Encyclopedia of Vital Substances

Kollagen ist ein zentrales Strukturprotein des Körpers und essenziell für Haut, Gelenke und Bindegewebe. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet wissenschaftlich fundiert die Funktion, klassische Quellen und aktuelle Entwicklungen rund um Kollagen – mit besonderem Fokus auf den modernen Ansatz, die körpereigene Kollagenbildung gezielt zu unterstützen. Erfahre, warum vegane Kollagen-Alternativen heute eine innovative und nachhaltige Lösung darstellen.

Origin and history

The well-known garlic ( Allium sativum ) belongs to the allium family. The edible tuber has been used in all cuisines around the world for thousands of years, but originally comes from South and Central Asia and Iran. It is an excellent source of sulfur-containing compounds such as alliin, which our body urgently needs for building proteins, for example. Some compounds are only formed when the garlic is cut or heated. These compounds are also the main reason for garlic's pungent smell and taste.  

In addition to its use in cooking, garlic has traditionally been used for health purposes by people in many parts of the world, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Japanese, dubbed the “all-rounder”. This reputation stems from its numerous medicinal uses throughout history. This is where all the superstitions surrounding garlic developed, which say that it can protect against evil such as demons and vampires.  

Garlic is a source of important vitamins such as vitamins C and B6 and contains minerals such as selenium and manganese. Garlic also provides fiber, which is important for healthy digestion  

As it lives up to its name as an all-rounder, garlic is said to have many health-promoting properties in traditional medicine. These include anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, renal protective, antiatherosclerotic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antihypertensive properties. Garlic is also known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In many cultures it is therefore very popular for colds.  

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were examined in a study where different levels were observed in cyclists after a 40 km ride. It was found that additional garlic intake did not improve performance, but it reduced training-induced inflammatory levels and weakened muscle damage after training.  

However, what is more evident from studies is that garlic may have many heart-protecting and anti-atherosclerotic (which counteracts narrowing of the arteries) properties. For example, through the observed reduction in the total concentration of blood fat, inhibition of platelet aggregation and lowering of blood pressure. These together could reduce the risk of heart disease. However, more detailed research is still needed and benefits for the cardiovascular system are currently the main focus of research regarding garlic supplementation. Benefits are also suspected for diseases such as diabetes, as it has been observed that ingredients in garlic increased the sensitivity of the cells to insulin and triggered a higher insulin release, which leads to an overall reduction in blood sugar.  

Possible side effects  

Garlic is safe for people without an intolerance. In the case of intolerances such as large quantities on an empty stomach, flatulence and gastrointestinal problems can occur. Burns may occur if used on the skin. At higher concentrations, more severe symptoms may occur. Therefore, for older people, the recommended amount of raw garlic is 4g per day.  

Interactions  

Garlic is safe for people without an intolerance. However, it is suspected that garlic ingredients may interact with some medications. Therefore, those affected are advised not to consume garlic in dietary supplements. The risk of bleeding may be increased if taken, so caution should be taken when taking blood thinners such as warfarin/Coumadin at the same time or before surgery. Garlic may also reduce the effectiveness of some HIV medication, saquinavir.  

Literature:  

1. "Garlic”. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. December 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic (Accessed on January 22, 2024)  
2. El-Saber Batiha G, Magdy Beshbishy A, G Wasef L, Elewa YHA, A Al-Sagan A, Abd El-Hack ME, Taha AE, M Abd-Elhakim Y, Prasad Devkota H. Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic ( Allium sativum L.): A Review. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 24;12(3):872.  
3. Sobenin IA, Myasoedova VA, Iltchuk MI, Zhang DW, Orekhov AN. Therapeutic effects of garlic in cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease. Chin J Nat Med. 2019 Oct;17(10):721-728.  
4. Shang A, Cao SY, Xu XY, Gan RY, Tang GY, Corke H, Mavumengwana V, Li HB. Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.). Foods. 2019 Jul 5;8(7):246.  
5. Valls RM, Companys J, Calderón-Pérez L, Salamanca P, Pla-Pagà L, Sandoval-Ramírez BA, Bueno A, Puzo J, Crescenti A, Bas JMD, Caimari A, Salamanca A, Espinel AE, Pedret A, Arola L , Solà R. Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Moderate Hypercholesterolemic Subjects: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Sustained and Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 18;14(3):405.  
6. Varade S, Nadella M, Hirake A, Mungase SB, Ali A, Adela R. Effect of garlic on the components of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 10;318(Pt B):116960.  
7. Tsao JP, Bernard JR, Tu TH, Hsu HC, Chang CC, Liao SF, Cheng IS. Garlic supplementation attenuates cycling exercise-induced oxidative inflammation but fails to improve time trial performance in healthy adults. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023 Dec;20(1):2206809.  

Origin and history

The typical yellow-orange powder of turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), which is used as a spice and coloring agent, is well known to many and is related to ginger. The plant is native to India and Southeast Asia. The rootstock is used to obtain the powder. In addition to its typical, slightly spicy taste and its use as a spice, especially in curries, it is also anchored in Asian folk medicine and traditional rituals. In folk medicine it is used to relieve minor digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence.  

Turmeric contains vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, minerals such as iron, potassium and manganese, as well as a high concentration of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body  

Researching the health benefits of turmeric is difficult and no clear health-related statements have been made so far. This is because the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is unstable and breaks down quickly. This means that few tests are possible with the active ingredient. In addition, it is one of the substances that leads to false-positive results in many experiments. This means that many studies are not completely trustworthy and many have already been withdrawn.  

