Anti-inflammatory supplements for a better quality of life 

What is inflammation? 

Generally speaking, inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant such as germs, pollen or any other foreign object (1). An immune response may involve many different immune system cells. These cells release various substances including histamine.  

As inflammatory mediators, histamines then cause the small blood vessels in the infected tissue to become wider. Through this, more blood reaches the injured tissue. The increased blood flow causes the inflamed area to turn red and feel hot. 

Inflammatory mediators also have a protective function; they irritate our nerves to send pain signals to the brain. We then tend to protect the affected part of the body. 

The inflammatory mediators have yet another function; They make it easier for immune system cells to pass out of the small blood vessels. The more immune cells that can enter the affected tissue, the faster the healing process.  

The immune system cells in turn, cause more fluid to enter the inflamed tissue. This is why the site of inflammation often swells up. The extra fluid can also help to quickly flush the germs out of the body (1). 

So, is inflammation a good thing or a bad thing? 

An inflammatory response can be good or bad.  

The normal short-term immune response to trauma, illness or stress helps the body stay healthy. This is known as acute inflammation.  

However, in some diseases, the immune system fights against the body’s own cells by mistake. Known as auto-immunity, this can cause harmful, long-term inflammation (1). This is known as chronic inflammation. 

Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases.  

The relationship between supplementation and inflammation 

Some types of chronic inflammation can be caused by poor diet choices and lifestyle habits like inadequate sleep, smoking, and lack of physical activity (2). In such a case, supplementation along with exercise and/or stress management can greatly help relieve the symptoms of the disease.  

Curcumin: The best natural supplement for arthritis 

We have dedicated an entire blog post to this “the most powerful spice of all” for good reason. Used in traditional Eastern cooking, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, curcumin is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities (3). 

In a clinical study of 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, all the inflammation markers were significantly improved in the groups receiving curcumin (3). Its benefit was also proven in a study of osteoarthritis of the knee. 

Why is PlantaCorp’s liposomal curcumin recommended? 

Curcumin makes up 77% of the curcuminoids (4). However, as we outlined in our article on curcumin, curcuminoids comprise only about 2 % -9 % of turmeric powder.  Therefore, just eating turmeric will not provide you with the health benefits of curcumin.  

Since PlantaCorp’s curcumin formulations contain at least 90% curcuminoids, you get the maximum benefit of curcumin. Further, our unique liposomal encapsulation technology makes curcumin 47-times more bioavailable than a non-liposomal supplement.  

Market trend for curcumin supplements 

The total global curcumin market is estimated at more than USD 100 million in 2023 (5). Of this, the nutraceuticals market will form more than 50% of the volume and revenue share. 

Talk to us today to add liposomal curcumin to your supplement portfolio.  

Omega-3: The supplement for joint pain 

In our all-season supplement blog post, omega-3 fatty acids came up on top, not least because of their potent anti-inflammatory activity (6). In animal studies omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were found to reduce the expression of inflammatory markers, cartilage degradation and oxidative stress in chondrocytes (7). 

A meta-analysis of scientific studies in humans suggested that omega-3 PUFAs are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and dysmenorrhea (8).  

In our blog post on men’s supplements, we discussed why although the omega-3, ALA, can be easily obtained from our diet such as via the consumption of fish, supplementation is the only way for our bodies to be able to absorb EPA and DHA. 

Why liposomal omega-3 supplementation? 

Since omega-3 PUFAs for supplementation are derived from a marine source, fish oil supplements often have a fishy taste. Liposomal encapsulation has been shown to overcome this barrier (9). Liposomal encapsulation can also protect omega-3s from rapid oxidization (10). 

Market trend for omega-3 supplements 

In 2019, in Italy alone, fish oil/omega-3 supplements accounted for 50 million euros of the dietary supplement market share (11). Omega-3 supplements are also one of the supplements with high growth potential in the US market.  

Contact us today to find out more about liposomal omega-3 supplementation.  

Glutathione: Reduces the symptoms of inflammation 

Found ubiquitously in almost all living plant and animal cells, the role of glutathione in detoxification and antioxidation is extremely important (12, 13).  

Low levels of glutathione have been associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis (14).  

Since the process of inflammation involves the generation of free radicals, a potent antioxidant like glutathione can greatly help reduce its symptoms (12).  

Why liposomal glutathione supplementation? 

Several scientific studies have demonstrated the positive effects of liposomal glutathione supplementation (12, 15). These include elevated cellular glutathione levels and reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers without any toxicity.  

Bioavailability studies with our own liquid liposomal glutathione formulation have indicated that plasma glutathione levels increased by almost 64-times as compared to a non-liposomal formulation. 

Market trend for glutathione supplements 

The reduced glutathione segment accounted for around USD 66 million in 2020 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 6% between 2021 and 2028 (16). 

Would you like to know more? Contact us. 

L-carnitine: Systemic anti-inflammatory supplement 

Carnitine is an amino-acid derivative that helps reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death (17).  

L-carnitine supplementation has been scientifically proven to be beneficial in the treatment of the inflammation of the heart (17), intestine (18), kidney disease and whole-body inflammation (19). 

