The star ingredient in HIMMENSE SHIFT is hydrolysed marine collagen. Marine collagen is classified as a type I collagen, which is the most abundant type of collagen found in the body. Clinical studies show that there are several benefits associated with taking marine collagen supplements. But first, let’s start with the basics. What is collagen?

Collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body, after water. It’s the most abundant structural protein in the human body. Collagen is often called the body’s scaffolding. It’s the glue that holds the body together and is found in skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and all our connective tissues, with its purpose being to provide these body parts with their strength, structure, and elasticity.

As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at naturally producing collagen which is why so many people supplement their diet with collagen to keep their bodies in optimal working condition.

Collagen has many important functions and is a major structural protein found in our bodies, both internally and externally. It’s the primary building block, composed of amino acids, that provide our skin, hair, nails, organs, bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels with structural support and strength. This naturally occurring protein is found in our body in large amounts and helps to keep us strong and fit.

Collagen makes up about a third of all the protein in the human body, more than any other type of protein in the body by mass. Collagen - which is rich in amino acids, including proline, glycine and hydroxyproline – plays such an important role in the body that it specifically makes up about 70-75% of our dry-mass skin content, providing volume that keeps skin looking plump and keeps lines at bay.

Our bodies make collagen, in a process known as collagen synthesis, by combining different amino acids extracted from our diet.

Scientists have identified twenty-eight different types of collagen (each ‘type’ is a different combination of amino acids). But in humans, the vast majority is type I, II, or III.

• type I is the most common type of collagen – found in skin, hair, nails, bone, teeth, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs such as the heart, lungs, and others.
• type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage.
• type III collagen is present in the skin, muscle, and blood vessels.

The majority, as much as 90%, of the body’s collagen is type I.

Our body’s ability to synthesise collagen declines gradually as we get older. As we age, we break down collagen faster than we can replace it, and our natural collagen production begins to slow down, which can result in sagging skin, the appearance of fine lines, thinning hair, and joint stiffness for example. As we age, our bodies also make lower quality collagen too.

We begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s. By the time we get to 40, we will have lost around a third of our natural collagen, and the visible signs of ageing become more prominent. Excess sun UV exposure, smoking and poor diet can also inhibit our natural collagen production and speed up the rate at which our collagen levels deplete.

There have been some impressive clinical studies (which we highlight below) that show that supplementing our diet with ingestible collagen may stimulate the body into producing collagen on its own and can help:

• improve skin elasticity & hydration
• boost muscle mass & strength
• provide relief from joint pain
• prevent bone loss
• promote heart health
• increase hair and nail strength
• support gut health

Although there are also several protein-rich foods we can eat to increase our collagen intake, including beef, pork skin and bone broth, we’d need to consume an enormous amount of bone broth to have any impact on our collagen levels.

High-quality collagen supplements contain animal collagen. Using a process called hydrolysation, the collagen fibres are broken down into smaller chains known as “collagen peptides” which makes it more bioavailable – i.e. easier to absorb. This is why collagen peptides are also known as hydrolysed collagen.

"Hydrolysed Collagen" is more effective because it contains a complete amino acid sequence as a collagen peptide and research shows that due to its very low molecular weight, hydrolysed collagen is absorbed at a higher level into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body more easily than other forms of collagen.

The amino acids in collagen peptides include glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, all of which are difficult to get in large quantities from diet alone. These three amino acids are fundamental to fuelling and stimulating the production of collagen in our bodies.

Unsurprisingly, Marine collagen is extracted from the bones, skin, and scales of fish. When the flesh of a fish is removed to be used as food, everything that is left, and would otherwise be discarded, is cleaned, and collagen is extracted via the process hydrolysation.

Marine collagen is therefore not suitable for those with allergies to fish.

Marine collagen is more sustainably produced and has less impact on the environment than for example bovine collagen which is sourced from animals (cows & pigs).

Studies that have looked at the absorption of collagen peptides found marine collagen tends to be absorbed 1.5 times better than bovine collagen due to its low molecular weight. Studies also show hydrolysed collagen seems to be well absorbed in general and can boost circulating levels of important amino acids.

Furthermore, because Marine Collagen is sourced from fish, there is a lower risk of transmissible diseases and viruses that can affect animal products such as BSE (commonly known as Mad Cow Disease) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

Moreover, the structure and bioavailability of collagen peptides from marine fish are quite similar to those of humans across the gastrointestinal barrier.

Marine collagen is predominantly type I, which is used in our skin, hair, nails, bones, teeth, tendons, ligaments, vascular ligature, and organs. Type I collagen accounts for 90% of the total collagen in the human body.

Clinical studies show that HIMMENSE SHIFT's key ingredient, Type I hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, can have a beneficial effect on the appearance of skin, boost muscle mass, promote heart health, support gut health and reduce joint pain when taken daily for 12 weeks. It is thought that collagen supplements may give our natural collagen production support by triggering our body to ramp up its collagen synthesis.

Let’s delve into the science below.

Ashwagandha is a plant and medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry. Ashwagandha, specifically the root, has adaptogenic properties meaning that it helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. It is traditionally used to boost energy, reduce stress, support sexual function and promote physical and mental wellbeing.

