How to measure stress in a clinical study?
How to measure stress in a clinical study?
Long exposure to stress can come with several clinical implications for one’s physical as well as mental health. Stress can be clinically measured at multiple levels. Self-assessment scales reflect a subjective way to measure stress while biomarkers reflect a more objective measure of stress. Both types of measures are important in order to understand the relationship between stress and health and how to properly intervene. In this article we will outline Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS) and physiological measures such as cortisol levels, heart rate, and cytokine levels.
What is stress?
Stress refers to experiences in which the demands of a certain event surpass an individual’s ability to cope with the situation. An important distinction has to be made between so-called stressors and the following response to these. Stressors are certain stressful events that have the potential to disturb an individual’s ability to function optimally. Stressors lead to stress responses, which are the cognitive, emotional, and biological reactions that evoke after such event (1).
When measuring stress, clinical endpoints often focus on both psychological as well as physiological indicators.
Below are the top clinically validated measures for stress
Psychological Measures for Stress
Psychological measures often include self-report measures of stress in the form of scales and questionnaires.
The Perceived Stress Scale:
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most common psychological scale to measure stress. It measures to what extent certain life situations are perceived as stressful over the past month. Scores are calculated through the use of the following five-point scale: 0 = never, 1 = almost never, 2 = once in a while, 3 = often, and 4 = very often. The total of this score represents the level of perceived stress. It captures stress over a shorter period of time (2).
Life Events and Difficulties Schedule:
The Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS) measures the exposure to severe acute events and chronic obstacles over the previous year. It involves an interview where the participant has to recall 95 possible life events. Additional context around each event is proved by the participant as well. Such events are grouped into one of the following 10 domains: education, work, reproduction, housing, money/possessions, crime/legal, health/treatment/accidents, marital/partner relationship, other relationships, and miscellaneous (2).
Physiological Measures for Stress
Physiological measures often include tracking the levels of several biomarkers in order to assess the HPA axis, autonomic nervous system, and immune system.
Cortisol – HPA axis:
The HPA axis is especially responsive to psychosocial stress. The main output of this axis is the hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels in the body can vary depending on environmental events and surrounding stressors. Cortisol can fluctuate acutely but can also be chronically high or low. Cortisol can be measured at multiple levels (2):
- Saliva – representing acute cortisol changes
- Blood – representing acute cortisol changes
- Urine – representing daily cortisol secretion
- Hair – representing long-term cortisol levels
Cardiac performance – Autonomic nervous system:
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is one of the main influencers of cardiac performance. Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to assess variations within the ANS response to stressors. Heart rate refers to the number of beats per minute. HRV refers to the fluctuating time in between heart beats. When exposed to stress, heart rate as well as breathing patterns often speed up while HRV decreases (2).
Cytokines – Immune system:
Activation of the immune system is also a response to stress. Cytokines are a group of signalling molecules which regulate immune function. They can be measured from the blood. Interleukin (IL)-6, for example, plays an important role in the onset of fever and the acute inflammatory response. C-reactive protein (CRP) is released in response to inflammation and has been associated with stress in humans (2).
Grasping the relationship between stress and health
Stress can be measured at multiple levels. Self-assessment scales reflect a subjective way to measure stress while biomarkers reflect a more objective measure of stress. Both types of measures are important in order to understand the relationship between stress and health.
Solabia Nutrition is coming to VitaFoods Asia
Solabia Nutrition is exhibiting at VitaFoods Asia, 2024
We are glad to announce VitaFoods Asia is coming in less than a month!
Vitafoods Asia is one of the region’s most significant events for the nutraceutical industry, set to take place between 18-20 September in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok. Every year, it brings together professionals from around the globe to explore trends, network, and discover new products and solutions.
We welcome all visitors at our Booth L44!
Why stop by?
- Learn about our latest clinical data
- Discuss our product portfolio
- Find the best fit for your product’s formula
- Receive valuable formulation support
Solabia Nutrition is a leading provider of premium nutritional ingredients with production sites and internal R&D teams in Europe, USA and the Middle East.
We support our clients with marketing materials, dedicated product websites, formulation and application advice, based on our 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical world.
