Composition for skin health

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for improving skin health and / or appearance. The composition comprises digestible keratin, collagen, and kiwi fruit material, and can be formulated for oral or topical application.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for improving the health and / or appearance of skin. The composition comprises digestible keratin, collagen and kiwifruit material, and can be formulated for oral or topical application. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern society places a great deal of emphasis on appearance, and many people wish to present a relatively youthful facial appearance. However, people are increasingly under stress, including work stress, environmental stress from ultraviolet light and atmospheric pollution, and dietary stress from processed foods. These stresses can have a deleterious effect on the skin and can cause the youthful facial appearance to age, sometimes referred to as "premature aging". There is therefore a pressing need in society for a method of reversing the effects of the above stresses on the appearance of the skin.

[0003] While a variety of dietary supplements and topical preparations have been used in an attempt to reverse these effects, the problem of skin health and the degeneration of skin cells remains unsolved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition which helps to alleviate or reverse the effects of these stresses, thereby providing at least a partial solution to the problem and / or at least providing a useful alternative to the public.

[0004] In this specification, a patent specification, other external document, or other source of information is referenced, generally to provide background on features of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such source of information is prior art to, or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (a) collagen; (b) digestible keratin; and (c) kiwifruit material.

[0006] In one embodiment, the collagen comprises hydrolysed collagen. In one embodiment, the hydrolysed collagen is sheep collagen. In one embodiment, the collagen is at least about 80%, 85% or 90% protein by weight, preferably at least about 85% protein by weight. In one embodiment, the digestible keratin has a digestibility of at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%. In one embodiment, the digestible keratin comprises at least about 65%, 70% or 75% protein by weight, preferably at least about 70% protein by weight. In one embodiment, the digestible keratin is sheep keratin.

[0007] In one embodiment, the kiwifruit material is Actinidia deliciosa or Actinidia chinensis the skin, preferably Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa In one embodiment, the kiwifruit material comprises at least about 20 mg phenols per g of kiwifruit material, preferably at least about 25 mg phenols per g of kiwifruit material. In one embodiment, the kiwifruit material comprises at least about 200 mg soluble fibre per g of kiwifruit material, preferably at least about 250 mg soluble fibre per g of kiwifruit material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the composition comprises or consists essentially of: (a) sheep collagen; (b) digestible sheep keratin; and (c) kiwifruit skin, in a dry weight ratio of 6.25: 1 : 1.25.

[0009] In one aspect, the present application provides a nutritional supplement comprising the composition of the present application and one or more nutritionally acceptable excipients, carriers and / or diluents. In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is in the form of a soluble powder, a concentrated liquid formulation, a liquid beverage, a supplement bar, a dietary supplement capsule or a gummy.

[0010] In one aspect, the present application provides a topical formulation comprising the composition of the present application and one or more cosmetically acceptable excipients, carriers and / or diluents.

[0011] In one aspect, the present application provides a method of increasing keratinocyte viability in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject the composition, supplement or formulation of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] 4.1 Definitions and Abbreviations

[0013] As used herein, the term "comprising" means "at least partially comprising." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than those expressly identified by the claim can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are interpreted in the same manner.

[0014] The term "about" as used herein means a reasonable deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, when applied to a value, the term should be interpreted to include a + / - 5% deviation of the value.

[0015] References to numerical ranges of values (e.g., 1 to 10) disclosed herein are intended to include references to all rational numbers (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) within the range and any rational range of values within the range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and thus all subranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are expressly incorporated herein. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended and any numerical values within the

[0016] Whenever a range is given in the specification, e.g., a temperature range, a time range, or a composition range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. In this disclosure and claims, "and / or" means

[0017] 4.1 Compositions of the Invention

[0018] Keratinocytes occur in the outermost layer of the skin. Thus, an increase in keratinocyte viability is directly related to an improvement in skin health, with mechanisms of action including: enhanced skin barrier function, improved dermal-epidermal junction associated with wrinkle formation, and increased skin firmness through collagen synthesis.

