Collagen from saltwater fish skin

Collagen is a basic protein that makes connective tissue. It is a key building block of skin, cartilage, and bones. Starting at the age of 25-30, collagen production in our body decreases. As we age, the process intensifies; from around the age of 60, the body does not produce any endogenous collagen [1]. Increased physical activity and engaging in extreme sports, hormonal changes, excess exposure to sun, inclement weather may accelerate the breakdown of collagen fibres, which weakens the osteoarticular system. The skin loses its firmness and first wrinkles are becoming visible.

New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract, including 2% glycosaminoglycans (GAG)

New Zealand mussel (Perna canaliculus), also known as green-lipped mussel is a mussel with greenish colour that is native to New Zealand coast. New Zealand mussel is a valuable source of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, C, E, D, B-group vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and selenium.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG), along with collagen and elastic fibres, make up the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix fills the intercellular spaces, significantly influencing cell condition, flexibility, elasticity and resilience. It also allows for the circulation of the interstitial fluid that has a nutritious function for cartilage and connective tissue proper [2].

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) 5:1 extract, standardised for 0.1% iodine content

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a seaweed; a green-brown algae rich in iodine and polysaccharides (fucoidans, laminarin, and alginates). It is also a source of dietary fibre and minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, copper and vitamins: A, C, and B-group vitamins [3]. Thanks to iodine content, bladderwrack fosters normal thyroid function. Fibre found in the algae supports metabolism and gastrointestinal passage, and promotes regular bowel movements.

Iodine is a microelement which supports normal secretion of thyroid gland hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) as well as normal functioning of the thyroid gland. These hormones regulate numerous important physiological processes. They increase basal metabolic rate, regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, boost the synthesis of protein (including collagen and elastin) and enzymes. The hormones also foster body growth and central nervous system development. Moreover, they participate in cell respiration and energy production processes, which makes them necessary in the process of regulating body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure [4,5].

The proprietary formula derived from inactivated yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae standardised for selenium content

The formula of the preparation with standardised content of selenium is obtained in the process of fermentation and then inactivation of special lines of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Yeast – a natural wealth of many vitamins and minerals, is cultured and additionally nourished, and then processed and dried under mild conditions, which allows the interaction of preserved vitamins and nutrients with the natural yeast matrix, which is their "biological background" and guarantees their durability and quality. The resulting final product contains a complex of natural, perfectly digestible nutrients with a specific, standardised amount of organic zinc.

Selenium is a valuable microelement which forms part of two amino acids: selenomethionine and selenocysteine. Selenium helps protect cells from oxidative stress, supports the optimum function of the immune system and the thyroid gland, normal spermatogenesis process, and helps maintain good condition of hair and nails [6,7].

Natural vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate)

Vitamin E is called "the vitamin of youth" and "the vitamin of fertility", and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Natural Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 is synthetised in the skin under solar radiation only when necessary. Vitamin D3 is a valuable ingredient as it supports proper absorption/use of calcium and phosphorus by the body, maintaining healthy teeth and bones, and maintaining proper calcium levels in blood. Additionally, it supports maintaining optimum function of the immune system, proper function of muscles, and plays an important role in the cell division process.

Stevia (steviol glycosides) – a natural sweetener

Steviol glycosides are completely natural sweeteners. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant that has been used in South America for centuries. Steviol glycosides are a group of valuable plant-based ingredients. They are 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar and that is why they are added to DUOLIFE Collagen Powder in very small amounts. Steviol glycosides have zero calories and are not absorbed in the human gastrointestinal tract [8]. Scientific research has shown that stevia can be safely used in the everyday diet. There is no doubt that introducing stevia into the Polish food market is the first step towards changing bad dietary habits associated with the overuse of sugar in the everyday diet [9].