Compositions for promoting collagen production

Abstract

The invention relates to a vegan composition for promoting collagen production. The composition comprises from 4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend comprises glycin

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compositions, and in particular to compositions for promoting collagen production. BACKGROUND Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein made up of amino acids bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibrils known as a collagen helix. The human body makes its own collagen through a process referred to as collagen synthesis. For this to occur, the body needs a variety of amino acids, such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, and vitamins. Depending upon the degree of mineralization, collagen tissues may be rigid (bone) or compliant (tendon) or have a gradient from rigid to compliant (cartilage). Collagen is also abundant in corneas, blood vessels, the gut, intervertebral discs, and the dentin in teeth. Collagen provides structural support to the extracellular space of connective tissues and, for instance, provides tendons and ligaments with tensile strength, and skin with elasticity. Over 90% of the collagen in the human body is type I collagen. Intrinsic aging is accompanied by reduced collagen production. A reduction in collagen production is associated with symptoms such as joint pain or stiff tendons or ligaments, weakened muscles, and papery skin. Environmental factors such as sunlight, smoking, and sugar can also lead to a reduction in collagen production. For instance, exposure to ultraviolet light makes collagen fibers unravel leading to sun damage, such as wrinkles. Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage collagen, which can make skin sag and wrinkle. Sugar can cause the collagen fibers to cross-link and tangle, which can make skin less elastic over time. Taking collagen supplements may help ease these symptoms. Collagen is naturally found in bones and the connective tissue of fish and animals. Accordingly, bovine or 2 marine forms of collagen have traditionally been offered in most collagen supplements, which are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. There is, therefore, a need to provide an alternative to animal derived collagen supplements. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a composition for promoting collagen production, the composition comprising: 4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid; 100 mg to 660 mg of a vitamin blend; 150 mg to 460 mg lecithin; and 15 mg to 46 mg wheat lipid extract, wherein the wheat lipid extract comprises digalactosyldiacylglycerol, glucosylceramides, and ceramides. Possibly, the composition comprises: 12 to 36 wt.% of the amino acid blend; 0.3 to 1.9 wt.% of the vitamin blend; 0.4 to 1.3 wt.% of lecithin; and 0.04 to 0.13 wt.% of wheat lipid extract. The composition may be solvent-free. The composition may be alcohol-free. The composition may be formulated as an emulsion. The composition may be an emulsion. Possibly, the ratio of lecithin to wheat lipid extract in the composition is from 3:1 to 35:1, or from 5:1 to 15:1, or preferably from 7:1 to 13:1, or most preferably is 10:1. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 5800 mg to 10800 mg of the amino acid blend. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 7500 mg to 9200 mg of the amino acid blend. 3 Preferably, the composition may comprise 17 to 31 wt.% of the amino acid blend, or most preferably may comprise 21 to 26 wt.% of the amino acid blend. The composition may comprise from 220 mg to 660 mg of the vitamin blend. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 310 mg to 570 mg of the vitamin blend. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 400 mg to 490 mg of the vitamin blend. The composition may comprise 0.6 to 1.9 wt.% of the vitamin blend. Preferably, the composition may comprise 0.9 to 1.6 wt.% of the vitamin blend, or most preferably may comprise 1.1 to 1.4 wt.% of the vitamin blend. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 220 mg to 400 mg lecithin. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 280 mg to 340 mg lecithin. Preferably, the composition may comprise 0.6 to 1.1 wt.% lecithin, or most preferably may comprise 0.8 to 1.0 wt.% lecithin. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 22 mg to 40 mg of wheat lipid extract. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 28 mg to 34 mg of wheat lipid extract. Preferably, the composition may comprise 0.06 to 0.11 wt.% of wheat lipid extract, or most preferably may comprise 0.08 to 0.10 wt.% of wheat lipid extract. The wheat lipid extract may have a digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) content greater than 15 wt.%. The wheat lipid extract may have glucosylceramides and ceramides content of from 2 to 4 wt.%. Possibly, lecithin comprises phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, fatty acids, and triglycerides. Possibly, lecithin comprises: from 20 to 70 wt.% phosphatidylcholine; 5 wt.% hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine; 0.5 wt.% fatty acids; and 3 wt.% triglycerides. Lecithin may comprise soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, or egg lecithin. Soy lecithin may comprise hydrogenated phospholipids from soybean. Possibly, soy lecithin comprises phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, fatty acids, and triglycerides. Possibly, soy lecithin comprises: from 20 to 70 wt.