What is AlgaeCal Collagen Made Of?
It is a common misconception that because the name 'AlgaeCal' is associated with plant-based calcium from marine algae, its collagen product would be plant-derived as well. This is not the case. AlgaeCal Collagen is an animal-sourced supplement formulated with a blend of four distinct, patented collagen peptides, each with specific benefits backed by clinical studies. The peptides are derived from pasture-raised beef and cage-free chickens.
The Four Patented Collagens in AlgaeCal
The AlgaeCal Collagen formula is a multi-collagen peptide powder designed for comprehensive health benefits, targeting skin, joints, and bones. Here is a breakdown of the specific collagen peptides included:
- VERISOL® (Bovine Collagen Peptides): This ingredient is known for its beauty-related benefits. Sourced from bovine, it is rich in Type I and Type III collagen, the key types for skin health. Clinical studies on VERISOL® have shown it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and help smooth cellulite. It also contributes to stronger, faster-growing nails and thicker, healthier hair.
- FORTIGEL® (Bovine Collagen Peptides): Another bovine-derived peptide, FORTIGEL® is focused on joint cartilage health. Research indicates that supplementing with FORTIGEL® can significantly improve the thickness of knee cartilage, supporting joint comfort and mobility.
- UC-II® (Undenatured Type II Chicken Cartilage): This component is a specialized type of collagen from chicken cartilage, providing Undenatured Type II Collagen. It has been clinically shown to support joint flexibility and reduce joint discomfort, making it beneficial for active individuals and those with joint issues.
- FORTIBONE® (Bovine Collagen Peptides): Sourced from bovine, FORTIBONE® is specifically designed to target bone health. It works by stimulating osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to increase collagen production within bones, which is crucial for bone strength and structure. Studies show it can increase bone mineral density and help slow down bone breakdown.
Comparison Table: AlgaeCal Collagen vs. Generic Collagen
To better understand the value of AlgaeCal's specific formula, here is a comparison with a typical single-source, generic collagen powder.
| Feature | AlgaeCal Collagen | Generic Single-Source Collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Types | Comprehensive blend of Types I, II, & III | Typically a single type (e.g., Type I & III) |
| Key Peptides | Four patented peptides: VERISOL®, FORTIGEL®, UC-II®, FORTIBONE® | Standard, non-patented hydrolyzed peptides |
| Primary Source | Bovine and chicken | Bovine, marine, or chicken |
| Targeted Benefits | Full-body support: skin, hair, nails, joints, and bone density | Single or limited range of benefits (e.g., just skin and hair) |
| Clinical Support | Backed by 25+ clinical studies on patented ingredients | Limited or no clinical research to support specific health claims |
| Vegan/Vegetarian | No, contains animal-derived ingredients | Varies; vegan options exist but lack AlgaeCal's peptide profile |
The Importance of a Multi-Source Collagen
As highlighted in the table, a multi-source collagen formula provides a wider spectrum of benefits because different collagen types serve different purposes in the body. While Type I is crucial for skin, bone, and connective tissue, Type II is the main component of cartilage in joints. AlgaeCal’s combination of these types ensures a more holistic approach to age-related decline, addressing not just beauty concerns but also deeper structural issues like joint function and bone strength.
Is AlgaeCal Collagen Sourced from Algae?
Despite the brand name, the collagen product is not made from algae. The AlgaeCal brand name refers to its separate calcium product, AlgaeCal Plus, which utilizes a specific species of marine algae as a plant-based source of calcium and other trace minerals for bone health. To be clear, collagen is an animal protein and cannot be sourced from plants or algae. The collagen in AlgaeCal is derived from bovine and chicken sources.
Conclusion
In summary, AlgaeCal Collagen is a carefully crafted supplement that distinguishes itself from standard offerings by including four specific, clinically-backed collagen peptides: VERISOL®, FORTIGEL®, UC-II®, and FORTIBONE®. It is not derived from algae, but from pasture-raised bovine and cage-free chicken, providing Types I, II, and III collagen. This multi-source formula offers targeted support for skin, hair, nails, joints, and especially bone density, as demonstrated by the clinical research supporting its patented ingredients. Those seeking a comprehensive, full-body collagen supplement should consider the specific blend offered by AlgaeCal.
Learn more about AlgaeCal's ingredients from their official FAQ page.
