Useful strategies to reduce bloating and improve digestion
Functions, benefits and choosing a CoQ10 supplement
From morning sickness and fatigue for mum to brain and bone development for baby.
The Healthy Living Guide – an introduction
Nutrition & lifestyle factors for a healthy smile
Introducing Vegan Pro-Collagen protein powder
For skin, hair & nails, bones, tendons and blood vessels
Boosting the immune system is uppermost in most minds these days, not only because of Covid-19 but also as the annual winter cold and flu season approaches. Vitamin C is well loved and trusted in this regard, but is just as crucial for its many other roles in the body. Demand for vitamin C supplements has skyrocketed, and to meet the growing requirement Igennus Healthcare Nutrition is releasing two new vitamin C supplements this season, which are both quite special in their own way.
Super Vitamin C Complex consists of 1000mg PUREWAY-C® vitamin C, microencapsulated by plant lipids and accompanied by citrus bioflavonoids, which both boost vitamin C absorption and provide synergistic health benefits. Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex liquid emulsion combines the well-known excellent absorption of 1000mg liposomal vitamin C with immune-boosting zinc, copper and selenium - in a great-tasting liquid that’s a convenient immune solution for the whole family.
Humans are one of the few animals that can’t make their own vitamin C, so intake from the diet or supplements is essential to prevent symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. As a water-soluble vitamin, it isn’t stored for long in the body, making regular daily intake crucial. Although 5-9 portions of fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables should supply all we need, many of us don’t eat as much as that; to make things more complicated, storage, processing and cooking all reduce the vitamin C content of food to a greater or lesser extent. When infections strike, vitamin C levels in the body plummet rapidly.
Citrus fruits are, helpfully, at their freshest, juiciest and sweetest in winter, and are rich in vitamin C, along with kiwis, mangoes, strawberries and cantaloupe melons. Vegetables supplying the highest amounts are red peppers and those from the brassica family - broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale.
Vitamin C bolsters our immune defence by boosting the activity of natural killer cells to fight infections and by prolonging the life of white blood cells. It also activates phagocytes, cells which literally ‘devour’ pathogens. Beyond immunity, as it is needed for collagen production, vitamin C plays a role in the structure of healthy skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. It’s a crucial antioxidant, involved in a healthy cardiovascular and neurological system and is even needed to produce the neurotransmitters that control our mood and in energy production.
Not all vitamin C supplements are created equal! Standard ascorbic acid is poorly absorbed in doses above 200mg, meaning that if one wants to reap the benefits of 1000mg vitamin C, one needs to look for a product with evidence of increased absorption and/or retention in the body. Igennus Healthcare Nutrition always prioritises bioavailable ingredients with research backing, and all three of our 1000mg vitamin C options have strong supporting science - the choice is yours depending on what health benefit and supplement form is most important to you.
A solid immune defence relies not only on good vitamin C levels but also on adequate vitamin D, zinc and various other supporting minerals. Zinc is effective both as a preventative and therapeutic mineral for viral respiratory tract infections, especially when started within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex, combines brilliantly absorbed liposomal vitamin C with immune-boosting zinc, selenium and copper to ensure the important zinc-copper ratio is maintained. It’s a complete immune solution for the whole family, in a tasty citrus liquid form. Delicious straight from the spoon, it can also be added to drinks, yoghurt or porridge. Perfect for those who want an all-round immune product and don’t like swallowing tablets.
Pairs well with: Pure & Essential Daily Vitamin D3 2000IU or Pure & Essential Vegan Vitamin D3 1000IU - Vitamin D intake from supplements is crucial from October to March as sunlight wanes, with healthy vitamin D levels supporting the immune system and providing defence against respiratory illnesses in particular.
Don’t let cold weather drive you indoors! While intense exercise does make you more prone to developing colds and ‘flu’, vitamin C has been proven to boost immunity both during and after exercise. Due to its role in collagen production, it’s also important for maintenance of healthy joints, bones and muscles. Super Vitamin C Complex and Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex will help to keep you active this winter.
Food & lifestyle tip: If you’re working from home, instead of exercising before or after work, why not exercise in the middle of the day, when it’s a bit warmer and lighter. The increased blood flow and feel-good chemicals produced will make you more alert and productive during your afternoon work session.
Pairs well with: Calcium & Magnesium Marine Mineral Complex - ideal for those targeting bone and joint health, this supplement combines natural marine calcium and magnesium with bioavailable vitamin D3, K2 and boron.
