FUCOIDANS
Brown seaweed contains an element called fucoidan. Fucoidans from seaweed are non-stick compounds (think of them as the biological equivalent of Teflon). They are found in various species of brown algae and are located in the cell walls of the seaweed plant serving to protect it from external stress.
The nutritional properties of fucoidans are nothing new. Historically, fucoidan-containing seaweed has been used in ancient traditions for thousands of years. In fact, the earliest records of its use are dated back to 12000BC, where archaeological digs at Monte Verde in Chile have uncovered evidence of their use.
Today, fucoidans are being incorporated as high value ingredients in nutritional products. We know that quality and price vary considerably among the different suppliers and have chosen to apply an exclusive fucoidan ingredient in our ZinoGene+.
FISETIN
Serving as a coloring agent in many plants, fisetin belongs to the flavonoid group of polyphenols. In ZinoGene+, we have made our own proprietary blend of fisetin from smoketree extract and strawberry extract.
This bioflavanoid has antioxidant properties, and although it is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, persimmons, grapes, onions, kiwi and kale, the concentration is low. The average daily intake of fisetin from various vegetable sources is estimated to be around 0.4 mg. In comparison, only 1 ZinoGene+ tablet provides 25 mg.
PIPERINE
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide, and it is made by grinding peppercorns which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum. But black pepper is more than just a kitchen essential, it is regarded as the ‘king of spices,’ and was used in ancient Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years because of its high concentration of potent high antioxidant compounds called piperine.
Piperine is extracted from the plant when the berries changing colour, from green to red, during the ripening phase. The timing of the harvest is a vital aspect of ensuring the peak antioxidant profile of the piperine. In ZinoGene+, we have used the patented extract BioPerine®, standardized to minimum 95% Piperine and used as a bioavailable enhancer for over 20 years.
VITAMIN C
This powerful antioxidant (found in our muscles, brain, and blood) is an essential water-soluble vitamin, and contributes to the protection of our cells from oxidative stress.*
The majority of supplements available on the market use a synthetic form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, which is produced in a laboratory). Instead of following suit and using a lab-based ingredient, we go straight to the natural plant source instead. Our vitamin C is derived from the acerola berry, which besides being rich in vitamin C, this tropical fruit contains other important nutrients: carotenoids and bioflavonoids.
ZINC
Zinc is an essential micronutrient, or more specifically, a mineral, and the second most abundant trace element in our body. Zinc can be found in many different foods in our diet, like meat, cheese, liver, legumes, vegetables, and whole grain bread.
