Supplementing beyond collagen

Formettā’s complementary ingredients

Written by The Formettā team

Increasing collagen consumption has many benefits, but Formettā takes supplementing wisely a step further by pairing collagen peptides with carefully selected co-ingredients. But these aren’t just thrown in for colour or flavour, each component is backed by scientific evidence and, most importantly, delivered in dosages that are clinically effective.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Referred to as the beauty mineral, MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that is necessary for collagen production.  Supplementing with MSM delivers improvements in a range of areas including inflammation, joint/muscle pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity.

Besides benefitting skin (1) and hair health (2), MSM supplementation is shown to improve chronic pain, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, wound healing, and other inflammatory conditions (3).

Each serving of Formettā contains 1g of high-grade MSM powder.

Organic aloe vera

Renowned for promoting collagen production (4), aloe vera supplements increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production while also decreasing collagen degradation (5,6,7), which can improve skin elasticity and decrease facial wrinkling. In one study (8), patients who took aloe vera orally for 90 days showed an increase in collagen production and a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 gene activity.

Each serving of Formettā contains 20mg of organic freeze-dried Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) in a 200:1 concentrate.

Organic Acerola cherry

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and assists in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photo-damage (9). Studies show that natural forms of vitamin C have a longer half-life in the body and are more readily absorbed than their synthetic counterparts (10). Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) is a particularly rich natural source of vitamin C and also contains a plethora of phytonutrients such as carotenoids phenolics, anthocyanins, and flavonoids (11).

Each serving of Formettā contains 200 mg of vitamin C.

Natural astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring and powerful anti-inflammatory carotenoid, derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. A large body of research (12) shows that astaxanthin can enhance overall skin health by:

  • Improving elasticity by strengthening the collagen layer. It has been shown to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen and elastin (13).
  • Reducing the size of wrinkles and improving skin texture by stimulating collagen production (13).
  • Revitalising photo-aged skin by quenching free radicals in all skin layers. Astaxanthin acts as an internal sunscreen as it provides UV protection by decreasing oxidative stress (14,15).

Natural AstaReal® astaxanthin has advantages that extend beyond skin health, too—studies also show benefits for the heart, immune system, muscles, and eyes.

  • Clinical studies indicate that natural astaxanthin supplementation supports gastric health (16-29).
  • Several studies demonstrate the positive impact of natural astaxanthin on brain health (30-34).
  • A substantial body of research (35-39) shows the power of natural astaxanthin as a potent anti-inflammatory, with particular effective results against chronic inflammation. Natural astaxanthin has a strong ability to both balance and strengthen the immune system.
  • A number of clinical studies (40-45) show that natural astaxanthin supplementation enhances eye health and vision.
  • A large body of clinical and experimental research (46-53) concludes that natural astaxanthin can contribute to improved cardiovascular health. Studies show that natural astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, improves lipid profiles, and promotes better blood flow in capillaries.
  • Natural astaxanthin improves muscle endurance through its ability to support muscle function and improve aerobic power.  In a range of studies (54-77) natural astaxanthin has demonstrably reduced lactic acid build up and decreased fatigue.

Each serving of Formettā contains 2mg of natural AstaReal® astaxanthin.

Organic grape seed

Grape seeds are a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols, specifically proanthocyanidins, which are powerful at removing potentially damaging oxidising agents. Clinical studies show that supplementing with Grape Seed Extract (GSE) can improve skin damage caused by UV light and ageing (78-80). In studies conducted with animals, GSE was found to help treat arthritic conditions and promote collagen health (81-84).

Each serving of Formettā contains 100mg of grape seed-derived proanthocyanidins.

Mineral powders

Proper hydration is essential for overall wellbeing and correct body function—and of paramount importance for healthy skin. With a perfect balance of all six most important electrolytes (which help control the body’s fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, and facilitate other important functions), Formettā’s unique formula includes mineral powders to support optimal hydration.

The mineral powders are sourced from natural ingredients, like carrot, parsley, watercress, broccoli, and dandelion and infused with natural lemon flavour.

Each serving of Formettā contains 65mg calcium, 78mg chloride, 100mg of magnesium, 70mg of phosphorus, 250mg of potassium, and 1.4g of sodium.

Coenzyme Q10

An important coenzyme that is found in every cell of the body, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is required for mitochondria to make energy. Like collagen, CoQ10 levels decline with age and UV light exposure. Supplementing with CoQ10 is well-known for improving negative symptoms of ageing due to its antioxidant mechanisms on cellular energy levels. As a powerful antioxidant, CoQ10 reduces the production of free radicals (85), decreases inflammation (86), leads to vitamin E regeneration (87), reduces keratinocyte DNA damage (88), inhibits MMPs (89), and enhances the expression of collagen (90) and elastin (91).

