FORMULATIONS THAT WORK
We develop our formulas using the most well-researched and efficacious ingredients.
Betaine HCI is a natural substance found in foods such as beets, spinach and grains. It has been used for years to support digestion and absorption due to its ability to prime the acidity of the stomach and enhance digestion (4,5). Maintaining optimal acidity in the digestive tract is essential for the complete breakdown of proteins into amino acids. This is a crucial step, in the building of skin and hair proteins, such as collagen.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) has been used historically to support hormone health, as it provides essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Studies have shown saw palmetto promotes hormone balance via a number of mechanisms, including the inhibition of 5-α-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (6). Excessive levels of DHT have been implicated in hair loss issues. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which aimed to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase, found that saw palmetto improved androgen-sensitive hair follicle development in the study group (7). Saw palmetto also helps maintain hormonal balance by inhibiting the binding of androgens to receptors (8) and promotes inflammatory balance by antagonizing the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase inflammatory pathways (9,10). Both of these factors are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
Sulfur, the main ingredient in methylsulfonylmehane (MSM), is the third-most abundant element by weight in the body and plays a major role in maintaining joint and soft tissue health. Sulfur is important for the generation of connective tissues including hair, cartilage, and collagen in skin. Sulfur is also crucial for the production of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Sulfur is required for the synthesis of glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in the body. High levels of glutathione in the body have been shown to prevent damage caused by free radicals, thought to be the major cause of cellular aging (11). Studies have demonstrated that MSM is a potent antioxidant and helps modulate cytokine production to support a healthy cycle of inflammation (12,13).
All WellBel products are evidence-based. The most reliable evidence comes in the form of well-controlled human clinical trials, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This is the standard we are aiming for when we consider which ingredients to include in our formulas. However, we also honor the historical data of thousands of years of traditional use, as well as the direct observations of health care practitioners in clinical practices.