Bioiberica becomes the first to attain NutraStrong Collagen Verification

Bioiberica has become the first collagen manufacturer to achieve NutraStrong Collagen Verification for its native (undenatured) type II collagen, Collavant n2, for mobility. The program developed by SGS Nutrasource is an independent certification system that evaluates and verifies the identity, source, safety, and quality of collagen ingredients and products.

The Spanish pharma and nutraceutical producer says that with the certificate, Collavant n2 offers supplement brands a point of differentiation in an increasingly crowded collagen market. Collavant n2 is designed to support joint health at 40 mg daily. 

At Bioiberica’s leading manufacturing site in Palafolls, Spain, Nutrition Insight discusses the company’s certification with its R&D and quality director, Javier Velasco-Álvarez. 

“This type of certification is significant for nutraceuticals,” says Velasco-Álvarez. “It’s a great opportunity for companies that want to deliver reliable, science-backed products to set a standard for the product and create confidence among clients.” 

He highlights that the most critical aspect for Bioiberica is to create trust with its B2B clients and the end consumer. “When someone consumes a supplement that contains our ingredient, they deserve the certainty that the ingredient is correct, well-characterized, and has the properties it claims to have.”

“The NutraStrong certification provides exactly that,” Velasco-Alvarez adds. “It’s an external, third-party validation that confirms our analytical methods are correct and that the scientific evidence behind our ingredient is solid. This boosts consumer transparency and helps protect the collagen sector’s integrity. It distinguishes between what’s right and what’s wrong.” 

Transparency needs industry

The NutraStrong Collagen Verified program aims to ensure that consumers receive what is claimed on the label. It is endorsed by the Collagen Stewardship Alliance, which observes a growing industry alignment on the need for trusted and effective collagen solutions. 

“We’re not the only company producing high-quality collagen ingredients, but we want to help prevent the sector from being undermined by misinformation,” says Velasco-Álvarez. “To maintain a quality that the consumer expects and trusts, all producers must use validated analytical methods.”

Javier Velasco-Álvarez, R&D and quality director at Bioiberica.“As a scientist, it’s strange to hear claims about ‘plant-based’ or ‘vegetarian collagen.’ That concept doesn’t make scientific sense,” he notes. “If some players misuse the term ‘collagen,’ it affects the reputation of the entire industry.” 

Velasco-Álvarez says the nutraceutical industry strongly needs higher standards to validate the efficacy of ingredients in ingredient analysis and clinical trials.

“In the future, I would love to see a system where the final product formulation comes with a certification — such as a QR code to track the traceability, analytics, and documentation for all ingredients in that supplement — to give full transparency and confidence to the end consumer. That, to me, would be the natural next step for the program.”

Other certifications by NutraStrong include the NutraStrong Prebiotic Verified program, which Bonumose achieved for its Tagatose sweetener and Comet for its wheat fiber extract, Arrabina prebiotic fiber. 

Collagen for mobility

The joint health and mobility market continues to grow, diversifying into solutions for healthy aging and active nutrition. Collavant n2 is a science-backed collagen that supports joint health and can be used in different applications, such as gummies, sports powders, and ready-to-drink shakes. 

Research supports Collavant n2’s benefits in mobility, such as improving joint functionality and faster recovery after exercise.Research indicates that a dose of 40 mg daily enhanced joint functionality and comfort after six weeks of supplementation for women with knee osteoarthritis, improving their quality of life and joint functionality. 

Another study found that Collavant n2 supported faster recovery from discomfort after exercise in healthy individuals. 

The ingredient can also be combined with other molecules for holistic health formulations with multiple ingredients. For example, combining Collavant n2 with protein for muscle support and vitamins K2 and D3 for bone health could cater to consumers looking for comprehensive mobility solutions. 

Last year, Bioiberica’s collagen for mobility obtained self-determined generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the US.