Joint health collagen: clinical findings unlock fresh innovation opportunities

What's new in the relationship between joint health and collagen?

With just 40 mg/day of native (undenatured) type II collagen Collavant® n2, we could help support articular cartilage in healthy individuals experiencing activity-related joint discomfort.[1]

This is what new clinical evidence we have just presented at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) shows. The new data from the clinical trial demonstrates this benefit of native type II collagen in healthy subjects, signalling a major opportunity for collagen brands to innovate and develop products tailored to active, health-conscious consumers seeking proactive joint support.
 

Promising clinical findings on the relationship between collagen and joint health

Researchers have followed 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 -- in healthy individuals reporting joint discomfort during exercise.

Results revealed a significant improvement in a sub-population with higher levels of discomfort (VAS score during movement > 40 mm): 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, contextualizes the significance of these results: "This is the first 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. The decrease in CTX-II -- essentially fragments of type II collagen in the blood and a key indicator of cartilage degradation, often linked to the progression of joint conditions -- suggests Collavant® n2 may help support cartilage integrity."

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 program 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 our ongoing mission to inspire collaboration and encourage shared insights across the collagen sector, we 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.

(1) Möller, I. et al. Effect of Native (undenatured) Type-ii Collagen in CTX-II Biomarker: Results from a Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study in Healthy Subjects with Joint Discomfort. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 125, A73 (2025).

These statements have not been evaluated by competent food authorities. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is only for business-to-business use and not meant to be addressed to final consumers.