The Spanish supplier investigated the effects of its native (undenatured) type II collagen at 40 mg/day in individuals experiencing activity-related joint discomfort.
The results signal a “major opportunity for collagen brands to innovate and develop products tailored to active, health-conscious consumers seeking proactive joint support,” read the press release.
Bioiberica previously conducted research in active individuals, finding that Collavant n2 supported faster injury recovery. The new research sought to apply results to active individuals without injury, broadening the interpretation of the product in the active nutrition market.
“This is the first-ever time this native type II collagen effect has been demonstrated in healthy individuals, opening the door to new opportunities in lifestyle nutrition,” Daniel Martínez-Puig, head of R&D human and animal health at Bioiberica and researcher of the new study, told NutraIngredients.
Native type II collagen and oral tolerance
Martínez-Puig explained that the company’s research is driven by a central question: “What are the biological targets where our ingredients will have the greatest benefit? And what is the mechanism of action behind the effects we observe?”
Native type II collagen is extracted from chicken cartilage and is a collagen in which the protein structure has been preserved.
It has a specific immune-mediated mechanism of action Bioiberica calls ‘Oral Tolerance’, meaning it helps control the body’s immune response against endogenous type II collagen, Martínez-Puig explained.
“This mechanism of action does not require intestinal absorption and targets the joints specifically,” he said.
Collagen supplementation reduces cartilage breakdown
Researchers from Bioiberica assessed the effect of 40 mg/day Collavant n2 supplementation over six months on urinary CTX-II concentration, which is a biomarker of collagen degradation and cartilage breakdown.
The study found that those taking Collavant n2 experienced an 18.3% reduction in CTX-II levels, while those in the placebo group showed a 20.6% increase.
Results also found that supplementation best improved discomfort in participants who experience high levels of pain during movement.
Collagen market shifted by longevity trends
Collagen rapidly became a cornerstone of the health and wellness industry, according to Elizabeth Thundow, VP of management consulting at market research company Kline & Co.
“Collagen peptides are the largest category in the market; however, they’re no longer fast-growing. A lot of the value in the market and growth is being driven by undenatured type II collagen, which I think is down to the research and science involved,” Thundow said in a presentation at Vitafoods Europe.
Martínez-Puig explained that the market is moving away from generic formulations toward specific collagen products tailored to distinct health needs, reflecting consumer demand for more personalized supplements.
“By strengthening the scientific foundation behind these mechanisms, we want to encourage brands to move away from a one-size-fits-all ‘collagen equals collagen’ approach.”
He explained that the research mirrored the growing macro trend of longevity and the healthspan movement, as living longer means little without staying active and mobile.
“Remaining physically active is essential to long-term health and healthy aging, and healthy joints are the foundation of good mobility,” Martínez-Puig said.