% phosphatidylcholine; 5 wt.% hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine; 0.5 wt.% fatty acids; and 3 wt.% triglycerides. Possibly, the amino acid blend comprises alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, hydroxyproline, tyrosine, valine, and glutamic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises: 390 mg to 1170 mg alanine; 370 mg to 1110 mg arginine; 220 mg to 670 mg aspartic acid; 900 mg to 2690 mg glycine; 530 mg to 1590 mg proline; 140 mg to 430 mg serine; 80 mg to 240 mg threonine; 40 mg to 120 mg histidine; 80 mg to 240 mg isoleucine; 120 mg to 370 mg leucine; 180 mg 530 mg lysine; 30 mg to 90 mg methionine; 100 mg to 310 mg phenylalanine; 510 mg to 1530 mg hydroxyproline; 30 mg to 90 mg tyrosine; 100 mg to 310 mg valine; and 350 mg to 1040 mg glutamic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises from 1.1 to 3.3 wt.% alanine, or preferably from 1.5 to 2.9 wt.% alanine, or most preferably from 2.0 to 2.4 wt.% alanine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 1.1 to 3.3 wt.% arginine, or preferably from 1.5 to 2.9 wt.% arginine, or most preferably from 2.0 to 2.4 wt.% arginine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.6 to 1.9 wt.% aspartic acid, or preferably from 0.9 to 1.7 wt.% aspartic acid, or most preferably from 1.1 to 1.4 wt.% aspartic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises from 2.6 to 7.7 wt.% glycine, or preferably from 3.6 to 6.6 wt.% glycine, or most preferably from 4.6 to 5.6 wt.% glycine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 1.5 to 4.5 wt.% proline, or preferably from 2.1 to 3.9 wt.% proline, or most preferably from 2.7 to 3.3 wt.% proline. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.4 to 1.2 wt.% serine, or preferably from 0.6 to 1.1 wt.% serine, or most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9 wt.% serine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% threonine, or preferably from 0.3 to 0.6 wt.% threonine, or most preferably from 0.4 to 0.5 wt.% threonine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.11 to 0.35 wt.% histidine, or preferably from 0.16 to 0.30 wt.% histidine, or most preferably from 0.21 to 0.26 wt.% histidine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% isoleucine, or preferably from 0.3 to 0.6 wt.% isoleucine, or most preferably from 0.4 to 0.5 wt.% isoleucine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% leucine, or preferably from 0.5 to 0.9 wt.% leucine, or most preferably from 0.6 to 0.8 wt.% leucine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.5 to 1.5 wt.% lysine, or preferably from 0.7 to 1.3 wt.% lysine, or most preferably from 0.9 to 1.1 wt.% lysine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% methionine, or preferably from 0.12 to 0.23 wt.% methionine, or most preferably from 0.16 to 0.19 wt.% methionine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.3 to 0.9 wt.% phenylalanine, or preferably from 0.4 to 0.8 wt.% phenylalanine, or most preferably from 0.5 to 0.6 wt.% phenylalanine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 1.4 to 4.3 wt.% hydroxyproline, or preferably from 2.0 to 3.8 wt.% hydroxyproline, or most preferably from 2.6 to 3.2 wt.% hydroxyproline. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% tyrosine, or preferably from 0.12 to 0.23 wt.% tyrosine, or most preferably from 0.16 to 0.19 wt.% tyrosine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.3 to 0.9 wt.% valine, or preferably from 0.4 to 0.8 wt.% valine, or most preferably from 0.5 to 0.6 wt.% valine. Possibly, the composition comprises from 1.0 to 3.0 wt.% glutamic acid, or preferably from 1.4 to 2.6 wt.% glutamic acid, or most preferably from 1.8 to 2.2 wt.% glutamic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises: 1.1 to 3.3 wt.% alanine; 1.1 to 3.3 wt.% arginine; 0.6 to 1.9 wt.% aspartic acid; 2.6 to 7.7 wt.% glycine; 1.5 to 4.5 wt.% proline; 0.4 to 1.2 wt.% serine; 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% threonine; 0.11 to 0.35 wt.% histidine; 0.2 to 0.7 wt.% isoleucine; 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% leucine; 0.5 to 1.5 wt.% lysine; 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% methionine; 0.3 to 0.9 wt.% phenylalanine; 1.4 to 4.3 wt.% hydroxyproline; 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% tyrosine; 0.3 to 0.9 wt.% valine; and 1.0 to 3.0 wt.% glutamic acid. Possibly, the vitamin blend comprises vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), vitamin B1 (thiamine HCI), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCI), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). Possibly, the composition comprises: 12 mg to 510 mg vitamin C; 3.1 mg to 9.2 mg vitamin B1; 4.0 mg to 11.9 mg vitamin B2; 11 mg to 32 mg vitamin B3; 31 mg to 93 mg vitamin B5; 3.2 mg to 9.6 mg vitamin B6; 0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B7; 0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B9; and 0.0080 mg to 0.025 mg vitamin B12. Possibly, the composition comprises: 170 mg to 510 mg vitamin C; 3.1 mg to 9.2 mg vitamin B1; 4.0 mg to 11.9 mg vitamin B2; 11 mg to 32 mg vitamin B3; 31 mg to 93 mg vitamin B5; 3.2 mg to 9.6 mg vitamin B6; 0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B7; 0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B9; and 0.0080 mg to 0.025 mg vitamin B12. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.03 to 1.5 wt.