[0019] The compositions of the invention comprise three essential components - collagen, digestible keratin, and kiwifruit material. The compositions have a surprising stimulatory effect on skin cells, and in particular, increase the viability of human keratinocytes. The compositions have a stronger stimulatory effect on the skin than each component or any other combination used alone, indicating a synergistic mechanism of action (see Example 1).

[0020] Based on the results provided in this disclosure, the inventors believe that oral or topical application of the compositions of the invention are expected to bring about related benefits in skin health and cosmetic appearance.

[0021] Collagen is the most abundant protein in the mammalian body, and is typically found in connective tissue, including cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Collagen derived from mammals or marine organisms (such as bovine, ovine, cervine, caprine, or piscine skin) is a protein commonly used in dietary supplements and functional foods. Such supplements and / or foods are typically used to improve appearance or provide benefits related to joint health and mobility. Many different types of collagen are known, each characterized by a different three-dimensional structure.

[0022] Type I, II, and III collagen are most commonly found in the skin and are responsible for maintaining the volume and structure of the skin and other soft tissues. Type IV collagen is a connective protein known to act on basement membranes, such as the junction between the dermis and epidermis. Type IV collagen is rarely provided in dietary supplements, but it is a protein that is very important for tissue health.

[0023] Although type I and type III collagen are preferred, all types of collagen are suitable for the compositions of the present invention.

[0024] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises collagen from cattle, sheep, deer, fish, goats, or horses, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the collagen is sheep collagen. Collagen can be extracted from its biological source by a range of methods, including those described in NZ 536193, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] The collagen contained in the compositions of the present invention may be in any form, including intact collagen or hydrolyzed collagen. Intact collagen is a complex protein composed of three amino acid chains. Although collagen is insoluble, it is easily digested. Hydrolyzed collagen contains a group of low-molecular-weight peptides. Hydrolyzed collagen is obtained through enzymatic action and is typically produced by the enzymatic digestion of agricultural and food waste such as bones, tendons, and skin.

[0026] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises hydrolyzed collagen or intact collagen, preferably hydrolyzed collagen.

[0027] The purity of collagen can vary, which can be expressed by its protein content. The collagen used in the compositions of the present invention must have a high protein content. In one embodiment, the collagen is at least about 80%, 85%, or 90% protein. Preferably, the collagen is at least about 85% protein.

[0028] In one embodiment, the collagen is at least 85% by weight of hydrolyzed type I and / or hydrolyzed type II sheep collagen.

[0029] Keratin is a hard protein found in wool, hair, horns, hooves, feathers, and the outer layer of animal skin. Keratin is typically a tough and insoluble protein, and is considered difficult to digest due to its higher cysteine ​​content compared to other proteins. Multiple cysteine ​​residues form cross-links, giving keratin resistance to enzymatic degradation, resulting in a protein with generally low nutritional value.

[0030] Keratin can be extracted from keratin sources using a variety of methods, including chemical methods (such as oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and sulfite solubilization), enzymatic / microbial methods, ionic liquid solubilization, microwave irradiation, steam explosion, and pyrolysis.

[0031] Chemical extraction processes typically disrupt the disulfide crosslinks within and between keratin proteins, increasing their solubility and digestibility. For example, US 7,148,327, incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes such a method.

[0032] This digestible form of keratin has been used in dietary supplements to impart benefits related to cosmetic and joint health. The digestible keratin included in the compositions of the present invention is keratin that has been modified to make it digestible. As used herein, the term "digestible keratin" means keratin having a digestibility of at least 70% as determined using the standard pepsin digestibility assay according to the procedure of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (Official Methods of Analysis (13th Edition, Revised), Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, D.C. (1980)). Actinidia deliciosa digestibility of at least 70%.

