Bioiberica has unveiled new clinical evidence at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) showing that just 40 mg/day of its native (undenatured) type II collagen – Collavant n2 – could help support articular cartilage in healthy individuals experiencing activity-related joint discomfort.
The new data from Bioiberica’s recently completed clinical trial marks the first time this native type II collagen benefit has been demonstrated in healthy subjects.
This signals a major opportunity for collagen brands to innovate and develop products tailored to active, health-conscious consumers seeking proactive joint support.
The effect of six months of Collavant n2 supplementation (40 mg/day) on urinary CTX-II concentration – a key biomarker of collagen degradation and cartilage breakdown – was investigated in healthy individuals reporting joint discomfort during exercise.
Results revealed a significant improvement in a sub-population with higher levels of discomfort.
Participants taking Collavant n2 experienced an 18.3% reduction in CTX-II levels, while those in the placebo group showed a 20.6% increase.
These findings add to existing evidence demonstrating that Collavant n2 not only helps reduce exercise-related joint discomfort but also supports mobility, quality of life and cartilage health at the structural level.
Daniel Martínez-Puig, one of the lead scientists of the study and Head of R&D Human and Animal Health at Bioiberica, said: “This is the first-ever time we have shown this effect of native type II collagen in healthy people."
"Previously, we demonstrated that Collavant n2 supported faster recovery and functionality in active individuals."
"Now, we have evidence of its effects at the cartilage level through the reduction of CTX-II, a byproduct of type II collagen degradation, considered one of the most tested and validated biochemical markers of cartilage degradation.”
What does this mean for collagen brands?
These results underscore that native (undenatured) type II collagen can help maintain long-term joint health in healthy, active individuals – a fast-growing consumer segment.
The ingredient’s targeted mechanism of action, known as Oral Tolerance, enables the body to modulate the immune response against its own type II collagen.
This evidence gives brands the opportunity to innovate next-generation products for everyday joint care, sports recovery and active living, helping them engage new consumer groups and differentiate with a science-backed collagen ingredient.
Bioiberica’s Collavant n2 is a trusted source of native (undenatured) type II collagen derived from chicken sternum, 100% sourced and manufactured in Europe and supported by seven scientific studies.
It is also the first collagen to become NutraStrong Collagen Verified, a programme developed by SGS Nutrasource and endorsed by the Collagen Stewardship Alliance (CSA), reinforcing its position as a credible, high-quality ingredient for joint health innovation.
In line with the company’s ongoing mission to inspire collaboration and encourage shared insights across the collagen sector, Bioiberica recently set up the Collagen Symposium: an initiative bringing together industry experts to discuss and debate the future of the market, key challenges and opportunities.