Health Supplements Program FAQ's

1. Who should use DermalNutrients? DermalNutrients is indicated for patients to help provide the proteins and other nutrients necessary to build and maintain collagen and elastin, two of the principal proteins in the skin. DermalNutrients is also indicated for patients following surgery, to help repair and build new tissue.

2. Who should not use DermalNutrients? Protein supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women.

DermalNutrients contains the amino acid arginine. If you use anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs, arginine may increase your risk of bleeding. Arginine may also increase blood sugar levels. Arginine is contraindicated in individuals with kidney or liver disease. Individuals with active herpes or other viral infections should not take supplemental arginine because it may promote viral growth.

DermalNutrients also contains glutamine. Glutamine is important in the regulation of acid-base balance and is not recommended for patients who have kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, Reye’s syndrome, or other illnesses that cause overload of ammonia in the body.

3. What is the primary benefit of using DermalNutrients? The primary reason for supplementing the diet with DermalNutrients is that it provides in a convenient, great tasting form the principal nutrients needed by the dermis both post-operatively and long-term to ensure healthy-looking skin.

4. What makes VitaMedica’s DermalNutrients product unique? While a wide variety of protein supplements are available today, DermalNutrients has been uniquely formulated to provide nutritional support for the skin. It contains three types of whey protein along with specific nutrients to develop collagen and elastin, support immune function (a key function of the skin), provide antioxidant protection and promote hyaluronic acid production. DermalNutrients provides these nutrients in a delicious tasting chocolate flavor which is low in calories, fat and carbohydrates.

5. DermalNutrients is considered a functional food. What is a functional food? A functional food is a food product that provides health benefits beyond simply energy and essential nutrients. Functional foods have extra components or ingredients to give them a specific medical or physiological benefit, other than a purely nutritional benefit.

6. What role does protein play in dermal health? Protein is a macronutrient that is broken down into smaller units known as peptides and amino acids. While proteins perform a wide variety of functions in the body, they are recognized for their role in building and repairing tissue. Collagen and elastin are two proteins that are found throughout the body, that give structure and support to various organs including the skin. These two proteins, along with others, are constantly in a state of breakdown, repair and maintenance. Good quality protein sources need to be available in order for this process to occur.

7. Why does DermalNutrients contain whey and not soy or another form of protein? In short, because whey protein is better suited to meet the needs of patients who want to provide their body with the ideal nutrients to support dermal health both post-operatively and long-term. Proteins are derived from plant and animal sources. Plant sources include soy and rice; animal sources include whey (from bovine) and eggs. In general, animal sources contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) and are therefore considered complete proteins. Plant sources are incomplete proteins so that other proteins need to be consumed in order to obtain the full spectrum of proteins that the body requires in order to do its work. In terms of building tissue - which is especially important after surgery - whey protein is ideal because it contains three amino acids, collectively known as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs are especially important for building new tissue. Compared to other proteins, whey protein is highly bioavailable. Bioavailability is a quality issue and refers to how much of a protein is available for important functions. Whey protein is 100% bioavailable whereas soy protein is only 75% bioavailable. Finally, unlike any other protein sources, whey protein contains milk fractions. These are nutrients that are normally present in bovine milk and confer a number of benefits particularly immune-enhancement and anti-microbial.

8. DermalNutrients contains a triple-complex of whey protein. What is this? Whey protein is processed into a variety of forms including whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein hydrolysates (WPH). Each of these forms offers different advantages and drawbacks. For example, the more processed forms of whey are higher in protein but are more expensive. Whey protein concentrate is higher in milk fractions (immune enhancing proteins) but higher in fat and carbohydrates than other more processed forms of whey. Whey protein isolate is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates and fat but lower in the beneficial milk fractions than whey protein concentrate. DermalNutrients combines each of these types of whey to maximize protein content and milk fractions while minimizing calories, fat and carbohydrates.

9. Is DermalNutrients appropriate for bodybuilders or intended as a meal replacement? DermalNutrients is neither suitable for bodybuilders nor designed as a meal replacement. The protein requirement for bodybuilders is significantly higher, requiring upwards of 90-125 grams of protein per day, therefore they look for protein supplements that provide 20, 30 and even 40 grams of protein per serving. An average woman’s daily protein requirements are significantly lower; therefore a protein supplement need not supply as much protein per serving. While meal replacement drinks like Ensure® provide protein, they also provide a fair amount of calories, carbohydrates and fat (250, 34 and 9 per serving, respectively) because as the name implies, they are designed as a substitute for a meal. DermalNutrients is intended to provide a high-quality source of protein to supplement what a person eats during the course of a normal day or after surgery.

