Unived Vegan Collagen Builder

Description

There are many plant based vegan collagen builder products in the market, which are packed with a lot of plant & fruit powders & extracts, and large amounts of biotin. These are not scientifically formulated, and lack the correct ingredients which are critical to the collagen synthesis process.

Unived’s Vegan Collagen Builder has the necessary essential and conditionally essential amino acids – glycine, lysine and ornithine, potent natural antioxidants & required vitamins – lutein, vitamin C, and minerals like sodium & copper, protective & hydrating ingredients like hesperidin, hyaluronic acid and organic bamboo extract.{

These ingredients work to enhance the body’s ability to naturally produce collagen, inhibit the enzymes that degrade collagen, prevent the cells from free radical damage, and ensure hydration.  

AMINO ACIDS

Glycine, proline and lysine play a special role in collagen structure and their insufficient availability could make collagen synthesis and regeneration difficult[i]. An increased concentration of glycine, proline or lysine promotes increase in collagen synthesis. All collagen proteins have a structure based on three helical polypeptide chains with glycine (Gly) occurring every three amino acid residues while proline (Pro) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) make up about 1/6 of the total sequence of collagen[ii].

Providing additional PRO (proline) in the diet to enhance PRO bioavailability for collagen biosynthesis does not result in increased collagen accumulation. In looking at other PRO biosynthetic pathways, the arginine (ARG) –> ornithine (ORN) –> glutamic semialdehyde –> PRO pathway looks the most promising.

• Glycine must be considered an essential amino acid because the capacity of its synthesis is much lower than its actual need. This deficiency is not covered with a regular diet so glycine should be added to it as a nutritional supplement in high amounts[4].
• Lysine is an essential amino acid, whose availability depends entirely on the diet[4].
• Ornithine supplementation is the most effective in increasing collagen deposition. ORN, through the action of ORN g-aminotransferase, is converted to glutamic g-semialdehyde, the link to PRO synthesis[iii]. Proline is conditionally essential under some conditions, which means that the capacity of its synthesis could not sufficiently account for its need[4]. On the other hand, ORN being a strong pituitary secretagogues of growth hormone, may mediate positive effect on wound collagen deposition, increases wound breaking strength and collagen accumulation in iNOS-knockout mice to the same extent as in wild-type animals[6].

VITAMINS

• Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid,
  • Enhances collagen synthesis[iv]. The cofactor function of ascorbate provides an apparent explanation for its role in regulation of collagen synthesis, i.e., modulation of secretion through prolyl hydroxylation.[v]
  • Vitamin C has an essential role in connective tissue healing[7].
  • It acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing deleterious reactive oxygen species (ROS) (found in environmental pollutants and after exposure to ultraviolet radiation) during the inflammatory phase[7].
  • Vitamin C is only one player in the antioxidant arsenal that includes enzymatic defenses[vi].
  • It increases the resistance of the skin to UV exposure[9].

• Lutein is found in human skin as a result of dietary intake. This xanthophyll has shown to help provide protection against skin damage caused by UV light and reduce the potential of UV light to suppress the immune functionality of the skin in animal studies[vii]. In both the skin and eyes, this carotenoid work as a filler to block damaging blue wavelengths and as antioxidants to prevent free radical damage.
  • Potent natural antioxidant: The amount of lipid peroxidation present in the skin was statistically significantly reduced within the first 2-week period and continued to decrease throughout the entire study period[10].
  • Improves skin parameter: In addition, the amount of moisture in the skin was increased as early as 2 weeks and continued to increase throughout the study. Within 12 weeks, the supplement significantly improved skin tone, luminance, and color[viii].
  • Protects the cells from degradation: Lutein also protect keratinocytes from UV radiation-induced photoaging, stop ECM degradation by inhibiting MMPs, and decrease lipid peroxidation in the skin[11].
  • Reduces enzymes that degrade collagen: oral photoprotection of healthy human skin can be demonstrated at the level of HO1, ICAM1 and MMP1 gene expression[ix]. Lutein has shown to enhance collagen production, and reducing of MMP1 enzymes expression which are involved in collagen & elastin breakdown in dermal skin layer.

