The functional ingredients industry is experiencing a significant transformation. Stringent regulatory scrutiny in key markets and heightened health claim standards in the US and Europe demand that manufacturers back their products with peer-reviewed clinical research instead of marketing claims.
In the US, the FDA’s changing stance on structure-function claims, combined with consumer demand for clinically validated ingredients, is influencing how ingredient suppliers present their offerings. Similarly, European health claim legislation requires substantial proof from manufacturers.
For the collagen sector, which traditionally relied on commodity hydrolysates and general wellness claims, this new direction poses challenges. However, for manufacturers prioritizing clinical validation as a standard practice, it presents an opportunity to gain competitive advantage.
Sel Sanayi A.Ş. and its brand CollaSel exemplify companies adapting to this shift. They’ve produced three peer-reviewed clinical studies in two years and employ a unique technical approach to bioactive peptide production.
The March 2026 issue of Biomedicines featured a significant study by researchers at the University of Milan. It evaluated CollaSel Tripeptide, a bioactive peptide by Sel Sanayi, showing superior bioactivity compared to typical collagen hydrolysates. The study highlighted its potential applications in cardiometabolic health and weight management.
This study marks the third peer-reviewed publication on Sel Sanayi’s collagen products in two years. Previous studies on CollaSel Pro, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, demonstrated benefits in skin health and osteoarthritis patients.
CollaSel Tripeptide distinguishes itself from other collagen products due to its small molecular size. With a weight between 300 to 500 Daltons, it is significantly smaller than most supplements on the market. This size might enhance absorption, allowing the body to assimilate more of the ingredient, evidenced by a potential 2.7 to 3.3 times higher absorption than standard collagen products.
Selim Tezman, CEO of Sel Sanayi and CollaSel, emphasizes the company’s commitment to clinical validation as an operational principle rather than a marketing strategy. “Science and clinical studies are our production foundation, not marketing tools,” he states.
Founded in 1961, Sel Sanayi manufactures hydrolyzed collagen and other bioactive ingredients. It exports 95% of its products to 45 countries, catering to pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries worldwide.
In recent years, the company invested heavily in expanding production and strengthening R&D capabilities. These efforts include ongoing capital investments in 2026 aimed at expanding capacity, enhancing R&D infrastructure, and developing new protein derivatives to broaden its ingredient portfolio.
Tezman views the shift in the ingredients industry as a permanent change. “Clinical research is a long-term credibility investment,” he asserts, adding that science-backed production benefits patients, consumers, and the industry. This direction, he believes, is essential for sustainable success in serious markets.