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FORTIGEL vs FORTIBONE: Collagen Formulation Differences

Emma-Kate Lidbury

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FORTIBONE® and FORTIGEL® are specific bioactive collagen peptides developed by GELITA, each formulated for different health benefits:


  • FORTIBONE supports bone health by stimulating bone metabolism and improving bone mineral density, making it especially useful for preventing or managing osteopenia and osteoporosis.

  • FORTIGEL is designed to promote joint health by stimulating cartilage regeneration and reducing joint discomfort, making it popular among athletes and individuals with joint pain or mobility issues.

People take these collagen peptides to support bone strength and joint function, particularly as they age or recover from physical stress.


While these two supplements come from the same manufacturer (GELITA), there are a few ways in which they’re different and can help you get the intended benefits of collagen supplementation.


This article will explore the nuances between FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE— particularly their effects on bone health and joint health— to help you choose the supplement that matches your desired outcome.

FORTIGEL Overview

FORTIGEL is a special type of collagen peptide that’s been developed to support joint health and mobility. It’s made from natural collagen protein, broken down into smaller pieces (called peptides) so your body can absorb and use it more easily. These peptides are specifically designed to target the cartilage in your joints—the cushioning tissue that helps you move comfortably.


Once you take FORTIGEL, your body absorbs the peptides and sends signals to your cells to help maintain and rebuild joint cartilage. This can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with joint stiffness, discomfort, or wear and tear from aging or physical activity.


FORTIGEL is sourced from animal collagen (usually bovine or porcine) and goes through a careful process to make sure it’s safe, effective, and easy to digest.


Key benefits of FORTIGEL include:

  • Supporting joint comfort and mobility

  • Helping maintain healthy cartilage

  • Reducing joint discomfort from daily wear or exercise

  • Supporting long-term joint resilience


It’s a popular choice for athletes, active individuals, and anyone looking to keep their joints strong and flexible as they age.


This 2013 research concluded that FORTIGEL “has a pronounced, statistically significant stimulatory impact on the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix molecules in tendons and ligament cells,” adding that it is an “interesting option for the treatment and prevention of pathological changes in ligaments and tendons like tendinopathy and might reduce the risk of injuries and rupture.” 

FORTIBONE Overview

FORTIBONE is a special type of bioactive collagen peptide designed specifically to support bone health. It focuses on the structural protein—collagen—that underpins strong, flexible bones.


FORTIBONE is a highly specific collagen peptide that signals bone‑building cells to ramp up structural support where your bones need it most. Taken daily, it offers a scientifically validated, well‑tolerated approach to promoting stronger, more resilient bones over time.


It works in your body by: 

  • Stimulating bone‑building cells (osteoblasts) to make more collagen, which forms the matrix that calcium binds to.

  • Reducing activity of bone‑breaking cells (osteoclasts), helping to slow bone loss.


This results in a stronger collagen scaffold that helps your bones absorb minerals better—and stay more flexible and safe as you age.


It is made through a careful process of hydrolyzing collagen into small peptides that are easy to digest and quickly absorbed by the body. These peptides are patented and produced under strict quality standards, and they are low‑allergen and clean label (no additives or unnecessary ingredients).


Key benefits of FORTIBONE include:

  • Improved bone mineral density (BMD): In a 12‑month randomized controlled trial of postmenopausal women, taking 5 g daily led to a ~3% increase in spine BMD and a 6.7–7.7% increase in femoral neck BMD—while the placebo group saw losses in both areas. In follow‑up studies extending over four years, women continuing FORTIBONE saw further increases in bone density (around 5–8% gains in spine and neck)—with no fractures reported and no side effects or drug interactions.

  • Encourages healthy bone metabolism: Biomarker tests showed increased bone formation and stabilized bone breakdown, confirming an anabolic effect on bone tissue.

  • Well tolerated and safe: Studies report excellent digestibility, extremely low allergen risk, and no adverse events or drug interactions—even compared to common osteoporosis medications.

FORTIBONE is ideal for those looking for science-backed support for bone structure and density. It is especially useful for postmenopausal women, those with osteopenia or early osteoporosis, and anyone interested in long-term bone resilience. 

FORTIGEL vs FORTIBONE: The Key Differences

Feature FORTIGEL® FORTIBONE®
Key Benefit Supports joint health and mobility Supports bone density and strength
Source Bovine collagen (type I & II peptides) Bovine collagen (type I peptides)
Specific Bioactive Peptides Optimized for cartilage regeneration Optimized for bone metabolism and remodeling
Target Tissue Cartilage (joints) Bone matrix
Recommended Dosage 5–10 g daily 5 g daily
Onset Time ~6–12 weeks for joint comfort ~6–12 months for bone density improvements
Side Effects Well-tolerated, no known side effects Well-tolerated, no known side effects

Key Benefits: FORTIGEL is designed to support joint health by stimulating cartilage cells, helping to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. FORTIBONE focuses on bone health, working to stimulate bone-building cells and improve bone mineral density.


Source: Both are typically sourced from bovine collagen.


