Health Supplements Program FAQ's

1. Who should use HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical? HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical is intended for individuals who require hydration and protection of the skin from free-radical damage. The supplement is intended for everyday use but is also indicated post-surgically to support wound healing.

2. Who should not use HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical? Nutritional supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning a nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women.

3. What is the primary benefit of using HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical? Hydration and antioxidant protection at the dermal level. Dermal hydration and antioxidant protection are two factors that are crucial to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. Unfortunately, as we age, our skin begins to “dry out” due to a decrease in natural oil production and moisture-retention. An effective age management program includes applying a moisturizer and antioxidants topically. But, it also includes providing hydration and antioxidant protection internally. This so called bi-directional approach ensures improved results. HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical provides hyaluronic acid for hydration and a range of antioxidants for protection from free-radical damage.

4. What makes VitaMedica’s HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical product unique? The targeted, high-quality ingredients which are combined into a formulation that provides benefit to the dermis. VitaMedica’s HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical features a patented, naturally-derived, low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, with clinically proven absorption through oral administration. A number of hyaluronic acid supplements on the market do not include a low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Or, they may include other compounds like collagen and chondroitin sulfate. These molecules are very large and for this reason are not well-absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In addition, neither collagen nor chondroitin have been shown to directly influence the levels of HA in the body. In addition to the patented hyaluronic acid, HA+A Hydrating nutraceutical is fortified with several key compounds known for their antioxidant protective benefits including green tea, Pcynogenol® and CoQ10. A blend of natural, mixed carotenoids called Betatene® and natural, mixed vitamin E complete the formula.

5. The primary ingredient in HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical is hyaluronic acid (HA). What role does HA play in dermal health? Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and structural integrity to the dermis. The nature of HA’s molecular structure makes it ideal for attracting and holding water. Nearly 50% of the body’s HA is found in the dermis, in the spaces between cells (extracellular matrix). HA along with dermatan sulfate, serves to maintain the water balance in the dermis and adds support for other dermal elements like collagen and elastin. HA is also highly concentrated at a site of injury (trauma or surgery) to enhance the ability of healing cells to reach an injured area. As we age, our ability to produce sufficient levels of HA diminishes and as a result, the skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to damage.

6. The form of hyaluronic acid used in the product is called “low-molecular” weight. What does this mean? It refers to the size of the molecule which ultimately determines its bioavailability. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large sugar molecule that attracts and holds water. For this reason, its function is for hydration and cushioning in the body. Because the molecule is so large, it is useful to fill in spaces. This explains why orthopaedic surgeons inject it into joints where the cartilage has worn to provide cushioning. Or, why plastic surgeons inject it into wrinkles to plump and fill the spaces. Because of its size, the HA molecule is not readily absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Unless an oral form uses a low-molecular weight or very small unit of hyaluronic acid, the molecule will not be absorbed.

7. The HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical formulation also contains antioxidants. What purpose do these antioxidants serve? Antioxidants can play a vital role by helping to reduce, neutralize and eliminate the production of free-radicals. The damage caused by the sun’s rays, along with environmental pollution contributes to the development of free-radicals. Although our bodies and skin have multiple innate mechanisms to defend against free-radical damage, this process becomes less efficient as we age. Clinical studies indicate that free-radicals contribute to age-related illnesses and to the aging process itself. The ideal protection is to apply antioxidants topically and take them orally, providing a bi-directional approach to the management of aging.

8. The Supplement Facts Panel indicates that the source of vitamin A is from Betatene®. What is Betatene? Although most people have heard of beta-carotene, a number of other carotenes exist including alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. While not all of the carotenes convert to vitamin A, all provide excellent antioxidant protective benefits. Most supplements contain just beta-carotene and in many cases, the source is not natural but is synthesized. Betatene is a naturally occurring blend of carotenes, which includes beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. Betatene is derived from D. salina algae and is grown on the world’s largest cultivated algae farm, located in Whyalla, Australia. Research has shown that using a blend of antioxidants (in this case carotenes) provides better antioxidant protection than just a singular antioxidant.

9. The vitamin E in the HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical formulation is from both a tocopherol and tocotrienol form. Why are these two forms and why are they included in the formula? To provide both vitamin E activity and antioxidant protective benefits. Vitamin E refers to a family of eight compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. In each family, the members are named alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Normally in foods that contain vitamin E, each of the family members is present. However, in most supplements and topical skin care products, only one member is provided, typically alpha-tocopherol. While alpha-tocopherol provides the highest level of vitamin E activity, some of the other members like delta- tocotrienol and gamma-tocotrienol have more potent antioxidant effects. Including all members of the vitamin E family in a formula is more expensive but the finished product provides a broader range of benefits.

10. The HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical formulation contains Pycnogenol®. What is the role of this nutrient to dermal health? Pycnogenol is well-researched nutrients that is used in both topical and nutritional supplement formulations for its antioxidant protective benefits. Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. The extract acts as a powerful antioxidant to neutralize free-radicals that contribute to premature aging. It possesses a broad spectrum of biological, pharmacological and therapeutic activities against free-radicals and oxidative stress. Pycnogenol also protects collagen and elastin and helps rebuild skin tissue.

11. The HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical formulation contains CoQ10. What is the role of this nutrient to dermal health? Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a well-researched naturally occurring nutrient that is used in both topical and nutritional supplement formulation for its antioxidant protective benefits. CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone because it is found widely in plants and animals. CoQ10 is found in the mitochondria of cells (the “powerplant”) and is essential for energy production. Like vitamin E, CoQ10 plays a critical role as an antioxidant in cellular membranes and plasma lipoproteins.

12. I noticed the capsules are a “brick red” color. Is this an artificial dye that I should be worried about? No. The color is derived from a seed called annatto that is used as a spice in other parts of the world. It may be better known to Mexican and Latin markets as achiote or in the Philippines as atsuwete or achuete. In the West it used to color confectionery, butter, smoked fish and cheeses like Cheshire, Leicester, Edam and Muenster. As an effective natural coloring it is also used in cosmetics and textile manufacturing.

13. What is the recommended dosing for HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical? Depending on whether you take the product following surgery or for dermal support will determine the dosing. Each HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical gel-cap contains 50 mg of hyaluronic acid (HA). For dermal support, the recommended dosing of HA is 1.5 – 2.0 mg per kilogram. For post-surgical support, it is 3.0 – 4.0 mg per kilogram. Example: A 132 pound woman weighs 60 kilograms (weight divided by 2.2). For dermal support, she would take 90 – 120 mg of HA or 2 - 3 capsules per day. For post-surgical support, she would require 180 – 240 mg of HA or 3 - 5 capsules per day.

14. How long do I need to take HA+A Hydrating Nutraceutical before I notice some benefit? At least a month. Because hyaluronic acid must reach the dermis, you probably won’t see the effects of its use for several weeks. This is quite normal. However, you should expect to notice some improvement within two months.

15. What other VitaMedica products may be beneficial to support a more youthful-looking appearance? A wide variety of VitaMedica products are designed to be used as part of an integrated age management program. Maintaining youthful-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 products are designed to fill-in the gaps where diet leaves off. 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. HA+A Hydrating Serum helps to augment the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels to hydrate and protect the skin from dehydration and aging. DermalNutrients is a specialized protein powder that is fortified with dermal nutrients to support collagen & elastin development and to boost the immune system. VitaMedica’s high-potency Multi-Vitamin & Mineral provides all of the essential vitamins & minerals necessary for optimal health and great looking skin. VitaMedica’s Omega-3 supplements, including Flax Seed Oil and Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil provide an excellent source of these important polyunsaturated fats.

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