Collagen Clinical

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of total protein mass and forming the primary architectural scaffold of connective tissues including skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Collagen fibres provide tensile strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, and their quality and density are central to the mechanical performance and resilience of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the appearance and functional integrity of the skin.

Endogenous collagen synthesis declines progressively from the third decade of life, and the rate of decline accelerates in women following the menopausal transition due to the withdrawal of oestrogen-mediated support for fibroblast and osteoblast activity. Physical loading, ultraviolet exposure, oxidative stress, and nutritional insufficiency may further impair collagen turnover across all age groups.

Orthoplex Collagen Clinical is a practitioner-grade oral powder combining four distinct bioactive collagen peptides (BCPs) developed by GELITA® — the global leader in collagen peptide science — alongside ascorbic acid as an essential cofactor for collagen biosynthesis. Each peptide fraction is low-molecular-weight, hydrolysed to optimise intestinal absorption and tissue delivery, and has been the subject of independent clinical investigation in its target tissue.

The GELITA® Bioactive Collagen Peptide Platform

GELITA® BCPs differ from generic hydrolysed collagen in that each fraction is produced using a proprietary enzymatic hydrolysis process that generates specific peptide sequences with defined tissue tropism. Following oral ingestion, these peptides are absorbed intact or as dipeptides and tripeptides across the intestinal mucosa, enter the systemic circulation, and preferentially accumulate in their target connective tissues, where they act as biological signals to stimulate resident cells to upregulate collagen and matrix synthesis. This tissue-specific mechanism distinguishes them from non-specific collagen hydrolysates.

FORTIGEL® — Articular Cartilage Support (5.0 g per serve)

FORTIGEL® consists of bioactive collagen peptides with demonstrated accumulation in articular cartilage. Clinical research involving FORTIGEL® has shown that oral supplementation stimulates chondrocyte synthesis of type II collagen and aggrecan, the primary structural proteoglycan of hyaline cartilage. Cartilage is avascular and has limited intrinsic repair capacity; supporting the anabolic activity of chondrocytes through targeted peptide signalling represents a nutritional strategy to maintain the integrity of the cartilage extracellular matrix. This peptide fraction is particularly relevant for individuals with physically demanding activity patterns and those managing age-related changes in articular function.

TENDOFORTE® — Tendon and Ligament Structural Support (5.0 g per serve)

TENDOFORTE® is formulated from bioactive collagen peptides with affinity for tendon and ligament tissue. Tendons and ligaments are type I collagen-dense structures that transmit mechanical forces between muscle and bone, and their structural quality determines load-bearing capacity, elasticity, and resistance to overuse injury. Clinical studies involving TENDOFORTE® demonstrate that it stimulates tenocyte activity and supports the structural adaptation of tendinous connective tissue in response to mechanical loading — relevant to resistance training, endurance sports, and repetitive-loading occupational demands. TENDOFORTE® is the only collagen peptide fraction specifically investigated for tendon and ligament applications, and this formula provides it at 5.0 g per serve — the dose used in clinical research.

FORTIBONE® — Bone Matrix Support (5.0 g per serve)

The organic matrix of cortical and trabecular bone is approximately 90% type I collagen. Mineralisation of this collagen scaffold — primarily as hydroxyapatite — confers the compressive strength and structural rigidity of bone tissue. FORTIBONE® consists of bioactive collagen peptides that have been clinically investigated for their ability to support osteoblast activity and bone matrix formation. In randomised controlled trials in postmenopausal women, FORTIBONE® supplementation has been associated with support for bone mineral density and bone matrix structural markers. This peptide fraction addresses the collagen component of bone health, complementing calcium and vitamin D strategies by supporting the organic scaffold into which mineral is deposited.

VERISOL® — Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Dermal Integrity (2.5 g per serve)

VERISOL® is GELITA®'s patented skin-specific bioactive collagen peptide. Following oral ingestion, VERISOL® peptides accumulate in the dermis and stimulate dermal fibroblast synthesis of collagen and elastin — the two proteins responsible for skin elasticity and tensile strength respectively. Clinical trials in women have demonstrated that VERISOL® supplementation supports skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal density, and has been associated with improvements in the appearance of periorbital wrinkle depth. The 2.5 g dose included in this formula reflects the clinically investigated amount.

Ascorbic Acid — Essential Cofactor for Collagen Biosynthesis (100 mg per serve)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an indispensable cofactor for two hydroxylase enzymes — prolyl-4-hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase — that catalyse the post-translational hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in procollagen chains. These hydroxylated residues are structurally essential: hydroxyproline stabilises the collagen triple helix through hydrogen bonding, and hydroxylysine provides cross-linking sites that confer tensile strength to mature collagen fibres. Without adequate ascorbic acid, procollagen chains cannot form stable triple-helix structures and are degraded intracellularly. The 100 mg dose included in this formula ensures collagen biosynthesis is not rate-limited by vitamin C insufficiency.

Glycine — Structural Substrate

Glycine constitutes approximately one-third of total collagen amino acid content, occupying every third position in the repeating Gly-X-Y tripeptide sequence that defines collagen's primary structure. The inclusion of glycine as a manufacturing excipient provides additional substrate to support endogenous collagen synthesis.

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Active Ingredients

Per 18 g dose (1 level included scoop):

Excipients: Glycine (manufacturing excipient). No incidental excipients.

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Directions

Mix one level scoop (approximately 18 g) into water and consume immediately, once daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Best taken alongside or shortly before physical activity, or consistently at the same time each day.

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Allergen Information

Gluten free. Dairy free. Soy protein free. Contains sulphites.

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Cautions

Contains sulphites — not suitable for individuals with known sulphite sensitivity or sulphite allergy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a known medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

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