PROTECT
Blackcurrant BerryShield™ Polyphenols
· Anti-ageing · Anti-inflammatory
· Anti-oxidant · Bone
· Immunity · Skin
Collagen Vitality™ contains BerryShield™, patented blackcurrant polyphenols that are scientifically proven to improve skin regeneration, boost mitochondrial function, increase blood flow and circulation and support the immune system. While Collagen Vitality’s mild blackcurrant flavour tastes great in fresh fruit juice, choice milk or porridge, it also has a whole host of functional health benefits that support your health, well-being and younger looking skin.
BerryShield™ only uses select varieties of Scandinavian blackcurrant to provide the highly bioactive alkaloid polyphenol, Ribetril A. Ribetril A holds particular value for younger looking skin because of its effect upon key mitochondrial enzymes that stimulate both mitochondrial function and number (mitochondria are the small energy factories inside all our cells that provide the cell with energy), and its increase in micro-circulation. As a result of 12 weeks of daily supplementation with these compounds a recent French study showed a significant anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing effect, with a 6% increase in facial cutaneous microcirculation and a 9% improvement in skin moisturization.
Additionally, blackcurrant polyphenols also contain four main anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G) and delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R) known to have anti-inflammatory and phyto-estrogenic (mildly estrogenic) health benefits. Estrogen is involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs), collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. Therefore, phyto-estrogenic activity has an enhanced benefit for peri and post-menopausal skin by naturally supporting collagen and elastin production. Importantly, this phyto-estrogenic activity has also been shown to attenuate osteoporosis and improve bone density, with early consumption of blackcurrant shown to help prevent age-related bone loss. Collagen Vitality’s blackcurrants have numerous health benefits that not only support your health from the ageing process but also help to preserve a younger looking complexion.
Collagen Vitality™ selected BerryShield™ because of its patented protective processing technique that maintains the raw berry quality as nature engineered. Conventional processing techniques destroy antioxidant compounds and the protective quality of the berries is lost. In BerryShield™ the nutrients are shielded from breakdown to ensure the broad profile of berry compounds and the unsurpassed quality of the berry. Each serving of Collagen Vitality™ provides a 70g daily serving of blackcurrants, standardised to a high level of bioavailable polyphenols (~12%) including the select Ribetril A.
1. Nanashima, N., Horie, K., Maeda, H. et al., (2018). Blackcurrant anthocyanins increase the levels of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in human skin fibroblasts and ovariectomized rats. Nutrients, 10(4) 495-507
2. Sakaki, J., Melough, M., Lee, S. et al., (2018). Blackcurrant supplementation improves travecular bone mass in young but ot aged mice. Nutrients, 10(11), 1671-1681.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266496/pdf/nutrients-10-01671.pdf
Grapeseed Extract
· Anti-ageing · Anti-oxidant
· Anti-inflammatory · Immunity
· Skin · Sun protection
Collagen Vitality™ uses an organic grapeseed extract, that is 100% pesticide free and extracted via a pure processing technique to ensure the nutritional quality of its polyphenols.
Grapeseed extract holds key protective benefits for our skin, helping to directly combat the free radical damage and oxidative stress caused by sun damage. This not only reduces the risk of photo ageing fine lines & wrinkles, but it also provides chemopreventive benefit by reducing skin cancer risk. Importantly in the UVB exposed skin of mice, grapeseed supplementation has been shown to inhibit UV-induced skin tumour development by reducing UVB-induced immunosuppression and enhancing the repair of damaged DNA. Through its immunoprotective ability to restore the functional activity of skin cells, dietary grapeseed supplementation is a key phytonutrient for skin health. It is an essential must have supplement for anyone concerned about protecting and helping their skin recover from sun exposure.