[0033] Keratin can be modified to increase its digestibility using any method known in the art. In addition to chemical methods that disrupt the cystine crosslinks, protein hydrolysis can also be used to increase digestibility. Modification for digestibility is typically part of the keratin isolation process.

[0034] The term "digestible keratin" includes keratin derivatives such as S-sulfonated keratin, oxidized keratin, and keratin peptides, all of which can be produced during digestion.

[0035] In one embodiment, the digestible keratin has a digestibility of at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%.

[0036] The digestibility of keratin can be increased by methods that also convert a substantial portion of the cystine to the amino acid cystine, such as the method disclosed in U.S. Application No. 13 / 381,766 (Publication No. US 2012 / 0219667), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The method involves heating a keratin source in an oxidizing solution at an acidic pH to oxidize the cystine component to cysteine; further heating at a neutral pH; removing residual oxidizing agent and salts; and then drying and milling the digestible keratin powder. Cystine-rich keratin is believed to have a higher nutritional value.

[0037] In one embodiment, the digestible keratin is isolated from sheep wool. In one embodiment, the keratin is isolated from sheep wool using the method outlined in US 2012 / 0219667. In one embodiment, the keratin is extracted from the keratin source using the following method: (a) adding an insoluble keratin source to an aqueous oxidant solution at 90°C and maintaining the mixture at 90°C for 90 minutes; (b) cooling the mixture to 60°C and then adding a base in an amount sufficient to raise the pH to produce a protein salt but to maintain the pH below 7.5; (c) heating back to 90°C and maintaining for about 40 minutes while maintaining the pH below 6.1.

[0038] In one embodiment, the digestible keratin comprises at least about 65%, 70% or 75% by weight protein, preferably at least about 70% by weight protein.

[0039] Kiwi is a small, furry, brown fruit of several Actinidia deliciosa woody vine plants. The most common kiwi variety ( Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') is oval, about 5 to 8 cm long, with thin fuzzy skin that is light brown. The fruit is soft and sweet-tasting, with a light green or golden yellow flesh. Another popular variety is Actinidia deliciosa 'Golden', which has a yellow flesh. The term "kiwi material" as used herein refers to the flesh, skin and / or seeds of the fruit of the kiwi ( Actinidia deliciosa ) fruit of any variety, or an extract thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment, the kiwi material is from Actinidia deliciosa or Actinidia deliciosa , preferably from Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa .

[0041] In one embodiment, the composition of the present application comprises an extract of kiwi skin. The kiwi skin extract can be obtained by water extraction of macerated kiwi skin followed by freeze-drying.

[0042] In one embodiment, the kiwi skin extract comprises at least about 20 mg phenols per g extract, preferably at least about 25 mg phenols per g extract.

[0043] In one embodiment, the kiwi skin extract comprises at least about 200 mg soluble fibre per g extract, preferably at least about 250 mg soluble fibre per g extract.

[0044] In one embodiment, the present application relates to a composition comprising or consisting essentially of: (a) collagen; (b) digestible keratin; and (c) kiwifruit material.

[0045] The inventors have surprisingly found that the compositions of the present application comprising the three components in a specific weight ratio range are most effective in increasing the viability of human keratinocytes.

[0046] In one embodiment, the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 4 to 8: 0.5 to 2: 0.5 to 2.

[0047] In one embodiment, the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 4 to 8: 1 : 0.5 to 2.

[0048] In one embodiment, the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 6.25: 0.5 to 2: 0.5 to 2.

[0049] In one embodiment, the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 4 to 8: 0.5 to 2: 1.25.

[0050] In one aspect, the present application provides a composition comprising: (a) sheep collagen; (b) digestible sheep keratin; and (c) kiwifruit peel, in a dry weight ratio of 6.25: 1 : 1.25.

[0051] 4.2 Formulation of the composition of the present application

[0052] The composition of the present application can be added directly to food or beverages, including milk (dairy or plant-based), hot beverages, biscuits and other baked goods, and water. Alternatively, the composition of the present application can be formulated into a nutritional supplement or a topical preparation.