MINERALS

• Copper in the skin, is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins (collagen & elastin) and angiogenesis[x].
  • Stimulates dermal fibroblasts proliferation[13].
  • Upregulates collagen (types I, II, and V) and elastin fiber components (elastin, fibrillins) production by fibroblasts[13].
  • Serves as a cofactor of LOX (lysyl oxidase enzyme) needed for efficient ECM protein cross-linking[13].
  • Stabilizes the skin ECM once formed, as increased crosslinking of collagen and elastin matrices occurs in a copper dose dependant manner[13].
  • Serves as a cofactor of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme present in the skin, important for protection against free radicals[13].
  • Serves as a cofactor of tyrosinase, a melanin biosynthesis essential enzyme responsible for skin and hair pigmentation[13].

• Silica: Silicon (Si) was suggested to have an important function in the formation and maintenance of connective tissue[xi].
  • Maintains structure of skin layers: Nutritional Si deficiency was found to decrease both the collagen synthesis and the formation of glycosaminoglycans in bone and cartilage[14].
  • It also has a minor role in collagen synthesis and plays a structural role in the cross-linking of glycosaminoglycans in connective tissue[14].
  • Improve the glycosaminoglycan structure in the dermis[14].
  • Deficiencies of silicon led to skeletal deformities[xii].
  • Reduce skin roughness: Skin roughness parameters increased in the placebo group but decreased in the silica supplemented group significantly14. Both skin microrelief and mechanical properties improved[14].
  • Strength & elasticity: On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis, improving skin strength and elasticity[15].

• Sodium: Humans cannot synthesize Vitamin C. Its intestinal transport occurs via a carrier-mediated Na+ dependent mechanism localized at the brush border membrane. There are two known Na+ -dependent carriers in humans: vitamin C transporter-1 (SVCT1), and SVCT2. Therefore, sodium is necessary for vitamin C utilization[xiii].

HYALURONIC ACID

The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid (HA) that has unique capacity in retaining water[xiv]. It is the predominant content of the skin ECM (extra cellular matrix)17. Progressive reduction of the size of the HA polymers in skin as a result of aging has also been reported[17]. Thus, the epidermis loses the principle molecule responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, resulting in loss of skin moisture[17].

• It has various functions like hydration, lubrication of joints, a space filling capacity, and the framework through which cells migrate[17].
• Maintains skin moisture content17^{, [xv]}.
• The synthesis of HA increases during tissue injury and wound healing[17^,18].
• HA regulates several aspects of tissue repair, the response to injury of fibroblasts and epithelial cells[17].
• Helps repair fibroblast cells which produce collagen[17].
• Hyaluronan-binding proteins are constituents of the extracellular matrix and stabilize its integrity[18].
• This glycosaminoglycan has protective effects on cartilage[18].

HESPERIDIN

Is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory activities[xvi]. UV-irradiated photodamaged skin shows reduced collagen synthesis, and increased levels and activity of MMP enzymes (degrades collagen), specifically MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9. MMPs are suggested to be UV-induced aging factors.[19]

• Hesperidin inhibits UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines19 & wrinkle formation[19].
• It inhibits MMP-9 expression and activity[19].
• Upregulates collagen synthesis.[xvii]
• The antioxidant effect of hesperidin has been reported to be able to protect cell injury, reduce plasma levels of lipid peroxidation markers, and increase antioxidant enzyme activities[xviii].
• Hesperidin down-regulates MMP-2 and MMP-9. This effect might be involved in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which further inhibited MMP activation and collagen degradation[21].

[i] Patricia de Paz‑Lugo et. al.,“High glycine concentration increases collagen synthesis by articular chondrocytes in vitro: acute glycine deficiency could be an important cause of osteoarthritis” Springer Amino Acids (2018) 50:1357–1365

[ii] David L. Vollmer et. al.,“Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome”, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 3059

[iii] Adrian Barbul, “Proline Precursors to Sustain Mammalian Collagen Synthesis”,  The Journal of Nutrition 7th Amino Acid Assessment Workshop J. Nutr. 138: 2021S–2024S, 2008

[iv] Nicholas N. DePhillipo, et. al.,“Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries A Systematic Review”, The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

[v]Saood Murad, et. al.,“Collagen Synthesis in Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts: Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Its Analogs”, The journal of lnvestigative dermatology, 81:158-162, 1983

[vi] Juliet M. Pullar, et. al., “ The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health”, Nutrients 2017, 9, 866

[vii] Richard L. Roberts, et. al., “Lutein and zeaxanthin in eye and skin health, Clinics in Dermatology”, Volume 27, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 195-201, ISSN 0738-081X

[viii] Skylar A. Souyoul et. al., “Nutraceuticals: A Review”, Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2018) 8:5–16

[ix] S. Grether-Beck et. al., “Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study”, British Journal of Dermatology (2017) 176, pp1231–1240

[x] Gadi Borkow, “Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin”, Current Chemical Biology, 2014, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2014 Bentham Science Publishers.

