Mon amour supplements, we could thus define the increase in the consumption of supplements by Italians, confirmed by various market researches. Starting from the joint analysis conducted by Integratori Italia – Unione Italiana Food, the association that represents the sector in Confindustria (data from New Line Ricerche di Mercato) and Avedisco, the association of direct sales service for consumers according to which, thanks to the pandemic, citizens they have learned to lend greater attention to their health and well-being. In fact, more and more people have made use of supplements, thus contributing to an increase in turnover of 7.4% in the first half of the year compared to the same period of 2020 and recording a total turnover of over 2 billion euros. The distribution channel of reference continues to be the pharmacy, which alone represents 76.3% of the total value of the Italian turnover, followed by parapharmacies (+ 1.4%) and e-commerce which records the highest rate of growth at + 49.4%. To close, the large-scale retail channel (+ 12.7%).
Still, according to a recent Censis research, 32 million Italians use food supplements and vitamins. People of active age use them the most, 62.8% of users are between 35 and 64 years old. Italy is in first place as a share of the European market with 27%, followed by Germany (18%) and France (8%). According to Integratori Italia, the Italian trade association, 6 out of 10 Italians use supplements as a prevention, in particular for strengthen the immune system and manage stress and anxiety derived from the pandemic; in 2020 the market bought 12% of new comers. Another survey carried out by Ipsos on behalf of VitaVi, highlighted that in the last twelve months, 65% of Italians have purchased supplements and in 2020 there was a + 28% in the consumption of vitamins, minerals, immunostimulants and probiotics for a turnover of approximately 3.6 billion euros (source Federsalus).
Stress, immunity and supplements
Both physical and mental stress is a form of defense of our organism, which when it feels in danger produces a series of mediators, mainly catecholamines and cortisone, to activate all the functions of attack and flight. “These substances increase the consumption of vitamins and minerals, making the stocks taken with food insufficient and opening the way to possible deficiencies – explains Maria Papapitagora, specialist in food science in Milan -. If the exposure to stress becomes continuous, the immune, endocrine and nervous systems can be affected with manifestations of anxiety, tachycardia, sleep disturbances, panic attacks and indigestion. Among the anti-stress supplements there are niacin (vitamin B3) which promotes the synthesis of serotonin, vitamin B5, whose deficiency causes irritability and fatigue, vitamin B6 and magnesium which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and the optimal functioning of the nervous system. In the last year, during the pandemic, it has been seen that various supplements could have an antiviral and immunomodulatory role for the prevention, treatment and symptomatology of Covid 19 recovery. zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and quercetin ».
Beauty supplements
There are several factors that affect the beauty of our skin: cigarette smoke, exposure to sunlight without adequate protection and the stress that causes redness, burning, dryness and accentuation of wrinkles. «Antioxidants play a fundamental role in protecting the skin. Those of the latest generation, a mix of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids, act against free radicals and slow down skin aging – explains Mariuccia Bucci, nutridermatologist and Isplad scientific secretary -. In particular, anti-cyanins, pigments with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, such as Maqui Berry, have a double benefit: both against free radicals and against capillary fragility. To counteract the inflammation present in cell membranes, vitamins A, C, E, B5 and Omega-3s are of great help. If, on the other hand, you focus on a skin restructuring action and you want to keep the skin elastic and toned, the following are indicated: glucosamine, precursor of hyaluronic acid, ceramides with a moisturizing action, lysine and proline, components of collagen, for improving skin tone. Nails and hair? They can weaken following exposure to sunlight, invasive treatments such as dyeing and ironing, while aggressive nail polishes damage nails. The most suitable elements to strengthen them are: zinc, copper, biotin, vitamins B3, B5 and B6, silicon and sulfur amino acids ».
The news
For the beauty of the skin there are several supplements based on hyaluronic acid and collagen. Herbalife Nutrition has developed Collagen Skin, based on collagen I and III capable of reducing eye wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Instead, it aims at the production of collagen, Chronox by Dermophisiologique rich in Vitamin A, C and E, resveratrol and avocado. In September, Naturadika Skincoll Expert will be available which tones the skin thanks to a mix of bioactive collagen peptides. Collagen to drink? Sant’Anna Beauty with the addition of zinc to counteract oxidative stress. Still in the context of liquid supplements, Dren Flat Belly by Montefarmaco, natural ingredients for a strong draining action, flavored with pineapple and red fruits. While to strengthen the hair there is Gold Collagen Hair Lift by Minerva Research Lab, a mix of 18 active ingredients, including selenium, copper, biotin and amino acids that stimulate hair regrowth. Two novelties for hair, the first is Giuliani’s Bioscalin Nova-Genina, a unique formula that ensures results after 15 days of treatment, the second Lanserhof Hair & Nails, a bioactive and vegan supplement that promotes the health of nails and hair thanks to a mix of micronutrients. Swisse has just launched the Hemp + line based on hemp seed oil, 4 supplements to nourish body and mind that respond to the different needs of people. Against oxidative stress, on the other hand, Truvivity by Nutrilite Oxi Beauty is a mix of Aronia berries, sage and copper to strengthen the body’s natural defenses.