[0053] In one aspect, the present application provides a nutritional supplement comprising the composition of the present application and one or more nutritionally acceptable excipients, carriers and / or diluents. Nutritionally acceptable excipients, carriers and diluents include, but are not limited to, vitamins (such as Vitamin C), fillers (such as maltodextrin and microcrystalline cellulose), flavourings, preservatives, sweeteners (natural and artificial sweeteners), and the like.

[0054] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is a soluble powder. In one embodiment, the soluble powder comprises 3.4 g of the composition of the present application and 100 mg vitamin C and 1 g maltodextrin.

[0055] In another embodiment, the nutritional supplement is a concentrated liquid formulation. The concentrated liquid formulation can be added as a "shot" to another beverage. In one embodiment, the concentrated liquid formulation comprises 3.4 g of the composition of the present application suspended in 25 ml water and 0.25 g sodium benzoate preservative.

[0056] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is a liquid beverage. In one embodiment, the liquid beverage comprises 3.4 g of the composition of the present application, 10 g sucrose, 1 g vitamin C and small amounts of colorants and flavorings in 250 ml water or soda.

[0057] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is a supplement bar. In one embodiment, the supplement bar comprises 3.4 g of the composition of the present application, and glucose, milk chocolate, soy lecithin, glycerin, maltodextrin, pineapple concentrate, honey, salt and colorants, and has the following properties: mass 60 g; energy 915 kJ; protein 20 g; total fat 3 g; total carbohydrate 27.3 g.

[0058] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is formulated as a dietary supplement. In one embodiment, the dietary supplement is provided in the form of a pill or capsule. In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement comprises 850 mg of the composition of the present application, and 150 mg microcrystalline cellulose, packed into a size 00 capsule, 4 capsules to be taken daily.

[0059] In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement is a gummy. A gummy is a chewable candy based on gelatin. In one embodiment, the gummy comprises 12.5 g of the composition of the present application and 3 g of mixed berry flavoring, added to a mixture of 35 g gelatin powder and 40 g water, and molded to produce 1.13 g of gummy, taken 3 times daily.

[0060] In one aspect, the present invention provides a topical formulation comprising the composition of the present invention and one or more cosmetically acceptable excipients, carriers, and / or diluents. Cosmetically acceptable excipients, carriers, and diluents include, but are not limited to, fatty and oily components, moisturizers, emollients, surfactants, organic and inorganic pigments, organic powders, ultraviolet absorbers, preservatives, disinfectants, antioxidants, plant extracts, pH adjusters, alcohols, pigments, fragrances, blood circulation promoters, refrigerants, antiperspirants, and purified water.

[0061] The cosmetic formulations of the present invention can be formulated as solutions, emulsions, pastes, creams, gels, etc.

[0062] 4.3 Characteristics of the compositions of the present invention

[0063] As described in Example 1, the effects of the compositions of the present invention on primary human keratinocytes were studied using an MTT cell proliferation assay. Actinidia deliciosa Effect of cell culture. In this experiment, the amount of formazan (proportional to the number of live cells) was determined by recording the absorbance change at 570 nm using a microplate reader.

[0064] Compared with control sample 5, which contains the same amount and proportion of keratin and collagen, the cell viability of the composition of the present invention (sample 3) was increased by 17.2%.

[0065] Cell viability is an important indicator of tissue viability. Compared with immortalized fibroblasts commonly used in cell culture, establishing a tissue viability enhancement model on primary human keratinocytes can more accurately simulate the potential outcome of intact skin.

[0066] Improved skin cell vitality is directly related to important skin structural characteristics, including moisture content, barrier function, firmness, elasticity, wrinkle structure, depth, and volume.

[0067] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the viability of keratinocytes in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a composition, supplement, or formulation of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method comprises orally administering a nutritional supplement of the present invention. In another embodiment, the method comprises topically applying a cosmetic formulation of the present invention.

