Fitties FitRenew

Medical References: FitRenew

Medical-grade ch-OSA® and biotin blend from Fitties

Buy FitRenew Now

Medical References: FitRenew

Clinical Applications

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles*
  • Supports bone flexibility*
  • Thickens and strengthens hair*
  • Strengthens nails*
  • Supports healthy bone mineral density*
  • Promotes connective tissue formation for healthy joints*

FitRenew features a carefully tested blend of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA®) and biotin. This unique combination is designed to support the body's "beauty proteins" by enhancing and activating the enzymes that are essential for collagen-producing cells. Typically, orthosilicic acid (OSA) needs stabilization to prevent polymerization, which can reduce its bioavailability. The proprietary choline-stabilization method used in ch-OSA ensures that polymer formation is inhibited, thereby maximizing OSA's absorption efficiency. The inclusion of biotin in FitRenew further amplifies its capability to support overall beauty and wellness.*

Discussion

Silica and Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid

Silica, a common element in various human tissues, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of connective tissues, including in the synthesis of vital components like collagen and glycosaminoglycans.[1] While cereals, grains, and vegetables are primary dietary sources of silica, processing methods today might diminish its content in these foods. Soluble silica is present as orthosilicic acid (OSA) in drinks and water sources.[2] However, OSA is naturally unstable and tends to form polymers that are not easily absorbed by the human body. FitRenew incorporates an innovative "choline stabilization" technique, preventing polymer formation and ensuring efficient absorption of OSA. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA®) is a bioavailable silica variant, demonstrated to raise hydroxyproline levels in animal dermis.[2] Moreover, the ch-OSA in FitRenew is backed by clinical evidence for reliability.*[2-4]

The Role of Orthosilicic Acid in "Beauty Proteins"

ch-OSA contributes to the nourishment of key "beauty proteins" such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. Collagen, a major structural protein, constitutes 70% of the skin, imparting strength and elasticity, and 30% of bone, providing necessary flexibility and serving as a binding site for calcium and other minerals.[5] It's also a crucial component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The production of collagen naturally declines starting from age 18, decreasing approximately 1% annually after age 40.[6] This decline is more pronounced in women, particularly post-menopause, leading to a marked reduction in skin thickness and elasticity.[7] Sufficient collagen production is linked with robust bone health and healthy hair and nails.*[6-8]

OSA has been extensively studied as a potential enhancer of collagen. The ch-OSA complex was developed through this research. Choline, a component of ch-OSA, not only binds with OSA but is also believed to transport OSA into cells where it stimulates collagen production pathways. Clinical studies indicate that ch-OSA not only boosts collagen but also enhances keratin and elastin formation, contributing to skin elasticity and hair strength.*[2-4]

Clinical Studies on ch-OSA

A 20-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 50 women with sun-damaged facial skin revealed that daily intake of 10 mg/d silicon as ch-OSA significantly improved skin properties and reduced roughness and micro-wrinkle depth by 19% and 30%, respectively, compared to a placebo.[2] This study also observed notable improvements in hair and nail strength. Moreover, serum silicon levels were 72% higher in the ch-OSA group after 20 weeks compared to the placebo group. Another nine-month study with 48 Caucasian women demonstrated that ch-OSA improved hair tensile strength, elasticity, and thickness.*[3]

A 12-month study at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London involving women supplementing their diet with 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D with added ch-OSA showed a 2.00% increase in femoral neck bone mineral density compared to a placebo group. This increase was attributed to actual bone formation, as evidenced by the significant rise in the P1NP marker, a sensitive indicator of bone collagen formation and an early marker of bone formation.[4] Animal studies corroborate these findings, showing enhanced collagen formation and bone mineral density with ch-OSA.*[9-11]

In another clinical study, 18 participants received five drops of ch-OSA twice daily for six months. Hair growth and hair loss were assessed using a semi-quantitative scale, with the Friedman test applied for analysis. At study conclusion, 94% of participants experienced improved hair growth, with 58% showing moderate to marked growth. All participants reported enhanced hair body and texture.*[12]

