Targeting women’s needs and physiology

Women of all ages are taking charge of their health. From women in childbearing years looking to preserve health and remain active, to women later in life seeking help with libido and graceful aging. Women are seeking formulas that provide balanced nutrition and support youthfulness, sexual health and healthy bones and joints. They have concerns about chemical and synthetic ingredients, and prefer simple, natural formulas featuring safe, evidence-based ingredients.

Women’s formulas feature a number of ingredients not found in men’s health products, included to support skin hydration, reproductive and bone health, and graceful aging.

Beautiful skin from within

It’s never too early to start taking care of the skin, and an entire industry has been built on anti-aging topical treatments and injectables, as well as surgical procedures. However, the idea of supporting the health and beauty of the skin from within is often overlooked. Targeted nutraceutical combinations can act to support healthy skin function by supporting detoxification systems and strengthening skin proteins and connective tissue.

Hyaluronic acid: Proper hydration of the skin tissues contributes to optimal health and function of the skin cells to maintain a youthful metabolism, elasticity, tone and detoxification. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like water-holding molecule that supports cellular hydration, especially in the skin and connective cells. This can directly support healthy skin tone, elasticity and a healthy fullness to the skin tissues.1

DMAE: The many muscles that make up the face and neck have a large role in maintaining a youthful tone and skin appearance. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a direct precursor to acetylcholine, which gives strength, tone and resilience to the muscles.2

Gotu kola: Support of the collagen skin proteins can aid in maintaining a youthful vibrancy and elasticity to the skin structures. Gotu kola supports collagen protein synthesis and aids in maintaining healthy collagen integrity.3

Silica: This mineral promotes the rate of collagen protein production, supports skin antioxidant protection and supports the integrity of the collagen proteins.4

Healthy Hormonal Balance

Nutraceutical support for the balance of hormonal interactions and healthy sexual function is important for women of all ages. There are key ingredients that contribute to the function of the many aspects of sexual health. This includes promoting healthy blood flow to the delicate tissues, supporting cardiovascular health, hormonal balance, energy production, and brain function to promote activation of the pleasure centers of the brain.

Maca: The root extract of this potent adaptogen promotes a healthy libido and sexual function by supporting a healthy hormonal adaptation to every day stress levels.5

L-Carnitine: An amino acid, L-carnitine supports energy production, cardiovascular health, circulation and fat metabolism.6 It also promotes balanced hormone production and the activation of the hormone receptor sites.7

Vitex agnus-castus: Also known as chaste berry, this botanical extract supports the natural production of progesterone to promote a healthy balance between progesterone and estrogen.8

Pueraria mirifica: This Asian botanical supports healthy moderation of the different forms of estrogen to promote a healthy sex drive, breast health and ovarian function.9

Joint Health at all Ages

The levels of nutraceutical joint health support for women varies according to age and activity. This ranges from basic maintenance formulas for those not yet showing signs of issues or discomfort, to moderate support for those with initial discomfort such as minor stiffness and soreness, to stronger, more complex formulas for those with more severe joint challenges.

Glucosamine: Well-known in this category, glucosamine aids in the production of new cartilage, maintains healthy cartilage and supports healthy joint function. It promotes the health and resiliency of joints and connective tissue by maintaining the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the joint.10

Hyaluronic Acid: In addition to supporting healthy skin hydration, HA is also an important component of both the cartilage and joint fluid. It supports ligaments and tendons in their critical roles in maintaining the stability of joints for controlled motion. In addition, HA gives elasticity to the joints by maintaining the cushion between joints to support optimal flexibility and movement.11

Chondroitin Sulfate: Chondroitin serves to inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage tissue and decrease water retention for synovial fluid production. Chondroitin also promotes the ability to utilize glucosamine in the formation of proteoglycans, which support healthy collagen water utilization to give cartilage its desired flexibility, resiliency and resistance, serving to cushion the joints.12

Boswellia serrata: This Indian botanical has been used in traditional medical systems to promote a healthy inflammatory response. Boswellia has been shown to maintain healthy chondrocyte activity that supports the production of cartilage components, and to block the activity of enzymes that degrade cartilage.13

Jack Grogan is chief science officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition. With considerable experience in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, he has been influential in the development of hundreds of proprietary nutritional formulas and programs.

References

1. Kerscher M et al. “Rejuvenating Influence of a Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid–Based Gel of Nonanimal Origin on Facial Skin Aging,” Dermatologic Surgery. 2008 May;34(5):720-726.

2. Sommerfielf B. “Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, split-face study on the clinical efficacy of herbal extracts on skin firmness.” Phytomedicine. 2007 Nov;14(11):711-5.

3. Wieslawa B et al. “Centella asiatica in cosmetology,” Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb;30(1):46-49.

4. Barel A 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;297(4):147-53.

5. Gonzales GF et al. “Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.” Andrologia. 2001 Dec;34(6):367-72.

6. Sahlin K. “Boosting fat burning with carnitine: an old friend comes out from the shadow.” J Physiol. 2011;589(Pt 7):1509-1510.

7. Hudson T. “L-Carnitine and Women’s Health: Adding L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine to Support Healthy Ovulation and Pregnancy.” ePub 2016 May 2. https://www.integrativepro.com/Resources/Integrative-Blog/2016/L-carnitine-and-Womens-Health

8. Loch EG, Sell H, Boblitz N. “Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus.” J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000 Apr;9(3):315-20.

9. Tamana T. “Phytoestrogens and reproductive biology.” Reprod Med Biol. 2005 Dec;4(4):225-229.

10. Lotz MK, Carames B. “Autophagy and cartilage homeostasis mechanisms in joint health, aging and OA.” Nature Reviews Rheumatol. 2011;7:579-87.

11. Balazs EA et al. “Hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid. I. Molecular parameters of hyaluronic acid in normal and arthritic human fluids.” Arthritis Rheumatism. 1967;10(4):357-76.

12. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. “Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treatment of Osteoarthritis. A Systematic Quality Assessment and Meta-analysis.” JAMA. 2000;283(11):1469-75.

13. Kimmatkar N et al. “Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee--a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial." Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7.