To explore our opportunities together, book a meeting with our team via the form below
Book a Meeting at Booth L44:
How can oleuropein support women's health?
How can oleuropein support women’s health?
Last updated: August 23rd, 2024
Delve into the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, centering around olives and extra virgin olive oil. Uncover the benefitial effects of oleuropein, particularly for women in menopause.
The Mediterranean diet has gained recognition as one of the healthiest diets globally, known for its potential to prevent long-term health conditions.
Key components of this diet include olives and extra virgin olive oil. In this article, we will delve into their composition, exploring the various health benefits associated with their consumption. Moreover, we will focus on their potential advantages for women facing menopausal concerns, shedding light on the natural, hormone-free alternatives available to alleviate their symptoms.
Olives and extra virgin olive oil: Pillars of Mediterranean health
The Mediterranean diet revolves around plant-based foods, whole grains, nuts, herbs, and spices. It encourages moderate consumption of fish, seafood, and poultry, while red meat and sugar are consumed infrequently. The main source of added fat in this diet is extra virgin olive oil, which stands out for its numerous health benefits (1).
Composition of extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is derived from freshly cold-pressed olives, the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea). This process ensures that the beneficial components of extra virgin olive oil, known as biophenols, are preserved.
The primary fatty acids in extra virgin olive oil are monounsaturates, particularly oleic acid, which constitutes 55-80% of the total fatty acid content. The remaining portion consists of small amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Beyond the fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil contains various minor components such as antioxidants, including carotenoids, α-tocopherol, and phenol compounds like hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein. Oleuropein, in particular, is present in olives, olive leaves, and olive oil and is a key player for the health benefits associated with these products.
What are the health benefits of Oleuropein?
Oleuropein has been extensively studied for its potential in preventing various disorders. As an antioxidant, it effectively combats harmful compounds in the body. Studies have demonstrated its ability to protect cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and contributing to the prevention of inflammatory conditions (2, 3).
Furthermore, the cardiovascular benefits of oleuropein are noteworthy, as it reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. This effect, in combination with its antioxidant properties, contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Interestingly, while oleuropein is present in olive oil and olives, olive leaves contain even higher levels of this beneficial compound. This makes olive leaves a great source for obtaining oleuropein and reaping its healthful advantages (4).
An example of an olive leaf extract that has high levels of oleuropein is Bonolive®.
Women’s health: how can it benefit from olives?
Postmenopausal women often experience symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings. The global population of menopausal women has grown significantly, leading to increased demand for research on natural alternatives to alleviate these symptoms (5).
Oleuropein’s antioxidant properties are also relevant to women’s health. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to the development of various diseases, and antioxidants like oleuropein help counteract this stress, promoting overall well-being (6).
Recent studies have also shown that oleuropein may have positive effects on bone health, which further enhances its impact on women’s health, especially during and after menopause.
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density and an increased risk of fractures, is a significant concern for menopausal women due to hormonal changes and declining estrogen levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of oleuropein play a crucial role in reducing bone loss and inflammation, helping to maintain bone strength and integrity.
Oleuropein and women’s health: the benefits of olives and olive leaf
The Mediterranean diet, which includes olives and extra virgin olive oil, offers many health benefits, thanks to oleuropein: a compound that helps prevent diseases and promotes overall well-being, especially in women post-menopause.
For those who may have limited olives or olive oil in their regular diet, supplements containing high levels of oleuropein might be beneficial. Bonolive® is high in oleuropein content and has been extensively studied.
To read more about these studies, download our white paper below.
Biohacking: How to reverse the biological clock?
Biohacking: How to reverse the biological clock?
On a global level, the number of people aging beyond 65 is rapidly progressing. Everybody would like to live longer but at the same time feel younger. Therefore, we have to start looking for ways to age as healthy as possible. Is biohacking the key?
What is biohacking?