Vitamin C boosts collagen production, resulting in skin that is plumper with less wrinkles, as well as healthy teeth and gums. Although many beauty products contain vitamin C, when applied topically it is not absorbed well into deeper skin layers, meaning that ‘beauty from within’ by taking an oral supplement is much more effective. Choose Super Vitamin C Complex or Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex. Zinc may benefit skin conditions such as acne and eczema, so if you suffer from one of these, Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex may be your best bet.
Food & lifestyle tip: Get your beauty sleep. It’s not a myth - blood flow to your skin is increased while you slumber, ensuring you wake up with a glowing complexion. A sleepless night will have you looking pale and dehydrated the next morning.
Pairs well with: Collagen - among Igennus Healthcare Nutrition’s exciting new launches, we’ll soon be releasing both a superior bovine collagen and an exciting vegan collagen & vitamin C supplement - watch this space!
Super Vitamin C Complex aids healthy neuron function and provides antioxidant protection to nerve cells, both due to its PUREWAY-C and citrus bioflavonoid content. Fascinating research shows that nerve cells stimulated by PUREWAY-C grow new projections at a much faster rate compared to other vitamin C supplements. (1) Citrus bioflavonoids are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to support brain cells through prevention of oxidative damage.(2)
Food & lifestyle tip: Did you know that exercise improves mood by increasing serotonin production? Even those with neurological conditions can benefit enormously from a tailored physical activity programme.
Pairs well with: Neurobalance, a rich source of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6, which supports neurotransmitter and hormone production and may improve attention and focus. For those looking for a comprehensive vitamin, mineral and omega-3 supplement, MindCare BALANCE is an excellent choice - it includes a methylated vitamin B complex which provides neurological support while L-theanine promotes a sense of wellbeing and calm focus.
While all our vitamin C products will support in this regard, Liposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex is swiftly absorbed for a quick energy boost. Liposomes, which resemble cell walls, protect vitamin C on its trip to the intestines, and fuse with intestinal cells, rapidly delivering high levels of active vitamin C to the body.
Food & lifestyle tip: Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy level and ability to think clearly. MixLiposomal Vitamin C & Zinc Immune Support Complex into a glass of water or a sports bottle for a hydration and micronutrient boost.
Pairs well with: Super-B Complex - one of our most popular supplements for boosting energy levels - a complete complex of pre-methylated B vitamins which are well absorbed and body-ready.
Vitamin C promotes collagen formation for healthy blood vessels. Both raised cholesterol and inflammation can damage the heart and arteries. Super Vitamin C Complex is ideal for healthy cardiovascular function as PUREWAY-C decreases LDL cholesterol and CRP, a marker of inflammation, far better than much competition. (3) Significant positive correlations have also been found between citrus flavonoid intake and cardiovascular function - due to flavonoids’ role as antioxidants and circulation optimisers. (4;5)
Diet & lifestyle tip: A Mediterranean-style diet, with a rich supply of antioxidants from vegetables, fruit and red wine, polyunsaturated fat from fish and monounsaturated fat from olive oil is a smart way of looking after your heart health.
Pairs well with: Pharmepa Restore, a pure EPA supplement which supports cholesterol levels, blood pressure and inflammation, and VESIsorb Ubiquinol-QH, a bioavailable Co-Q10 supplement for energy production and as an antioxidant, especially in those who take statin medication which blocks the body’s natural CoQ10 production.
All of our vitamin C supplements provide support, as vitamin C increases iron absorption from food.
Food & lifestyle tip: Add supplements or foods from vitamin-C sources to all of your meals; for example - orange or grapefruit with breakfast, red pepper with lunch and broccoli with dinner. Iron-rich foods include liver, red meat, lentils, tofu, nuts & seeds and even 'treats’ such as dark chocolate, blackstrap molasses and raisins.
Pairs well with: Pure & Essential Advanced Multivitamin & Minerals - containing 7mg of slow release, gentle iron (ferrous bisglycinate) in a daily serving, this supplement supports iron levels in the general population. As iron in excessive doses is counterproductive to health, high-dose iron supplements should only be taken by those with a diagnosed iron deficiency.
For further advice regarding which supplements may best meet your health needs, browse the Shop by goal section of our website. Our friendly team of nutritionists are also happy to give personalised recommendations on email, LiveChat or over the phone.
