Ovitage® in a comprehensive “Sheep Science Stack” for women’s health and longevity. 

This two-stage approach means women can benefit today while looking forward to the innovations of tomorrow. 

6. Conclusions 

  • Nutrition is central to aging well through the menopause transition. 

  • Ovitage® is available now, providing tangible benefits for bone, muscle, skin, and cognitive resilience while setting a new global standard in collagen innovation. 

  • The future is coming. Sheep science is more than one product; it is a growing innovation pipeline that will continue to unlock new ovine bio-actives for women’s health. 

Ovitage® represents both the here-and-now solution and the gateway to a future ecosystem of sheep-derived nutrition for female longevity. 

References 

  1. Dunneram Y, Greenwood DC, Burley VJ, Cade JE. Dietary intake and age at natural menopause: results from the UK Women's Cohort Study. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2018 Aug;72(8):733-740. doi: 10.1136/jech-2017-209887. Epub 2018 Apr 30. PMID: 29712719; PMCID: PMC6204950. 

  2. Purdue-Smithe AC, Whitcomb BW, Szegda KL, Boutot ME, Manson JE, Hankinson SE, Rosner BA, Troy LM, Michels KB, Bertone-Johnson ER. Vitamin D and calcium intake and risk of early menopause. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Jun;105(6):1493-1501. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.145607. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28490509; PMCID: PMC5445672.

  3. Yang Y, Yang Y, Yong Z, Yang L, Zhao Y, Yan M, Zheng R, Luo X. Association Between Protein-Rich Foods, Nutritional Supplements, and Age of Natural Menopause and Its Symptoms. Nutrients. 2025; 17(2):356. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020356 

  4. Raghav, Shweta & Uppal, Varinder & Gupta, Anuradha. (2021). Comparative Distribution Of Hair Follicles In Skin Of Different Domestic Animals. Haryana Vet. (December, 2020) 59(2), 245-247. https://www.luvas.edu.in/haryana-veterinarian/download/harvet2020-dec/23.pdf  

  5. Doherty, Sean & Henderson, Stuart & Fiddyment, Sarah & Finch, Jonathan & Collins, Matthew. (2021). Scratching the surface: the use of sheepskin parchment to deter textual erasure in early modern legal deeds. Heritage Science. 9. 29. 10.1186/s40494-021-00503-6.  

  6. Dudgeon WD, Kelley EP, Scheett TP. In a single-blind, matched group design: branched-chain amino acid supplementation and resistance training maintains lean body mass during a caloric restricted diet. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2016 Jan 5;13:1. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0112-9. PMID: 26733764; PMCID: PMC4700774.   

  7. Crum EM, McLeay YD, Barnes MJ, Stannard SR. The effect of chronic soluble keratin supplementation in physically active individuals on body composition, blood parameters and cycling performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Sep 27;15(1):47. doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0251-x. PMID: 30261892; PMCID: PMC6161438 

  8. Roddick-Lanzilotta A., Kelly R. and Sapsford P., A hold on hair. Keratin blend anchors follicles and prevents pollution induced hair fall. Cosmetics and Toiletries, 134, 9, 24-36, 2019 

  9. L Tang, J Ollague Sierra, R Kelly, R S Kirsner, J Li, Wool-derived keratin stimulates human keratinocyte migration and types IV and VII collagen expression, Experimental Dermatology, 21, 5, 2012, DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2012.01505.x 

  10. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96. doi: 10.1185/030079908x291967. Epub 2008 Apr 15. PMID: 18416885. 

  11. Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain. J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6 Suppl 1):1539S-1547S; discussion 1548S. doi: 10.1093/jn/137.6.1539S. PMID: 17513421. 

  12. Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. Glutamate as a neurotransmitter in the healthy brain. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2014 Aug;121(8):799-817. doi: 10.1007/s00702-014-1180-8. Epub 2014 Mar 1. PMID: 24578174; PMCID: PMC4133642  

  13. Wolber F., McGrath M., Jackson F., Wylie K. and Broomfield A., Cysteic Acid in Dietary Keratin is Metabolized to Glutathione and Liver Taurine in a Rat Model of Human Digestion, Nutrients (2016) 8 (2): 104. 

  14. Kang L, Lantier L, Kennedy A, Bonner JS, Mayes WH, Bracy DP, Bookbinder LH, Hasty AH, Thompson CB, Wasserman DH. Hyaluronan accumulates with high-fat feeding and contributes to insulin resistance. Diabetes. 2013 Jun;62(6):1888-96. doi: 10.2337/db12-1502. Epub 2013 Jan 24. PMID: 23349492; PMCID: PMC3661617. 

  15. Choudhary RC, Kuschner CE, Kazmi J, Mcdevitt L, Espin BB, Essaihi M, Nishikimi M, Becker LB, Kim J. The Role of Phospholipid Alterations in Mitochondrial and Brain Dysfunction after Cardiac Arrest. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 24;25(9):4645. doi: 10.3390/ijms25094645. PMID: 38731864; PMCID: PMC11083216. 

Dr Rob Kelly & Dr Alisa Roddick-Lanzilotta