[xi] A. Barel, et. al., “Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin”, Arch Dermatol Res (2005)

[xii] Lidiane Advincula de Araújo, et. al., “Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy”, An Bras Dermatol. 2016.

[xiii] Pawel R. Kiela and Fayez K. Ghishan “Physiology of Intestinal Absorption and Secretion”, Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016 April

[xiv]Eleni Papakonstantinou, et. al., “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging”, Dermato-Endocrinology 4:3, 253–258; July–December 2012; Landes Bioscience

[xv]  J. Necas, et. al.,“Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review”, Veterinarni Medicina, 53, 2008 (8): 397–411

[xvi] Hee Jeong Lee, et. al., “The flavonoid hesperidin exerts anti-photoaging effect by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression via mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling pathways”, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018)

[xvii] X.-H. Yu, et. al., “The protective effects of Berberine and Hesperidin on inflammatory factor-stimulating cardiac fibroblasts”, European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences

[xviii]Putcharawipa Maneesai, et. al., “Hesperidin Prevents Nitric Oxide Deficiency-Induced Cardiovascular Remodeling in Rats via Suppressing TGF-_1 and MMPs Protein Expression”, Nutrients 2018, 10, 1549

References

[1] Shrutal Narendra Deshmukh et. al., “Enigmatic insight into collagen”, Published by Wolters Kluwer – Medknow © 2016 Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

[1] Lodish H, et. al.,“Molecular Cell Biology. The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix”, Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2000. Section 22.3

[1]Marlyn Wu, et. al., “Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis”, StatPearls Publishing LLC 2019,.

[1] Patricia de Paz‑Lugo et. al.,“High glycine concentration increases collagen synthesis by articular chondrocytes in vitro: acute glycine deficiency could be an important cause of osteoarthritis” Springer Amino Acids (2018) 50:1357–1365

[1] David L. Vollmer et. al.,“Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome”, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 3059

[1] Adrian Barbul, “Proline Precursors to Sustain Mammalian Collagen Synthesis”,  The Journal of Nutrition 7th Amino Acid Assessment Workshop J. Nutr. 138: 2021S–2024S, 2008

[1] Nicholas N. DePhillipo, et. al.,“Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries A Systematic Review”, The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

[1]Saood Murad, et. al.,“Collagen Synthesis in Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts: Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Its Analogs”, The journal of lnvestigative dermatology, 81:158-162, 1983

[1] Juliet M. Pullar, et. al., “ The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health”, Nutrients 2017, 9, 866

[1] Richard L. Roberts, et. al., “Lutein and zeaxanthin in eye and skin health, Clinics in Dermatology”, Volume 27, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 195-201, ISSN 0738-081X

[1] Skylar A. Souyoul et. al., “Nutraceuticals: A Review”, Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2018) 8:5–16

[1] S. Grether-Beck et. al., “Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study”, British Journal of Dermatology (2017) 176, pp1231–1240

[1] Gadi Borkow, “Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin”, Current Chemical Biology, 2014, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2014 Bentham Science Publishers.

[1] A. Barel, et. al., “Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin”, Arch Dermatol Res (2005)

[1] Lidiane Advincula de Araújo, et. al., “Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy”, An Bras Dermatol. 2016.

[1] Pawel R. Kiela and Fayez K. Ghishan “Physiology of Intestinal Absorption and Secretion”, Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016 April

[1]Eleni Papakonstantinou, et. al., “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging”, Dermato-Endocrinology 4:3, 253–258; July–December 2012; Landes Bioscience

[1]  J. Necas, et. al.,“Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review”, Veterinarni Medicina, 53, 2008 (8): 397–411

[1] Hee Jeong Lee, et. al., “The flavonoid hesperidin exerts anti-photoaging effect by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression via mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling pathways”, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018)

[1] X.-H. Yu, et. al., “The protective effects of Berberine and Hesperidin on inflammatory factor-stimulating cardiac fibroblasts”, European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences

[1]Putcharawipa Maneesai, et. al., “Hesperidin Prevents Nitric Oxide Deficiency-Induced Cardiovascular Remodeling in Rats via Suppressing TGF-_1 and MMPs Protein Expression”, Nutrients 2018, 10, 1549