Older people who are active internet users and who regularly indulge in culture may be better able to retain their health literacy, and therefore maintain good health, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
The Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as the degree to which a person is able to obtain, understand, and process basic health information so they can make appropriate decisions about their health.
Low levels of health literacy are associated with poorer self-care, higher use of emergency care services, low levels of preventative care, and an overall increased risk of death.
The most important factor governing a decline in health literacy in later years is thought to be dwindling cognitive abilities as a result of ageing, which gradually dulls the brain functions involved in active learning and vocabulary.
The researchers wanted to find out if regular internet use and engaging in civic, leisure, and cultural activities might help to maintain health literacy skills, irrespective of age-related cognitive decline. They therefore assessed the health literacy skills of almost 4,500 adults aged 52 and older, all of whom were taking part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) between 2004 and 2011.
At the start of the study, around three out of four people (73 per cent) had adequate health literacy. After six years, scores fell by one or more points in around a fifth (19 per cent) of people, regardless of their initial score, while a similar proportion improved by one or more points.
There was a link between age and declining health literacy, and being non-white, having relatively low wealth, few educational qualifications, and difficulties carrying out routine activities of daily living.
Poorer memory and executive function scores at the start of the study were also linked to greater decline over the subsequent six years.
Around 40 per cent said they never used the internet or email, while one-in-three (32 per cent) said they did so regularly. Similar proportions said they engaged in civic (35 per cent) and/or leisure (31 per cent) activities over the six-year period.
Almost four out of 10 (39 per cent) said they had regularly engaged in cultural activities, such as going to the cinema, theatre, galleries, concerts or the opera, during this time.
Across all time points, internet use and engagement in civic, leisure, or cultural activities were lower among those whose health literacy declined.
With the publication of Professor Geoff Raisman’s spectacular achievement in repairing the damaged spinal cord of a Polish knife attack victim in the journal Cell Transplantation, we are witnessing a paradigm shift of biblical proportions in the field of spinal cord repair – for the first time stem cell therapy has exceeded expectations. Humanity is on the verge of great advances in the understanding and repair of neurological disasters.
This week marks a significant milestone in our journey from the first bone marrow (stem cell) transplant to treat Leukaemia in 1956 (earning the Nobel Prize for Dr. Thomas and J.E. Murray in 1990) to Professor Raisman’s publication in 1969 on the ‘Plasticity of Nerve Cells’.
In just 10 years the possibility of neural regeneration has revolutionised our understanding of neural physiology and repair.
It all began when the canary (long used to warn coal miners of dangerous gasses in the mines) was found to grow 500,000 new neural cells in the process of learning a new song each spring time (it’s amazing what is done for love!!)
A few years later an inspired researcher did MRI brain studies on London Taxi drivers learning maps of London (known as ‘The Knowledge’). A repeat MRI nine months later showed that the hippocampus had grown in size by 14%.
Another study found that when rats learned to navigate a new maze, after only 5 trials they developed more than 20,000 new brain cells. The control group of rats that just ran around a ring for the same time showed no increase in brain cells.
So the brain can and does grow when stimulated. Professor Raisman’s research was the subject of an excellent cover story in the Sunday Times supplement circa 2007. I am personally pleased that I used his research findings and hypotheses in my presentations to the European Anti-ageing Conference on ‘The Potential of Stem Cell Therapy’ in Athens in 2007 and in Paris the following year.
In summary, the stem cell promise has been vindicated.
See below for comprehensive coverage of this exciting medical development from the ever-brilliant BBC.
Paralysed man walks again after cell transplant
By Fergus WalshMedical correspondent
A paralysed man has been able to walk again after a pioneering therapy that involved transplanting cells from his nasal cavity into his spinal cord.
Darek Fidyka, who was paralysed from the chest down in a knife attack in 2010, can now walk using a frame.
The treatment, a world first, was carried out by surgeons in Poland in collaboration with scientists in London.
BBC One’s Panorama programme had unique access to the project and spent a year charting the patient’s rehabilitation.
Darek Fidyka, 40, from Poland, was paralysed after being stabbed repeatedly in the back in the 2010 attack.
He said walking again – with the support of a frame – was “an incredible feeling”, adding: “When you can’t feel almost half your body, you are helpless, but when it starts coming back it’s like you were born again.”
Prof Geoff Raisman, chair of neural regeneration at University College London’s Institute of Neurology, led the UK research team.
He said what had been achieved was “more impressive than man walking on the moon”.
UK research team leader Prof Geoff Raisman: Paralysis treatment “has vast potential”
The treatment used olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) – specialist cells that form part of the sense of smell.
OECs act as pathway cells that enable nerve fibres in the olfactory system to be continually renewed.
In the first of two operations, surgeons removed one of the patient’s olfactory bulbs and grew the cells in culture.
Two weeks later they transplanted the OECs into the spinal cord, which had been cut through in the knife attack apart from a thin strip of scar tissue on the right. They had just a drop of material to work with – about 500,000 cells.
About 100 micro-injections of OECs were made above and below the injury.
Four thin strips of nerve tissue were taken from the patient’s ankle and placed across an 8mm (0.3in) gap on the left side of the cord.
