Nutrafine | Feel Fine Be Fine

COLLAGEN TRIPEPTIDE

Collagen tripeptide is a short peptide chain consisting of 3 amino acids, usually obtained from fish, pork, or bovine collagen via enzymatic hydrolysis. The most common sequence is Gly–Pro–Hyp (glycine–proline–hydroxyproline).

Molecular Weight: approximately 300–500 Dalton
Due to its low molecular weight, it is highly bioavailable, absorbed through the intestines, enters the bloodstream, and reaches target tissues.

1. Skin Health and Anti-Aging Effects

Stimulates fibroblasts to increase the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Exhibits antioxidant effects and may reduce UV damage.
Studies:
- Inoue et al. (2016): 8-week supplementation of 3 g collagen tripeptide in women significantly increased skin moisture, elasticity, and dermal collagen density.
- Proksch et al. (2014): Hydrolyzed collagen peptides, especially the tripeptide form, improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.

2. Joint and Bone Health

Stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to support cartilage matrix.
Reduces inflammatory markers and improves joint pain.
Studies:
- Iwai et al. (2005): 90% of orally administered tripeptide collagen entered the bloodstream within 6 hours, and part directly reached joint tissues.
- Collagen tripeptide supplementation improved osteoarthritis symptoms.

3. Muscle and Sports Performance

Hydrolyzed collagen has limited direct effect on muscle mass but supports tendons and ligaments, reducing injury risk.
May support post-exercise recovery (Zdzieblik et al., 2015).

Typical Dosage: 2.5–5 g daily. Most studies report no serious side effects, but allergy risk should be considered for fish or bovine sources.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a long-chain polysaccharide naturally present in connective tissue, skin, synovial fluid, and eyes.

Key Feature: High water retention; 1 g HA can bind ~1 liter of water.

Biological Functions

Moisture and Tissue Elasticity: Retains water around dermal fibroblasts, improving skin hydration and elasticity.
Joint Health: Major component of synovial fluid; provides lubrication and shock absorption.
Wound Healing and Cell Migration: Facilitates fibroblast and keratinocyte migration, aiding tissue repair.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Neutralizes free radicals and modulates inflammation.

Applications

Dermatology & Cosmetics: Topical creams/serums improve hydration, reduce wrinkles, and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Evidence: 2014 RCT showed topical HA significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity.
Joint Treatment (Osteoarthritis): Intra-articular injection improves mobility and reduces pain.
- Evidence: 2019 Cochrane review reported HA injections are more effective than placebo for short-term pain relief.
Eye Health: Eye drops for dry eye treatment.
Oral Supplements: Oral HA is absorbed via the intestines and may improve skin moisture.
- Evidence: 2017 meta-analysis showed oral HA increased skin hydration within 4–12 weeks.

Safety: Generally safe; serious side effects are rare. Injections should be administered by professionals to avoid infection, edema, or allergic reactions.

References:

Fraser JR et al., J Intern Med, 1997.
Pavicic T. et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2014.
Jevsevar DS. et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019.
Kawada C. et al., Nutrients, 2017.

JAPANESE KNOTWEED EXTRACT (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Also known as Reynoutria japonica, rich in resveratrol.
Native to Asia (Japan, China, Korea).

Key Bioactive Compounds:

Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol, high bioavailability)
Emodin
Polyphenols
Anthocyanins

Biological Effects

Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, reduces oxidative stress.
Cardiovascular Protection: Improves endothelial function, reduces arterial stiffness, inhibits LDL oxidation.
Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses NF-κB and COX-2 pathways.
Neuroprotective: Potential protective role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Metabolic Effects: Improves insulin sensitivity and supports glucose metabolism.

Applications: Supplements (resveratrol capsules), anti-aging products, cardiovascular and neurological health.

Safety: Generally safe; high doses of emodin may cause laxative effects. May interact with blood-thinning medications (warfarin, aspirin). Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient data.

BAMBOO EXTRACT

Typically from Bambusa vulgaris or Phyllostachys pubescens.
Key Feature: High silica content (up to 70% of dry weight), plus polyphenols, amino acids, and minerals.

Benefits

Connective Tissue and Skin Health: Silica supports collagen synthesis and strengthens connective tissue; used for hair, skin, and nails.
Bone Health: Supports calcium metabolism, may increase bone mineral density.
Antioxidant Effects: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Risk: Excessive intake may increase kidney stone risk, especially in predisposed individuals.

