This invention concerns a composition of biochemical or cosmeceutical constituents for use in the maintenance of the health of skin, hair and nails.
We are living in an image conscious society where spending on beauty and beauty regimes has never been higher. In recent years this has extended into the supplement area as more people are aware of the benefits of seeking “beauty from within” and are increasingly adopting higher price “cosmeceuticals”. There is an increasing interest in not only maintaining the health of the hair and nails, but also a particular interest in maintaining the health of their skin.
Beauty supplement sales have grown by 5% in the last two years and this growth trend is expected to escalate with a market growth between 10% and 30% in the next 5 years. Therefore, beauty supplements can no longer be considered a niche market as more consumers become convinced of the benefits of seeking beauty through nutrition. Research showed that almost a third of the U.K. population, made up primarily of women and young girls, had used beauty supplements or would consider using them in the future. Most contain vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Those in primary need are women between the ages of 35 and 45 years old who would like to protect against the visible signs of skin ageing. Also in primary need are women between 18 and 35 years old who are not yet concerned about the signs of ageing but who want to have healthy skin, hair, and nails in order to look good when socialising.
Those in secondary need are women of any age who have specific “problem” areas to address, most notably their skin, e.g. blemishes, redness, oily skin.
This invention concerns a formulation aimed at supplementing the diet in order to provide constituents that will optimise the health of the hair, skin and nails. It has been developed for those individuals who while they are concerned about maintaining the health of their hair and nails have a particular interest in maintaining the health of their skin.
According to this invention, there is a pharmaceutical composition, or the use of that composition in the manufacture of a medicament, or a method of tre including the use of that pharmaceutical composition for combined, sequential or simultaneous administration, in any form, via any route, for use in the maintenance of skin and/or nail and/or hair health. In its optimal form it consists of a daily intake of 1 tablet that consists of: 5 mcg Vitamin D3, 40 mg Vitamin E (natural source), 60 mg Vitamin C, 8 mg Thiamin (vitamin B1), 4 mg Riboflavin (vitamin B2), 18 mg Niacin (vitamin B3), 10 mg Vitamin B6, 500 mcg Folic Acid, 9 mcg Vitamin B12, 45 mcg Biotin, 40 mg Pantothenic Acid, 12 mg Iron, 75 mg Magnesium, 15 mg Zinc, 200 mcg Iodine, 0.5 mg Manganese, 1 mg Copper, 50 mcg Chromium, 100 mcg Selenium, 10 mg L-Cystine, 2 mg Natural Mixed Carotenoids, 15 mg Grape Seed Extract (95% proanthocyanidins); plus 1 Nutri-dermal softgel capsule that consists of: 300 mg Omega-3 Fish Oil, 6 mg Lutein, 200 mg Starflower Oil, 50 mg Blackcurrant Seed Oil, 4 mg Lycopene, and 5 mg Coenzyme Q10.
The inclusion of a nutri-dermal capsule provides essential Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which can help maintain a healthy looking complexion. It also includes a novel combination ingredients including lycopene; lutein and co-enzyme Q10 which help protect skin cells from the damaging effects of free radicals propagated by UV light and pollution.
The following is the optimal formulation—
Daily dosages of the following constituents, provided in 1 tablet per day:
Plus, daily dosages of the following constituents, provided in 1 Nutri-dermal softgel capsule per day:
Starflower oil and Omega-3 Fish Oil constitute the majority of the composition.
In more concise versions of the composition, Starflower oil and Omega-3 Fish Oil constitute the majority of the composition, and are included with Proanthocyanidins, Coenzyme Q10, and optionally Lycopene, and one or two or more of: Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (vitamin B3), Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Iodine, Manganese, Copper, Chromium, Selenium, L-Cystine, Natural Mixed Carotenoids, Lutein, Blackcurrant Seed Oil.
The following are the recommended dietary allowances for some of the constituents, and the reasons for the level chosen:
The composition provides a significant dietary level of nutrients and ensures that supplemental intake is within safety levels to help maintain healthy, skin, hair and nails. It provides particular support for skin. It also provides essential nutritional building blocks and protective factors for skin, hair and nails. The nutri-dermal capsule contains specialist ingredients including essential fatty acids for skin condition and additional antioxidants to help protect skin from free radical damage. One tablet will provide the ideal dietary level of nutrients and ensures that supplemental intake is within safety levels. One tablet a day will also ensure the skin, hair and nails receive all the nutrients they need from within. One nutri-dermal capsule provides a selection of nutrients specifically targeted at skin health.
Constituents are included for the following reasons:
Vitamin D3 plays a role in skin cell metabolism and growth and may be especially helpful for people with dry skin and psoriasis.
Vitamin E (natural source) scavenges free radicals, helping to protect against the ageing of skin tissues, which can cause wrinkles. It is also useful for stretch marks, scar tissue, and to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.
Vitamin C is a central antioxidant and is also a cofactor in the production of collagen, which gives skin strength and elasticity. Hangnails and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail (paronychia) are linked to vitamin C deficiency.
The B complex vitamins: Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (vitamin B3),Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, are involved in red blood cell production and blood circulation, thereby increasing the transport of nutrients to the dermis.
Biotin stimulates growth of body cells and related to hair growth.
Pantothenic Acid is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat & protein, for energy release.
Iron deficiency can produce “spoon” nails and/or vertical ridges and can cause nails to become thin.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to hair loss.
Zinc is needed for the formation of new nail material in the nail bed. Brittleness and white spots on nails are a common sign of zinc deficiency.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine, a hormone which regulates metabolic rate. A lack of thyroxine can have a detrimental effect on the appearance of skin, hair and nails.
Manganese is vital for healthy skin because of its role in connective tissue metabolism.
Copper is necessary for hair strength and formation of hair follicles.
Chromium plays a key role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism providing energy for skin cells. Plays a role in the body's glucose tolerance factor, important for individuals with a poor glucose balance which can in turn effect skin coloration and health.
Selenium is needed for antioxidants that help protect against skin damage caused by free radicals, UV light and pollution.
L-Cystine, the sulphur containing amino acid is necessary for skin and nail growth.
Natural Mixed Carotenoids helps protect skin from harmful effects of UV light.
Grape Seed Extract (95% proanthocyanidins) contains antioxidants to help protect cells from free radical damage and promote a healthy circulation.
Lutein helps protect skin from free radical damage particularly that induced by UV radiation.
Omega-3 Fish Oil helps cells repair and prevent damage. It also helps with the risk of skin cancer, help the body resist sunburn, and help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and ease dry skin.
Blackcurrant Seed Oil provides the plant world's richest known natural source of Omega-3 and Omega-6. These important fatty acids may help to keep skin supple and toned.
Lycopene can play a valuable role in protecting vulnerable skin from the sun's UV radiation, which can contribute to premature skin damage.
Co-Q10 as well as being an antioxidant it has been shown to decrease the activity of certain enzymes that degrade collagen present in skin.
It is best to take 1 tablet and 1 capsule per day with a main meal, with a full glass of water or cold drink.
The tablet and capsule should only be taken on a full stomach. This is recommended to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients and to avoid nausea which can occur when taking any tablets or capsules without food
No additional multivitamin is required.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/GB2009/000621 | Mar 2009 | GB | national |