
POISE - Hormone Support
Not every supplement is about “the gains.” While the sports nutrition and performance space, as the name implies, justifiably focuses on supplements that maximize athletic performance, too often the space neglects imperatives outside the gym. That is, the space ignores that we all exist outside the gym, at home and in the workplace, and have supplemental needs in these spaces too – to help us respond to and optimize our daily lives. This is especially true for women, who are too often marketed only “weight loss” supplements, ignoring that women have extensive physiological needs.
And let’s face it: modern life only exacerbates these needs. Environmental stressors, work, inconsistent diet, and poor sleep habits all contribute to a lifestyle deleterious to the homeostasis of key bodily systems. Chief among them, the complex endocrine pathway that regulates the synthesis, distribution, and uptake of hormones. It is becoming increasingly hard to maintain the healthy and normal hormonal homeostasis that allows us to perform optimally in the gym and workplace. This is especially true for women.
Core POISE is a unique and specifically formulated solution to this problem. Our tailored ingredient profile addresses the mechanisms associated with the body’s stress response. Key ingredients such as magnesium, DIM, Chaste berry, and pregnenolone, are all heavily involved in sex hormone biosynthesis and estrogen balance, and some have been demonstrated to mitigate some of the discomfort associated with PMS. Other ingredients, such as iodine, turmeric extract and Olea europaea help optimize your body’s response to stress, providing and supporting thyroid health. Stress impact on the thyroid can lead to a suppressed metabolism, which can lead to unwanted weight gain. So, while POISE will not make your life easier, it certainly makes responding to it easier.
COLLAGEN - Joints / Hair, Skin, Nails / Bones
Collagen is by far the most plentiful protein found in the human body. It makes up the body’s skeletal framework, as well as provides integrity to ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues found inside the body. It is also a primary component of healthy hair, skin, nails, as well as other important structures of the body. Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular as of late, but most people do not know that the type of collagen matters just as much as the quality of the source. Core has combined Collagen Types I and III from high quality bovine hide that works to provide strength for structures such as skin, tendons, bones, connective tissues, teeth, muscles, organs, and arteries.
LIFELINE - Hair, Skin, Nails
Most bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts completely overlook their skin when considering dietary and fitness supplementation, despite it being the largest organs in the human body. Likewise, both hair and nails also fail to receive much attention in this area. While many may point to hair, skin and nails as an aesthetic issue that has nothing to do with your overall health, this is not the case. All three are major indicators of internal homeostasis and overall health, while providing key protection to sensitive areas of your body.
Without additional nutritional supplementation, our hair, skin and nails inevitably suffer from the natural aging process and environmental damage. As we age, our body gradually loses its ability to produce or absorb key vitamins and nutrients as well as efficiently produce collagen, reducing the firmness of our skin and leading to wrinkles. Meanwhile, we also subject our bodies to a variety of environmental toxins and damaging UV radiation, all of which causes serious damage.
HAIR, SKIN and NAILS addresses these often overlooked but important bodily components with a wide array of ingredients formulated to boost collagen synthesis, improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, strengthen hair, reduce oxidative stress and support cellular and tissue health. Look your best on the outside while feeling your best on the inside with Core Lifeline HAIR, SKIN and NAILS!
POISE - Hormone Support
Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate (TRAACS™):
It is difficult to overstate the biological necessity of magnesium. Magnesium is a co-factor in over 300 enzymatic reactions that regulate essential physiological functions such as protein synthesis, glucose homeostasis, muscle and nerve function, and the maintenance and support of healthy blood pressure levels.
In addition to these benefits, magnesium (especially Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate) has been studied for its benefits in reducing dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) through its ability to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus and reduce the prostaglandins that cause painful cramps. Magnesium levels also tend to fluctuate during a menstrual cycle. During the second half of a cycle when estrogen and progesterone are higher, magnesium levels tend to drop even more. Supplementation with a high-quality magnesium can assist in maintaining an optimal level.
Magnesium’s influence on the thyroid is also of importance. Magnesium is responsible not only for making the inactive T4 (thyroxine) in the thyroid gland but also for converting T4 into the active form of T3 (triiodothyronine). This is important because the metabolism of your body’s cells is enhanced by T3 specifically. These two hormones have a large influence on metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development and bone maintenance. Studies have shown that severely low serum magnesium can be associated with an increased risk of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, which can be a sign of thyroid gland damage caused by the immune system. It has also shown an increased risk of Hashimoto thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, two common autoimmune disorders.