Each serving of Formettā contains 50mg of ubiquinol (the reduced form of Coenzyme Q10, which is bioactive and much more easily absorbed than ubiquinone, CoQ10’s oxidised form).

Components that work in harmony

A daily dose of Formettā not only counters collagen loss, it also uses research-backed complementary ingredients to combat common age-related concerns and improve overall health—inside and out.


Footnotes

1 Anthonavage, Michael & Benjamin, Rodney. (2015). “Effects of Oral Supplementation With Methylsulfonylmethane on Skin Health and Wrinkle Reduction.” Natural Medicine Journal. Vol 7.

2 Shanmugam, Srinivasan & Baskaran, Rengarajan & Nagayya-Sriraman, Santhoshkumar & Yong, Chul-Soon & Choi, Han-Gon & Woo, Jong-Soo & Yoo, Bong-Kyu. (2009). “The Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane on Hair Growth Promotion of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate for the Treatment of Alopecia. Biomolecules & Therapeutics.” BIOMOL THER. 17. 241-248.

3 Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. “Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement.” Nutrients. 2017;9(3):290. Published 2017 Mar 16.

4 Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. “Aloe vera: a short review.” Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163–166.

5 Tanaka M, Yamamoto Y, Misawa E, Nabeshima K, Saito M, Yamauchi K, Abe F, Furukawa F. “Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 29: 309-317.

6 Cho S, Lee S, Lee MJ, Lee DH, Won CH, Kim SM, Chung JH.  “Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo.” Ann Dermatol. 2009 Feb;21(1):6-11.

7 Marie Saito, Miyuki Tanaka, Eriko Misawa, Ruiquing Yao, Kazumi Nabeshima, Kouji Yamauchi, Fumiaki Abe, Yuki Yamamoto & Fukumi Furukawa “Oral administration of Aloe vera gel powder prevents UVB-induced decrease in skin elasticity via suppression of overexpression of MMPs in hairless mice,” Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2016; 80:7, 1416-1424, DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1156480

8 Cho S, Lee S, Lee MJ, et al. “Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo.” Ann Dermatol. 2009;21(1):6–11.

9 Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. “ Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

10 Uchida, Eriko & Kondo, Yoshitaka & Amano, Akiko & Aizawa, Shingo & Hanamura, Takayuki & Aoki, Hitoshi & Nagamine, Kenichi & Koizumi, Takeshi & Maruyama, Naoki & Ishigami, Akihito. (2011). “Absorption and Excretion of Ascorbic Acid Alone and in Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) Juice: Comparison in Healthy Japanese Subjects.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 34. 1744-7.

11 Prakash A, Baskaran R. “Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers.” J Food Sci Technol. 2018;55(9):3373–3384.

12 Vollmer DL, West VA, Lephart ED. “Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome.” Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(10):3059. Published 2018 Oct 7.

13 Chou, H.-Y.; Lee, C.; Pan, J.-L.; Wen, Z.-H.; Huang, S.-H.; Lan, C.-W.J.; Liu, W.-T.; Hour, T.-C.; Hseu, Y.-C.; Hwang, B.H.; Cheng, K.-C.; Wang, H.-M.D. “Enriched Astaxanthin Extract from Haematococcus pluvialis Augments Growth Factor Secretions to Increase Cell Proliferation and Induces MMP1 Degradation to Enhance Collagen Production in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.” Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 955.

14 Suganuma K, Nakajima H, Ohtsuki M, Imokawa G. “Astaxanthin attenuates the UVA-induced up-regulation of matrix-metalloproteinase-1 and skin fibroblast elastase in human dermal fibroblasts.” J Dermatol Sci. 2010 May;58(2):136-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2010.02.009. Epub 2010 Feb 18.

15 Ito N, Seki S, Ueda F. “The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Nutrients. 2018;10(7):817. Published 2018 Jun 25. doi:10.3390/nu10070817

16 Lignell Å et al. 12th International Carotenoid Symptosium, Cairns, 1999.

17 Kupcinskas el al. Phytomedicine. 2008;15:391-399.

18 Wetscher GJ et al. Am J Surg. 1995;170(6):552-556.

19 Yasui Y et al. Chemico Biological Interactions. 2011;193:79-87.

20 Bennedsen et al. Immunol Lett. 1999;70(3):185-189.

21 Wang et al. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2000;44(9):2454-2457.

22 Kamath BS et al. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008;590:387-395.

23 Kim JH et al. Eur J Parmacol. 2005;514(1):53-59.

24 Kim JH et al. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005;69(7):1300-1305.

25 Yang Q et al. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2009;44(5):558-560.

26 Bennedsen M, Wang X, Willen R. “Treatment of H. pylori infected mice with antioxidant astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation, bacterial load and modulates cytokine release by spleno- cytes.” Immunol Lett. 1999. 70: 185-189.