The efficacy of ashwagandha in reducing stress, improving muscle strength and reducing fatigue symptoms in patients with chronic conditions has been demonstrated in scientific studies, which is why a clinical trial is underway in the UK to examine its effectiveness in promoting recovery from long COVID.

Warning: Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people, however, pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with thyroid conditions or autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes) should avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a healthcare provider.

Clinical studies have shown the ashwagandha root has several benefits including:

• supporting sexual and reproductive function
• maintaining sperm mobility and sperm count
• increasing antioxidant activity
• building muscle mass and strength
• helping the body deal with stress and anxiety
• maintaining emotional stability
• supporting the onset of sleep
• contributing to optimal mental and cognitive activity
• promoting heart and cardiovascular health
• maintaining optimal stamina and energy levels

Let’s delve into some of the science below.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that our bodies need to function. It contributes to:

• normal spermatogenesis (the production of sperm)
• the maintenance of normal hair and nails
• normal thyroid function
• the normal function of the immune system
• the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, meat and eggs.

Warning: Whilst selenium is essential for good health, getting too much can be dangerous. For example, too much selenium causes selenosis, a condition that, in its mildest form, can lead to loss of hair and nails. The NHS advise that an intake of 350μg or less a day of selenium is unlikely to cause any harm. Himmense SHIFT contains 55μg of Selenium (100% NRV).

Selenium plays a critical role in fertility and important processes in our body, including our thyroid function. It also helps protect our body from damage caused by oxidative stress and helps the immune system work properly. Scientific studies show that selenium deficiency may contribute to hair loss, a weakened immune system, male infertility, age-related mental decline, increased cancer risk, and heart disease.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient for health, it contributes to:

• normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels
• normal function of the immune system
• protection of cells against damage caused by oxidative stress
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal psychological function
• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron, a mineral our body uses to make red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of our body.

Furthermore, vitamin C plays a significant role in healing wounds.

A vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, gum and dental problems, joint and muscle pain, anaemia, tiredness and problems fighting infections.

Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruit, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, and potatoes.

Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained daily from diet or supplements.

Vitamin C is involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, protection of cells, wound healing, and the maintenance of healthy skin, cartilage, bones, and teeth. Furthermore, scientific studies show that Vitamin C can help reduce dementia risk, support sexual function, guard against chronic disease, manage high blood pressure and prevent anaemia.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

Vitamin D - sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin” due to its ability to be absorbed by the body through sunlight – contributes to:

• the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
• normal blood calcium concentrations
• the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
• the maintenance of normal muscle function
• the normal function of the immune system
• the process of cell division

Vitamin D also helps to reduce the risk of falling associated with postural instability and muscle weakness. Falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women 60 years of age and older.

There are three ways that the body can get vitamin D:

• from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors
• from a small number of foods including oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods (but it's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone)
• from supplements

In the U.K., between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight and since it is difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, the NHS advise everyone should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.

Furthermore, the Department of Health and Social Care recommends that we take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day throughout the year if we have dark skin (as the higher the levels of melanin, the less vitamin D the skin can absorb) OR are not often outdoors OR usually wear clothes that cover up most of our skin when outdoors.

Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are supporting the immune system and regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Furthermore, researchers have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and fatigue, depression, chronic diseases and male sexual function.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is arguably the most important of the eight B vitamins and contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal red blood cell formation
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal psychological function
• normal function of the immune system
• normal homocysteine metabolism

Vitamin B12 also has a role in the process of cell division.

Good sources of vitamin B12 are meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.

Because vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained daily from diet or supplements.

Symptoms of deficiency include anaemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, disturbed vision, and dementia. Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include: older adults; people on a strict vegan diet; people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease; those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery; and those who take metformin for blood sugar control.

Vitamin B12 plays key roles in converting food into energy, fighting fatigue, keeping the brain and nervous system functioning properly, regulating our immune system and mood, and controlling levels of the amino acid homocysteine, elevated levels of which are associated with numerous diseases. Researchers have also found a link between B12 deficiency and male sexual function.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is one of the eight B vitamins. It contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• normal protein and glycogen metabolism
• normal red blood cell formation
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• normal functioning of the nervous system
• normal psychological function
• the regulation of hormonal activity
• the normal function of the immune system
• normal homocysteine metabolism
• normal cysteine synthesis

Good sources of vitamin B6 are protein-rich foods such as pork, poultry, fish, peanuts, soya beans, oats, bananas, and milk.

Because vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained daily from diet or supplements.

Vitamin B6 plays key roles in converting food into energy, keeping the brain and nervous system functioning properly and production of haemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. It also helps the body make the hormones serotonin (which regulates mood) and norepinephrine (which helps our bodies cope with stress). Furthermore, a growing body of research suggests that vitamin B6 may play a role in testosterone production and reducing our risk of certain diseases.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is one of the eight B vitamins. It contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism
• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• normal mental performance
• normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters

Good sources of pantothenic acid include chicken, beef, liver and kidneys, eggs, mushrooms and avocado.

Because pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body and must be obtained daily from diet or supplements.

Pantothenic acid has many important functions including, aiding in the adrenal glands' creation of hormones (e.g., testosterone and cortisol); converting food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) which the body uses to produce energy; synthesizing cholesterol and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, studies suggest that B5 supports skin and hair health and helps regulate stress.

Let’s delve into some of the science below: