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Ceramosides

Also known as: Ceramides, Ceramosides, Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0)

Overview

Ceramides are a family of waxy lipid molecules composed of sphingosine and a fatty acid, naturally occurring in cell membranes. They are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier and other biological functions. Ceramides can be derived from various sources, including plants like wine lees extract. They are used to enhance skin barrier function and as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment. Different ceramide species vary in their fatty acid chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation, influencing their biological activities. Research on ceramides is advanced, with numerous studies on their role in cardiovascular health and skin barrier function. High-quality evidence, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), demonstrates the efficacy and safety of ceramides in various applications. Oral supplementation is a common method for improving skin hydration.

Benefits

Ceramides play a dual role in health, impacting both cardiovascular and skin health. Specific ceramide species, such as Cer(d18:1/16:0) and Cer(d18:1/18:0), are associated with increased cardiovascular event risk, including myocardial infarction and heart failure. Studies show that higher levels of Cer(d18:1/16:0) correlate with a higher hazard ratio for incident heart failure. Conversely, oral supplementation with ceramides, particularly those derived from wine lees extract, significantly improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Meta-analyses confirm that ceramide supplementation leads to statistically significant improvements in skin hydration and reduced TEWL compared to placebo. Ceramides enhance skin barrier function by increasing ceramide content in the stratum corneum, benefiting both healthy individuals and those with dry skin conditions. The Cer(d18:1/24:1)/Cer(d18:1/24:0) ratio is predictive of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

How it works

Ceramides function through multiple biological pathways, including cell signaling, apoptosis, and maintaining membrane structure. In cardiovascular health, they contribute to atherosclerosis and inflammation. They interact with the cardiovascular system and skin barrier, targeting molecular pathways that influence cell membrane integrity and signaling processes. When ingested, ceramides are absorbed and distributed to tissues, including the skin, enhancing barrier function. Specific ceramide species target different molecular pathways, influencing cell membrane integrity and signaling processes. Their role in maintaining the skin's lipid matrix is crucial for preventing water loss and maintaining hydration.

Side effects

Ceramides are generally considered safe as dietary supplements, with limited evidence of significant side effects. Most studies report no significant adverse effects associated with ceramide supplementation. There are no well-documented drug interactions or specific contraindications. However, long-term safety data are limited, and more research may be needed to confirm safety in specific populations, such as pregnant women and children. While uncommon and rare side effects have not been consistently reported, it is always important to monitor for any adverse reactions when starting a new supplement. Due to the limited data, individuals with pre-existing conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before using ceramide supplements.

Dosage

For skin health, a daily dose of ≥2 mg of ceramides and glucosylceramides derived from wine lees extract has been shown to be effective. The optimal dosage range for cardiovascular risk assessment is not well-defined, as ceramides are primarily used as biomarkers rather than therapeutic agents. There is no established maximum safe dose for ceramide supplementation, as the available evidence does not indicate significant adverse effects at the doses studied. For skin health, supplementation can be taken at any time of day, but consistency is key. Ceramides can be administered orally in capsule form, often combined with other ingredients like cyclodextrin. The absorption of ceramides may vary depending on the source and formulation of the supplement.

FAQs

Are ceramide supplements safe?

Ceramide supplements are generally considered safe, but long-term safety data are limited. Consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

When is the best time to take ceramide supplements?

For skin health, consistent daily dosing is recommended for optimal effects. The timing of the dose is not critical, so take it at a time that is convenient for you.

How long does it take to see results from ceramide supplementation?

Improvements in skin hydration and reduction in TEWL can be expected within a few weeks to months. For cardiovascular risk, ceramides serve as biomarkers rather than therapeutic agents.

Can ceramide supplements cure cardiovascular diseases?

No, ceramides are not a cure for cardiovascular diseases but rather a tool for risk assessment. They serve as biomarkers to help assess cardiovascular health.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.570628/full – This study explores the role of ceramides in cardiovascular health, noting that specific ceramide species are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. It highlights the potential of ceramides as biomarkers for assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly in high-risk populations. The research emphasizes that while ceramides are predictive, their mechanistic contribution to disease pathogenesis requires further investigation.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/13/2100 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigates the efficacy and safety of oral administration of wine lees extract (WLE)-derived ceramides. The findings indicate that oral administration of WLE-derived ceramides improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The study supports the use of ceramide supplementation for enhancing skin barrier function and overall skin health.
https://academic.oup.com/ehjopen/article/4/1/oeae001/7513112?login=false – This research article focuses on the predictive value of specific ceramide ratios for coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. It demonstrates that the Cer(d18:1/24:1)/Cer(d18:1/24:0) ratio is consistently associated with CHD risk across multiple studies. The study underscores the potential of using ceramide ratios as biomarkers for identifying individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular events.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35719159/ – This study investigates the effectiveness of dietary supplements, including ceramides, for skin moisturizing. The meta-analysis of 66 RCTs reveals that oral ceramide supplementation significantly improves skin hydration and reduces TEWL. The research provides strong evidence supporting the use of ceramide supplements for enhancing skin health and hydration.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38447864/ – This meta-analysis confirms the benefits of oral ceramide supplementation for improving skin hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The study provides a quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of ceramides, supporting their use as a dietary supplement for enhancing skin health. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of multiple randomized controlled trials.