When do I need carnitine supplementation? 

Since carnitine is mainly found in animal products, vegetarians and vegans can specifically benefit from carnitine supplementation. A carnitine deficiency may also occur due to aging, some forms of cancer, heart disease and male infertility (20).  

Which form of carnitine supplementation is best? 

The L-form of carnitine is the most common recommended supplement form because it is the biologically active, natural form (21). 

In our blog post on supplements for men’s health, we explained why liposomal L-carnitine is superior to any other form of supplementation. The benefits include a higher bioavailability and improved effects compared to non-liposomal forms (22).  

Market trend for L-carnitine supplements 

The global L-carnitine market size was valued at USD 190 million in 2020 (23). 35% of the market share belonged to healthcare products. North America was the largest regional market for L-carnitine in 2020. 

Contact us today to find out how you can partake in the global L-carnitine market that is expected to be valued at USD 280.5 million by 2030.  

Key takeaways 

• Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant or foreign object. 
• Inflammation due to a short-term immune response to trauma, illness or stress helps the body stay healthy. Long-term inflammation due to autoimmunity, stress or poor lifestyle choices can be harmful.  
• Supplementation along with exercise and/or stress management can greatly help relieve chronic inflammation. 
• Liposomal curcumin is highly beneficial for those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.  
• Omega-3 fatty acids are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and dysmenorrhea. 
• A potent antioxidant like glutathione, in the liposomal form, can greatly help reduce the symptoms associated with inflammation.  
• L-carnitine supplementation has been scientifically proven to be beneficial in the treatment of the inflammation of the heart, intestine, kidneys and whole-body inflammation 

References 

1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. What is an inflammation? 2010 Nov 23 [Updated 2018 Feb 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/  
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-anti-inflammatory-supplements  
3. Xu X-Y, Meng X, Li S, Gan R-Y, Li Y, Li H-B. Bioactivity, Health Benefits, and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin: Current Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives. 10, s.l. : Nutrients, 2018, Vol. 10. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/10/1553 
4. [Online] [Cited: 11 26, 2021.] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin.  
5. [Online] [Cited: 11 30, 2021.] https://store.frost.com/global-curcumin-market-forecast-to-2023.html. 
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. NIH: Office of dietary supplements. [Online] [Cited: 11 10, 2021.] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/. 
7. Loef M, Schoones JW, Kloppenburg M, Ioan-Facsinay A. Fatty acids and osteoarthritis: different types, different effects. Joint Bone Spine. 2019 Jul;86(4):451-458. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30081198/  
8. Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007 May;129(1-2):210-23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17335973/  
9. Rasti B, Erfanian A, Selamat J. Novel nanoliposomal encapsulated omega-3 fatty acids and their applications in food. Food Chem. 2017 Sep 1;230:690-696. https://core.ac.uk/reader/154908175?utm_source=linkout  
10. Venugopalan VK, Gopakumar LR, Kumaran AK, Chatterjee NS, Soman V, Peeralil S, Mathew S, McClements DJ, Nagarajarao RC. Encapsulation and Protection of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oils Using Food-Grade Delivery Systems. Foods. 2021; 10(7):1566. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/7/1566/htm  
11. PwC Analysis, Euromonitor International 2019, Press. https://www.pwc.com/it/it/publications/assets/docs/Vitamins-Dietary-Supplements-Market-Overview.pdf  
12. Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6389332/ 
13. https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/best-supplements-autoimmune/#1_Glutathione  
14. Ballatori N, Krance SM, Notenboom S, Shi S, Tieu K, Hammond CL. Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biol Chem. 2009;390(3):191-214. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756154/ 
15. Zeevalk GD, Bernard LP, Guilford FT. Liposomal-glutathione provides maintenance of intracellular glutathione and neuroprotection in mesencephalic neuronal cells. Neurochem Res. 2010 Oct;35(10):1575-87. 
16. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/glutathione-market-size-growth-share-2022-development-and-trends-global-forecast-report-and-latest-reports-2031-2022-05-04  
17. Wang ZY, Liu YY, Liu GH, Lu HB, Mao CY. l-Carnitine and heart disease. Life Sci. 2018 Feb 1;194:88-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29241711/  
18. Fortin G. L-Carnitine and intestinal inflammation. Vitam Horm. 2011; 86:353-66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21419279/  
19. Khalatbari-Soltani S, Tabibi H. Inflammation and L-carnitine therapy in hemodialysis patients: a review. Clin Exp Nephrol. 2015 Jun;19(3):331-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25446285/  
20. [Online] [Cited: 11 12, 2021.] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/#en2.  
21. What form of carnitine is right for you? | Welcome on Ergomax’s blog (ergomaxsupplements.com) 
22. Yaşacan M, Erikçi A, Eylem CC, Çiftçi SY, Nemutlu E, Ulubayram K, Eroğlu İ. Polymeric Nanoparticle Versus Liposome Formulations: Comparative Physicochemical and Metabolomic Studies as L-Carnitine Delivery Systems.  8, s.l. : AAPS PharmSciTech, 2020, Vol. 21. 
23. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/l-carnitine-market-drivers-growth-opportunity-analysis-report-2022-04-04