% vitamin C, or from 0.5 to 1.5 wt.% vitamin C, or preferably from 0.7 to 1.3 wt.% vitamin C, or most preferably from 0.9 to 1.1 wt.% vitamin C. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B1, or preferably from 0.012 to 0.023 wt.% vitamin B1, or most preferably from 0.016 to 0.019 wt.% vitamin B1. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.011 to 0.033 wt.% vitamin B2, or preferably from 0.015 to 0.029 wt.% vitamin B2, or most preferably from 0.020 to 0.024 wt.% vitamin B2. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.03 to 0.09 wt.% vitamin B3, or preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 wt.% vitamin B3, or most preferably from 0.05 to 0.07 wt.% vitamin B3. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% vitamin B5, or preferably from 0.12 to 0.23 wt.% vitamin B5, or most preferably from 0.16 to 0.19 wt.% vitamin B5. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B6, or preferably from 0.012 to 0.023 wt.% vitamin B6, or most preferably from 0.016 to 0.019 wt.% vitamin B6. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B7, or preferably from 0.0007 to 0.0013 wt.% vitamin B7, or most preferably from 0.0009 to 0.0011 wt.% vitamin B7. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B9, or preferably from 0.0007 to 0.0013 wt.% vitamin B9, or most preferably from 0.0009 to 0.0011 wt.% vitamin B9. Possibly, the composition comprises up to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B12, or preferably up to 0.0013 wt.% vitamin B12, or most preferably up to 0.0011 wt.% vitamin B12. Possibly, the composition comprises: 0.03 to 1.5 wt.% vitamin C; 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B1; 0.011 to 0.033 wt.% vitamin B2; 0.03 to 0.09 wt.% vitamin B3; 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% vitamin B5; 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B6; 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B7; 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B9; and up to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B12. Possibly, the composition comprises: 0.5 to 1.5 wt.% vitamin C; 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B1; 0.011 to 0.033 wt.% vitamin B2; 0.03 to 0.09 wt.% vitamin B3; 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% vitamin B5; 0.009 to 0.026 wt.% vitamin B6; 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B7; 0.0005 to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B9; and up to 0.0015 wt.% vitamin B12. The composition may comprise methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Possibly, the composition comprises from 250 mg to 750 mg methylsulfonylmethane. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 350 mg to 650 mg methylsulfonylmethane. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 450 mg to 550 mg methylsulfonylmethane. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.7 to 2.1 wt.% methylsulfonylmethane, or preferably from 1.0 to 1.9 wt.% methylsulfonylmethane, or most preferably from 1.3 to 1.6 wt.% methylsulfonylmethane. The composition may comprise hyaluronic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises from 5 mg to 15 mg hyaluronic acid. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 7 mg to 13 mg hyaluronic acid. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 9 mg to 11 mg hyaluronic acid. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.014 to 0.042 wt.% hyaluronic acid, or preferably from 0.020 to 0.036 wt.% hyaluronic acid, or most preferably from 0.025 to 0.031 wt.% hyaluronic acid. The composition may comprise water. The composition may be an aqueous composition. Possibly, the composition comprises from 8430 mg to 25290 mg water. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 11800 mg to 21900 mg water. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 15170 mg to 18500 mg water. Possibly, the composition comprises from 24 to 72 wt.% water, or preferably from 34 to 62 wt.% water, or most preferably from 43 to 53 wt.% water. The composition may comprise glycerol. Possibly, the composition comprises from 4200 mg to 12600 mg glycerol. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 5880 mg to 10920 mg glycerol. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 7560 mg to 9240 mg glycerol. Possibly, the composition comprises from 12 to 36 wt.% glycerol, or preferably from 17 to 31 wt.% glycerol, or most preferably from 22 to 26 wt.% glycerol. The composition may comprise potassium sorbate. Possibly, the composition comprises from 33 mg to 99 mg potassium sorbate. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 46 mg to 86 mg potassium sorbate. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 59 mg to 73 mg potassium sorbate. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.09 to 0.28 wt.% potassium sorbate, or preferably from 0.13 to 0.24 wt.% potassium sorbate, or most preferably from 0.17 to 0.21 wt.% potassium sorbate. The composition may comprise sucralose. Possibly, the composition comprises from 15 mg to 45 mg sucralose. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 21 mg to 39 mg sucralose. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 27 mg to 33 mg sucralose. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.04 to 0.13 wt.% sucralose, or preferably from 0.06 to 0.11 wt.% sucralose, or most preferably from 0.08 to 0.09 wt.% sucralose. The composition may comprise acacia gum. The composition may comprise xanthan gum. Possibly, the composition comprises from 30 mg to 90 mg acacia gum and from 15 mg to 45 mg xanthan gum. