Collagen Peptides, FORTIBONE®, FORTIGEL®, VERISOL®, UC-II® 1 Pack

I have to address this one simple thing before going forward. COME ON, do you really think collagen is vegan or vegetarian? True collagen is ONLY sourced from animals or marine life. Not fair to rate 1 star for not knowing what you were purchasing. The info is all right in the description! bovine! chicken! I chose AlgaeCal over other collagen supplements because it uses patented specialized sources such as fortigel, fortibone, verisol, and UC-ii. It is worth looking each up to understand more about it. It was truly the selling point for me, and had I not learned of all this ahead of time, I doubt I would have chosen this brand. Especially look into it if have bone, joint, cartilage issues. A great starting spot is to look for "Gelita", and then from the main page drop down the "products and brands" menu where you will find detailed info on each one. As for UC-ii, you will have to do separate search. If just looking for hair, skin, nails booster, then try a product that just uses Verisol (VitalProteins used to include it in their forumula, not sure if they still do). If older and looking for help with bone, tendon, joint help along with skin, hair, nails, then this AlgaeCal offers a lot. I had been using NativePath Bone collagen which I think it good, but it just uses fortibone. I switched to AlgaeCal because it offers so much more. However, since these formulas are extra pricey, I sometimes swap back and forth (ie, use Algaecal majority of week, then the other days use another brand). Overall amount of collagen protein may seem low compared to other brands. I looked into this. The sweet spot is exactly where they have it as far as this type of formula (using science backed verisol, fortibone, fortigel). Take note that the servings per container is "about 30". So NOT 30, unless you use less than the directed dose. Directed dose is 1 scoop. Which is ABOUT 1.5 tablespoons. Dont use a level scoop, just a hint under. A FULL 30 day supply is preferred, and I dont know why they dont just do it that way. But I dont downrate as this info is clearly seen in the product pics and description. WHILE I dont have known bone, joint, cartilage issues at this time, I am about 50 years old, and am thinking ahead. I have been using collagen consistently for well over a decade (before hydrolyzed options came on the scene!). Maybe lack of issues (despite not being in shape at all) can be attributed somewhat to consistent collagen use? Anyway, So what got me to take a closer look at this is that I had been doing some info gathering for my 74 years old mom who has bone/tendon/cartilage issues. I found this brand and recommended it to her. She didnt start it, but I decided to buy it for myself. I have been using it since the beginning of 2025. Again, I cant attest to the more hidden aspects(bone,tendon,etc) but I can say that my hair has improved, and my skin has a boosted look. Again, I have been using collagen for a very long time so I may be ahead of things in that regard, or perhaps wouldnt notice a big change. But I am pleased enough to keep using this product, and have been buying it every time it is on sale. Then just yesterday my mom and I were talking about supplements that should be taking. I mentioned again "collagen peptides". She says she consumes some, but hates it based on smell and taste. I figured she was buying something that happened to have noticeable smell and taste. So I got up, grabbed my container of AlgaeCal and had her smell it. She was super surprised that it has no smell. Then I made her a cup of coffee and added this in, and she drink some, and again was surprised to not notice any taste. She had just assumed that collagen was gross smelling and tasting! THEN she went on her phone app. and immediately ordered a 3 pack of this product. I said, now to really take this over the top, be sure to take some Hyaluronic acid (also not vegan, lol) and vitamin C. Adding those in helps with collagen synthesis and hydrating the skin (hyaluronic works much better from the inside than just applying topically). SOME collagen products will include these 2 supplements, but this AlgaeCal does not. So I take toniiq hyaluronic acid which also happens to have some vitamin C. But when I want a good boost of vitamin C, I use NativePath liposoma vitamin C liquid or a capsules such as microingredients lipsomal vitamin c OVERALL, I like it, I keep using it, it mixes seamlessly into my coffee or matcha tea. I use a handheld frother to blend it real quick. No stomach issues.

This is one of the better collagen powders I’ve had. I will be a repeat customer. It has no flavor, dissolves completely and I’ve noticed my hair and nails have improved, as well as my overall gut issues. I recommend this product.

I am going through my first container but it’s one of the best collagens I’ve taken with how well it dissolves ( I use a frother). Zero taste and I mix with almond milk before adding my coffee. A great way to start the day.

I stated using this after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, after just using for a couple weeks, my knees stopped hurting when I squat down or work out! It disolves quickly and does have a slight flavor but it is pleasant.

This is a very good product. It has all the types of collagen a post-menopausal woman needs for health benefits. I didn't find it had a taste or smell, though it did make my coffee taste creamier, which I liked. Easily digested, I had no stomach issues with this product. That said, the product is rather cost prohibitive, so I will likely not buy again.

Good Stuff

I have noticed better skin and joint improvement taking this supplement. My skin seems firmer. I have had less joint pain, and even my plantar fasciitis has improved. I stopped taking it for 10 days when I was on a trip, and I definitely noticed a difference, especially with my joints starting to ache a bit. I had been taking a different collagen supplement for years, but this formula feels much more effective helping alleviate joint pain. It mixes easily. I use a whisk frother to add it to cold brew in the morning. There’s no odor or taste that I have noticed. I have osteopenia and was looking for something to help prevent it from getting worse. It’s expensive, but I think it’s worth it.

So far so good. Mixes well, tastes good. Now does it work?