VITAMIN C

Water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential for various biochemical processes; humans cannot synthesize it and must obtain it from diet.
Chemical Name: L-ascorbic acid
Active Forms: Ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid

Biological Roles

Antioxidant – neutralizes free radicals and reduces cell damage.
Collagen synthesis – necessary for skin, blood vessels, bones, and connective tissue.
Enhances iron absorption.
Supports immune system.
Neurotransmitter synthesis – dopamine to norepinephrine.
Carnitine production – essential for fatty acid transport and energy metabolism.

Clinical Importance

Strengthens immune system – may reduce duration and severity of colds.
Antioxidant and cell protection – protective against chronic diseases.
Skin and collagen health – accelerates wound healing, protects against UV damage, supports dermal collagen synthesis.
Enhances iron absorption in vegetarian/vegan diets.

Safety: Generally safe at high doses (500–2000 mg/day), but caution for individuals prone to kidney stones.

Deficiency (Scurvy): Fatigue, gum bleeding, bruising, poor wound healing; higher risk in poorly nourished individuals and the elderly.

ZINC

Essential mineral for immune function, cell regeneration, DNA/protein synthesis, and reproductive health.
Must be obtained from diet, as the body does not store it.

Functions & Benefits

Supports immune system – may shorten duration of colds and infections.
Promotes wound healing and cell regeneration.
Essential for DNA and protein synthesis.
Supports skin and hair health; may prevent acne and hair loss.
Hormonal balance – regulates testosterone and estrogen; improves male fertility.
Cognitive function – supports memory and brain health.
Eye health – reduces risk of macular degeneration.
Regulates appetite and taste – deficiency may reduce taste and smell.

Food Sources: Meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy, eggs, whole grains, and some vegetables.

Deficiency: Weak immunity, slow wound healing, hair loss, taste/smell disorders, skin problems, low appetite, poor memory, low sperm quality in men.

Recommended Daily Intake:

Men: 11 mg
Women: 8 mg
Pregnant: 11 mg
Lactating: 12 mg
Children: 2–8 mg (depending on age)

Excess: >40 mg/day may cause nausea, vomiting, weakened immunity, and copper deficiency.

VITAMIN B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)

Water-soluble vitamin essential for energy production, hormone synthesis, and fat metabolism. “Pantothenic” means “everywhere” in Greek, reflecting its presence in many foods.

Functions

Energy Production: Converts carbs, proteins, and fats into energy (ATP).
Fatty Acid Metabolism: Supports breakdown and utilization of fats.
Hormone Production: Involved in cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen synthesis.
Skin & Hair Health: Supports skin regeneration, may prevent hair loss.
Nervous System Support: Enhances brain function and memory.
Wound Healing: Accelerates tissue repair through cell regeneration.

Sources: Meat, fish, dairy, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, eggs.

Deficiency: Rare, but may cause fatigue, irritability, headache, tingling, digestive issues, cramps.

Excess: Usually excreted in urine; very high doses (>10 g/day) may cause GI upset.

Recommended Daily Intake:

Adults: 5 mg
Pregnant: 6 mg
Lactating: 7 mg

COLECALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D3)

Form of vitamin D found in animal sources or synthesized in skin via sunlight (UVB).

Production: 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin converts to cholecalciferol when exposed to UVB (290–315 nm).

Functions:

Bone & Calcium Metabolism: Enhances absorption of calcium and phosphorus; regulates parathyroid hormone. Deficiency increases risk of rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.
Immune Support: Modulates T and B lymphocytes; increases antimicrobial peptides; may reduce respiratory infections.
Neurological & Metabolic Health: Vitamin D receptors in brain; affects oxidative stress, inflammation, neurological function; linked to type 2 diabetes and depression.

Forms: Drops, capsules, tablets, ampoules; may be combined with calcium; used under medical guidance.

BIOTIN (VITAMIN B7)

Water-soluble B vitamin; acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Found in eggs, nuts, whole grains, legumes; partially synthesized by gut microbiota.

Health Effects

Hair, Skin & Nail Health: Deficiency causes hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes.
- Evidence: 2017 review – supplementation improved hair/nail health in deficient individuals.
Metabolic Health: Potential benefits in diabetes and obesity (glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity).
Pregnancy & Child Health: Biotin metabolism increases during pregnancy; deficiency may affect neural tube development.
Nervous System Health: Supports nerve metabolism; used in rare inherited metabolic disorders (biotinidase deficiency).

Deficiency Symptoms: Hair loss, eyebrow/eyelash loss, skin rashes (especially around mouth), fatigue, depression, growth retardation in infants, low muscle tone.

Risk Groups: Long-term antibiotic users, anticonvulsant therapy, pregnant women, high raw egg white intake (avidin binds biotin).

Safety: No known toxicity; excess is excreted in urine. High doses may interfere with lab tests (thyroid, troponin).

Nutrafine Glow Beauty Complex