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 42 mg to 78 mg acacia gum and from 21 mg to 39 mg xanthan gum. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 54 mg to 66 mg acacia gum and from 27 mg to 33 mg xanthan gum. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.09 to 0.26 wt.% acacia gum, or preferably from 0.12 to 0.23 wt.% acacia gum, or most preferably from 0.16 to 0.19 wt.% acacia gum. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.04 to 0.13 wt.% xanthan gum, or preferably from 0.06 to 0.11 wt.% xanthan gum, or most preferably from 0.08 to 0.09 wt.% xanthan gum. The composition may comprise flavoring. The flavoring may comprise bitter masking flavoring and / or natural passionfruit flavoring. Possibly, the composition comprises from 15 mg to 45 mg flavoring. Preferably, the composition may comprise from 21 mg to 39 mg flavoring. Most preferably, the composition may comprise from 27 mg to 33 mg flavoring. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.04 to 0.13 wt.% flavoring, or preferably from 0.06 to 0.11 wt.% flavoring, or most preferably from 0.08 to 0.09 wt.% flavoring. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.013 to 0.039 wt.% bittermasking flavoring, or preferably from 0.018 to 0.034 wt.% bitter masking flavoring, or most preferably from 0.023 to 0.029 wt.% bitter masking flavoring. Possibly, the composition comprises from 0.03 to 0.09 wt.% natural passionfruit flavoring, or preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 wt.% natural passionfruit flavoring, or most preferably from 0.05 to 0.07 wt.% natural passionfruit flavoring. The composition may be in a form suitable for oral use. The composition may be used as a food or a supplement. A composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs for use as a medicament. A composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs for use in promoting collagen production. The composition may further comprise one or more suitable carriers or excipients. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a composition for use in a method for promoting collagen production, wherein a daily dose of the composition comprises: 4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid; 100 mg to 660 mg of a vitamin blend; 150 mg to 460 mg lecithin; and 15 mg to 46 mg wheat lipid extract, wherein the wheat lipid extract comprises digalactosyldiacylglycerol, glucosylceramides, and ceramides. The composition may be administered once a day in a single dose. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there are provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1A depicts unilamellar vesicles; Figure 1B depicts unilamellar vesicles containing embedded ceramides; Figure 1C depicts multivescular vesicles containing embedded ceramides; Figure 1D depicts multilamellar vesicles containing embedded ceramides; Figure 2 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in hair density; Figure 3 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in skin hydration; and Figure 4 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in collagen score. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The human body makes its own collagen through a process referred to as collagen synthesis. For this to occur, the body needs a variety of amino acids, including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are the most abundant amino acids in collagen. The body also needs vitamins. Examples of the disclosure provide a composition for promoting collagen production. Accordingly, the composition is for use in a method for promoting collagen production. The composition is for use in a method of promoting collagen production. The composition may be for use as a medicament. None of the ingredients in the composition are animal derived, and therefore the composition is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. In this specification, the composition according to examples of the disclosure may in some instances be referred to as ‘vegan collagen’ or ‘vegan collagen support’ meaning that the composition comprises components for promoting collagen production in the body and that none of these components are animal derived. The term body includes but is not limited to the human body. The term nutrient refers to components of the composition which promote collagen production in the body. The composition comprises 4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend. The amino acid blend comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid. This provides the body with the amino acids it needs to produce and maintain healthy collagen. In some examples, the amino acid blend is based on the amino acid composition of type 1 marine collagen. The composition also comprises 100 mg to 660 mg of a vitamin blend. In some preferred examples, the composition comprises 220 mg to 660 mg of the vitamin blend. This provides the body with the vitamins it needs to produce and maintain healthy collagen levels. The composition also comprises 150 mg to 460 mg of lecithin. This improves absorption of one or more of the other components of the composition into the body. In particular, lecithin is used to provide a liposomal arrangement which improves the absorption efficiency of one or more of the other components of the composition into the body. Lecithin is a mixture of different phospholipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids. The