Iodine:
Iodine is a trace element naturally present in certain foods, including kelp. Iodine is a critical component for fetal development, especially during early pregnancy, as maternal T4 (thyroxine) is the sole source of fetal thyroid hormone. After birth, especially if breast-feeding, iodine remains an important constituent of a balanced-diet to maintain adequate T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) levels in the mother and for proper cognitive development in the child.
As implied, however, the most important of iodine’s functions is assisting the body’s production and maintenance of both thyroid hormones and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary). The thyroid hormones, in turn, regulate several critical biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis, and, along with norepinephrine/epinephrine, largely determine the body’s metabolic rate.
In addition to these benefits for the thyroid, iodine can also be a critical element for women’s health. About 70% of the body’s iodine is concentrated in the tissues of the brain, immune system, ovaries, uterus, breasts, and prostate gland (in men). Being this close to the female reproductive system, iodine also has a large effect on ovulation and estrogen. Iodine is believed to reduce ovulation pain, prevent ovarian cysts, and boost progesterone levels when there is too much estrogen present, which can cause heavy menstruation, breast pain, fibroids, and premenstrual irritability. Iodine can also help reduce estrogen related side effects in two ways: by promoting healthy detoxification of estrogen and by making cells less sensitive to estrogen.
L-Tyrosine:
Tyrosine is amongst a class of amino acids known as ‘non-essential’ amino acids, so called because the body can produce them endogenously, and it is therefore not essential through dietary means. That being said, tyrosine is also what is known as a conditionally-essential amino acid; conditionally-essential because, along with glucose and ammonia, the synthesis of tyrosine additionally requires adequate levels of phenylalanine. Once synthesized, tyrosine is one of the most critical amino acids, given its prominent role as a substrate in the synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, in addition to both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones are in fact derivatives of tyrosine that are bound covalently to iodine, meaning that tyrosine (as well as iodine) needs to be present in order for thyroid hormones to be produced. This supplementation can boost thyroid hormones levels in those who may have suppressed thyroid hormones levels. (It is important to note, however, that individuals who are already being prescribed thyroid medications or have an overactive thyroid should be cautious when supplementing with tyrosine and should seek the guidance of a healthcare professional prior to supplementing).
Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) (root) (95% curcuminoids):
Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid found in turmeric (a root known for its spice), has been the basis of many clinical studies for its therapeutic properties and ability to modulate multiple cells signaling pathways in certain inflammatory diseases known to humans.
Numerous studies seem to suggest that curcumin powerfully inhibits the enzymes that synthesize inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In particular, basic research and molecular studies have now firmly established curcumin’s ability to dose-dependently and potently inhibit a transcription factor known as NF–kB – a molecule involved in the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, soft tissue destruction, and autoimmune responses. In relation to autoimmune conditions, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one in particular that is considered the leading cause of hypothyroidism. The overabundance of chronic inflammation found in the thyroid during these conditions can lead to less production of thyroid hormone all together, thus leading to a generalized slowing of a person’s metabolism.
Turmeric can also have a positive impact on PMS related symptoms. This is seen primarily through the increased neurotransmitter release and inflammatory response associated with pre-menstrual occurrences. Many of the mood and behavior changes associated with PMS can be traced to neurotransmitter changes such as decreased norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These changes can be subject to the decline in estrogen and progesterone during this period. Turmeric has been shown in studies to increase these neurotransmitters, thus impacting these symptoms in a positive way. The increased inflammatory response due to the PMS period as well can be mitigated in the presence of turmeric due to its high anti-inflammatory benefits.
Studies have shown that low quality curcumin has low bioavailability and benefit, which is why we have used a high standard curcumin with 95% curcuminoids and have also included the trademarked Bioperine® in this formula. These two ingredients have a largely cohesive impact that can drastically improve the health benefit. Studies have shown that Bioperine® significantly improved curcumin uptake by upwards of 2000% at doses that proved to be clinically beneficial.
