Bioiberica flags knowledge gaps surrounding native type II collagen

08 Sep 2020 --- Hailed as a “new-generation” ingredient, native (undenatured) type II collagen boasts a host of advantages over predecessors, including improved oral tolerance. However, this newness also presents its own practical challenges, with many consumers being less informed about this area. As a result, Bioiberica is bolstering understanding around native type II collagen, including through an upcoming webinar. Additionally, a new study has revealed that the company’s offering may help provide holistic mobility support, especially in combination with other key ingredients. 

“Native type II collagen is a new-generation collagen, especially when compared to alternative collagens, such as hydrolyzed. Despite being a comparatively recent development, it is an ingredient with a host of scientific support – both clinical and preclinical trials have demonstrated its potential beneficial effects at low dosages,” Daniel Martínez Puig, Head of R&D of Human and Animal Health at Bioiberica, tells NutritionInsight.

However, he continues that as a newcomer ingredient, there isn’t currently a widespread consumer understanding of its mode of action, its potential to support joint health and how it is different from hydrolyzed collagen.

Oral tolerance stands out
Of the 28 different types of collagen that have been identified, native (undenatured) type II collagen is the main structural protein of cartilage. Unlike other forms – such as hydrolyzed (denatured), which is the same molecule but broken down into smaller peptide molecules via a specific hydrolysis process – native type II collagen maintains its natural and characteristic three-dimensional structure. 

Bioiberica’s b-2Cool collagen was associated with mobility benefits, including a lower degree of cartilage degeneration and signs of less advanced osteoarthritis.For this reason, a key difference between native type II collagen and its hydrolyzed counterpart is its mechanism of action, known as oral tolerance. Martínez explains that oral tolerance is an immune-mediated process, during which native type II collagen is recognized by the immune system and modulates the immune response against its own collagen. This effect supports healthy joints by decreasing collagen destruction.

The mechanism of action also means that native type II collagen is effective at a low dose of just 40 mg per day, whereas hydrolyzed collagen can be up to 10 g per day. Martínez continues that it can be easily combined with other key ingredients for more holistic joint health products to cater to consumers experiencing pill fatigue.

Rising popularity
The global population is aging, so more consumers seek to maintain their mobility in later life. Martínez identifies that in addition to the growing demand for joint health products to support healthy aging, there is also a rise in younger demographics seeking these products.

“This spans active people, the 40-plus population and women experiencing menopause, all of whom commonly experience joint discomfort or mobility issues. As such, delivering convenient products that easily fit within consumers’ increasingly busy lives is key.”

He continues that in 2018, there was a 20 percent rise in supplements containing collagen entering the US market, making it one of the fastest-growing ingredients in the joint health space. 

“In light of these developments, we expect to see the market continue to grow. Specifically, we anticipate more and more manufacturers looking to incorporate next-generation ingredients, such as native type II collagen, in an effort to keep pace with demand and offer the most innovative solutions possible,” he forecasts. 

Ahead of the company’s participation in Vitafoods Virtual Expo, Healthcare Director Jaume Reguant previously noted that COVID-19 has also impacted the joint health market. He observed that many consumers have become less mobile and active during the pandemic as a result of working from home and the restrictions on travel and leisure activities.

A holistic mobility aid
In addition to boosting consumer understanding around native type II collagen, Bioiberica is also promoting new research in this space. A new study, published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, specifically assesses b-2Cool, Bioiberica’s native type II collagen. 

Many consumers have become less mobile and active during the pandemic as a result of lockdown restrictions.

Conducted in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis, the study assessed the effects of b-2Cool, as well as CS b-Bioactive chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and Mobilee, which is a rooster comb extract rich in hyaluronic acid. Some animals were given all the ingredients except b-2Cool, some received all the ingredients including b-2Cool, and the third group received a placebo. 

In comparison to the animals receiving all the ingredients except b-2Cool, the b-2Cool group showed a lower degree of cartilage degeneration, signs of less advanced osteoarthritis, healthier cartilage and joints. The group also had significantly better synovial membrane values on histology. 

Adding to Bioiberica’s bank of evidence demonstrating the role of b-2Cool in joint health, this latest investigation indicates the benefits of combining native type II collagen with other key ingredients for enhanced mobility.

On September 14, Bioiberica will host a webinar answering some of the most frequently asked questions about native type II collagen. The presenters will also elaborate on the latest scientific research exploring the role of native type II collagen in combined ingredient solutions and how it meets the latest consumer preferences for joint health solutions. Registration is currently open here. 

By Katherine Durrell