Bioiberica obtains self-determined GRAS status for Collavant® n2 native type II collagen unlocking new opportunities for US functional food and beverage market

Bioiberica is pleased to announce its Collavant® n2 native (undenatured) type II collagen (40mg/day) has obtained self-determined GRAS status, allowing brands to harness its joint health benefits to enrich conventional foods and beverages for the US market. The company is set to celebrate the announcement and the exciting opportunities it unlocks for functional food innovation at the IFT First exhibition in Chicago, USA, from 14-17 July. 

A unanimous decision

To determine Collavant® n2’s suitability for food and beverage applications, an independent panel of scientists conducted a critical and comprehensive evaluation of the ingredient’s pertinent safety data. This panel, which included professors from the University of Illinois and expert toxicologists, was selected and convened by Bioiberica in accordance with the US FDA’s industry guidelines. Following the panel’s critical assessment of all available safety data and clinical evidence, it was unanimously concluded and determined that the use of Collavant® n2 as an ingredient in conventional foods is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

Fortifying functional market trends

This latest  accreditation for Collavant® n2 comes at a time of unprecedented consumer demand for functional food and beverage solutions – particularly those with a joint health claim.[1] Across the US, more than one in five consumers recognise collagen as beneficial for joint health.[2] With its newly obtained GRAS status and years of scientific evidence demonstrating its targeted joint health benefits, Collavant® n2 offers food and beverage brands the ideal avenue to explore functional product innovation across a number of appealing delivery formats - from collagen gummies to ready-to-drink shakes and snack bars, plus a wide variety of other food and beverage applications.

“Obtaining self-determined GRAS status for Collavant® n2 is a very exciting milestone, both for us and our North American customers,” comments Antonio Vendrell, Marketing & Communication Director at Bioiberica. “For years we’ve seen the positive impact of our ingredient in the nutraceutical and dietary supplement space, with its low daily dose of just 40mg, neutral sensory properties and evidence-backed, immune-mediated mechanism of action. We’re delighted to now offer these benefits to functional food and beverage brands, and work with them to craft exceptional, collagen-enriched products that speak to the modern health and wellness movement, as well as today’s busy lifestyles.”  

Visitors to IFT First are invited to booth #2025 in the South Building, where Bioiberica will exhibit its branded ingredients offering in collaboration with its US partner, Lugo Nutrition Inc. The team will be on hand to discuss the new possibilities unlocked by Collavant® n2’s self-determined GRAS status, as well as presenting further opportunities for new product development with the company’s industry-first hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix ingredients - Mobilee® for joint and muscle health and Dermial® for skin health.  For more information about Bioiberica’s human health offering, please visit: www.bioiberica.com.

[1] Innova Market Insights. Market trends in functional foods for joint health and beauty. July 2023.

[2] Trust Transparency Center ITC Insights – Consumer Survey 2020, p.11