lecithin molecules self-assemble to form a nanometer-sized vesicular structure called a liposome. Liposomes help to enhance the bioavailability of one or more of the other components of the composition by protecting these components from the harsh conditions of stomach acids and digestive enzymes, absorption through Peyer’s patches and / or passive diffusion. In examples of the disclosure, passive diffusion includes transcellular, intracellular, and intercellular routes. The one or more components are encapsulated inside the liposomes, i.e., in the core of the liposomes. Liposomes act like jackets, or shields, protecting the nutrients encapsulated within until they reach the gut. In some examples, liposomes are nanometer sized particles. In examples of the disclosure the lecithin concentration is above that of the critical micelle concentration such that liposomes are formed. In some examples, the composition comprises lecithin at a concentration of 10.33g / L. The composition may comprise lecithin at a concentration of from 10g / L to 65g / L. At this concentration, the absorption efficiency is optimized. Lecithin comprises a mixture of different phospholipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids. Examples of the disclosure may include lecithin with a range of proportions of each of these components. Lecithin can be sourced from soy, sunflower, egg, or corn. The composition also comprises 15 mg to 46 mg of a wheat lipid extract. The wheat lipid extract comprises digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), glucosylceramides, and ceramides. Use of wheat lipid extract provides essential phytochemicals (which are beneficial for skin health) and enhances the rigidity and structural stability of the liposomal membrane of liposomes formed from lecithin. Ceramides belong to the class of sphingolipids, found in high concentrations within the cell membrane of eukaryotic cells. Ceramides are structural lipids that act as a key structural component of the cell membrane of eukaryotic cells. They are component lipids that make up sphingomyelin, one of the major lipids in the lipid bilayer of cell membrane. Ceramides are a key component of skin which gives oily texture, reduces trans-epidermal water loss, and protects against the entry of microorganisms. Wheat lipid extract comprising ceramides is therefore associated with skin health. Wheat lipid extract also provides phytochemicals (such as nonpolar lipids), glycolipids, phospholipids, alcohols, esters, alkene, aldehydes, tocopherols, n-alkanols, sterols, 4-methyl sterols, triterpenols and hydrocarbons. As stated above, ceramides also enhance the rigidity and structural stability of the liposomal membrane of liposomes formed from lecithin. In examples of the disclosure, ceramide-embedded liposomes with structurally stable vesicular membrane walls are formed. The provision of ceramides in liposomes offers rigidity to phospholipid bilayers formed from lecithin, and hence offers more stability to entrapped components of the composition in the core of the liposomes. In examples of the disclosure, liposomes are also formed that contain phospholipid vesicles devoid of ceramides, but in some instances containing other phytolipids. The liposomes that lack ceramides offer flexible membrane walls which tend to dissociate and reorganize more frequently than ceramide embedded liposomes. In some examples, these contribute to maintaining emulsion stability of the composition. In example compositions, this population of different liposomes can be present as a variety of liposome types, such as small and large unilamellar vesicles (SUVs, LUVs), multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), and multivesicular vesicles (MVVs). Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D depict different types of liposomes 10 that can be present in example compositions. Representative structures of liposomes 10 are illustrated. Figure 1A depicts unilamellar vesicles 12 (sometimes called SLIVs and LLIVs). The possible distribution of hydrophobic molecules (or hydrophobic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 20 and hydrophilic molecules (or hydrophilic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 22 within the liposome is illustrated. Figure 1B depicts unilamellar vesicles 12 containing embedded ceramides 14 in membrane walls. The possible distribution of hydrophobic molecules (or hydrophobic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 20 and hydrophilic molecules (or hydrophilic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 22 within the liposome is illustrated. Figure 1C depicts multivescular vesicles 16 (MVVs) containing embedded ceramides 14 in membrane walls. The possible distribution of hydrophobic molecules (or hydrophobic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 20 and hydrophilic molecules (or hydrophilic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 22 within the liposome is illustrated. Figure 1D depicts multilamellar vesicles 18 (MLVs) containing embedded ceramides 14 in membrane walls. The possible distribution of hydrophobic molecules (or hydrophobic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 20 and hydrophilic molecules (or hydrophilic fraction) of amphiphilic molecules 22 within the liposome is illustrated. Accordingly, the presence of a mixture of both ceramide-containing liposomes and liposomes devoid of ceramides (i.e., plain liposomes) provides a composition with a