Olive Extract (Olea europaea) (leaf) (20% Oleuropein):
Using products derived from the olive tree for the basis of benefitting human health dates back several centuries. There has been a good body of research done lately on the benefits of olives and its derivatives. The polyphenols found in olives (and unrefined virgin olive oil) contain highly potent antioxidant and free radical fighting properties, making them highly sought out for their anti-inflammatory and immune boosting benefits. As we have discussed in subsequent ingredients and their benefits, these anti-inflammatory and immune boosting benefits include the positive impacts made towards thyroid health and PMS. Oleuropein is the most potent polyphenol found in olives (our source of olives contains 20%) and exhibits a very high antioxidant effect on the body through different mechanisms, resulting in an enhanced antioxidant response. This potential is mainly related to its ability to improve radical stability through the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Oleuropein may also be able to counteract oxidative stress and has shown in vitro to have a protective effect on lipid oxidation. As mentioned above, olive-derived phenolic compounds, including oleuropein, can have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect. These compounds can decrease concentrations of pro-inflammatory agents that stimulate more inflammation in several different pathologies. It has been studied that oleuropein is able to elicit protective effects on modulating parameters of inflammation and other oxidative stressors.
Oleuropein has also been seen is studies to have positive impacts on thyroid conditions, in particular hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), where the thyroid underproduces thyroxine and and overproduces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This high level of TSH can be expressed from the pituitary gland secreting excess amounts of TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone in an attempt to balance secretions. Olive leaf supplementation has been shown to positively impact the thyroid this by promoting a lowering of TSH levels and increasing T3 (triiodothyronine) levels in an attempt to normalize thyroid function.
Chaste Tree Extract (Vitex agnus-castus) (fruit) (1.5% Agnusides)
Chaste Tree Berry, also known as Vitex agnus castus (VAC), is a shrub that is native to both Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. Clinical reviews have supported the use of VAC as a remedy for many female conditions, including menstrual disorders (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), corpus luteum insufficiency, hyperprolactinemia, infertility, acne, menopause, and disrupted lactation. Chaste Berry exhibits a mechanism of action that increases dopamine activity in the brain, which results in a reduction of prolactin release in the body. When there is an increase in prolactin it can cause disturbances in a women’s menstrual cycle as well as deficiency in their levels of estrogen and progesterone. A prospective, multicenter trial in the efficacy of VAC on PMS was investigated in 50 patients. The Moos’ menstrual distress questionnaire (MMDQ) was the primary parameter and self-assessment was the second parameter. The inclusion of VAC showed that PMS-related symptoms were reduced but then gradually returned after cessation of the trial period. Studies such as this one show that using VAC as a remedy for the symptoms associated with PMS can show clear improvements but should mainly be used for symptomatic relief rather than relief for the duration of the syndrome.
Setria® L-Glutathione:
PMS is often a high stress event for an individual. The overabundance of estrogen compared to progesterone can increase overall stress. When cortisol is not controlled, it can further lower progesterone, further dividing the needed balance between these two complimentary hormones. Glutathione is an amino acid containing molecule of L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and Glycine. It is vital to many different properties and is best known for being a powerful antioxidant. The ‘glutathione system’ comprises the enzymes that synthesize glutathione within a cell as dedicated enzymes that use glutathione for its antioxidant effects. Glutathione supplementation is thought to support this pool of glutathione present in cells and thus maintain the efficacy of the entire system. Free radicals can be a byproduct of many different things such as exercising, eating, and breathing to name a few. When these molecules overcome the body at the cellular level, this constant barrage can have negative impacts on health and overall wellness. This barrage can also include the stresses that one’s body might endure during pre-menstruation. Setria® L-Glutathione provides a potent supply of antioxidants that bind these free radicals, which can help keep them from causing lasting damage. Glutathione not only has the ability to neutralize free radicals, but it also can reactivate other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Once these vitamins and their antioxidants do their job of neutralizing free radicals, they become unstable radicals themselves. Glutathione can help recycle these unstable molecules back to their antioxidant rich properties.
3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM):
What we typically refer to as “Estrogen,” is in fact a group of three biologically distinct hormones – estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3), each possessing different activities in different cell, tissue, and receptor types. When experts refer to either the benefits or downfalls of “estrogen," they really mean to (but probably cannot) identify a specific estrogen.
