Ceramosides Ceramide Wheat Extract
Also known as: Glucosylceramides (plant-derived), Phytoceramides, Ceramosides™, Wheat ceramide extract, Plant ceramides, Glucosylceramides
Overview
Glucosylceramides, also known as phytoceramides or plant ceramides, are sphingolipids derived from plants like wheat, rice, and corn. They are structurally similar to ceramides found in the human stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. As a supplement, they are marketed for their potential to improve skin hydration and barrier function. Research on oral ceramide supplementation is still emerging, with most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after 2005. While some studies suggest benefits, the overall evidence quality is considered moderate, particularly for oral formulations. They are available in various forms, including softgels and tablets, with softgels potentially offering better absorption due to enhanced lipid solubility.
Benefits
The primary benefits of ceramosides are related to skin health. Oral supplementation with corn-derived ceramide CP (20-40mg/day) has been shown to increase stratum corneum water content significantly compared to placebo in a 3-week RCT. Topical application of rice ceramide RC has demonstrated a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating improved barrier function. However, a meta-analysis of RCTs showed a statistically insignificant hydration benefit, suggesting that more robust research is needed to confirm these effects. Benefits typically manifest within 3 weeks of consistent use in controlled trials.
How it works
Ceramosides are believed to work through several mechanisms. When ingested, they can be incorporated into the stratum corneum lipid matrix, directly contributing to skin hydration. They may also stimulate the production of natural ceramides by upregulating PPAR-γ activation. Additionally, ceramosides can modulate inflammatory responses in the skin by affecting the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in epidermal keratinocytes. Animal studies suggest that a small percentage (10-15%) of intact glucosylceramides are absorbed into the body.
Side effects
Clinical trials have reported no significant side effects at dosages of ≤40mg/day. A theoretical risk of gastrointestinal discomfort exists, although no cases have been reported. No drug interactions have been documented. Due to a lack of human safety data, ceramosides should be avoided during pregnancy. Overall, ceramosides appear to have a good safety profile at recommended dosages, but more extensive research is needed to fully characterize potential adverse effects and interactions.
Dosage
The effective dosage range for plant-derived ceramides is typically 20-40mg per day. Softgels are often preferred over tablets due to their enhanced lipid solubility, which may improve absorption. It is recommended to take ceramosides with meals containing at least 10g of fat to optimize absorption. While specific upper limits and safety thresholds have not been definitively established, adhering to the recommended dosage range is advised.
FAQs
Oral vs topical efficacy?
Oral ceramide supplementation has demonstrated superior hydration metrics compared to topical applications in head-to-head comparisons, showing a more significant increase in skin water content.
Vegan alternatives?
Rice and corn-derived ceramides have shown comparable efficacy to wheat-derived ceramides, making them suitable alternatives for individuals following a vegan diet.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9201759/ – This article is a review of the current literature on the use of ceramides for skin health. It discusses the potential benefits of ceramides for improving skin hydration, reducing inflammation, and protecting against environmental damage. The review concludes that ceramides are a promising ingredient for skin care products, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/exd.70042 – This review confirms the role of ceramides in maintaining skin barrier function and their involvement in anti-inflammatory pathways. It highlights the importance of ceramides in skin health but does not present new clinical data, focusing instead on the mechanistic aspects of ceramide action in the skin.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20646083/ – This study investigates the effects of a dietary supplement containing ceramides on skin hydration and barrier function. The results suggest that the supplement can improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss, indicating an enhancement of the skin's barrier function. However, the study's limitations include a small sample size and potential industry funding bias.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/17/3687 – This paper examines the potential of plant-derived ceramides to improve skin health. It discusses the sources of plant ceramides, their mechanisms of action, and the evidence supporting their use in skincare products. The review concludes that plant ceramides are a promising ingredient for improving skin hydration and barrier function.
- https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2017/3/skin-ceramides-cortisol-tobacco-and-oral-health – This article discusses the role of ceramides in maintaining healthy skin and the factors that can deplete ceramide levels, such as aging, stress, and environmental factors. It also explores the potential benefits of ceramide supplementation for improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles. The article suggests that ceramide supplementation may be a useful strategy for maintaining healthy skin.