diverse range of benefits, including enhanced stability, nutrient loading, and nutritional benefits. In examples of the disclosure, nutrients can be encapsulated inside a combination of ceramide-embedded and liposomes devoid of ceramides (i.e., plain liposomes) to deliver nutrients more efficiently to where they need to be in the body. In some examples, the composition is in a form suitable for oral use, for example, a solution, suspension, emulsion, or syrup. The composition may be provided as a ready-to-drink supplement, which can be consumed straight from primary packaging, or diluted. The composition can be provided formulated in cans, shot bottles, sippers, bottles, multi-dose bottles, sprays, or droppers. The composition may be used as a food or a supplement. In some examples, the composition can be formulated as a solid (powder) and dispersed in water for consumption. In other examples, the composition can be formulated in tablets, gummies, lozenges, or capsules. A daily dose of the composition comprises: 4200 mg to 12500 mg of the amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid; 100 mg to 660 mg of the vitamin blend; 150 mg to 460 mg lecithin; and 15 mg to 46 mg of wheat lipid extract, wherein the wheat lipid extract comprises digalactosyldiacylglycerol, glucosylceramides, and ceramides. In some preferred examples, the daily dose of the composition comprises 220 mg to 660 mg of the vitamin blend. In some examples, the composition is administered once a day (i.e., once daily) in a single dose. In other examples, aliquots of the composition may be administered multiple times a day to provide the daily dose described above. In some examples, the amino acid blend comprises alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, hydroxyproline, tyrosine, valine, and glutamic acid. In some examples, the vitamin blend comprises vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), vitamin B1 (thiamine HCI), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic Acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCI), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). An example daily dose of the composition is detailed in table 1. In the example of Table 1, the daily dose has a volume of 30 ml. Unless otherwise specified all parts and percentages set forth herein are weight percentages (wt.%) based on the total weight of the composition being described. Ingredient Quantity (g) per 30ml dose Quantity (mg) per 30ml dose wt.% of composition Alanine 0.7771 777.1 2.213 Arginine (e.g., arginine HCI) 0.7389 738.9 2.105 Aspartic Acid 0.4476 447.6 1.275 Glycine 1.7904 1790.4 5.100 Proline 1.0590 1059 3.017 Serine 0.2848 284.8 0.811 Threonine 0.1628 162.8 0.464 Histidine 0.0814 81.4 0.232 Isoleucine 0.1628 162.8 0.464 Leucine 0.2441 244.1 0.695 Lysine (e.g., lysine HCI) 0.3518 351.8 1.002 Methionine 0.0611 61.1 0.174 Phenylalanine 0.2035 203.5 0.580 Hydroxyproline 1.0172 1017.2 2.898 Tyrosine 0.0604 60.4 0.172 Valine 0.2037 203.7 0.580 Glutamic acid 0.6917 691.7 1.970 Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) 0.3380 338 0.963 Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCI) 0.0061 6.1 0.017 Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.0079 7.9 0.022 Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.0210 21 0.060 Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 0.0619 61.9 0.176 Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCI) 0.0064 6.4 0.018 Vitamin B7 (Biotin) 0.0003 0.3 0.001 Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) 0.0003 0.3 0.001 Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 1.6577E-05 0.016577 0.000055 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 0.5003 500.3 1.425 Hyaluronic Acid 0.0100 10 0.028 Wheat Lipid Extract (rich in Ceramides) 0.0300 30 0.085 Purified water 16.86 16860 48.025 Glycerol 8.4000 8400 23.927 Soy Lecithin 0.3099 309.9 0.883 Potassium Sorbate 0.0660 66 0.188 Sucralose 0.0303 30.3 0.086 Acacia Gum 0.0600 60 0.171 Xanthan gum 0.0300 30 0.085 Bitter Masking Flavouring 0.0092 9.2 0.026 Natural Passionfruit Flavouring 0.0210 21 0.060 In examples of the disclosure, the form of arginine may be arginine HCI and the form of lysine may be lysine HCI. 5 Compositions according to examples of the disclosure may further comprise one or more suitable carriers or excipients. In examples of the disclosure, the amino acids may be L or D enantiomers. Preferably, the amino acids are L-enantiomers. 10 In the above example, a 30 ml daily dose of the composition includes about 8.3 g (8338 mg) of the amino acid blend. In other examples, a 30 ml daily dose of the composition may include from 4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, or preferably comprises from 5800 mg to 10800 mg of the amino acid blend, or most preferably 15 comprises from 7500 mg to 9200 mg of the amino acid blend. In some examples, a 30 ml daily dose of the composition includes about 8 g (8000 mg) of the amino acid blend. Sweetening agents and flavoring agents can be added to provide palatable oral preparations. In the above example, the composition is alcohol-free and solvent-free. The above example composition is formulated as an emulsion. Accordingly, the above example composition is an emulsion. The ratio of lecithin to wheat lipid extract in the above example is 10:1. In other examples, the ratio of lecithin to wheat lipid extract composition may be from 3:1 to 35:1, or from 5:1 to 15:1, or from 7:1 to 13:1. The wheat lipid extract may have a digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) content greater than 15 wt.