Specific Bioactive Peptides: While both come from similar sources and manufacturing processes, their peptide profiles are uniquely tailored to their respective target tissues: joints for FORTIGEL, bones for FORTIBONE.


Target Tissue: FORTIGEL targets cartilage and joints while FORTIBONE targets bone.


Recommended Dosage: Both supplements are taken daily—FORTIGEL in doses of 5–10 grams and FORTIBONE at 5 grams.


Onset Time: Because bones remodel more slowly than cartilage, you can expect to see noticeable results from FORTIBONE in about 6 to 12 months. With FORTIGEL it’s quicker—typically 6-12 weeks.


Side Effects: Both are considered safe, well tolerated, and free from common allergens or side effects.

How FORTIGEL vs FORTIBONE Are Similar

  • Both Are Bioactive Collagen Peptides: FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE are specially designed collagen peptides that go beyond basic nutrition. They're formulated to target specific tissues in the body—joints and bones, respectively—by signaling cells to rebuild and strengthen these structures.

  • Shared Manufacturing Process: Both are produced by GELITA using a patented enzymatic process that breaks down collagen into small, easily absorbed peptides. This process ensures high bioavailability, purity, and consistency.

  • Clinically Studied: Each has been backed by human clinical trials demonstrating real-world benefits—FORTIGEL for joint cartilage regeneration and comfort, and FORTIBONE for improved bone mineral density and strength.

  • Animal-Derived, Safe, and Well-Tolerated: Both are typically sourced from bovine collagen and undergo rigorous quality control. They are non-allergenic, easy to digest, and have no known side effects or interactions.

  • Support for Healthy Aging: Whether it’s keeping joints flexible or bones strong, both peptides are widely used to support mobility, performance, and resilience as we age.


Which Should You Take: FORTIGEL vs FORTIBONE?

If you're aiming to reduce joint discomfort, improve mobility, and support cartilage health, FORTIGEL is an excellent option. For those looking to strengthen bones, improve bone mineral density, and support long-term skeletal health, FORTIBONE could be the more effective supplement to try.

If you're looking for a high-quality collagen supplement that includes FORTIGEL, check out Momentous Collagen Peptides.


Momentous Collagen Peptides deliver 10g of grass-fed bovine collagen plus 5g of FORTIGEL, and is designed to support joint health, skin elasticity, and overall tissue resilience. Enhanced with Vitamin C for better absorption, this formula helps maintain healthy cartilage and supports recovery from joint-related stress.


Free from fat, sugar, cholesterol, and additives, it's an ideal choice for active individuals focused on mobility, recovery, and aging well. Easily mixed into your daily routine, it’s NSF Certified for Sport® and third-party tested to ensure purity, potency, and label accuracy.

What Customers Are Saying About Momentous Collagen Peptides


“It has no flavor and dissolves completely. I love that it’s a clean product and helps with my overall health goals.”

-Joanne K. 


“I feel like this is working better than any collagen I’ve tried. I can feel the difference in my joints. Would recommend.”

-Edith I. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE together?

You can take FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE together. Since they target different parts of the body—FORTIGEL supports joint and cartilage health, while FORTIBONE supports bone strength and density—they complement each other well. Many people take both as part of a daily routine to support overall musculoskeletal health, especially if they’re managing joint discomfort and bone loss at the same time. There are no known interactions or safety concerns with using both collagen peptides together.


How long does it take to see results from FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE?

The time it takes to see results from FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE can vary, but clinical studies give us a general guideline. For FORTIGEL, most people start noticing improvements in joint comfort and mobility within 6 to 12 weeks of daily use. With FORTIBONE, benefits like increased bone mineral density typically appear after about 6 to 12 months, as changes in bone structure take longer. Consistency is key—both peptides need to be taken daily and long-term to see and maintain meaningful results.


Are FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE suitable for athletes?

FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE are suitable for athletes and are often used to support performance and recovery. FORTIGEL can help maintain healthy joints, reduce discomfort from repetitive movement, and support long-term mobility—making it ideal for athletes experiencing joint stress. FORTIBONE supports bone strength and density, which is especially valuable in high-impact or endurance sports where bone stress is common. Both peptides are well tolerated, free from banned substances, and safe for regular use in athletic populations.


What's the difference between specific collagen peptides like FORTIGEL/FORTIBONE and regular collagen supplements?

The main difference between specific collagen peptides like FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE and regular collagen supplements lies in their targeted function and clinical backing. FORTIGEL and FORTIBONE are specially formulated and scientifically tested to support joint and bone health, respectively. They consist of bioactive peptides that are optimized to trigger specific responses in the body—like stimulating cartilage or bone cell activity. Regular collagen supplements, on the other hand, are often more general purpose and may not have the same clinical evidence or tissue-specific benefits. If you're looking for proven results in a particular area, specific collagen peptides are the smarter, more focused choice.

Emma-Kate Lidbury

Emma-Kate Lidbury

Emma-Kate Lidbury is a freelance writer and editor with 20 years of experience working in the health and fitness world.