Biohacking is a relatively new term, referring to the optimization of the internal biological processes, aiming to improve physical health and extend one’s lifespan. The focus is on longevity through interference with aging at the cellular and genetic level. Biohacking includes a wide variety of interventions that can be applied to boost energy and vitality. There are several key target areas, like:
Physical activity to slow down the biological clock
Physical activity is known to boost overall health and slow down aging. Different types of physical activity can be done to reverse aging. Engaging in strength training helps to maintain muscle mass, increase bone mineral density, and is of positive influence on overall metabolic health. This contributes to a longer life span in a healthy way. On the other hand, aerobic exercise can improve cardiovascular as well as lung health. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), combining both strength training as well as aerobic exercises, improves general fitness and training’s efficiency (1).
Diet to promote longevity
With regards to nutrition, several dietary methods can be applied to reverse the biological clock. For example, intermittent fasting could stimulate cellular repair processes, decrease inflammation, and improve overall metabolic health (2). Also, caloric restriction, within a certain range, is associated with an increased life span (2). Biohackers try out a lot of different diets in order to achieve the most optimal energy levels, boost brain function and general health. Specific supplements are also used quite frequently in order to fill the nutritional gaps in one’s diet.
Strengthening your bones to improve biological age:
With age, several changes occur to our bone homeostasis that can impact our bone health and thus our biological age (3). The following changes occur:
- Decrease in bone density – especially in post-menopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels
- Decreased bone remodelling rate
- Changed bone structure
- Loss of bone mass
The rapid deterioration of bone health can be slowed down by taking preventive measures. For example, staying physically active or taking supportive supplements could aid in the improvement of bone health and thus the reduction of biological age.
Improved mental health extends lifespan
Stress management is an important aspect for longevity. Practices like meditation and yoga are associated with stress reduction and emotion control (4). Training your cognition and building a cognitive reserve is an important factor to prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases (5).
Sufficient sleep reduces your biological age
Getting enough quality sleep, consistently every night, is essential for cellular repair, optimal immunity and mental health. It is essential to reduce the exposure to sleep-disturbing blue lights in order to keep your circadian rhythm in check (6). Quality sleep means getting approximately 8 hours of sleep every night, passing through the sleep cycle multiple times (7).
Applying technology to measure health parameters
In order to get some insights in your internal health and overall well-being, wearable devices and apps can be of great support. Several metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, sleeping patterns, eating patterns, and activity levels provide valuable data in order to see in which area action is required. In this way, technology serves as a helpful tool to give us knowledge about what to adapt, change and improve to help extend our lifespan.
Conclusion
Human bodies are unique, and they react differently to lifestyle factors and interventions. Yet, everyone would like to live better and longer. The different practices of biohacking may benefit people in different ways. Still, it is a case of trial and error to find the most optimal solution for optimal energy, mental, and physical health for each individual.
Top 5 reasons to include Actiful® in your energy supplement
Top 5 reasons to include Actiful® in your energy supplement
Last updated: August 9th, 2024
The need for clinically tested supplements is increasing as consumers become more aware of their impact on health. Yet, a lot of ingredients are saturating the market and supplement formulators may feel overwhelmed to make the right choices. In this article, we’ll cover the top five reasons why Actiful® is a good ingredient for your energy supplement.
Increasing market demand for vitality supplements
Low energy levels and a lack of vitality are common challanges in today’s fast-paced world. Many consumers turn to dietary supplements to manage the daily mental and physical stressors they face. Energy-enhancing supplements aim to prevent fatigue, increase physical activity, and promote social engagement.
A Mediterranean complex of orange and pomegranate
Actfiul® is a patent-protected, all-natural ingredient. It is standardized for its hesperidin and punicalagin content: the main polyphenols found in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and pomegranate (Punica granatum), respectively. Both compounds have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits.
Top 5 reasons to use Actiful® as an ingredient for your energy supplement
1. Enhanced physical performance in both young and old
A recent study among active seniors found that daily supplementation with Actiful® for four weeks significantly increased their handgrip strength (1). Handgrip strength is a crucial measure of physical fitness in the elderly as it is indicative of overall health and functional status in day-to-day life.
2. Mental wellbeing
In addition to improved physical fitness, senoir subjects who supplemented Actiful® also experienced psychological benefits. Compared to the placebo group, the Actiful® group demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive domains such as thinking, memory, learning, and concentration (1). These elements are essential for maintaining one’s quality of life and wellbeing.
Given the critical connection between the mind and body, Actiful® is a great possibility for physical and mental boost.