% and a glucosylceramides and ceramides content of from 2 to 4 wt.%. Lecithin, such as soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, or egg lecithin comprises phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, fatty acids, and triglycerides. In some examples, lecithin, (such as soy lecithin sunflower lecithin, or egg lecithin) comprises from 20 to 70 wt.% phosphatidylcholine. In some examples, lecithin comprises 70 wt.% phosphatidylcholine (n / l / t 62%). This means that not less than 62% of lecithin contains phosphatidylcholine as a predominant phospholipid. The lecithin, such as soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin, further comprises 5 wt.% hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine, 0.5 wt.% fatty acids, and 3 wt.% triglycerides. Soy lecithin may comprise hydrogenated phospholipids from soybean. The wt.% of each amino acid in the amino acid blend is provided in Table 2. Table 2 Ingredient Quantity (g) per 30ml dose Quantity (mg) per 30ml dose wt.% of amino acid blend Alanine 0.7771 777.1 9.5 Arginine (e.g., arginine HCI) 0.7389 738.9 7.5 Aspartic Acid 0.4476 447.6 5.5 Glycine 1.7904 1790.4 22 Proline 1.0590 1059 13 Serine 0.2848 284.8 3.5 Threonine 0.1628 162.8 2 Histidine 0.0814 81.4 1 Isoleucine 0.1628 162.8 2 Leucine 0.2441 244.1 3 Lysine (e.g., lysine HCI) 0.3518 351.8 3.5 Methionine 0.0611 61.1 0.75 Phenylalanine 0.2035 203.5 2.5 Hydroxyproline 1.0172 1017.2 12.5 Tyrosine 0.0604 60.4 0.75 Valine 0.2037 203.7 2.5 Glutamic Acid 0.6917 691.7 8.5 Method The manufacturing process involves two stages of blending. The first stage involves 5 formation of a lipid dispersion using a high shear mixer that enables formation of phospholipid self-assemblies in a microscopic scale. In a second stage, the liquid dispersion is subjected to high pressure homogenisation, which involves particle size reduction of these phospholipids to form liposomes, whose size range is sub-microscopic (nanometre scale). 10 Clinical Trial A clinical trial compared a composition according to examples of the disclosure with a marine collagen liquid supplement. Clinical trial studies were performed at ‘Santi 15 London’ Skin Clinic in South Kensington, London. A group of 31 healthy participants of varying age range took part. The study was placebo controlled, blinded, and randomised for some participants, blinded and non-randomised for some other participants, non-randomised and non-blinded for rest of the participants. A test group (A) was given the composition according to Table 1 to supplement for three months. A test group (B) were given flavoured hydrolysed Marine Collagen liquid, which acted as a positive control. A test group (C) were given a placebo containing only flavoured water. Measurements of hair density, skin hydration and collagen score were taken at defined time intervals over the course of the three-month period, and the results are presented in Table 3. Table 3 Test group (A) Test group (B) Test group (C) Percentage Change after 3 months of supplementation Hair Density 24.16 % 23.61 % -1% Hydration 6.12 % 5.74 % -1% Collagen Score 16% 14% 4% Evidently, the composition according to examples of the disclosure (test group A) is comparable to hydrolysed marine collagen (test group B). Moreover, test group A has impressive results after three months supplementation compared to the placebo control group (test group C). As shown in Figure 2, hair density increased by about 24 % for test group A and test group B participants, compared to -1% for the placebo group (test group C). Figure 2 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in hair density after three months of supplementation with vegan collagen support (test group A), marine collagen (test group B) and a placebo (test group C). As shown in Figure 3, skin hydration was seen to increase by about 6% for both test group A and test group B participants, compared to -1% change in the placebo group (test group C). Figure 3 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in skin hydration after three months of supplementation with vegan collagen support (test group A), marine collagen (test group B) and a placebo (test group C). As shown in Figure 4, collagen score increased by 16% for test group A participants, 14% for the test group B participants and only by 4% for the placebo group (test group C). Figure 4 shows a bar chart displaying clinical trial results for the percentage change in collagen score after three months of supplementation with vegan collagen support (test group A), marine collagen (test group B) and a placebo (test group C). There is thus described a composition according to examples of the disclosure with a number of advantages as detailed above. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one” or by using “consisting”. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A composition for promoting collagen production, the composition comprising:4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid;100 mg to 660 mg of a vitamin blend;150 mg to 460 mg lecithin; and15 mg to 46 mg wheat lipid extract, wherein the wheat lipid extract comprises digalactosyldiacylglycerol, glucosylceramides, and ceramides.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 5800 mg to 10800 mg of the amino acid blend.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises from 7500 mg to 9200 mg of the amino acid blend.

4. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 310 mg to 570 mg of the vitamin blend.

5. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 400 mg to 490 mg of the vitamin blend.

6. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 220 mg to 400 mg lecithin.

7. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 280 mg to 340 mg lecithin.

8. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 22 mg to 40 mg of wheat lipid extract.

9. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 28 mg to 34 mg of wheat lipid extract.

10. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheat lipid extract has a digalactosyldiacylglycerol content greater than 15 wt.%, and a glucosylceramides and ceramides content of from 2 to 4 wt.%.

11. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lecithin comprises phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, fatty acids, and triglycerides.

12. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lecithin comprises:from 20 to 70 wt.% phosphatidylcholine;5 wt.% hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine;0.5 wt.% fatty acids; and3 wt.% triglycerides.

13. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amino acid blend comprises alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, hydroxyproline, tyrosine, valine, and glutamic acid.

14. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises:390 mg to 1170 mg alanine;370 mg to 1110 mg arginine;220 mg to 670 mg aspartic acid;900 mg to 2690 mg glycine;530 mg to 1590 mg proline;140 mg to 430 mg serine;80 mg to 240 mg threonine;40 mg to 120 mg histidine;80 mg to 240 mg isoleucine;120 mg to 370 mg leucine;180 mg 530 mg lysine;30 mg to 90 mg methionine;100 mg to 310 mg phenylalanine;510 mg to 1530 mg hydroxyproline;30 mg to 90 mg tyrosine;100 mg to 310 mg valine; and350 mg to 1040 mg glutamic acid.

15. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vitamin blend comprises vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12.

16. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises:12 mg to 510 mg vitamin C;3.1 mg to 9.2 mg vitamin B1;4.0 mg to 11.9 mg vitamin B2;11 mg to 32 mg vitamin B3;31 mg to 93 mg vitamin B5;3.2 mg to 9.6 mg vitamin B6;0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B7;0.15 mg to 0.45 mg vitamin B9; and0.0080 mg to 0.025 mg vitamin B12.

17. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 250 mg to 750 mg methylsulfonylmethane.

18. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 5 mg to 15 mg hyaluronic acid.

19. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 8430 mg to 25290 mg water.

20. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 4200 mg to 12600 mg glycerol.

21. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 33 mg to 99 mg potassium sorbate.

22. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 15 mg to 45 mg sucralose.

23. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition 5 is in a form suitable for oral use.

24. A composition for use in a method for promoting collagen production, wherein a daily dose of the composition comprises:4200 mg to 12500 mg of an amino acid blend, wherein the amino acid blend10 comprises glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, leucine, isoleucine, valine, arginine and glutamic acid;100 mg to 660 mg of a vitamin blend;150 mg to 460 mg lecithin; and15 mg to 46 mg wheat lipid extract, wherein the wheat lipid extract comprises 15 digalactosyldiacylglycerol, glucosylceramides, and ceramides.

25. A composition for use in a method for promoting collagen production according to claim 24, wherein the composition is administered once a day in a single dose.

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