27 Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Adamonis K, Andersen LP, Wadstrom T., “Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspep- sia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study.” Phytomedicine 2008. 15: 391–399.

28 Lignell A, Surace R, Bottiger P, Borody TJ. “Symptom improve- ment in Helicobacter pylori positive non-ulcer dyspeptic patient after treatment with the carotenoid astaxanthin.” 12th International Carotenoid Symposium, Cairns, Australia, 18-23 July 1999.

29 Wang X, Willen R, Wadstrom T. “Astaxanthin rich algal meal and vitamin C inhibit Helicobacter pylori infection in BALB/cA mice.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2000. 44: 2452-2457.

30 Zanotta et al., “Cognitive effects of a dietary supplement made from extract of Bacopa monnieri, astaxanthin, phosphatidylserine, and vitamin E in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: a noncomparative, exploratory clinical study.” NeuroPsychiatric Dis. And Treatment 2014; 10; 225-230.

31 Katagiri et al., “Effects of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract on cognitive function: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012;51(2):102-7.

32 Nakagawa et al., “Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes.” British J. of Nutr 2011; 105: 1563-1571.

33 Wang et al., “Astaxanthin upregulates heme oxygenase-1 expression through ERK1/2 pathway and its protective effect against beta-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.” Brain Research 1360 2010; 159-167.

34 Chang et al., “Astaxanthin secured apoptotic death of PC12 cells induced by b-amyloid peptide 25-35: its molecular action targets.” J Med Food 13 (3) 2010, 548-556.

35 Chew, B.P. et al., 2011. “Dietary astaxanthin enhances immune response in dogs.” Vet lmmunol and lmmunopathol 140 (2011) 199-206.

36 Park, J.S., Chyun, J.H., Kim, Y.K., Line, LL., Chew, B.P., 2010. “Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans.” Nutr. Metab. 5, 7-18.

37 Park, J.S., Kim, H.W., Mathison, B.D., Hayek, M.G., Massimino, S., Reinhart, G.A., Chew,B.P., 201Ob. “Astaxanthin uptake in domestic dogs and cats.” Nutr. Metab. 7, 52-59.

38 Macedo RC et al., “Astaxanthin addition improves human neutrophils function: in vitro study.” Eur J Nutr. 2010;49:447-457.

39 Seon-Jin L. et al. 2003. “Astaxanthin Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production and Inflammatory Gene Expression by Suppressing IκB Kinase-dependent NF-κB Activation.” Mol. Cells, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 97-105.

40 Nagaki Y et al., “Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusions, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers.” J Trad Med. 2002;19:170-73.

41 Nakamura A et al., “Changes in Visual Function Following Peroral Astaxanthin.” Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol. 2004;58:1051-54.

42 Nitta T et al., “Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia – Dose finding study in healthy volunteers.” J Clin Therap Med. 2005;21(5):534-56.

43 Nagaki Y et al., “The supplementation effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia.” J Clin Therap Med. 2006;22:41-54.

44 Nagaki Y et al., “Effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia.” Folia Ophthalmologica Japonica. 2010;3(5):461-68.

45 Saito M et al., “Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity.” Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012;250:239-45.

46 Augusti PR et al., “Astaxanthin prevents changes in the activities of thioredoxin reductase and paraoxonase in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.” J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012;51(1):42-49.

47 Choi HD et al., “Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults.” Phytother Res: PTR. 2011;25(12):1813-18.

48 Yoshida H et al., “Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia.” Atherosclerosis. 2010;209(2):520-23.

49 lwabayashi M et al., “Efficacy and safety of eight-week treatment with astaxanthin in individuals screened for increased oxidative stress burden.” Anti-aging medicine. 2009;6(4):15-21.

50 Miyawaki H et al., “Effects of astaxanthin on human blood.” J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008;43(2):69-74.

51 Hussein G et al., “Astaxanthin ameliorates features of metabolic syndrome in SHR/NDmcr-cp.” Life sciences. Life Sci. 2007;80(6):522-29.

52 Hussein G et al., “Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin:ll. vascular reactivity and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive.” Biol Pharm Bull. 2005;28(6):967-71.

53 Kim KY et al.,”The effects of astaxanthin supplements on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in postmenopausal women.” Nutritional Sciences. 2004;7(1):41-46.

