This study is intended to evaluate the efficacy of oral supplementation of an unhydrolyzed eggshell membrane ingredient (uESM) vs placebo on both objective and subjective markers of skin aging in middle-aged and senior adults using the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system along with specially designed subject questionnaires. Secondary objectives will be to assess the benefits of uESM on the health of hair and fingernails based on a subject questionnaire.
This study will be conducted according to a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design. The study protocol will be approved by an independent institutional review board (IRB) and patients will provide their written informed consent to participate. The nutritional ingredient used in this study will be unhydrolyzed eggshell membrane (uESM) (Ovolux™ brand) (ESM Technologies LLC, Carthage, MO. USA), an unhydrolyzed, minimally processed chicken eggshell membrane powder. Up to 70 subjects will be evaluated in this placebo-controlled study at a single investigational site in the U.S. Subjects will be randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers. The first group will receive a treatment protocol consisting of enough capsules to provide a daily dose of one 300 mg capsule of uESM, the second group will receive enough capsules for one capsule daily dose containing psyllium husk fiber as a placebo treatment. Subjects will take the capsules with a morning meal for 12 consecutive weeks. Assessments will be performed at baseline (Day 0), at Week 6 and again at the end of the study (Week 12). After a period of 10-30 minutes at the study facility for acclimation to the study center environment, skin elasticity, firmness, and fatigue will be measured using the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system by applying a constant negative pressure. Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) will be evaluated with the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system utilizing a Tewameter® probe, and changes in skin hydration will be measured with the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system utilizing a Corneometer® probe. Subjects will also be given questionnaires to evaluate subjective responses to skin look and feel and to evaluate subjects' observations regarding changes in the condition and growth of hair and fingernails.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
an unhydrolyzed, minimally processed chicken eggshell membrane powder.
psyllium husk fiber powder
Stratum Nutrition National Avenue Clinic
Springfield, Missouri, United States
skin elasticity/firmness
The primary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement in skin firmness/elasticity in the anterior region of the temporal fossa of the face based upon measurements taken with the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks
skin hydration
A secondary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement in skin hydration in the anterior region of the temporal fossa of the face based upon measurements taken with the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks
skin barrier function
A secondary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in the anterior region of the temporal fossa of the face based upon measurements taken with the Cutometer® MPA 580 multi-probe system.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks
overall skin health
An additional secondary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement in overall skin health versus the placebo group as determined via a Patient's Assessment. Scoring will be from 0 to 10 with 0 equating to poor and 10 equating to excellent. Higher scores equal a better outcome.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks
overall hair health
An additional secondary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement in hair health versus the placebo group as determined via a Patient's Assessment. Scoring will be from 0 to 10 with 0 equating to poor and 10 equating to excellent. Higher scores equal a better outcome.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks
overall fingernail health
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SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
63
A final secondary endpoint will be any statistically significant improvement fingernail health versus the placebo group as determined via a Patient's Assessment. Scoring will be from 0 to 10 with 0 equating to poor and 10 equating to excellent. Higher scores equal a better outcome.
Time frame: 6 weeks or 12 weeks