Why I Changed My Mind About Collagen Supplementation (And What You Need to Know About Fortibone®, Fortigel®, and Verisol®
- Jana Davis, MS, RDN
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
I’ll admit—I wasn’t always a strong advocate for collagen supplementation.
I certainly knew the need. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure and strength of bones, joints, and skin. As we age, collagen production declines—contributing to bone loss, joint discomfort, and skin aging.
For years, I believed that if we simply provided the body with the necessary ingredients—vitamin C and plenty of protein that included proline, glycine—it could make the collagen it needed. I was unconvinced that a collagen supplement could offer much beyond that.
However, as more clinical studies began confirming improved outcomes for skin, joints and especially for bones with targeted bioactive collagen peptides, I changed my clinical opinion. These collagen peptides are specifically cleaved to target particular tissues. That’s when I started recommending targeted collagen peptides—especially Fortibone®, Fortigel®, and Verisol®—as part of a comprehensive support program for bone, joint, and skin health.
I also started seeing positive results—in myself and in my clients. My nails had never grown like this! Clients shared that their hair was thicker and their nails were growing. Skin improved. Their joints felt less stiff. We could expect the peptides were playing a role in bone markers shifting in the right direction. The significant part was that some of these clients had used the same brand of collagen peptides for years but when they made the change to the specific peptides, that was when they noticed a significant difference.
Here’s what you need to know.
Fortibone®: Supporting Bone Density from Within
Fortibone® is a patented, bioactive collagen peptide shown to stimulate osteoblasts (the cells that build bone) and improve the collagen matrix that gives bone its flexibility and strength.
What the science shows:
A 2018 randomized controlled trial found that postmenopausal women who took 5 g of Fortibone® daily for 12 months experienced significant increases in bone mineral density (BMD):
Lumbar spine BMD increased by 4.2%
Femoral neck BMD increased by 7.7%
A 2021 follow-up observational study extended this insight. Over four years, women taking Fortibone® daily continued to show increased BMD, improved T-scores, and no reported fractures—without side effects.
These studies suggest Fortibone® may serve as a safe, effective, and well-tolerated nutritional support strategy for osteopenia and early osteoporosis.
Fortigel®: Relief for Joint Discomfort
Fortigel® is a collagen peptide designed to stimulate cartilage regeneration and reduce joint discomfort—without the side effects of NSAIDs or glucosamine.
What the science shows:
A 2024 clinical trial found that 5 g of Fortigel® daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced joint discomfort in healthy individuals, especially during activities like walking, stair climbing, and squatting.³
Previous research in young active adults also showed reduced knee joint pain during exercise with consistent Fortigel® supplementation.⁴
Verisol®: For Skin Elasticity & Wrinkle Reduction
Verisol® targets skin health by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the dermis—the deep layer of skin responsible for firmness and elasticity.
What the science shows:
A 2025 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that 2.5 g of Verisol® daily for 8 weeks led to:
Improved skin hydration (within 4 weeks)
Increased elasticity
Reduced wrinkle depth and volume⁵
Summary:
Fortibone®, Fortigel®, and Verisol® are clinically studied, highly specific collagen peptides shown to improve outcomes in bone, joint, and skin health.
If you’re dealing with osteopenia, osteoporosis or joint pain, or accelerated skin aging—these targeted peptides may be a powerful part of your daily routine, especially when combined with lifestyle, nutrient support, and lab-guided care.
The products that I recommend and personally use myself are linked below. You can also always purchase these products through my Fullscript dispensary at 20-25 percent. Please just email me at bonehealthsolutions@gmail.com and I will configure your ongoing discount for all products.
Always check with your medical team before incorporating new products. I do not recommend collagen for someone who has any type of stricture ie. esophagus, intestines etc.
If you are in need an personalized bone health program, I hope you will reach out. This recent webinar will give you an overview of the detailed work I do with clients to help them optimize their health in every way!
Best in health,
Jana Davis MS,RDN
Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Bone Health Specialist
References
König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 10(1):97. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010097
Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, König D. (2021). Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Long-Term Observation in Postmenopausal Women. J Bone Metab. 28(3):207–213. https://doi.org/10.11005/jbm.2021.28.3.207
Zdzieblik D et al. (2024). Impact of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Joint Discomforts in the Lower Extremity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 21(6):687.
Clark KL, et al. (2008). 24-week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 24(5):1485–1496.
Proksch E, et al. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 27(1):47–55.
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