Spanish health and wellness company Monteloeder, S.L. – a subsidiary of SuanNutra (the nutraceutical division of Suanfarma) – has created a prototype of a vegan-friendly gummie format for its Eternalyoung® anti-ageing botanical blend.
The pectin-based supplement has the same texture and consistency as gelatin gummies.
The prototype comes in two different finishes, wax and powder coatings, to prevent stickiness.
Consumers demand fun new formats
“We are attuned to the phenomenon of ‘pill fatigue’ and the expressed desire from consumers for more enticing supplement options,” said Maria Ángeles Gutiérrez Montero, Head Market Development of SuanNutra. “As a direct response, we incorporated our signature beauty formula into a delicious gummie matrix.”
The company said in vitro studies and a recent clinical trial have endorsed the product’s capacity to enhance the skin barrier function through antioxidant activity, potentially increase skin hydration through various active compounds, stimulate regeneration, and slow down the rate of telomere shortening. Telomeres are DNA sequences that shield chromosomes and their decline is believed to be the fundamental cause of the physical effects of ageing.
For the supplement, Monteloeder chose a powerful blend of polyphenol antioxidants, selected for their synergistic effects on skin rejuvenation. Pomegranate (Punica granatum), sweet orange (Citrus reticulata), desert 'ginseng' (Cistanche deserticola), and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) work together to help improve the skin barrier function by protecting against oxidative damage.
Helps reduce telomere shortening in fibroblasts
The company claims that Eternalyoung can reduce telomere shortening in fibroblasts, thus preventing premature cellular senescence and helping to maintain their proper function.
The nutraceutical may also increase skin hydration through “the potential ability of asiaticosides to enhance Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression, a key protein in skin hydration,” according to Gutiérrez Montero. “Additionally, the hesperidin compound in Eternalyoung has been shown to increase epidermal filaggrin expression, contributing to stratum corneum hydration,” she said.
“In order to ensure their effectiveness, more than 30 different botanical actives were put through various tests, including antioxidant, proliferative, and melanin inhibition bioassays,” explained Gutiérrez Montero.
“Based on these studies, the best candidates were identified and used to create different formulations,” she said. “The goal was to find the right combination of ingredients to reduce telomere shortening and activate Telomerase, an enzyme that helps maintain telomere length.”
Research and development was a lengthy process. It was a fine balancing act to identify effective, safe-for-use ingredients and then formulate in the right balance to achieve the desired health benefits and ensure stability and product quality.
Regulatory compliance was also an obstacle, as regulations on dietary supplements can vary significantly from one country to another.
Gut-skin-brain axis NPD on the horizon
So, what’s coming next for the company in the nutraceuticals space?
“The gut-skin-brain axis is the new scope for skin health, as gut health and skin health are closely connected,” said Gutiérrez Montero.
“Probiotic and prebiotic supplements are gaining popularity for their potential to support a balanced gut microbiome, which may translate to improved skin health. For this reason, we are working on new clinical evidence with one of our branded ingredients, Zeropollution.”
She says this all-natural, patented ingredient offers complete skin protection against air pollution from the inside out. The formula combines botanical extracts such as rosemary, olive leaves, Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda tree), and Lippia citriodora (lemon verbena).
