Background: Collagen is the primary component in human skin. With age, there is loss of skin elasticity and collagen, resulting in wrinkle formation and reduction in skin appearance.Aims: The objective of this randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a hydrolyzed marine collagen (Vinh Wellness Collagen, VWC) on aspects of skin health and quality in women between 45 and 60 years of age.Patients/Methods: Assessments of skin wrinkles, elasticity, and self‐reported appearance were conducted using the VISIA skin analysis system, Cutometer^®, and Skin Quality Visual Analogue Scale. Outcomes were assessed at weeks 0 (baseline), 6, and 12.Results: After 12 weeks, participants supplemented with VWC had a significant 35% reduction in wrinkle score (P = .035) from baseline. Participants in the VWC group showed a 24% greater reduction in wrinkles on the right side of the face than those on placebo. A planned subgroup analysis based on age showed women 45‐54 years had a significant 20% and 10% improvement in cheek skin elasticity from baseline to week 6 (P = .016) and 12 (P = .022), respectively. At week 12, participants in the VWC group reported greater percentage improvements in overall skin score (9%) and wrinkle (15%), elasticity (23%), hydration (14%), radiance (22%), and firmness (25%) scores vs placebo.Conclusion: Supplementation with VWC was found to be safe and well‐tolerated. The results of this study support the use of fish‐derived hydrolyzed collagen for the improvement of skin health in an aging population.

Specific probiotic strains can alleviate the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei HA-196 (L. paracasei) and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 (B. longum) in reducing the GI and psychological symptoms of IBS was evaluated in 251 adults with either constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or mixed-pattern (IBS-M). Following a 2-week run-in period, participants were randomized to one of three interventions: L. paracasei (n = 84), B. longum (n = 83) or placebo (n = 81). IBS symptoms, stool frequency and consistency and quality of life were assessed by questionnaires. The differences from baseline in the severity of IBS symptoms at 4 and 8 weeks were similar between groups. Participants in this study were classified, after randomization, into subtypes according to Rome III. Within the L. paracasei group, complete spontaneous and spontaneous bowel movement frequency increased in participants with IBS-C (n = 10) after 8 weeks of supplementation (both p < 0.05) and decreased in participants with IBS-D (n = 10, p = 0.013). Both L. paracasei and B. longum supplementation improved the quality of life in emotional well-being and social functioning compared with baseline (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, L. paracasei and B. longum may reduce GI symptom severity and improve the psychological well-being of individuals with certain IBS subtypes.

Background Prolonged periods of stress may lead to negative health consequences. AlphaWave^® l-Theanine was safe and efficacious during an acute stress challenge. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the longer term effects of l-theanine supplementation on stress are warranted. Methods Thirty healthy adults (18–65 years) with moderate stress were randomized to AlphaWave^® l-Theanine (400 mg l-theanine/day) or placebo (n = 15/group) for 28 days. Stress was assessed by salivary cortisol, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21; sleep was assessed by the Healthy People Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy device; cognition was assessed by Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System; mood was assessed by Profile of Mood States. All outcomes were measured at baseline, Days 14 and 28. Safety included vital signs, clinical chemistry, haematology and adverse events (AEs). Results All AEs were resolved by the end of the study period or upon subsequent follow up, and out of range laboratory values and changes in vital signs were deemed not clinically relevant following AlphaWave^® l-Theanine supplementation. Participants supplemented with AlphaWave^® l-Theanine had decreases of 12.92% (p = 0.051) and 17.98% (p = 0.04) in PSS scores after 14 and 28 days, respectively, while those on placebo had respective decreases of 9.74% (p = 0.061) and 17.88% (p = 0.009). There were no significant differences between groups for change in salivary cortisol. The AlphaWave^® l-Theanine group demonstrated decreased time asleep after 28 days and significantly reduced light sleep after 14 and 28 days compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.040). The AlphaWave^® l-Theanine group significantly improved by 21.79% and 21.33% in Stroop test correct reaction time after 14 and 28 days, respectively, while those on placebo improved after 28 days only (p = 0.005). Conclusions AlphaWave^® l-Theanine supplementation for 28 days was safe and significantly decreased perceived stress significantly decreased perceived stress and light sleep, improved sleep quality and enhanced cognitive attention in the studied population. Larger, randomized controlled trials with longer duration of AlphaWave^® l-Theanine supplementation are warranted to reduce inter-individual variability and the potential placebo effect. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05808595.

Animal-sourced whey protein (WPr) is the most popular protein supplement among consumers and has been shown to improve muscle mass and strength. However, due to allergies, dietary restrictions/personal choices, and growing demand, alternative protein sources are warranted. Sedentary adults were randomized to pea protein (PPr) or WPr in combination with a weekly resistance training program for 84 days. Changes in whole-body muscle strength (WBMS) including handgrip, lower body, and upper body strength, body composition, and product perception were assessed. The safety outcomes included adverse events, vital signs, clinical chemistry, and hematology. There were no significant differences in the change in WBMS, muscle mass, or product perception and likability scores between the PPr and WPr groups. The participants supplemented with PPr had a 16.1% improvement in WBMS following 84 days of supplementation (p = 0.01), while those taking WPr had an improvement of 11.1% (p = 0.06). Both study products were safe and well-tolerated in the enrolled population. Eighty-four days of PPr supplementation resulted in improvements in strength and muscle mass comparable to WPr when combined with a resistance training program in a population of healthy sedentary adults. PPr may be considered as a viable alternative to animal-sourced WPr without sacrificing muscular gains and product enjoyment.

Introduction Cognition refers to brain functions including memory, learning, and thought processing and is increasingly important to individuals. However, impairment of cognitive function is a concern among North American adults. Therefore, effective and reliable treatments are needed. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of 42 days of Neuriva® supplementation, a whole coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine supplement, on memory, accuracy, focus and concentration and learning among 138 healthy adults (40–65 years) with self-reported memory problems. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) tasks, the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and Go/No-Go tests were assessed at baseline and day 42. Results As compared to placebo, Neuriva® supplementation elicited greater improvements at day 42 in numeric working memory COMPASS task accuracy outcomes (p ≤ 0.024) which assessed memory, accuracy, and focus and concentration, and reaction time outcomes (p ≤ 0.031) which assessed memory as well as focus and concentration. Neuriva® supplementation improved overall accuracy (p = 0.035) in the picture recognition task that assessed memory, accuracy, and learning compared to placebo. No significant differences between groups were observed for BDNF, the EMQ, or Go/No-Go tests. Conclusion Results suggest 42 days of Neuriva® supplementation was safe, well tolerated, and beneficial in improving memory, accuracy, focus and concentration, and learning in a healthy adult population with self-reported memory problems.