Turmeric is thought to be anti-inflammatory, but this requires further study. There is also the assumption that it can have a positive effect on blood sugar and regulation. Turmeric could be helpful in treating diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and even some types of cancer. In addition, its possible role in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is being investigated  

However, what currently remains undisputed is that turmeric has a digestive effect. This can alleviate or prevent minor symptoms such as flatulence or a feeling of fullness after eating.  

Possible side effects  

In larger quantities, turmeric could be unhealthy during pregnancy and for people with gallstones. Therefore, turmeric should be avoided in these conditions. People taking blood thinning medications or medications to control diabetes should exercise caution when using turmeric as interactions may occur  

In spice quantities, turmeric is considered a safe food. However, since turmeric is an allergen, even small amounts of it can cause side effects in some people.  

Intake  

To reap the full health benefits of turmeric, it is recommended to use it with black pepper and fat (such as oil or ghee) as this improves the absorption of curcumin  

Which AgilNature® products contain turmeric?  

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature:  

1. "Turmeric". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. May 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric (accessed on January 19, 2024)  
2. Turmeric - a plant for all occasions? In: Consumer advice center. December 15, 2021. Retrieved on January 19, 2024  
3. Armin Ebrahimzadeh, Fatemeh Abbasi, Anahita Ebrahimzadeh, Aliyu Tijani Jibril, Alireza Milajerdi: Effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Volume 61, September 2021, p. 102773.  
4. Armita Mahdavi Gorabi, Mitra Abbasifard, Danyal Imani, Saeed Aslani, Bahman Razi: Effect of curcumin on C‐reactive protein as a biomarker of systemic inflammation: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. In: Phytotherapy Research. Volume 36, No. 1, January 2022, pp. 85-97.  
5. Pathomwichaiwat, T., Jinatongthai, P., Prommasut, N., Ampornwong, K., Rattanavipanon, W., Nathisuwan, S., & Thakkinstian, A. (2023). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis. PloS one, 18(7), e0288997.  
6. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017 Oct 22;6(10):92. doi: 10.3390/foods6100092. PMID: 29065496; PMCID: PMC5664031.  

Potassium 

Potassium is an essential bulk element* for humans. Almost all of the potassium in the body is found within the cells (98%), primarily in the muscle cells. Less potassium is found in the cells of the liver, bones and red blood cells (erythrocytes). In food, potassium is mainly found in apricots, bananas, carrots, kohlrabi, avocado and tomatoes, but also in concentrated forms such as tomato paste or dried fruit. Nuts, some flours (spelt, rye, whole buckwheat), and even dark chocolate are also high in potassium (1). Due to the high intake of fruit and vegetables, vegetarians and vegans in particular are usually sufficiently supplied (2). 

*Bulk elements are designated as such because their daily requirement is over 100mg. Accordingly, the recommended daily intake of trace elements is less than 100 mg. The distinction between bulk and trace elements is purely quantitative (3). 

Potassium – the most important tasks in brief 

• Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system 
• Potassium contributes to normal muscle function 
• Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure (4) 

Not only can potassium maintain normal blood pressure, for people with high blood pressure, a potassium-rich diet can actually lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. This effect was observed above all with a potassium intake of between 3500 mg and 4700 mg per day (1). 

Potassium imbalances 

A Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be triggered by severe loss of fluids, e.g. through vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, as well as chronic diarrhea. Other causes can be long-term malnutrition and certain diseases. Potassium deficiency due to insufficient intake of potassium from the diet is rare (1). 

At a Potassium oversupply (hyperkalemia) excretion via the kidneys can be disturbed, but degrading metabolic processes and damage to body cells or the intake of certain medications can also be the cause of too much potassium. Hyperkalemia is also usually not to be feared due to an excessive intake of potassium from food. However, caution should be exercised when taking potassium supplements, especially those containing only potassium. It is therefore important, especially with potassium-containing mono-preparations, to only take them under medical supervision (1). 

Hyper- and hypokalemia are disturbances in the potassium balance and can have serious consequences. These include muscle weakness and paralysis, as well as cardiac arrhythmia. In the worst case, they can lead to cardiac arrest (1, 2, 5). 

Your daily need for potassium 

The German Society for Nutrition recommends that adults and pregnant women consume 4000 mg of potassium per day, and breastfeeding women even 4400 mg of potassium per day (1). 

Which AgilNature® products contain potassium?  

*NutrientReference Value=percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation VO (EC) No. 1169/2011.

Literature: 

1. DGE (2016): Selected questions and answers on potassium. In: German Society for Nutrition e. V. (DGE). https://www.dge.de/index.php?id=631 (accessed on February 21, 2022) 
2. Biesalski, Hans Konrad; Bischoff, Stephan C.; Pirlich, Matthias; Weimann, Arved (ed.) (2018): Nutritional Medicine. Based on the curriculum for nutritional medicine of the German Medical Association. With the collaboration of Michael Adolph, Jann Arends, Ulrike Arens-Azevêdo and Christine von Arnim. 5th, completely revised and expanded edition. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag. 
3. Rehner, Gertrude; Daniel, Hannelore (2010): Biochemistry of Nutrition. 3. edition Heidelberg: Spectrum Acad. Verl. (spectrum textbook). 
4. European Commission (2022): Nutrition and Health Claims. In: European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims/register/public/?event=search (accessed on February 21, 2022)  
5. Lewis III, James L.: Overview of the function of potassium in the body. In: MSD Manual Patient Edition. Available online at https://www.msdmanuals.com/de/heim/hormon-und-metabolic-diseases/electrolyte-balance/%C3%BCerblick-%C3%BCber-die-funktion-of-kalium-im-k%C3%B6rper . (accessed on 02/22/2022)