54 Ivana Baralic et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2015, Article ID 783761, 9 pages

55 Park J.S. et al. J ANIM SCI 2013, 91:268-275.

56 Earnest CP et al. Int J sports Med. 2011;32:882-888

57 Finaud J, Lac G, Filaire E. Sports Med. 2006;36(4):327-358.

58 Tian Y et al. Eur J Appl Physiol . 2010;110:971-976.

59 Semba RD, Lauretani F, Ferrucci L. 2007:15;458(2):141-145.

60 Berzosa C et al. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010

61 Brzeszczynska J et al. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2008;33(6):1223-1231.

62 Goto S et al. Biochim Biophysica Acta. 2001;1512:251-258.

63 Nishida Y, Yamashita E, Miki W. Carotenoid Science. 2007;11:16-20.

64 Miki W. Pure Appl Chem 1991;1(63):141-146.

65 Martin HD et al. Pure Appl Chem 1999;71(12):2253-2262.

66 Malmsten CL, Lignell Å. Carotenoid Science. 2008;13.

67 Sawaki K et al. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicine. 2002;18(9);73-88.

68 Ikeuchi M, Koyama T, Takahashu J, Yazawa K. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006;29(10)2106-2110.

69 Aoi W et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008; 366(4):892-897.

70 Fukamauchi M. Food Style 21. 2007;11:1-4. 15.

71 Ikeuchi M et al. The 21st Annual Meeting on Carotenoid Research 2007.

72 Nakagawa K et al. Br J Nutr. 2011;31:1-9.

73 Wolf AM et al. J Nutr Biochem. 2010;21(5):381-389

74 Aoi W et al. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2003;5(1):139-144.

75 Park JS et al. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2010;7:18.

76 Lee SJ et al. Mol Cells. 2003;16(1):97-105.

77 Shibaguchi T et al. Jpn J Phys Fitness Sports Med. 2008; 57:541 552.

78 Yamakoshi J, Sano A, Tokutake S, Saito M, Kikuchi M, Kubota Y, Kawachi Y, Otsuka F. “Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma.” Phytother Res. 2004 Nov;18(11):895-9.

79 Dumoulin M, Gaudout D, Lemaire B. “Clinical effects of an oral supplement rich in antioxidants on skin radiance in women.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:315–324. Published 2016 Oct 18. doi:10.2147/CCID.S118920

80 Xiao-Ying Yuan, Wei Liu, Jian-Chun Hao, Wei-Jie Gu, and Yan-Shuang Zhao. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. Jan 2012.20-25

81 Park JS, Park MK, Oh HJ, et al. “Grape-seed proanthocyanidin extract as suppressors of bone destruction in inflammatory autoimmune arthritis.” PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e51377. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0051377

82 Ahmad SF, Zoheir KM, Abdel-Hamied HE, Ashour AE, Bakheet SA, Attia SM, Abd-Allah AR. “Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has potent anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis by modifying the T cell balance.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Sep;17(1):79-87.

83 Cho ML1, Heo YJ, Park MK, Oh HJ, Park JS, Woo YJ, Ju JH, Park SH, Kim HY, Min JK. “Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) attenuates collagen-induced arthritis.” Immunol Lett. 2009 Jun 4;124(2):102-10.

84 Ahmad SF, Zoheir KM, Abdel-Hamied HE, Ashour AE, Bakheet SA, Attia SM, Abd-Allah AR. “Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract has potent anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis by modifying the T cell balance.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Sep;17(1):79-87.

85 Robert E. Beyer. “An analysis of the role of coenzyme Q in free radical generation and as an antioxidant.” Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 1992, 70:390-403.

86 Zhai J, Bo Y, Lu Y, Liu C, Zhang L. “Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Markers of Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0170172. Published 2017 Jan 26.

87 Hargreaves IP. “Coenzyme Q10 as a therapy for mitochondrial disease.” Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2014 Apr;49:105-11.

88 Inui M1, Ooe M, Fujii K, Matsunaka H, Yoshida M, Ichihashi M. “Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ10 on UVB-induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo.” Biofactors. 2008;32(1-4):237-43.

89 Zhang M, Dang L, Guo F, Wang X, Zhao W, Zhao R. “Coenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitro.” Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Jun;34(3):273-9.

90 Fuller, Bryan & Smith, Dustin & Howerton, Amber & Kern, Dale. “Anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2006: 5. 30-8.

91 Muta-Takada K, Terada T, Yamanishi H, Ashida Y, Inomata S, Nishiyama T, Amano S. “Coenzyme Q10 protects against oxidative stress-induced cell death and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells.” Biofactors. 2009 Sep-Oct;35(5):435-41.

By Published On: April 9th, 2020