1. Katiyar, S. (2016). Dietary proanthocyanidins inhibit UV radiation-induced skin tumour development through functional activation of the immune system. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 60(6), 1376-1382.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899090/pdf/nihms788283.pdf
2. Vaid, M., Prasad, R., Singh T. et al., (2017). Dietary grape seed proanthocyanidins inactivate regulatory T cells by promoting NER-dependent DNA repair in dendritic cells in UVB-exposed skin. Oncotarget, 8(30), 49625-29636.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564793/pdf/oncotarget-08-49625.pdf
Olive Extract Hydroxytyrosol & Maslinic Acid
· Anti-ageing · Anti-oxidant
· Anti-inflammatory · Bone · Joint
· Skin · Sun protection
Collagen Vitality™ uses high quality, natural olive extracts. These extracts are standardized to the highest available purity of hydroxytyrosol (20%) and maslinic acid (75%), and are manufactured with water to ensure that they are 100% solvent free. The health benefits of hydroxytyrosol and maslinic acid are supported by more than 3500 scientific articles and 1800 patents. Numerous clinical trials demonstrate that both these extracts protect from cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, osteoporotic and inflammatory diseases, and have an incredible active skincare benefit.
Hydroxytyrosol, is considered to be one of the most powerful bioavailable antioxidants. It has a remarkable ability (higher than vitamin C, green tea extract, resveratrol and pomegranate extract) to inhibit free radical oxidative damage. It has significant benefit for UV damaged skin by conferring keratinocyte and fibroblast protection via reducing the activity of the degrading enzymes (MMP1 and MMP12) to help preserve type 1 collagen production. However, importantly it can also inhibit damaged cell proliferation, preventing cell cycle DNA mutations to aid healthy skin regeneration. This makes hydroxytyrosol a preventative skincare supplement must have for your everyday skincare regime.
Maslinic acid is a triterpene with strong anti-inflammatory, collagen stimulating and tumour protective properties. Specifically, maslinic acid has exhibited an epidermal chemoprotective effect (the ability to reverse, inhibit or slow the process of carcinogenesis) inhibiting epidermal hyperproliferation. This protective potential for skin health is becoming increasing important in an age where increased, long term exposure to LED-BL from electronic devices and UV B and A from the sun effects our skin’s molecular mechanisms of premature photoaging and health. Collagen Vitality™ has included maslinic acid to help to protect your skin from these ageing effects and to optimise collagen synthesis for radiant, healthy skin.
1. Avola, R., Graxiano, A. Pannuzzo et al., (2018). Hydroxytyrosol from olive fruits prevents blue-light induced damage in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Journal of Cellular Physiology 1-12.
http://sci-hub.tw/10.1002/jcp.27584
2. Cho, J., Tremmel, L., Rho, O. et al.,(2015). Evaluation of the pentacyclic triterpenes found in Perilla frutescens for inhibition of skin tumor promotion by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-12-acetate. Oncotarget, 6(36), 39293-39306.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4770773/pdf/oncotarget-06-39292.pdf
Curcumin
· Anti-ageing · Anti-oxidant · Anti-inflammatory · Joint
· Skin
Curcumin, one of the main bioactive components of turmeric is renowned in Ayurvedic medicine for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Recent scientific research has shown that it can down regulate a number of the inflammatory mediators associated with skin damage: lipoxygenase (LOX), clyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-a and interleukines 1,2,6, 8 and 12. Therefore, curcumin has a possible therapeutic role for inflammatory skin conditions, and combined with Collagen Vitality’s synergy of protective ingredients can be used to help protect our skin against harmful UV damage and photo ageing. The synergistic use of curcumin as an inflammatory protectant helps to support a youthful complexion and healthy joints.
Collagen Vitality includes a highly bioavailable form of hydrogenated curcumin. Our curcumin has been designed to overcome the shortcomings of low solubility, low bioavailability, poor membrane permeability and inadequate tissue absorption present in regular curcumin. It has a 7-fold enhanced bioavailability compared to standard 95% curcuminoids. In a three month, double blind and randomised trial only 250mg of our curcumin was shown to be significantly effective at reducing the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis patients. On this basis its molecules (THC, HHC and OHC) have therapeutic potential for the prevention and/ or treatment of various malignant diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, allergies and other inflammatory illnesses. Collagen Vitality specifically chose this form of curcumin to help address our bodies balance of chronic inflammation for the wellbeing of both our body and skin.
