Collagen has become one of the most popular supplements on the market. Yet one detail is often overlooked: not all collagen is the same.
Many people assume collagen is simply collagen regardless of the product. However, companies such as GELITA have spent decades developing specific collagen peptide preparations that have been studied for different tissues and health outcomes.
This has led to the development of specialised collagen peptide preparations such as Verisol®, Fortigel® and Tendoforte®.
All three are collagen peptides, but they were developed and researched for different applications.
More Than Just Building Blocks
For many years, collagen supplements were viewed primarily as a source of amino acids and building blocks.
The current understanding is more sophisticated.
Research suggests that some collagen-derived peptides are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and may act as biological signals within the body. Rather than simply supplying raw materials, these peptides appear capable of interacting with connective tissue cells and influencing their activity. This signalling concept has become one of the most important developments in collagen research.
Depending on the tissue being studied, this may involve fibroblasts in the skin, chondrocytes within cartilage, or tenocytes and ligament fibroblasts within tendons and ligaments. These cells are responsible for producing collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix, the structural framework that gives connective tissues their strength and resilience.
This helps explain why different collagen peptide preparations may be investigated for different tissues. GELITA refers to these specific preparations as Bioactive Collagen Peptides® (BCP®), reflecting the theory that particular peptide profiles may exert biological effects beyond simply supplying amino acids.
Verisol®: The Skin-Focused Peptide
Verisol® has been developed and studied primarily for skin health.
Clinical studies have investigated its effects on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkle appearance, with most studies using doses of approximately 2.5 g daily. Research has reported improvements in skin elasticity and reductions in wrinkle volume, alongside evidence suggesting stimulation of dermal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix production.
Importantly, the proposed mechanism is not that collagen from the supplement simply becomes skin collagen. Rather, specific peptides appear to act as signals that encourage skin cells to produce and maintain components of the dermal matrix.
The populations studied have generally included people interested in skin appearance and age-related changes in skin quality. As a result, Verisol® is often considered by individuals seeking support for skin elasticity, hydration and visible signs of skin ageing.
Fortigel®: Supporting Cartilage And Joint Health
Fortigel® was developed with a different target tissue in mind: cartilage.
Cartilage is the specialised connective tissue that cushions joints and helps them move smoothly. Unlike many tissues in the body, cartilage has a relatively limited capacity for repair.
Research on Fortigel® has focused on joint comfort, mobility and cartilage metabolism. Studies using approximately 5 g daily have reported reductions in activity-related knee pain and improvements in joint comfort and function.
Laboratory studies suggest that specific collagen peptides may stimulate chondrocytes, the cells responsible for maintaining cartilage, leading to increased production of collagen and proteoglycans within the joint matrix.
The research has largely focused on people experiencing activity-related joint discomfort or those seeking to support long-term joint function. This has led to interest in Fortigel® among individuals looking to support cartilage health and joint comfort as they age or remain physically active.
Tendoforte®: Tendons And Ligaments
Tendoforte® was developed to support tendons and ligaments.
These tissues experience substantial mechanical loading during exercise and daily movement. Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments help stabilise joints.
Research suggests that Tendoforte® may stimulate tendon and ligament fibroblasts to increase production of collagen, elastin and other extracellular matrix components important for connective tissue strength and flexibility.
Perhaps most interestingly, some of the strongest evidence has emerged when Tendoforte® is combined with a structured rehabilitation program. In participants with Achilles tendinopathy, supplementation alongside exercise improved symptoms and function more rapidly than rehabilitation alone.
This highlights an important point: nutritional interventions often work best when combined with appropriate mechanical loading and exercise.
Tendoforte® has attracted particular interest among physically active individuals, those recovering from tendon injuries and people undertaking structured rehabilitation programs where connective tissue support may be a consideration.
Why The Details Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding collagen supplements is the assumption that all collagen products are interchangeable.
The clinical studies performed on Verisol®, Fortigel® and Tendoforte® were conducted using specific collagen peptide preparations with characteristic peptide profiles. The outcomes observed in those studies cannot automatically be assumed to apply to every collagen product on the market.
This does not mean other collagen products are ineffective. It simply means that when evaluating the evidence, it is important to consider exactly which collagen peptide preparation was used in the research.
The Bottom Line
Verisol®, Fortigel® and Tendoforte® are all collagen peptides, but they have been developed and studied for different purposes.
Verisol® has primarily been investigated for skin health. Fortigel® has been researched for cartilage and joint support. Tendoforte® has been studied for tendons and ligaments, particularly when combined with exercise and rehabilitation.
The emerging science suggests that collagen peptides may do more than simply provide amino acids. Specific peptide profiles appear capable of acting as biological signals that influence connective tissue cells and extracellular matrix production.
As with many areas of nutritional science, the details matter. Understanding which collagen peptide was used in a study may be just as important as knowing how much collagen was taken.
For those seeking targeted support in any of these areas, these specific GELITA bioactive collagen peptides are available at Vive, where our qualified team can help you choose the most appropriate option for your goals.
Article written by
Peter Christinson
Certified Practicing Nutritionist
Vive Health – Retail and Clinic Manager