Biotin and Its Benefits

Biotin, vital for carboxylase enzyme functions, has varied health benefits. While clear biotin deficiency can cause skin issues and hair loss, there's anecdotal evidence that biotin supplementation promotes healthy hair growth and improves skin and nail health. Research indicates that biotin supplementation can increase nail thickness and decrease splitting.[13-15] One study showed that 91% of participants experienced stronger and harder fingernails after an average of 5.5 months on a 2.5 mg/d biotin regimen.[16] Higher biotin doses (9 mg to 16 mg/d) are beneficial for lipid and glucose metabolism, and doses up to 300 mg/d have been used for supporting neurological muscle function.*[17,18]

References

  1. Carlisle EM. Silicon as a trace nutrient. Sci Total Environ. 1988 Jul1;73(1-2):95- 106. [PMID: 3212453]
  2. Barel A, Calomme M, Timchenko A, et al. Effect of oral intake of cholinestabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin. Arch Dermatol Res. 2005 Oct;297(4):147-153. [PMID: 16205932]
  3. Wickett RR, Kossmann E, Barel A, et al. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Arch Dermatol Res. 2007 Dec;299(10):499-505. [PMID: 17960402]
  4. Spector TD, Calomme MR, Anderson SH, et al. Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid supplementation as an adjunct to calcium/vitamin D3 stimulates markers of bone formation in osteopenic females: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008 Jun 11;9:85. [PMID: 18547426]
  5. Viguet-Carrin S, Garnero P, Delmas PD. The role of collagen in bone strength. Osteoporos Int. 2006;17:319-336. [PMID: 16341622]
  6. Shuster S. Osteoporosis, a unitary hypothesis of collagen loss in skin and bone. Med Hypotheses. 2005;65(3):426-432. [PMID: 15951132]
  7. Calleja-Agius J, Muscat-Baron Y, Brincat MP. Skin ageing. Menopause Int. 2007 June;13(2):60-4. [PMID: 17540135]
  8. Sumino H, Ichikawa S, Abe M, et al. (2004). Effects of aging and postmenopausal hypoestrogenism on skin elasticity and bone mineral density in Japanese women. Endocr J. 2004 Apr;51(2):159-164. [PMID: 15118265]
  9. Calomme MR, Vanden Berghe DA. Supplementation of calves with stabilized orthosilicic acid. Effect on the Si, Ca, Mg, and P concentrations in serum and the collagen concentration in skin and cartilage. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1997 Feb;56(2):153-165. [PMID: 9164661]
  10. Calomme MR, Wijnen P, Sindambiwe JB, et al. Effect of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on bone density in chicks. Calcif Tissue Int. 2002, 70:292. Poster presented at: 29th European Symposium on Calcified Tissues; May 25-29, 2002; Zagreb, Croatia. http://www.ectsoc.org/zagreb2002/poster3.htm. Abstract P-139. Accessed December 16, 2015.
  11. Calomme MR, Geusens P, Demeester N, et al. Partial prevention of long-term femoral bone loss in aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with cholinestabilized orthosilicic acid. Calcif Tissue Int. 2006, Apr;78(4): 227-232. [PMID: 16604283]
  12. Chan G. An open clinical study of the efficacy of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in the management of hair loss. A pilot study. Paper presented at: 17th Regional Conference of Dermatology; September 13-16, 2006; Bali, Indonesia.
  13. Colombo VE, Gerber F, Bronhofer M, et al. Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990 Dec;23(6 Pt 1):1127-32. [PMID: 2273113]
  14. Hochman LG, Scher RK, Meyerson MS. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. Cutis. 1993 Apr;51(4):303-5. [PMID: 8477615]
  15. Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, Scher R. Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Aug;6(8):782-7. Review. [PMID: 17763607]
  16. Floersheim GL. Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin [in German]. Z Hautkr. 1989 Jan 15;64(1):41-8. [PMID: 2648686]
  17. Sedel F, Bernard D, Mock DM, et al. Targeting demyelination and virtual hypoxia with high-dose biotin as a treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis. Neuropharmacology. 2015 Sep 5. [Epub ahead of print] [PMID: 26327679]
  18. Biotin: Monograph. Alt Med Rev. 2007;12(1):73-78.