Bioiberica and Lactalis Spain introduce native type II collagen milk beverage

Global life science company Bioiberica and dairy producer Lactalis Spain have partnered to launch Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno, a functional milk beverage with Collavant n2 from Bioiberica, in the mainstream market.¹ The native type II collagen aims to support joint health, a January 20, 2026, press release explains, in a science-backed commercial product. Collavant n2 also has self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, and in May 2025, it received NutraStrong Collagen Verification, a program that confirms label claims for the quality, source, safety, and identity of collagen ingredients.²

Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno is the first native type II collagen-enriched milk drink to be released in Spain, the press release adds.

Research on joint support

A recently published clinical trial demonstrated the joint support benefits of Collavant n2.³ This study, “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,” was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in October 2025.

Seventy four participants with joint discomfort during physical activity (but without osteoarthritis) received either 40 mg per day of Collavant n2, or a placebo, for 180 days. Samples were taken to measure the concentration of CTX-II, a biomarker for osteoarthritis.

When compared to baseline, CTX-II concentration in the supplement group by the end of the study decreased 5.7%, compared with a 7.4% increase in the placebo group. Additionally, in a subgroup of individuals with a higher basal pain in movement, CTX-II decreased 18.3% in the supplement group, and increased 20.6% in the placebo group.

“The supplementation with native (undenatured) type-II collagen could help to protect articular cartilage in healthy volunteers experiencing joint discomfort during physical activity,” the researchers concluded.

Previously published studies on Collavant n2 also demonstrated benefits of the supplement when taken at 40 mg per day, the press release added.

Impact on functional beverage industry

The enriched milk beverage intends to provide consumers with easy access to joint support.

“The launch of Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno is both a success story in itself, and a positive sign for future innovations,” stated Antonio Vendrell, marketing director at Bioiberica. “Its development demonstrates the successful application of Collavant® n2 in a mainstream consumer beverage, highlighting our capacity to infuse our high-quality bioactive ingredients across diverse consumer segments. The release also reinforces our position in the functional food space, which we are dedicated to strengthening through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships. Through initiatives like this we aim to expand our presence as a trusted partner for food and nutraceutical brands, supporting health and wellness on a global scale.”

“We always strive to stay aligned with the latest market trends, and our collaboration with Bioiberica is yet another example of this,” Cristina Torres Antelo, brand manager at Lactalis Puleva added. “Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno is the first collagen-enriched dairy drink, specially formulated with other key nutrients to support joint health and mobility. Collagen is an ingredient for which there is increasing scientific evidence, and market data shows that consumers are increasingly confident in its benefits. Puleva Vita Calcio is already the leading brand in the calcium-enriched dairy drink category, and now this new formulation offers an innovative, practical, and natural solution to the growing demand for collagen in Spain.”

Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno is available in supermarkets and specialty stores in Spain.

References

1. Bioiberica. Bioiberica partners with Lactalis to launch industry-first functional milk beverage enriched with native type II collagen, Collavant® n2. January 20, 2026. https://www.bioiberica.com/en/inspiring-insights/bioiberica-partners-lactalis-launch-industry-first-functional-milk-beverage (Accessed 2026-01-21).
2. McEvoy, E. Native collagen Collavant n2 receives NutraStrong Collagen Verification. May 28, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/native-collagen-collavant-n2-receives-nutrastrong-collagen-verification (Accessed 2026-01-21).
3. Möller, I.; Martínez, K.; Terradillos-Guillén, A.; Costa-Larrión, E.; Martínez-Puig, D.; Velasco-Álvarez, J. 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. 2025. 125(10). DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2025.06.341