1. Jacob, J., Amalraj, A., Raj, K. et al., (2019). A novel bioavailable hydrogenated curcumoinoids formulation (CurcuWhite) improves symptoms and diagnostic indicators in rheumatoid arthritis patients - A randomised, double blind and placebo controlled study. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(4), 346-352.
2. Vaughn, A., Branum, A. & Sivamani, R. (2016). Effects of turmeric (curcuma longa) on skin health: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Phytotherapy, 30(8), 1243-1264.
REPLENISH
Marine Collagen (hydrolysed peptides)
· Skin · Hair · Nails · Bone · Joint · Wound Repair
Collagen Vitality™ uses sustainably sourced type 1 hydrolysed marine collagen peptides from the North Atlantic Ocean. Produced from the purest and highest quality sources of marine collagen available, it is 1.5 times more bioavailable than other sources of bovine and porcine collagen. Scientific research consistently shows that its uniquely high amino acid profile of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline effectively stimulates new collagen regeneration. Unsurprisingly, marine collagen is becoming widely recognised as a great way to improve skin, hair, nails, connective tissue and bones, and to help combat the ageing process.
Scientific research shows that collagen reduces skin wrinkles by the ability of its specific amino acid profile to stimulate collagen formation increasing dermal matrix synthesis. This improves skin elasticity, increases skin moisture content and provides a plumper, fuller looking complexion. Therefore, marine collagen supplementation helps to restore your skin’s youthfulness. However, it has also been shown to have benefit for gut lining repair (leaky gut), and importantly improve the integrity of joints and bones.
Collagen contributes to ~25% of our bones (it is the fibrous protein providing the bone with both strength & flexibility) and is a major structural protein of tendons and ligaments. Therefore, supplementation can improve bone density, assist with joint flexibility and stronger connective tissue regeneration and repair. This becomes more important as we age, as bone density and lean muscle tissue decline. Collagen Vitality™ if used with a combination of regular resistance exercise may help to enhance bone density and muscle mass for improved body composition, reduce cellulitis and increase metabolic rate. Collagen supplementation not only benefits your skin, it has an important whole body anti-ageing benefit. It not only helps you to look younger but it helps you to feel younger too.
1. Choi, F., Sung, C., Juhasz, M & Mesinkovsk, N, (2019). Oral collagen supplementation: a systematic review of dermatological applications. Journal of Drugs & Dermatology., 18(1), 9-16.
https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961619P0009X/
2. Venkatesan, J., Anil, S., Kim, S. & Shim, M (2017). Marine fish proteins & peptides for cosmeceuticals: a review. Marine Drugs., 15(5), 143.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e44f/d17ed6c411afab1d1e0886e92de91c0d0732.pdf
Vitamin C, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese & Zinc
· collagen synthesis · Skin · Hair · Nails
Vitamin C is known to protect our cells from oxidative stress by reducing free radical damage but it is also key for collagen production. It is found at high levels in both the dermis and the epidermis but ageing, excessive UV or pollutant exposure (cigarette smoking) causes its levels to decline. As Vitamin C is vital for healthy skin an adequate supply should always be maintained and increased in times of oxidative stress.
Vitamin C works synergistically with collagen to stimulate nuevo synthesis. It hydoxylates the specific amino acids (lysine and proline) in the body for the production of new collagen. Therefore, to effectively stimulate collagen production sufficient vitamin C is necessary. Furthermore, vitamin C has also been shown to stabilise collagen mRNA, increasing collagen protein synthesis for the repair of photo damaged skin. Collagen Vitality™ has included vitamin C alongside an amount of natural vitamin C found within its protective antioxidant ingredients to ensure that adequate dietary supply helps to protect against oxidative stress and support collagen replenishment.
