Effects of a Multi-Targeted Oral Supplement on Skin, Hair, Sleep, Energy, Cognition, Libido and Epigenetic Biological Clock Age
This research study investigated whether a daily food supplement could improve skin, hair, sleep, energy levels, thinking abilities, and sexual well-being in healthy adults between 35 and 65 years old. Participants took either the active supplement or a dummy pill (placebo) for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in skin and hair, and participants completed questionnaires about their sleep, energy, and other aspects of their health. They also looked at blood samples to explore the effects on biological age, sometimes called your 'biological clock'. The study was conducted in Edinburgh, UK, and aimed to understand if this supplement could help with healthy ageing.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your body has different parts that change as you get older, like your skin, hair, how well you sleep, or how energetic you feel. This study looked at a special food supplement designed to support healthy ageing. The researchers wanted to see if taking this daily supplement could make a real difference to these areas in healthy adults aged 35 to 65.
The study involved two groups: one group took the actual supplement, and the other took a 'placebo', which is a dummy pill that looks exactly the same but has no active ingredients. This helps researchers compare the effects accurately. Over 12 weeks, they carefully checked things like skin moisture and firmness, hair growth, and thinking speed. Participants also filled in questionnaires about their sleep, energy levels, and general well-being to see if they felt any changes.
Ultimately, this research helps us understand more about how certain supplements might support our bodies as we age, specifically looking at things like skin and hair health, how well we sleep and think, and our overall vitality. It's about gathering scientific evidence to see what really works for healthy ageing.
Key takeaways
- The study explored how a daily food supplement might support healthy ageing.
- It focused on benefits for skin, hair, sleep, energy, thinking skills, and sexual well-being.
- Participants were healthy adults aged 35 to 65 years.
- It involved taking either the supplement or a dummy pill for 12 weeks.
- Researchers measured physical changes and gathered feedback through questionnaires.
- The study also looked at potential effects on biological age markers.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you needed to be a healthy adult aged between 35 and 65 years old. You couldn't have serious skin problems like excessive hair, tattoos, or scars in the areas they wanted to test. For men, you needed to be clean-shaven for appointments. Women who could have children needed to be using reliable contraception, and if you were pregnant or breastfeeding, you couldn't take part.
It was important not to have taken any other food or health supplements (like vitamins, omega oils, or collagen) in the three months before the study started. You also needed to be willing not to change your usual eating habits, exercise routines, or start any new supplements during the study. If you were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or medicinal contraception, it needed to be a stable method you'd been using for several months.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 35 and 65 years old?
- Are you generally in good health?
- Have you avoided other health supplements for the last 3 months?
- Are you willing to maintain your usual diet and exercise during the study?
- For women who could become pregnant: are you using reliable contraception?
- Are you able to attend appointments in Edinburgh?
What does participation involve?
If you joined the study, you would visit the clinic in Edinburgh three times over 12 weeks: at the very start (Day 0), after 4 weeks (Day 28), and at the end (Day 84). At the first two visits, you'd get a month's supply of your study product (either the active supplement or the dummy pill) and a diary to note when you took it.
You would take your assigned product once a day with food at home. During your clinic visits, researchers would take measurements of your skin, photographs of your hair, and you'd do some thinking tests. You would also fill out questionnaires about your sleep, energy, and overall health. They would also take blood samples at the start and end of the study. Throughout the 12 weeks, the research team would also keep an eye out for any unexpected health changes or side effects.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Eurofins Product Testing Services Ltd (Eurofins Alba)Verified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of supplement was being tested?
It was an oral food supplement with multiple ingredients, including capsules for brain, heart, and eye health (omega oils) and a powder for longevity and collagen support.
What does 'biological clock age' mean?
This refers to special tests on your blood that look at tiny changes in your DNA to estimate how 'old' your body is at a cellular level, which might be different from your actual age.
What is a 'placebo'?
A placebo is a dummy pill or treatment that looks exactly like the real one but has no active ingredients. It helps researchers compare effects fairly.
What does 'blinded study' mean?
It means neither the participants nor the staff knew whether someone was receiving the active supplement or the placebo. This helps prevent bias.
Where was the study conducted?
The study was carried out at a single research centre in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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