Peptide TQS169 prevents osteoporosis in rats by enhancing osteogenic differentiation and calcium absorption

•A new kind of ossotide derived from bovine bone had the preventative effects on osteoporosis.•Calcium absorption was enhanced in rats with a low calcium diet after being treated with peptide TQS169.•TQS169 could reduce bone loss in rats with osteoporosis induced by retinoic acid.•The osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells can be accelerated by TQS169.•Food therapy of ossotide may be a new strategy for osteoporosis.