These specific estrogens, in turn, metabolize into even more specific estrogen sub-compounds, such as the 2-hydroxyestrogens (2-OHE’s), 2-methoxyestrogens, 16a-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1), and 4-hydroxyestrogens (4-OHE’s). As their parent estrogens, these estrogen metabolites exert different effects depending upon the tissue and cell one is examining. In fact, two estrogen metabolites in particular, 16-OHE1 and 2-OHE, have such contrasting cellular activities that 2-OHE is an estrogen antagonist. Yes, that is correct: there is an anti-estrogen, estrogen.
In recent years, so-called “phytonutrients” have become the focus of clinical research, as these natural compounds have shown the ability to increase the ratio of good, estrogen decreasing estrogens (such as 2-OHE), to bad, estrogen increasing estrogens (such as 16-OHE1). One of these phytonutrients, a dietary indole known as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), is the bioactive phytochemical and a presumed modulator of reduced cancer risk in areas with high cruciferous vegetable consumption. Unfortunately, despite its potent antiestrogenic activity, I3C is highly molecularly unstable, and therefore unsuitable for use as a therapeutic agent or dietary supplement.
Luckily, however, I3C readily metabolizes into the secondary indole 3,3’ diindolylmethane, or DIM for short. When used in a supplemental fashion in clinical trials, DIM appears to possess all the positive effects of its parent compound with respect to antiestrogenic action – promoting the metabolism of beneficial estrogens that themselves reduce estrogenic activity.
Aside from its healthy-estrogen promoting abilities, DIM also exerts its own direct physiological effects, including:
- Promoting pathways of internal estrogen metabolism that favor the production of anti-estrogen estrogens.
- Adjusting the activity of certain cytochrome enzymes, reducing the activity at the estrogen receptor site.
- Limit the cell division and growth of certain estrogens.
Despite the bodybuilding community’s single-minded crusade to eliminate estrogen wherever it lie in wait, compounds such as DIM show us that estrogen is a very diverse set of compounds – and that we should actively pursue increasing certain estrogens that have beneficial, and ironically, anti-estrogenic effects
Pregnenolone:
Pregnenolone, or pregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one, is known as the grandmother hormone due to its precursor role in the endogenous biosynthesis of most steroid hormones as well as others, including progesterone and estrogen. Pregnenolone also has a high relationship in the balancing of beta-estradiol and progesterone, which can have a positive impact on the distressing of symptoms associated with PMS, including menopausal depression. When pregnenolone levels are low, whether it be due to high amounts of oxidative stress, increased cortisol, etc. it can have a negative impact on other bodily functions that are governed by hormones. When women in particular have low progesterone during their monthly cycle, it can lead to heavy menstruation and increased levels of estrogen, which can decrease sex drive and increase weight gain. Pregnenolone needs to be present in order for the balance of progesterone and estrogen to occur. This balance of hormones can thus lead to more balance during the menstruation period and lower the severity of PMS symptoms.
Bioperine® (95% Black Pepper Extract):
BioPerine® is a patented standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum (black pepper). It’s studied benefits have shown improvements in bioavailability of nutrients it is surrounded by. In this specific product for Core POISE, it is included because it dramatically increases the bioavailability of curcuminoids (see above). Without Bioperine, the serum concentration and absorption rates of the active agents in curcumin would be significantly reduced.
BioPerine® primarily works through mechanisms and channels that can inhibit intestinal motility and dilate blood vessels of the intestines (where absorption of nutrients occurs). This physiological action may cause increased absorption and digestion of nutrients.
Several studies looking at the impact of BioPerine® on nutrient absorption have been done. One study looking at the efficacy of BioPerine® on serum concentrations of curcumin showed bioavailability was improved by more than 500%. Therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin has often been exhibited as low. Another study conducted over the course of 6 weeks on BioPerine® influence on serum selenium levels in humans showed an increase by 145% over the presupplementation value.
With promising research being done on the effects of BioPerine® in the context of nutrient absorption and bioavailability, it is only fitting that we include it in Core POISE.
