Actiful®: a key ingredient for healthy aging
Are you looking for an impactful science-based ingredient to add to your energy and vitality supplement? Well, look no further as the research-based evidence is expanded on the key role of Actiful® in supporting energy production, improving mental wellness, and reducing oxidative stress.
How can we slow down the aging process?
Aging is a complex process (1) characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function and an increased susceptibility to various diseases. It encompasses a range of biological, psychological, and social changes that occur over time. At the cellular level, aging involves factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of damage from oxidative stress. These processes contribute to a decline in the efficiency of cellular repair and maintenance mechanisms.
Factors impacting the aging process
Additionally, genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in influencing the rate of aging. While aging is a natural and inevitable part of life, lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can impact the rate at which the aging process unfolds. Continuous research is taking place to study aging and better understand potential interventions to promote healthy aging and longevity (2).
A combination of diet and supplementation
Slowing down the aging process involves adopting a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of one’s lifestyle. A balanced and nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for maintaining cellular health and preventing oxidative stress. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management can positively impact both mental and physical health (3). Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also vital, as they accelerate the aging process.
Combining these lifestyle factors and taking appropriate supplements can create a foundation for a healthier and more vibrant aging experience. Adding supplements to the diet can be beneficial for healthy aging, as they can help address specific nutrient deficiencies and support overall well-being. They are often recommended for digestive health, immune support or cell function optimization. (4, 5)
Actiful®: clinically proven ingredient for healthy aging
Actiful® is a patent-protected plant-based ingredient for improved energy production, mental wellness and mitochondria support. It is standardized for hesperidin which is a key polyphenol extracted from sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). Actiful® also contain pomegranate (Punica granatum), known to be rich in nitrate and useful for NO production, leading to vasodilation. Previous clinical data has already shown the beneficial properties that the combination of these polyphenols has in terms of enhanced physical performance (6, 7), mental health support (7), improved energy production by the mitochondria (8) and improved blood flow (9).
Recent clinical data further underlines the benefits that Actiful® brings to the table. The combination of hesperedin and pomegranate in a 350mg supplement capsule was provided to healthy seniors for 4 weeks in a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled manner. In the end of the intervention period, the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) in the blood decreased by ≈ 10% (10). This is a statistically significant and clinically relevant result as MGO accumulation in cells leads to cellular disfunction and shorter cell life. Clearly, you would like to stimulate MGO scavenging, if you are targeting healthy aging.
The role of Actiful® in supporting the mitochondria
The mechanism of action of the polyphenols present in Actiful® is quite complex and apparently linked with benefits and protection for our mitochondria, the so called ‘powerhouse’ of the cells. Hesperidin and pomegranate are known for their antioxidant properties (11, 12), which contributes to the direct MGO scavenging. They also reduce oxidative stress which leads to support of the natural body’s detoxification mechanisms. All of the above mentioned benefits are directly linked with the potential of Actiful® to protect the mitochondria and support its function via the reduction of MGO, observed in the latest clinical data of Actiful® (10).
The potential of Actiful® for the supplements market
The latest data allows Actiful® to expand its market possibilities. It can be an active ingredient in vitality supplements for mid-aged adults and active seniors as well as in energy drinks and sports drinks. Actiful® can be marketed for its beneficial effects on vitality, mental wellbeing, energy production and mitochondria support.
