14 Mar Article by Dr. Emmanouil Apostolidis about healthy ageing and Vitaprime/ F

Vitaprime/F
Multiple factors cause accelerated aging of the skin. Prolonged periods of stress result in hormonal changes and restricted nutrient flow to the skin, which can lead to a person physically aging right before our eyes. Environmental stressors like UV light and chemical pollutants, as well as regular metabolic activity, create destructive enzymes and free radicals in the body. These break down skin-strengthening collagen and skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid, leading to the fine lines, wrinkles, and dry, sagging skin associated with an aged appearance. VitaPrime/F contains anti-aging bioactives that have been scientifically proven to reduce serum cortisol, the major hormone associated with stress, inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and hyaluronic acid, and quench free radicals with a long-lasting “cascading” antioxidant effect. This multi-functionality makes VitaPrime/F a uniquely innovative nutricosmetic that promotes both emotional and physical health in the growing beauty-from-within market segment.

What is Vitaprime/F
• A scientifically designed, clinically-proven mixture of plants, vitamins & minerals that contain proprietary natural components that are offered exclusively by Nutramins, specifically designed to rejuvenate and revitalize by inhibiting visual signs of aging while supporting an enhanced mood and emotional wellness.

What is in Vitaprime/F
• A scientifically designed Blend of:
– Two multi-patented, GRAS affirmed, clinically tested, rejuvenating ingredients that help women address the natural results of aging. This blend contains:
• Phytoril®, a standardized root and leaf extract of the revered Ayurvedic adaptogen, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
• Carpos®, a standardized extract of the ultimate superfruit antioxidant “beauty food”, Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica).

Each botanical is a renowned adaptogen replete with beauty-enhancing, mood-promoting and anti-aging properties. Vitaprime/F possesses multiple mechanisms of action that reduce cortisol, rejuvenate the skin, and provide superior antioxidant protection.

• A scientifically designed blend of vitamins important for healthy ageing:

– Vitamin C is a vitamin that contributes to normal psychological function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, reduction of tiredenesss and stress .
Also, Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels
– Niacin (Vitmin B3) and Biotin (Vitamin B7) are vitamins that contributes to normal psychological function, normal functioning nervous system and normal energy-yielding metabolism.
– Vitamins B6 and B12 are vitamins that contribute to normal functioning nervous system
– Vitamins B1 and B2 are vitamins that contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
– Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) is a vitamin that contributes to reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

What to expect from Vitaprime/F

Synergistic Dermal Defense

The multi-patented ingredients in Vitaprime/F are clinically proven to provide a completely novel, multi-functional, dermal defense system that addresses numerous causes of aging. This dermal defense system:

1. Lowers Cortisol and Increases DHEA
We all experience it…the day-to-day debilitating effects of stress. Stress not only steals vitality, health and energy, it is one of the primary intrinsic factors of aging. All parts of the body are negatively affected by stress, including the skin.

Stress-induced aging results from secretion of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol competes with the antiaging hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as DHEA. In stressed individuals, cortisol levels are elevated and DHEA levels are lowered. This is one of the main reasons why people appear to age right before your eyes when they are under stress for prolonged periods of time. DHEA levels peak in humans at around the age of 25 and begin to decline after that so older individuals are even more sensitive to stress-induced aging.

Additionally, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline cause blood vessels to constrict which reduces vital circulation of blood in dermal tissues. This impedes delivery of oxygen, water, and other vital nutrients to the skin.

The anti-stress components within Vitaprime/F have been shown in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical trial to lower serum cortisol levels (14.5% in 60 days) and increase serum DHEA levels (13.2% in 60 days) by promoting stress relief and a positive mental outlook, if consumed according to the directions of our product.

2. Prevents Free Radical-Induced Photoaging
Vitaprime/F is unique in preventing several processes that cause photoaging, the number one extrinsic factor associated with premature aging which occurs when skin is exposed to UV light. Such exposure causes the release of iron ions from the iron-storage protein, ferritin. Unbound iron in the body is dangerous because in the presence of hydrogen peroxide it catalyzes the production of several types of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in what is known as the Fenton Reaction. The resulting oxidative stress leads to degradation of collagen and other dermal proteins, producing the lines and wrinkles characteristic of photoaging. Vitaprime/F protects the skin from oxidative photodamage through its ability to fully chelate, or bind, iron ions, thereby preventing both catalysis of the Fenton Reaction and subsequent photo-induced free radical formation. This occurs without causing iron deficiency in the body because chelated iron is still bioavailable internally. In addition, unlike other antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin E, proanthocyanidins from pine and grape) that are pro-oxidative in the skin because they accelerate the Fenton Reaction in the presence of iron, Vitaprime/F does not display any pro-oxidative properties due to its iron chelation property that helps limit the Fenton Reaction.