Zinc is found in all plant and animal cells. It helps to support our immune system, protect our skin from infections, promote wound healing, combat oxidative stress and support collagen and elastin production. Not only has zinc been shown to help reduce collagen degradation, but it has also been shown to work in synergy with vitamin C via an increase in the ascorbic acid transporter mRNA to enhance type 1 collagen production. Therefore zinc is an integral mineral for the support of glowing skin, radiant hair and strong nails.
Copper is widely recognised for its wound healing capacity and its benefit for problem skin, but it is also key to enhancing the action of antioxidants and for keratin, elastin and collagen protection/ regeneration. In particular, copper is intrinsic to a key enzymatic reaction necessary for collagen synthesis. The enzyme lysyl oxidase is an extracellular copper enzyme that catalyses part of the essential process of stabilising collagen fibrils and the integrity and elasticity of elastin. An absence of this can result in sub optimal bone formation, weak ligaments and loose skin. Copper plays an important role throughout many aspects of our skin health.
Manganese is another important mineral with antioxidant protective and collagen synthesising properties. It is a co-factor for the enzyme prolidase, an enzyme that functions to provide the amino acid proline for collagen formation in our skin cells, and is required for optimal collagen regeneration.
1. DePhillipo, N., Aman, Z., Kennedy, M., (2018). Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine 6 (10) 1-9.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/pdf/10.1177_2325967118804544.pdf
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
· Skin · Joint · Wound Repair
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body’s connective tissue. It is a polysaccharide, a long unbranched carbohydrate that is the main component of the extracellular matrix. Simply, if collagen and fibrin provide the structure, HA is the cushioning filler that provides the structural integrity. Hyaluronic acid has great skin improving properties and is responsible for a plumper hydrated looking effect. It is an extremely effective skincare agent with particular benefit at reducing UV skin damage, relieving skin wrinkles and providing relief from dry skin conditions. Consequently, it is a must have for preserving radiant, younger looking skin:
High moisture retention ability. HA holds water molecules onto the surface of the skin to maintain hydration combatting transepidermal water loss (TEWL). HA has an amazing humectant (reduces loss of moisture) ability, binding up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Preserving normal skin function to suppress wrinkle formation. HA stimulates dermal fibroblast migration and proliferation to promote collagen synthesis.
Unfortunately, as we age the quantity of HA that our body produces decreases. This weakens our skin, increasing our susceptibility to wrinkles and imperfections, and causes the loss of the youthful plumping effect. By the age of 75 it is estimated that we have 25% of the HA of a 19 year-old. Nutritional supplementation of HA helps to prevent the effects of this age-related decline. However, because skin turnover is approximately 28 days it takes 4-6 weeks to see improvement (the effect is maintained with continuous supplementation).
Importantly, not all hyaluronic acid is created equal in benefit. The molecular weight (measured in daltons (DA), how large the molecule of HA is determines the effect that it will have on the cell. Skin cells generate different molecular weights of HA molecules (between 50 kDA & 3000 kDA) for a synergistic effect that creates the optimal conditions for preventing and combating the ageing process. Specifically, medium molecular weight HA ~1000 kDA can activate approximately 120 genes involved in skin cell regulation and the formation of cell tight junctions in keratinocytes. Therefore, a combination of the most effective molecular weights of HA are required to optimise the correction of wrinkle effects. This is why Collagen Vitality™ rather than selecting only one type of HA, has selected a scientifically proven combination of two medium and high molecular weight HAs (between 1000 kDA – 2000 kDA). Ensuring that you know the molecular weight of the HA that you use, will help you to ensure the effectiveness of your skincare supplement for the health and vitality of your skin.
1. Mazzucco, A.,(2019). Hyaluronic acid: evaluation of efficacy with different molecular weights. International Journal of Chemistry and Research.1(1) 13-18.
https://www.madridge.org/journal-of-chemistry-and-research/ijcr-1000103.pdf
2. Gollner, I., Voss, W., Von Hehn, U., et al., (2017). Ingestion of an oral hyaluronan solution improves skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and skin roughness: results of a clinical study. Journal of Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine. 22(4), 816-823.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587217743640
DracoBelle™ Nu
· Anti-ageing · Anti-inflammatory · Skin
DracoBelle™ Nu is a patented pure swiss produced plant extract prepared from the organic aerial parts of cultivated Moldavian Dragonhead (a member of the mint family). In traditional medicine Moldavian dragonhead has been used for centuries as an anti-ageing and cardio protective herb.
