Lustrivia as Bonded Arginine Silicate
Also known as: Lustriva, arginine silicon inositol complex, Magnesium Biotinate, Bonded Arginine Silicate
Overview
Lustriva is a patented ingredient complex combining bonded arginine silicate and magnesium biotinate, designed as a nutricosmetic for hair and skin health. Bonded arginine silicate is a bioavailable form of silicon complexed with arginine and inositol, while magnesium biotinate is a highly soluble form of biotin complexed with magnesium. These components are not naturally occurring as a complex but are engineered for enhanced bioavailability and efficacy. Lustriva is primarily used as a dietary supplement to promote healthier hair growth, improve hair thickness and density, and enhance skin appearance by reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture and elasticity. It is characterized by the high bioavailability of its silicon and biotin components, supporting hair follicle health and skin structural integrity. The ingredient combines nutritional support from biotin and magnesium with arginine, which may enhance blood flow and nutrient delivery. While clinical studies exist, primarily sponsored by the patent holder, independent replication is limited, classifying its research maturity as emerging with moderate quality evidence.
Benefits
Lustriva has demonstrated significant benefits for hair and skin health, primarily in healthy adult females. Clinical trials have shown a significant improvement in hair growth and thickness within 3 to 12 weeks in individuals with early signs of hair thinning. Specifically, a high-dose (160 mg) of Lustriva led to a statistically significant reduction in facial wrinkle depth and fine lines after 12 weeks, as measured by objective 3D imaging systems (p < 0.05). Secondary benefits include improved skin texture, elasticity, and overall facial smoothness. Studies also indicate increased serum levels of magnesium, biotin, arginine, and silicon, confirming good absorption and systemic availability of the components. The benefits are most pronounced in healthy adult females aged 21-65 with early female-pattern hair loss. Hair growth improvements can be observed as early as 3 weeks, while skin improvements typically manifest by 12 weeks of daily supplementation.
How it works
Lustriva exerts its effects through a multi-faceted mechanism involving its key components. Silicon, from the bonded arginine silicate, supports collagen synthesis and the formation of other structural proteins in the skin, thereby enhancing skin integrity and elasticity. Biotin, delivered via highly soluble magnesium biotinate, acts as a coenzyme vital for carboxylation reactions, which are critical for fatty acid synthesis and keratin production—both essential for healthy hair and skin. Arginine, also part of the complex, is a precursor to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles and skin cells. This synergistic action supports cellular signaling and enzyme activities related to protein formation and preservation within the integumentary system. The magnesium biotinate significantly increases biotin solubility, and the bonded arginine silicate improves silicon bioavailability compared to other forms, enhancing overall absorption and efficacy.
Side effects
Lustriva is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) based on self-affirmed status by its manufacturer, Nutrition21, supported by comprehensive safety data. Clinical trials conducted over 12 weeks have reported no significant adverse effects, with no common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) side effects observed. While no documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised for individuals taking medications that affect blood pressure or nitric oxide pathways, due to the arginine component. There are no explicit contraindications, but standard precautions apply for individuals with known allergies to any of the supplement components or those with underlying medical conditions. The safety profile in specific populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with chronic diseases has not been established, as studies have been limited to healthy adults. Therefore, these groups should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
For optimal benefits, the recommended dosage of Lustriva is 160 mg daily. This high dose, which delivers 10 mg of silicon and 10 mg of biotin, has shown significant improvements in both hair and skin parameters in clinical studies. A lower dose (10 mg silicon + 3 mg biotin) was found to be less effective. The maximum safe dose has not been explicitly established, but clinical studies have used up to 160 mg daily without reported adverse effects. Benefits are observed with consistent daily supplementation, with hair improvements potentially starting as early as 3 weeks and skin benefits typically appearing by 12 weeks. Lustriva is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, beverages, and bars. The magnesium biotinate component enhances biotin solubility and absorption, contributing to its efficacy. No additional cofactors are specified as required, as magnesium is already part of the complex.
FAQs
How soon can I expect results?
Hair improvements may begin as early as 3 weeks of daily supplementation. For skin benefits, such as reduced wrinkles and improved texture, results are typically observed after 12 weeks of consistent use.
Can Lustriva be combined with other hair/skin supplements?
There are no known contraindications for combining Lustriva with other supplements. However, caution is advised when combining with other arginine or biotin supplements to avoid excessive intake of these nutrients.
Does it work for men?
Clinical studies on Lustriva have primarily focused on women. While the mechanisms of action are broadly applicable, its specific efficacy and benefits in men have not been well established through dedicated research.
Is it better than standard biotin or silicon supplements?
The bonded complex in Lustriva is designed to improve the bioavailability of both silicon and biotin compared to their standard forms. This enhanced absorption potentially leads to greater efficacy and more pronounced benefits for hair and skin health.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8883010/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Lustriva on hair and skin parameters in 90 healthy females with early hair thinning over 12 weeks. It found significant increases in serum magnesium, biotin, arginine, and silicon levels, indicating good absorption. The study reported improved hair and skin parameters, particularly with the high-dose Lustriva, suggesting its efficacy for nutricosmetic applications.
- https://nutrition21.com/lustriva/ – This source provides a summary of clinical trial findings for Lustriva, highlighting its benefits for hair and skin health. It details that the high-dose Lustriva (160 mg) significantly reduced wrinkle depth and improved hair thickness, while a lower dose was less effective. The summary emphasizes the ingredient's efficacy and the scientific backing for its claims.
- https://nutrition21.com/2022/10/novel-beauty-from-within-ingredient-lustriva-is-self-affirmed-as-gras/ – This source details the self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of Lustriva by Nutrition21. It indicates that this status is based on comprehensive safety data, suggesting a favorable safety profile for the ingredient. The information is from the patent holder and not an independent regulatory body.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/lustriva – This article provides an overview of Lustriva as a supplement ingredient, discussing its components, proposed mechanisms, and reported benefits. It references the clinical studies supporting its efficacy for hair growth and skin appearance, offering a general summary of the ingredient's potential in the nutricosmetic market.
- https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/nutrition21-launches-clinically-supported-nutricosmetic-that-supports-skin-and-hair-health – This news article announces the launch of Lustriva by Nutrition21, emphasizing its clinically supported benefits for skin and hair health. It highlights the ingredient's unique combination of bonded arginine silicate and magnesium biotinate, positioning it as a novel nutricosmetic solution based on initial research findings.