3. Inhibits Collagenase Activity
Exposure of the skin to UV light also results in the production by dermal fibroblast cells of naturally occurring, matrix-degrading metalloproteases (MMPs), which enzymatically break down proteins in the dermal extracellular matrix. MMPs with the most influence on the aging process are collagenases, which break down collagen fibers. Collagen makes up 75-80% of the dermal matrix by weight and is the chief component that adds strength, durability, and elasticity to the skin owing to its high tensile strength and intramolecular bonding that stabilizes the molecule. Collagen molecules that lie closely to one another are also chemically bonded together via covalent cross-linkages, further adding to the strength of the collagen fibrillar meshwork that holds the dermis together. Within hours of exposure to UV light, collagenase activity in the skin increases, disrupting this meshwork by breaking down the collagen molecules that form its infrastructure. Degradation of this kind over an extended period of time leads to loss of skin tone and the fine lines and wrinkles associated with photoaging. In an independent laboratory in vitro test regularly used by the cosmetics industry to evaluate skincare products, Vitaprime/F displayed 54% inhibition of collagenase activity, leading to protection of Type I and Type IV collagen, the primary forms of collagen found in the skin. In addition, the Indian Gooseberry extract used as an ingredient in Vitaprime/F has, itself, inhibited UV-induced collagenase synthesis by 39% in an ex vivo model using human skin fibroblasts. Together, these results indicate that Vitaprime/F is a major inhibitor of MMPs that contribute to photoaging of the skin.

4. Inhibits Hyaluronidase Activity
In a separate independent laboratory in vitro test regularly used by the cosmetics industry to evaluate skincare products, Vitaprime/F inhibited hyaluronidase activity by 86% compared to a control. Hyaluronidase inhibition is an important contributor to skin health because hyaluronic acid, which is degraded by hyaluronidase, is a vital, non-protein component of the skin that is responsible for adding volume and moisture, and giving skin a supple, plump-looking appearance. Hyaluronic acid is located in the amorphous ground substance, which surrounds and cements together collagen fibers in the extracellular space between dermal fibroblasts, and also in the epidermis. Classified as a glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid has chemical properties that attract and bind hundreds of times its weight in water. Both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors result in thinner, dryer, sagging skin as a result of increased hyaluronidase activity. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases because hyaluronidase activity is naturally heightened. In fact, research has shown that the pace of this loss accelerates dramatically after the age of 50. Exposure of the skin to UV light also results in more aged looking skin because hyaluronidase activity increases after such exposure. Because Vitaprime/F demonstrates such a high level of hyaluronidase inhibition in vitro, it indicates that use of Vitaprime/F promotes more youthful looking skin by preventing the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.

5. Displays Superior Cascading Antioxidant Activity
In addition to preventing UV-induced free radical formation, Vitaprime/F possesses a unique “cascading” antioxidant activity that aggressively scavenges free radicals that form in other ways. Free radicals form in the body due to intrinsic natural processes such as electron transport associated with mitochondrial activity and immune function. They are also produced when the body is exposed to such extrinsic factors as chemical pollution or cigarette smoke. Vitaprime/F provides a “cascading” antioxidant effect that is unlike the mechanism of action of other antioxidants, where antioxidant molecules lose their function shortly after initiating antioxidant activity. The antioxidants in Vitaprime/F, and more specifically the low molecular weight hydrolysable tannins (≥22.5% by weight), continuously recycle and remain active over a longer period of time for increased antioxidant activity.

6. Reduces C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive Protein is a marker of systemic inflammation in the body that results from cellular injury triggered by environmental or genetic factors. Inflammation can affect skin health and aging through the appearance of redness, flushing, irritation as well as other skin conditions.

The multi-patented Phytoril® extract contained in Vitaprime/F has been shown in a double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial to reduce levels of C-Reactive Protein (by 36.6% is 60 days) if consumed according to the directions of our product, indicating that it reduces systemic inflammation.

7. Enhances Mood
The mind-skin connection is strong. So strong in fact that there is a burgeoning field emotional state affects skin health and appearance. Irritability, a negative outlook and other feelings resulting from stress can contribute to aging of the skin through physiological processes similar to how stress affects the rest of the body. Vitaprime/F’s ability to enhance mood by increasing resistance to stress stems from active ingredients contributed by the Phytoril® extract in Vitaprime/F’s unique dermal defense formulation. This extract has been shown in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical trial to promote a positive mental outlook and enhance feelings of emotional well-being.

CONCLUSION
Nutramins is pleased to exclusively offer Vitaprime/F, a totally unique approach to “mind-body” care, to the dietary supplement category. We believe that this scientifically proven, multi-functional complex is without precedent, featuring substantiated antiaging, skin care, and emotional wellness claims that will provide supplement marketers with Personal Care product applications that have not been available to date.

7-KEY STEPS TO AGE-PROOFING SKIN

When combined with Vitaprime/F’s scientifically proven properties, the following seven key steps will create a foundation for superior skin health that can help slow the effects of premature aging.

1. Relax! – A key tenet is that accelerated aging is directly linked to stress. Under stress the body produces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline which lower immunity and constrict blood vessels. When skin immunity becomes compromised, the skin’s ability to protect and repair itself decreases. Reduced circulation lowers the amount of oxygen and vital nutrients that find their way to the skin.
2. Eat a Smooth-Skin Diet – The four main dietary components for healthy skin are protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Utilize a Simple but Effective Skin Care Regime – Following a gentle, pared down routine that is easy to maintain and consistent is key.
4. Exercise! – Aerobic exercise increases the amount of oxygen-rich blood running through the body, including skin cells.
5. Wear Sunscreen! – Ultraviolet exposure is the number one cause of premature aging.
6. Get Plenty of Sleep – Adequate downtime is required for the body to rest
and repair.
7. Shield Yourself Against Environmental Insults – Pollution, chemicals and cigarette smoke trigger toxic reactions in the body, namely the creation of free radicals which damage cells and lead to premature aging of the skin. Antioxidants are the best defense against free radical formation and proliferation in the body.

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