Trial Information

The Effect of Dietary Bioactive Compounds on Skin Health in Humans in Vivo

There is little information on the effect of oral catechin, a nutritionally relevant
bioactive compound, on skin health in humans in vivo despite considerable evidence for
protective effects in experimental studies. Vitamin C is essential for skin health and
stabilises catechins in the gut lumen. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is a key
environmental stressor impacting on skin health. Effects include acute inflammation and
longer term photodamage.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the protective effect of catechin and vitamin C on UVR-induced
inflammation.

STUDY DESIGN

(1) A double-blind randomised controlled nutritional study in 50 healthy volunteers.
Volunteers will receive 3 months dietary supplement with high dose bioactive (n=25),or
placebo (n=25).

The aim is to quantify the influence of catechin/vitamin C on:

1. UVR-induced inflammation

2. Leukocyte infiltration

3. Inflammatory mediators

4. Markers of photoageing

5. Bioavailability will also be assessed

(2) Bioavailability of catechin and vitamin C in skin and blood. Volunteers will receive
active dietary supplement. Blood and urine samples will be taken over a period of 6 hours to
determine blood bioavailability. Skin biopsies will also be taken to assess skin
bioavailability. Volunteers will then receive 3 months of active dietary supplement followed
by repeated sampling.