DracoBelle™ is rich in flavonoid glucuronides. It has been clinically demonstrated to provide improvements in skin moisture, elasticity and density. However, it also has beneficial effects via activation of the anti-ageing and longevity pathways of AMPK/FOXO. This is important as it directly reinforces the extracellular matrix by supporting collagen. This leads to youthful, denser & more elastic skin.
Forkhead box protein O (FOXO) is a transcription factor, which can switch genes on and off. Insulin can switch FOXO off. As sugar causes sharp rises in insulin, this in part explains why too much sugar promotes ageing and reduces the youthful radiance of our skin. Conversely, in micro-assays DracoBelle™ has been shown to cause a four-fold activation of activated protein kinase (AMPK) that leads to the switching on and a three-fold increase of FOXO. This results in increased DNA signalling for collagen regeneration, improved epigenetic stability (the ability of our genes to be unaffected by environmentally induced change ie free radical damage) and longevity. This process mimics the effects of caloric restriction or exercise, where low energy levels can initiate the regeneration processes, such as collagen repair in the skin tissues.
The anti-ageing effects of DracoBelle™ have not only been shown in bioassays, but were also evaluated in a clinical study. Thirty two females, mean age ~51 years with sun-damaged skin were asked to drink a beverage containing 200mg of DracoBelle™ daily for 8 weeks. Over the trial skin moisture and skin elasticity significantly increased by 14.4% & 6.7% respectively in the DracoBelle™ group. Consequently, 94% of women felt better about their skin and 72% considered their skin to feel more hydrated. In combination with Collagen Vitality’s protective, replenishing and restorative ingredients DracoBelle™ provides a novel ingredient to help enhance your natural beauty and radiance for a younger looking you.
RESTORE
Ashwagandha
· Anti-oxidant · Anti-inflammatory · Anti-depressant
· Sleep (circadian rhythm) · Skin · Stress rebalancer
· Well-being
Ashwagandha is a restorative adaptogenic herb. It helps the body to “adapt” to stress, boosting vitality to combat fatigue, while reducing anxiety, promoting calmness and improving sleep quality. It supports a balanced response to ongoing stress, helping to regulate the stress hormone cortisol and HPA axis function via modulation of cellular sensitivity without any negative side effects. This is important to your skin health and whole body well-being because balancing cortisol production and improving sleep quality helps to reduce oxidative stress and limit the inflammatory markers that can lead to collagen breakdown and inflammatory conditions. The less stressed you are the healthier you are, the healthier you are the more radiant your skin is.
Ashwagandha has also been shown to directly inhibit collagenase activity protecting collagen and the extra cellular matrix from breakdown. The ashwagandha in Collagen Vitality™ helps to restore balance while synergistically protecting the health of your skin, joints & well-being.
Collagen Vitality™ uses KSM-66™ a “full spectrum” ashwagandha extract that maintains the balance of the original herb’s active constituents and ensures a high percentage of withanolides (alkaloids) at >5%. The effectiveness of its ashwagandha for health is supported by over 20 scientific research studies.
1. Ganesan, K., Sehgal, P., Mandal, A., et al., (2011). Protective effect of Withania Somnifera & Cardiospermum Halicacabum extracts against collagenolytic degradation of collagen. Applied Biochemistry & Biotechnology. 165 (3-4) 1075-91.
https://sci-hub.tw/10.1007/s12010-011-9326-8
2. Ziegenfuss, T., Kenia, An, Sandrock, J., et al., (2018). Effects of an aqueous extract of Withania Somnifera on strength training adaptations & recovery. Nutrients. 10(11), 1807.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/11/1807/htm