COLLAGEN - Joints / Hair, Skin, Nails / Bones
Collagen and its many types are by far the most plentiful protein found in the human body. It makes up the body’s skeletal framework as well as provides integrity to ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues found inside the body. It is also a primary component of healthy hair, skin, nails, as well as other important structures of the body. Collagen supplementation has become increasingly popular, especially for its cosmetic benefits. When it comes to your skin, as the largest organ in the body, it relies very heavily on the presence of collagen (skin is roughly 70% collagen protein). As we age, natural collagen production begins to slow, and we have to rely on dietary sources to keep collagen levels up. Foods like chicken, bone broth, fish, citrus fruits, berries, garlic, and leafy greens contain nutrients that can stimulate natural collagen formation, but supplementing with collagen protein (and its specific types) can also be crucially beneficial.
Type I specifically benefits your skin health. One randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial confirmed that skin aging can be addressed using nutrients, such as collagen, that are able to promote skin health. Results showed that after three months of oral intake, skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density all showed significant improvements. Also, since the nutrients were taken orally, a deeper dermatological activation was achieved, which can equate to a longer lasting regeneration of skin.
Type III collagen on the other hand is found in the walls of arteries and organs such as the esophagus, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder. It can also be found in some muscle fibers. As with the skin, as we age, the structural integrity of tissues can begin to degenerate. Supplementation can provide an extra backbone of support when adequate nutrients are not being taken in to aid in supporting an optimally functioning digestive system.
Collagen protein can also be a great protein type for those who do not digest other protein powders very well. It is well tolerated by most consumers and offers another high-quality source of protein that can ultimately increase the function of digestive organs that work to break down and absorb other whole food sources and proteins. As a result, collagen protein can arguably be seen as one of the most beneficial types of protein one can consume.
LIFELINE - Hair, Skin, Nails
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also supports a healthy immune system, protects cells from oxidized particles and free radicals, and assists other physiological functions. It also has a key function is stimulating collagen formation, which is a major component of most of our body’s tissues, including hair, skin, and nails.
Biotin (as d-Biotin)
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a crucial nutrient for achieving this goal. While many people can get enough B7 through diet alone, there are cases where people may want to try a supplemental form to achieve improved hair and nail health. The main mechanism of action for biotin and its hair health promoting benefits comes from its proposed ability to help in preventing hair loss by rejuvenating both the hair follicles and scalp. Biotin additionally plays a role in breaking down the dietary proteins into different amino acids required for the formation of keratin (specific protein of hair, skin, and nail cells). Increasing keratin production in the body promotes the production of healthy hair follicles. While biotin is highly prevalent in our bodies all the time, having additional biotin can further strengthen these specific cells to further prolong their health.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a naturally occurring, organosulfur molecule that can be synthesized both naturally and synthetically from DSMO. While the majority of MSM present in the human body is ingested – either deliberately or accidentally – the compound does have a natural presence in certain tissues and fluids in the body, including cerebrospinal fluid. While generally used for its benefits towards arthritis and pain relief, MSM also helps to form keratin, which as discussed above in the main protein found in hair, skin, and nails. It possesses the ability to form bonds that are vital to the strengthening of hair cells and influencing hair growth. With the primary mechanism of action being to act as a scavenger of free radicals, to provide a strong antioxidant effect to reduce oxidative stress, and to increase glutathione levels, MSM’s action on hair, skin, and nails has been shown to be its ability to act as a sulfur donor to keratin thus increasing the strength of this protein. It has also been shown in human studies to reduce signs of aging, such as facial wrinkles and skin roughness as well as improve skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration status, leading to healthier and more vibrant looking complexion. The antioxidant and keratin strengthening benefits of MSM on the health of hair, skin, and nails has been seen in numerous human studies, which leads it to be one of the most important components in Core’s Hair, Skin, and Nail health matrix.
Hydrolyzed Keratin Peptides
Conditioner is a common application most individuals include in their hair health regimen, but most people don’t know the real importance of incorporating protein specifically into the same regimen. This is where keratin comes into play, which as explained above is the main protein found in hair, skin, and nails. Hydrolyzed keratin has been shown to increase cysteine content, which increases tensile strength and minimizes damage. It also increases volume, strengthens your hair, and restores luster. Several studies have shown its efficacy towards hair, skin, and nail health. In relation to hair health, one human study concluded that participants who ingested keratin (along with other vitamins and minerals) experienced and large improvement in hair fallout compared to placebo, increased hair strength, and improvement in appearance over the course of 90 days.