3. Lowering the proton leakage in mitochondria
To produce energy, mitochondria require oxygen. The protons in the intermembrane space are needed to support the energy production process. However, due to unregulated or induced leaks, protons could leave this space and delay the energy production (2). By inhibiting proton leakage across the mitochondrial intermembrane, the energy production cam be enhanced directly.
A strategy to boost mitochondria function is to include specific nutrients into the diet. For example, experiments in muscle cells have demonstrated that hesperidin, the active ingredient of Actiful®, could improve energy production by directly targeting the mitochondria (3).
4. ROS scavenging effect
During physical activity, there is an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), stimulating exercise adaptations within the cell. However, excessive amounts of ROS could lead to damage to the mitochondria and other crucial structures of the cell, which can impair their functionality (4).
Hesperidin has been demonstrated to not only scavenge ROS directly but also enhance the natural antioxidant systems present in cells (3). In addition, pomegranate has also been found to improve antioxidant status (5).
Therefore, Actiful®’s antioxidant capabilities may improve vitality by preserving the functionality of cells and tissues.
5. Improved bloodflow
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key factor in regulating blood flow, as it supports vasodilation and angiogenesis, allowing more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to pass through and reach target cells faster. Notewoerthy, hesperidin is thought to activate the production of eNOS, the enzyme that activates NO production (6).
Furthermore, when oxygen is limited, dietary nitrate raises NO levels internally. Pomegranate, which is high in Punicalagin, is a potent source of dietary nitrate, which is why it was added in the formulation of Actiful®. In this way. hesperidin and punicalagin work together to ensure NO production boost via both pathways.
Actiful®: the key ingredient of your energy supplement
All in all, Actiful® is a natural and safe ingredient that has the ideal properties to be incorporated in energy supplements that aim to provide acute and sustained improvements in vitality!
What is cellular senescence and its impact on health?
What is cellular senescence and its impact on health?
Cellular senescence is a fascinating and complex biological phenomenon that plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health. This stage of the cell cycle arrest is not just a passive endpoint for cells; it is an active, multifaceted process that has profound implications for our overall health and aging.
What is cellular senescence?
At its core, cellular senescence is a protective mechanism. When cells experience significant stress—be it from DNA damage, oxidative stress, or simply the natural aging process—they can enter a state of permanent growth arrest. This means they stop dividing but remain metabolically active (1). In other words, senescent cells remain alive and functional, yet they will not multiply anymore. Cells at this stage of their life cycle could exhibit both advantages and disadvantages for overall health
Senescence and its protective effect
When cells become damaged or stressed to the point where they might start dividing uncontrollably (a hallmark of tumor creation), entering senescence prevents this from happening. This growth arrest ensures that damaged cells do not proliferate and form tumors (2). Moreover, senescent cells secrete a variety of factors known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can recruit immune cells to clear potentially harmful cells (3).
Senescence and tissue health
Senescent cells also play a beneficial role in tissue repair and wound healing. The SASP factors they release can promote tissue regeneration and remodeling (3). This is particularly important in response to injury, where a rapid and effective healing process is critical.
The downside of cellular senescence
However, cellular senescence is not without its downsides. As we age, the number of senescent cells in our tissues increases. While a few senescent cells can aid in repair and protection, an accumulation can have detrimental effects. The SASP, while beneficial in small doses, can create a pro-inflammatory environment when produced in excess (4). This chronic inflammation is linked to a host of age-related and neurodegenerative diseases
Therapeutic potential of senescence
The dual nature of cellular senescence—protective on one hand and potentially harmful on the other—makes it a compelling target for therapeutic interventions. Researchers are exploring ways to selectively remove senescent cells, a strategy known as “senolytics,” to treat age-related diseases and improve health span (5). Another approach is to modulate the SASP to retain its beneficial effects while minimizing its harmful ones.
Conclusion
Cellular senescence is a critical player in the intricate balance of cellular health. It protects us from cancer and aids in tissue repair, yet contributes to aging and chronic disease when not properly regulated. Understanding and manipulating this complex process holds the promise of new therapies to combat age-related diseases and enhance longevity, making cellular senescence a key focus for healthier aging.