1.Weeks, B & Perez, P. A novel vitamin C preparation enhances neurite formation and fibroblast adhesion and reduces xenobiotic-induced T-cell hyperactivation. Med Sci Monit, 2007; 13(3): BR51-58. PMID: 17325628
2. Hwang S & Yen G-C. Neuroprotective Effects of the Citrus Flavanones against H2O2-Induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 CellJ. Agric. Food Chem. 2008, 56, 3, 859-864
3.Pancorbo D, Vazquez C and Fletcher M. Vitamin C-lipid metabolites: Uptake and retention and effect on plasma C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL levels in healthy volunteers. Med Sci Monit, 2008; 14(11): CR547-551. PMID: 18971870.
4. Mink P et al. Flavonoid intake and cardiovascular disease mortality: a prospective study in postmenopausal women, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 3, March 2007, Pages 895–909, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/85.3.895
5. Dawn J O'Byrne, Sridevi Devaraj, Scott M Grundy, Ishwarlal Jialal, Comparison of the antioxidant effects of Concord grape juice flavonoids α-tocopherol on markers of oxidative stress in healthy adults, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 76, Issue 6, December 2002, Pages 1367–1374, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/76.6.1367
Increasing your daily intake of vitamin C can go a long way in supporting your general health. If you require more support, feel free to contact our approachable team of nutrition professionals who will be more than happy to support you further or point you in the right direction.
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Most of us take bone health and strength for granted – with no routine screening in the UK, osteoporosis is usually only diagnosed after a hip or wrist fracture. Bone loss, however, starts decades earlier since we reach peak bone mass around age 30 and lose ~1% per year thereafter, accelerating to 2-3% per year in the post-menopausal period for women. Osteoporosis, a condition of low bone mineral density, leads to fragile, brittle bones and is surprisingly common, affecting over 3 million people in the UK, with an osteoporotic fracture occurring every 3 seconds worldwide. The lifetime risk for a wrist, hip or vertebral fracture is ~35% in developed countries, similar to the risk of coronary heart disease.
Thankfully, there’s a lot we can do to support the 206 bones in our bodies. Along with regular weight-bearing exercise and avoiding smoking, excess alcohol, caffeine and salt consumption, ensuring adequate intake of 5 key nutrients involved in bone health goes a long way: calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and boron.
Dairy is a rich source of calcium, but since we’re consuming less nowadays, and especially if you’ve chosen to follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, it’s easy to fall short of targets. Similarly, many of us don’t get enough magnesium and, with the paucity of sunshine in the UK, vitamin D insufficiency is common. Vitamin K2 MK7 is surprisingly difficult to obtain from the diet, and while K1 can be converted to K2 in the body, few of us eat enough leafy greens daily. You’re at an increased risk of osteoporosis if you’re female, have a family history of the condition, had an early menopause, use steroid tablets long-term or have a low body mass index.
These 5 crucial minerals and vitamins mentioned above work together in a beautifully orchestrated synergy, building the foundation of good bone health:
We’re excited to launch Igennus’ expertly formulated new product, Calcium & Magnesium Marine Mineral Complex with Vitamin D3, K2 and Boron. It combines scientifically proven nutrients with inspiration from nature, bringing you a plant-based supplement targeted at supporting bone health, teeth & muscles.
As well as supporting bone, teeth and muscle health in men and women of all ages, our supplement is ideal for women in the peri-menopausal period and beyond.
Magnesium may help with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes (2-4), low mood and fatigue. Post-menopausal women with lower magnesium levels are more prone to depression (5), while higher total magnesium intake has been associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer in post-menopausal women (6) and insomnia in the elderly. (7) Boron may assist with menopausal symptoms by increasing hormone levels. (8)
The unique algae-derived calcium we use was the 2016 winner of the NutraIngredients ‘Ingredient of the Year for Healthy Ageing’ award. In osteoarthritis, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, thereby improving physical activity and enabling a reduction in anti-inflammatory medication. (9) In addition, this marine calcium is showing promise in gut and brain health. (10) A balanced blend of these 5 nutrients may provide relief from leg cramps, fibromyalgia (11), restless leg syndrome (7) and sleep disorders.
As supplement bioavailability is hugely dependent on how much you can absorb at a given time, we split the daily dose into 2 tablets for optimal uptake. Igennus’ Calcium & Magnesium Algae Mineral Complex is suitable for vegans & vegetarians, and halal and kosher diets.
Look after your bones today, and they’ll support you tomorrow.
Calcium & Magnesium Marine Mineral Complex contains all the ingredients required to provide comprehensive bone support. If you require further advice, feel free to contact our approachable team of nutrition professionals who will be more than happy to support you or point you in the right direction.