Lipowheat Wheat Lipid Extract
Also known as: Lipowheat, wheat lipid extract, phytoceramides from wheat, WPLC, Triticum aestivum extract, Wheat Polar Lipid Extract
Overview
Lipowheat is a proprietary extract derived from *Triticum aestivum*, common wheat, specifically enriched in phytoceramides. These complex lipids are crucial components of the skin's natural barrier. Primarily utilized as a nutricosmetic ingredient, Lipowheat is incorporated into oral supplements to enhance skin hydration, improve firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote overall skin radiance. It is marketed as a plant-based and gluten-free option for skin health. Research, predominantly randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving human subjects, has investigated its effects on various skin parameters, including hydration, wrinkle reduction, collagen density, and skin tone. While several RCTs support its benefits, a comprehensive systematic review or meta-analysis specifically on Lipowheat is not yet available. Regulatory bodies, such as EFSA, have reviewed wheat polar lipid extracts but have not definitively confirmed health claims due to the current body of evidence.
Benefits
Lipowheat has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits for skin health, primarily through its rich phytoceramide content: - **Skin hydration:** Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown significant improvements in skin hydration. For instance, a study involving 64 women reported increased skin hydration as early as 4 weeks with 350 mg daily Lipowheat supplementation, with effects persisting for up to 8 weeks after supplementation ceased. This suggests a sustained improvement in the skin's ability to retain moisture. - **Wrinkle reduction:** Visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles has been observed, with reports indicating improvements starting at 8 weeks of supplementation. After 12-20 weeks, 88% of participants in some studies showed significant wrinkle reduction, suggesting a cumulative effect on skin texture. - **Collagen density:** One study indicated a substantial 50% increase in dermal collagen density after 12 weeks of supplementation. This suggests that Lipowheat may contribute to improved skin firmness and elasticity by supporting the structural integrity of the skin. - **Skin radiance and tone:** Approximately 75% of participants in clinical trials reported enhanced skin luminosity and more even skin tone after 12 weeks of supplementation, contributing to an overall healthier appearance. - **Hair health:** While not its primary focus, a related wheat polar lipid complex (WPLC) has shown efficacy in reducing hair shedding and improving hair growth cycle parameters in RCTs, suggesting broader benefits of wheat lipids beyond just skin health.
How it works
Lipowheat's mechanism of action centers on its phytoceramide content. When ingested, these plant-derived ceramides are believed to be absorbed and transported to the skin, where they help replenish and fortify the skin's natural ceramide levels. Ceramides are vital lipids that form a crucial part of the skin barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and protecting against environmental aggressors. By restoring optimal ceramide levels, Lipowheat enhances the skin barrier function, leading to improved hydration and reduced dryness. Furthermore, the polar lipids may influence cellular signaling pathways, potentially stimulating collagen production and supporting skin regeneration and repair processes, which contributes to increased skin firmness and reduced wrinkle appearance. Both oil and powder forms of Lipowheat have demonstrated adequate oral bioavailability and comparable efficacy.
Side effects
Lipowheat has a favorable safety profile based on available clinical trial data. No significant adverse effects have been reported in studies involving 30-64 women over durations ranging from 12 to 20 weeks. Common side effects, defined as those occurring at an incidence greater than 5%, have not been documented in the reviewed literature. Similarly, uncommon or rare side effects have not been reported. There are no known drug interactions associated with Lipowheat supplementation. Contraindications are not specifically outlined; however, while Lipowheat is described as a gluten-free wheat extract, individuals with known wheat allergies should exercise caution due to its origin. The majority of studies have been conducted on healthy adult women, meaning data on other populations, such as men, children, or pregnant and lactating women, are currently lacking. Therefore, its safety in these specific groups is not yet established.
Dosage
The recommended and clinically effective dosage for Lipowheat is 350 mg daily. This dosage has been consistently used in clinical trials and has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin hydration, reducing wrinkles, and increasing collagen density. There is no established maximum safe dose, as no adverse effects have been reported at the 350 mg daily intake. For optimal results, consistent daily supplementation is advised. Benefits related to skin hydration can be observed as early as 4 weeks, while more significant improvements in wrinkle reduction typically become visible after 8 weeks of continuous use. Maximal effects are generally noted after 12 to 20 weeks of supplementation. Lipowheat is available in various oral forms, including capsules and powder, with both oil and powder forms showing comparable bioavailability and efficacy. No specific dietary cofactors have been identified as necessary to enhance its absorption.
FAQs
Is Lipowheat safe for daily use?
Yes, clinical trials indicate that Lipowheat is safe and well-tolerated at a daily dose of 350 mg for up to 20 weeks, with no significant adverse effects reported.
How soon will I see results?
Improvements in skin hydration can be noticed within 4 weeks. More significant changes, such as wrinkle reduction, typically become visible after 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Does it work for all skin types?
Studies have primarily focused on healthy adult women. While generally beneficial for skin health, its specific effects on other skin types or conditions are not yet well-documented.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, Lipowheat is processed to be gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals avoiding gluten. It is also generally considered suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Can it replace topical skincare?
Lipowheat is an oral supplement designed to work from within. It complements topical skincare routines by supporting skin health systemically but is not intended to replace external treatments.
Research Sources
- https://www.robertet.com/en/lipowheat-the-effectiveness-of-phytoceramides/ – This source, from the manufacturer Robertet, highlights the effectiveness of Lipowheat's phytoceramides. It summarizes findings from clinical trials, emphasizing improvements in skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, and collagen density, with effects observed within weeks and lasting post-supplementation. The information suggests a strong efficacy profile based on their research.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12103197/ – This PMC article describes an RCT on a wheat polar lipid complex, focusing on its effects on hair health. It found that the complex reduced hair shedding and improved hair growth cycle parameters, indicating broader benefits of wheat lipids. The study also noted comparable efficacy between oil and powder forms, suggesting good bioavailability.
- https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/promising-results-for-lipowheat-141526 – This article from Nutraceutical Business Review discusses promising results for Lipowheat, likely referencing the clinical trial data. It reinforces the ingredient's potential for improving skin health metrics such as hydration and wrinkle appearance, aligning with the manufacturer's claims and supporting the efficacy observed in human studies.
- https://www.robertet.com/en/health-beauty-2/nutricosmetics/lipowheat/lipowheat-our-scientific-studies/ – This page from Robertet provides an overview of their scientific studies on Lipowheat. It details the methodology and key outcomes of their clinical trials, including the 20-week RCT with 64 women, which showed significant improvements in skin hydration, collagen density, and wrinkle reduction. It serves as a direct source for the efficacy claims.
- https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2773 – This EFSA scientific opinion evaluates the health claim related to wheat polar lipid extract and skin hydration. The panel concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the need for more robust and independently verified studies to substantiate such claims. This source provides a regulatory perspective on the evidence.