[0068] Example

[0069] Example 1: Effect of the composition of the present invention on the viability of primary human keratinocytes

[0070] Keratinocytes are one of the main cell types present in the skin. They are the most prominent cell type in the epidermal layer. They can resist a variety of risks, including microorganisms, radiation and high temperatures. When the skin is exposed to these potential dangers, they produce a variety of pro-inflammatory compounds. They also produce a variety of skin structure components, such as keratin and filaggrin.

[0071] Primary human keratinocytes (HEKa ATCC number PCS-200-011) were cultured according to the supplier recommendations.

[0072] The collagen used was hydrolysed type I and III sheep collagen. The keratin used in this study was isolated from sheep wool using the method outlined in US 20120219667. The kiwifruit material was a water extract of kiwifruit peel.

[0073] Table 1: Characteristics of the components of the composition of the invention

[0074] N / A means not applicable or not available.

[0075] The amino acid profile of the keratin is shown in Table 2.

[0076] Table 2: Amino acid profile of the keratin used

[0077] The collagen, keratin and kiwifruit powder components were dry mixed together. A range of combinations of collagen, keratin and kiwifruit were added to the culture medium, details of which are shown in Table 3.

[0078] After 24 hours incubation of the cells at 37°C, 95% air / 5% C02, the culture medium was aspirated from the plates and the supernatant was transferred to a 96 well plate. After removal of the supernatant, 180 μΐ of fresh culture medium was added to each well. 20 μΐ of MTT working solution (5 mg / ml) was added to each well on the plate and incubation was continued for 4 hours at 37°C. 100 μΐ of MTT lysis buffer was then added to each of these wells and the plate was incubated for 1 hour at 37°C. The absorbance of each well was read at 570 nm using a VersaMax microplate reader.

[0079] Table 3: Average absorbance at 570 nm of collagen and keratin compositions

[0080] A range of collagen and keratin concentrations were evaluated for their effect on protein expression and tissue viability. Also, the relative ratios of collagen to keratin were evaluated at 1 : 1, 3: 1 and 6.25: 1. No statistically significant differences were observed for the combination of collagen and keratin, either alone or in any combination. However, upon the addition of kiwi extract, cell viability was significantly improved. Comparing sample 3 to sample 5, cell viability was found to be improved by 17.2%. The protein concentrations were the same in each sample (50 ug / ml total, and a ratio of collagen to keratin of 6.25: 1), the only difference being the addition of a low concentration of kiwi extract. The relative concentrations of collagen, keratin and kiwi in this combination were 6.25: 1: 1.25.

[0081] Example 2: Cosmetic Formulations

[0082] Actinidia deliciosa

[0083] An anti-wrinkle cosmetic formulation comprising the composition of the present application was prepared by combining the ingredients listed below in Table 4. These ingredients are named according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) rules.

[0084] Table 4: Formulation Ingredients

[0085] Actinidia deliciosa

[0086] A moisturizing cream comprising the composition of the present application was prepared by combining the ingredients listed below in Table 5.

[0087] Table 5: Formulation Ingredients

[0088] Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa Actinidia deliciosa

[0089] An intensive serum comprising the composition of the present application was prepared by combining the ingredients listed below in Table 6.

[0090] Table 6: Formulation Ingredients

[0091] Prospective Example: The effectiveness of the collagen, keratin, kiwifruit composition of the invention at a daily 3.4 g dose on skin properties can be determined by a randomized controlled clinical study that will enroll two groups of 35 volunteers each. Such a study will include daily administration of the composition of the invention, as well as administration of a placebo control made of microcrystalline cellulose, for 60 days. At periodic time points throughout the study, including day 0, day 30, and day 60, important skin features will be measured. Skin moisture content will be measured using a corneometer, skin barrier function will be measured using a Tewameter by determining the amount of transepidermal water loss, skin firmness and elasticity will be measured using a cutometer, and wrinkle features will be measured using high resolution 3D scanning or using silicone impression techniques. It is expected that oral administration of the composition of the invention will improve each of these features.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: (a) Collagen; (b) digestible keratin; and (c) Kiwi fruit material.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the collagen comprises hydrolyzed collagen.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collagen comprises sheep collagen.

4. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collagen is at least about 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of protein, preferably at least about 85% by weight of protein.

5. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digestible keratin is extracted from a keratin source using the following method: (a) Add an insoluble keratin source to an aqueous oxidant solution at 90°C and keep the mixture at 90°C for 90 minutes; (b) Cool the mixture to 60°C, and then add an amount of alkali sufficient to raise the pH to produce a protein salt, but keep the pH below 7.5; (c) Heat back to 90°C and maintain for about 40 minutes, while keeping the pH below 6.

1.

6. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digestible keratin has a digestibility of at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%.

7. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digestible keratin comprises at least about 65% by weight, 70% by weight, or 75% by weight of protein, preferably at least about 70% by weight of protein.

8. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digestible keratin is sheep keratin.

9. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiwi fruit material is Delicious kiwi or Chinese Kiwi kiwifruit Extracts from the skin, preferably Extract from the peel of delicious kiwifruit.

10. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiwifruit material comprises at least about 20 mg phenol / g kiwifruit material, preferably at least about 25 mg phenol / g kiwifruit material.

11. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiwifruit material comprises at least about 200 mg soluble fiber / g kiwifruit material, preferably at least about 250 mg soluble fiber / g kiwifruit material.

12. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 4 to 8:0.5 to 2:0.5 to 2, or about 4 to 8:1:0.5 to 2, or about 6.25:0.5 to 2:0.5 to 2, or about 4 to 8:0.5 to 2:1.

25.

13. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the dry weight ratio of components (a):(b):(c) is about 6.25:1:1.

25.

14. A nutritional supplement comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and one or more nutritionally acceptable excipients, carriers and / or diluents.

15. The nutritional supplement according to claim 14, wherein the nutritional supplement is a soluble powder, a concentrated liquid preparation, a liquid beverage, a supplement bar, a dietary supplement capsule, or a gummy.

16. The nutritional supplement according to claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a soluble powder comprising 3.4 g of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 100 mg of vitamin C and 1 g of maltodextrin.

17. The nutritional supplement according to claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a concentrated liquid preparation comprising 3.4 g of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and 0.25 g of sodium benzoate preservative, both suspended in 25 ml of water.

18. The nutritional supplement according to claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a liquid beverage containing 3.4g of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 10g of sucrose, 1g of vitamin C, and a small amount of coloring and flavoring in 250ml of water or soda water.

19. The nutritional supplement according to claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a supplement bar, the supplement bar comprising 3.4g of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and glucose, milk chocolate, soy lecithin, glycerin, maltodextrin, pineapple concentrate, honey, salt and coloring.

20. The nutritional supplement according to claim 19, wherein the nutritional supplement has the following characteristics: 60g in weight; 915kJ of energy; 20g of protein; 3g of total fat; and 27.3g of total carbohydrates.

21. The nutritional supplement according to claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a dietary supplement comprising 850 mg of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and 150 mg of microcrystalline cellulose, encapsulated in size 00 capsules, and taken 4 capsules daily.

22. The nutritional supplement of claim 15, wherein the nutritional supplement is a gummy, the gummy comprising 12.5g of the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13 and 3g of mixed berry flavoring, added to a mixture of 35g of gelatin powder and 40g of water, and molded to produce 1.13g of gummy, to be taken three times daily.

23. A topical formulation comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and one or more cosmetically acceptable excipients, carriers and / or diluents.

24. A method for enhancing the viability of keratinocytes in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a nutritional supplement according to any one of claims 14 to 22 or a topical preparation according to claim 23.

Images