In nail health, this same double-blind placebo-controlled study found that keratin supplemented at 500mg showed statistically significant improvements in nail health over the course of five key measures, breakage, strength, resistance, smoothness, and color.
During this same study, keratins skin benefits were also exhibited in participants. When participants supplemented with 500mg of oral keratin skin measurements of moisture content, elasticity, wrinkles, protein content, and appearance all showed significant improvements. During this time frame, skin moisture increased by 11%, skin elasticity increased 7.2%, wrinkles decreased by 12%, and appearance improved by 58% with keratin supplementation.
With keratin being a major component of these vital structures, its supplementation can be beneficial if an individual is suffering from less-than-optimal hair, skin, and nail health.
Astrion™ (Astragalus membranaceus & Centella asiatica) Root Extracts
Herbs and plants have long been touted for their benefits towards health improvements and cosmetic application. Astrion™ is a comprehensive and clinically backed combination of Astragalus membranaceous and Centella asiatica root extracts aimed at providing pin point cosmeceutical improvements.
- Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Milkvetch, is considered to be one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines and has been used with various different natural remedies and herbal blends. This plant may reduce the physical and metabolic effects of ageing.
- Centella asiatica, also known as Indian Pennywort, is a traditional medicine that is mostly used and renowned in Ayurveda but has some usage in traditional Chinese medicine. This plant may inhibit a group of enzymes that break down collagen while simultaneously increasing the rate that collagen is synthesized.
Why is this collagen synthesis important? Collagen is a major component of the human body and its overall structure. This includes hair, skin, and nails, but also our bones, ligaments, muscles, organs, etc. In the cosmetic context, as our age increases our levels of collagen in our body reduce, which can lead to physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and brittle hair and nails. Astrion™ was formulated for the goal of supporting the body in maintaining its existing collagen and to also facilitate the stimulation of further collagen production.
Astrion™ works through a process of triggering the body’s internal regeneration mechanisms to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, as well as an increased absorption of proline (building block of collagen) and glucosamine (building block of hyaluronic acid) in skin cells. Clinical studies have shown that Astrion™ was able to increase collagen synthesis in the dermal layers of the skin by upwards of 80% and in epidermal layers by 60%. In the same study, synthesis of hyaluronic acid (the molecule that helps to keep skin looking and feeling soft and hydrated) was increased by up to 20%. Astrion™ has proven to be vital in its ability to enhance the body’s natural ability to create more of these vital nutrients and to improve the quality of the skin. These improvements that Astrion™ exhibits on the skin can also show reductions in the number and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as firming, hydrating and improving overall skin health resulting in a more radiant glow and complexion.
Setria® L-Glutathione
Glutathione is an amino acid containing molecule of L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine, and Glycine. It is vital to many different properties and is best known for being a powerful antioxidant. The ‘glutathione system’ comprises the enzymes that synthesize glutathione within a cell as dedicated enzymes that use glutathione for its antioxidant effects. Glutathione supplementation is thought to support this pool of glutathione present in cells and thus maintain the efficacy of the entire system. Free radicals can be a byproduct of many different things such as exercising, eating, and breathing to name a few. When these molecules overcome the body at the cellular level, this constant barrage can have negative impacts on health and overall wellness. In relation to hair, skin and nails this oxidative damage can lead to wrinkles, acne, and other skin related issues. Setria® L-Glutathione provides a potent supply of antioxidants that bind these free radicals, which can help keep them from causing lasting damage. It has the ability to protect against skin damage and preserve cellular integrity to rejuvenate skin and other cells to keep them at optimal health. Glutathione not only has the ability to neutralize free radicals, but it also can reactivate other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Once these vitamins and their antioxidants do their job of neutralizing free radicals, they become unstable radicals themselves. Glutathione can help recycle these unstable molecules back to their antioxidant rich properties to allow them to work positively on the body.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)
Skin aging is as a result of several biologically independent processes. The first being an intrinsic, or unpreventable, process that affects the skin similar to how it affects our internal organs. The second is an extrinsic process, which is as a result of environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) exposure. While these intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to less than optimal looking and feeling skin, a loss of skin moisture is also a cause of this particular skin aging. The key molecule involved in maintenance of skin moisture is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of HA are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes, but is found in many other tissues, with its main function being to help retain water for the purposes of keeping your tissues well lubricated and moist. The synthesis of HA increases during injury to tissues and wound healing as well as regulates several aspects of tissue repair, which can include activation of inflammatory cells to enhance immune response. Cosmetically these injuries can mean a cut or abrasion as well as sunburn, but can also mean internal injuries as well.