10. DermalNutrients contains glutamine and arginine. What is the importance of these nutrients to dermal health? Glutamine and arginine are two amino acids that are normally present in whey protein. DermalNutrients has been additionally fortified with these two amino acids because they play a key role in wound healing and immunity. The importance of providing these nutrients following surgery is obvious given that they are required for normal wound healing and immunity is often comprised after surgery. However, supplying adequate amounts of these nutrients everyday is also important because as the body’s first line of defense, the skin plays an extremely important role in immunity.

11. DermalNutrients contains lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. What is the importance of these nutrients to dermal health? Both lactoferrin and immunoglobulin are special types are proteins that are normally present in whey (bovine) protein. These two proteins, along with a number of others, are collectively referred to as milk fractions. Although they comprise a very small proportion of whey, their role in health is significant. Lactoferrin is a potent free-radical scavenger and acts as an anti-microbial by binding with iron which effectively robs bacteria of this mineral which is necessary for their replication. Immunglobulins are the nutrients provided in mother’s first milk or colostrum. These proteins impart significant immune-enhancement.

12. DermalNutrients contains fructooligosaccharides. What is the importance of this nutrient to dermal health? Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) is a long name for a molecule that has several (oligo) sugars (saccharides) derived from fruit sugars (fructo). These sugars or non-digestible carbohydrates, pass through the stomach without adding calories, but provide the food for the beneficial bacteria that normally reside in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For this reason, FOS is considered a prebiotic. In contrast, a probiotic directly repopulates the GI with the beneficial bacteria. Yogurt is a food that naturally has these beneficial bacteria. After surgery, the antibiotics that are routinely given kill both the bad and the beneficial bacteria. By providing FOS directly, the beneficial bacteria have a chance to flourish. Given that these beneficial bacteria also enhance nutrient absorption and promote regularity, they are especially important after surgery when extra nutrients are required to heal and narcotics and anesthetic agents have a tendency to cause constipation.

13. DermalNutrients contains glucosamine. What is the importance of this nutrient to dermal health? Glucosamine belongs to a category of nutrients called glycosaminoglycans or GAGs. While the term sounds imposing it refers to the structure of the molecule which is comprised of glucose (glycos) and an amino acid or protein (amino). GAGs are large molecules that attract and hold water. For this reason, GAGs are used in the body to provide cushioning (e.g., glucosamine is incorporated into the joints). From glucosamine, the body makes another GAG called hyaluronic acid or HA. Like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water. HA is principally found in the dermis where it provides structural integrity and acts as a humectant or moisturizer.

14. Why is DermalNutrients not fortified with any vitamins or minerals, like other protein powders? Because the product is not intended as a replacement for a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement. Nowadays, with so many individuals taking nutritional supplements and consuming fortified foods (e.g., bars, cereals, drinks), the chance that certain nutrients are being provided in excess is likely. For the fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, this can be a concern. For this reason, DermalNutrients has not been fortified with any vitamins or minerals.

15. What is the recommended dosing for DermalNutrients? The recommended dosing for everyday dermal support is one scoop mixed with 4 fluid ounces of low-fat milk, soy milk or water, once daily. If low-fat milk is used, a serving contains just 95 calories and provides 10 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbohydrate and 2 grams of fat.

16. Why is DermalNutrients suitable for both post-surgical and long-term dermal support? Because the nutrients needed to support dermal health are the same but the amount needed is higher following surgery than for everyday support. Following surgery, the dosing is doubled and provided twice a day. This is because after surgery, the body’s requirement for protein is 1.5-2 times the normal amount in order to build new tissue.

17. If I am lactose-intolerant, can I still take DermalNutrients? Possibly. Whey protein is derived from bovine milk. During the manufacturing process, most of the lactose in whey is filtered out (especially in whey protein isolate). However, for individuals who lack the enzyme lactase which helps to break down lactose in the digestive tract, some residual amount of lactose may be in the finished product. For individuals who want to try DemalNutrients it is recommended to try one scoop and mix with either 4 ounces of water or soy milk.

18. What other VitaMedica products may be beneficial to support healthy-looking skin? A wide variety of VitaMedica products are designed to support overall health & wellness. Healthy-looking skin is a reflection of a health-promoting diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables and high-quality protein and fat sources. VitaMedica’s targeted nutraceuticals are designed to fill-in the gaps where diet leaves off. VitaMedica’s high-potency Multi-Vitamin & Mineral provides all of the essential vitamins & minerals necessary for optimal health and wellness. VitaMedica’s Omega-3 supplements, including Flax Seed Oil and Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil provide an excellent source of these important polyunsaturated fats. As the name implies, Broad Spectrum Antioxidant, provides a broad range of antioxidants to protect different organ systems from free-radical damage including the skin. And, HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical helps to augment the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels to hydrate and protect the skin from dehydration and aging.

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