Bioiberica shares Collagen Symposium insights on research and innovations

Science and product development in collagen are expanding beyond the ingredient’s widely known benefits in joint health and beauty-from-within. Nutraceutical supplier Bioiberica recently explored the latest trends, scientific breakthroughs, and consumer preferences shaping the category in The Collagen Symposium 2.0.

At Bioiberica’s leading manufacturing site in Palafolls, Spain, Nutrition Insight discusses collagen innovations and science with Mónica Gomez Navarro, the company’s marketing manager.

She says Bioiberica invited experts to share their collagen insights at the symposium to educate the market and clarify the category. 

“We identified a lot of confusion in the market — not just among consumers, but also among innovators and even medical professionals. Many struggle to understand the different types of collagen, how they work in the body, and what specific health benefits they offer.” 

The symposium unpacked findings from Bioiberica’s Collagen Industry Survey with insights from over 100 nutraceutical professionals. 

She details that collagen science is expanding with research linking specific types and peptides to new health benefits in a target demographic. The experts also discussed novel delivery formats at the symposium, urging manufacturers to use efficacious dosages in new formulations. 

Targeted collagen science

Gomez Navarro says a new specificity is reshaping the collagen landscape and science. 

“One of the key takeaways from the panel discussions was that the science around collagen is becoming increasingly specialized. We now see health benefits tailored to specific target populations, such as athletes or women, rather than general claims.”

“Previously, collagen peptides were broadly seen as useful for skin or joint health,” she adds. “Now, we’re identifying specific collagen types that support specific health outcomes.” 

In addition, Gomez Navarro says there is more research on specific demographics instead of the general public. Bioiberica is conducting studies in key target populations.

“For example, we recently completed a study in healthy, active individuals experiencing joint discomfort from exercise. The results support the joint health benefits of our native type II collagen ingredient, Collavant n2, at 40 mg daily.”

We met with Mónica Gomez Navarro at Bioiberica’s Palafolls manufacturing site to discuss collagen industry developments.“We also published a clinical study focused solely on women — an under-researched area — showing that the ingredient improves joint function in menopausal women experiencing discomfort.”

The research found that Collavant n2 improved functionality and joint comfort in women with knee osteoarthritis within six weeks. 

New delivery formats

Although pills and powders still dominate the dietary supplement space, Gomez Navarro says that food applications are gaining traction because they appeal more to consumers. “People increasingly prefer to support their health through diet rather than medication to treat a specific condition.”

“Some exciting new formats launched on the market include collagen-fortified milk containing native type II collagen. This type requires a low dose of 40 mg daily, making it easy to incorporate into various products. Other formats include bars, gummies, and especially beverages.”

At the same time, experts at the symposium also highlighted a need to ensure these new formats include effective dosages. “Sometimes, that’s lacking, so the experts urge manufacturers to be mindful of efficacy. Consumers need to trust that whatever product they use, the dose and efficacy are there.” 

Gomez Navarro says that Bioiberica is also working with food manufacturers to develop new formulations and test how the company’s ingredients behave in different food formats. For example, the team is working with milk, gummies, ready-to-drink shakes, and powders and has developed a hydration drink with Collavant n2 for mobility. 

“These applications involve specific and complex manufacturing processes, so we study how well our ingredients withstand high temperatures or a low pH. This can degrade ingredients, making it difficult to include them in such formulations.”

New formats on the market include a collagen-fortified milk with native type II collagen that requires a low dose of 40 mg daily.In its testing and analysis, Bioiberica aims to demonstrate that an ingredient survives these processes and remains efficacious during a product’s shelf life. 

“We share this technical knowledge with our customers in the food industry to help them develop products at the speed the market demands,” details Gomez Navarro. 

Strategic collaborations

As the company celebrates its 50-year history, Bioiberica highlights the importance of collaboration with research centers, customers, and other stakeholders on regulatory, sustainability, and other value chain aspects. 

Gomez Navarro adds that this collaboration is also crucial for innovation. “While we have deep knowledge about our molecules and the collagen market, we don’t know everything. That’s why we value sharing knowledge with partners.” 

“For example, we’re active members of the Collagen Stewardship Alliance, a global association of collagen manufacturers. This gives us broader industry and collagen category insights. We also work closely with market experts who help us understand emerging trends, and that’s key to staying ahead and meeting market needs.”

Last month, Bioiberica became the first manufacturer to attain NutraStrong Collagen Verification for Collavant n2. The company says its collaboration with the Collagen Stewardship Alliance, which endorses the NutraStrong program, is crucial in setting a standard for the industry.