As we age it is experienced that the epidermal layer (top) of skin begins to lose HA over time, contributing to immediate changes in skin texture, tone, and moisture levels. The reasons for the change in HA balance with increased age is not entirely known. The overall loss of skin integrity parallels with the age-related declines in collagen extractability to keep joint and bone integrity in tact as well as muscle atrophy. In other words, this is deemed a normal part of aging. What supplemental HA can provide is a means to potentially slow this skin aging process and provide additional HA support to keep the skins (and other structures) cells hydrated and able to perform at their best.
Dermaval® (Pomegranate Extract, Asparagus, Okra, CoffeeBerry® Extract, Quercetin, Acerola, Camu Camu, Acai, Mangosteen)
Dermaval® is a blend of nine phytochemical-rich plant-based superfoods combined for their ability to coherently work to support the human body’s natural collagen levels as well as deliver nutrients to assist in natural collagen production. Pro-inflammatory enzymes, elastase and gelatinase, are known to wreak havoc on collagen and breakdown the vital tissue that is naturally produced by the body. Studies have shown that these pro-inflammatory enzymes may be stimulated by extrinsic factors (like UV light) or even our nutrition (food allergies/sensitivities). So how can we prevent these enzymes from breaking down these vital tissues? Dermaval® and the plant-based ingredients it I comprised of have been studied immensely for their role in collagen production. This collagen production is something not entirely achieved from ingested animal collagen sources which are broken down in the digestive tract and renew collagen in the body, but don’t stimulate production. One human clinical study showed that this blend of superfoods was able to inhibit these pro-inflammatory enzymes, elastase and gelatinase, by roughly 98% and 33% respectfully in the first 120 min of consumption. Being able to regenerate collagen as well as naturally stimulate new collagen formation internally, you have the ability to provide extra support for the skin to withstand the rigors of everyday life as well as enhance the look, feel, and health of your skin that novel cosmetics may not be able to.
Ceramosides™ Wheat Extract (Triticum sativum) (Seed) (std. to ≥ 50% glycosphingolipids, & ≥ 40% digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG))
As we have covered in several sections, it is by now understood that the hair, skin, and nails can take a beating from the external and internal factors that they can be exposed to. These can be from the sun, the weather, stress, age, and even nutritional factors. Age in particular is not preventable as it is a natural occurrence and with that comes natural processes to happen. One of these is skin dehydration. Youthful and younger skin relies heavily on vital lipids (oils) to help moisturize the layers of the skin and to aid in the skins ability to act as the first line of protection for the body. These lipids, called ceramides, are rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and are the major constituent of lamellar sheets present in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin). As we age, the loss of these ceramides often results in dry, itchy skin and can contribute to wrinkles, lower skin integrity. Supplementing with oral ceramides has been shown to naturally restore these lipid levels and aid in the hydration status and health of the skin and associated structures. Ceramosides™ is a clinically studies sources of these ceramides, which are carried via the bloodstream to help restore the water barrier to provide adequate hydration as well as lubricating the skin providing a healthy glow. These lipids can also be vital for someone who experiences dry skin as a result of weather, which can result in painful cracks and weak skin layers. Acting as a moisturizer, these lipids can help fill these cracks and provide support for the skin to better withstand these factors. A few key human studies have shown exceptional results with the addition of Ceramosides™ in the regimen. One human study showed that after two months of use, skin moisturization was able to increase by 21%, wrinkles were able to decrease by 18% and skin elasticity was able to increase 26%. With these kinds of results after a short period of time, it can be led to believe that even greater improvements can be seen with longer use.
POISE - Hormone Support
COLLAGEN - Joints / Hair, Skin, Nails / Bones
LIFELINE - Hair, Skin, Nails
POISE - Hormone Support
COLLAGEN - Joints / Hair, Skin, Nails / Bones
LIFELINE - Hair, Skin, Nails