The scientists believe the OECs provided a pathway to enable fibres above and below the injury to reconnect, using the nerve grafts to bridge the gap in the cord.
How the injury was treated
1) One of the patient’s two olfactory bulbs was removed and the olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) were grown in culture
2) 100 micro injections of OECs were made above and below the damaged area of the spinal cord
3) Four strips of nerve tissue were placed across an 8mm gap in the spinal cord. The scientists believe the OECs acted as a pathway to stimulate the spinal cord cells to regenerate, using the nerve grafts as a bridge to cross the severed cord
Before the treatment, Mr Fidyka had been paralysed for nearly two years and had shown no sign of recovery despite many months of intensive physiotherapy.
This programme of exercise – five hours per day, five days a week – has continued after the transplant at the Akson Neuro-Rehabilitation Center in Wroclaw.
Mr Fidyka first noticed that the treatment had been successful after about three months, when his left thigh began putting on muscle.
Six months after surgery, Mr Fidyka was able to take his first tentative steps along parallel bars, using leg braces and the support of a physiotherapist.
Two years after the treatment, he can now walk outside the rehabilitation centre using a frame.
He has also recovered some bladder and bowel sensation and sexual function.
Dr Pawel Tabakow, consultant neurosurgeon at Wroclaw University Hospital, who led the Polish research team, said: “It’s amazing to see how regeneration of the spinal cord, something that was thought impossible for many years, is becoming a reality.”
Mr Fidyka undergoes five hours of physiotherapy a day
Mr Fidyka still tires quickly when walking, but said: “I think it’s realistic that one day I will become independent.
“What I have learned is that you must never give up but keep fighting, because some door will open in life.”
The groundbreaking research was supported by the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF) and the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF)
UKSCF was set up in 2007 to speed up progress of promising stem cell research – the charity has to date contributed ￡2.5m
NSIF was set up by chef David Nicholls after his son Daniel was paralysed from the arms down in a swimming accident in 2003.
To date the charity has given £1m to fund the research in London and a further £240,000 for the work in Poland.
The breakthrough
A key difference with Mr Fidyka was that the scientists were able use the patient’s olfactory bulb, which is the richest source of olfactory ensheathing cells.
This meant there was no danger of rejection, so no need for immunosuppressive drugs used in conventional transplants.
Most of the repair of Mr Fidyka’s spinal cord was done on the left side, where there was an 8mm gap.
He has since regained muscle mass and movement mostly on that side.
Scientists believe this is evidence that the recovery is due to regeneration, as signals from the brain controlling muscles in the left leg travel down the left side of the spinal cord.
MRI scans suggest that the gap in the cord has closed up following the treatment.
None of those involved in the research want to profit from it.
Prof Geoff Raisman said: “It would be my proudest boast if I could say that no patient had had to pay one penny for any of the information we have found.”
NSIF said if there were any patents arising, it would acquire them so as to make the technique freely available.
The sense of smell and spinal repair
The complex neural circuitry responsible for our sense of smell is the only part of the nervous system that regenerates throughout adult life.
It is this ability that scientists have tried to exploit in stimulating repair in the spinal cord.
Every time we breathe, molecules carrying different odours in the air come into contact with nerve cells in the nose.
These transmit messages to our olfactory bulbs – at the very top of the nasal cavity, sitting at the base of the brain.
The nerve cells are being continually damaged and must be replaced.
This process of regeneration is made possible by olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which provide a pathway for the fibres to grow back.
Mr Nicholls said: “When Dan had his accident I made him a promise that, one day, he would walk again. I set up the charity to raise funds purely for research into repairing the spinal cord. The results with Darek show we are making significant progress towards that goal.”
Prof Wagih El Masri said: “Although the clinical neurological recovery is to date modest, this intervention has resulted in findings of compelling scientific significance.”
The consultant spinal injuries surgeon, who has treated thousands of patients in the UK, added: “I have waited 40 years for something like this.”
All those involved in the research are keen not to raise false hopes in patients and stress that the success will need to be repeated to show definitively whether it can stimulate spinal cord regeneration.
The scientists hope to treat another 10 patients, in Poland and Britain over the coming years, although that will depend on the research receiving funding.
Dr Tabakow said: “Our team in Poland would be prepared to consider patients from anywhere in the world who are suitable for this therapy. They are likely to have had a knife wound injury where the spinal cord has been cleanly severed.
Sir Richard Sykes, chair of the UK Stem Cell Foundation, said: “The first patient is an inspirational and important step, which brings years of laboratory research towards the clinical testbed.”
“To fully develop future treatments that benefit the 3 million paralysed globally will need continued investment for wide scale clinical trials,”
The researchers
Prof Raisman
Prof Raisman has spent more than 40 years studying how to repair the spinal cord.
In animal studies he showed that OECs injected into the rat spinal cord could reverse paralysis.
In 2005, Prof Raisman was approached by a Polish neurosurgeon who had begun researching how to apply the technique in humans.
Dr Tabakow
Dr Tabakow carried out an initial trial involving three paralysed patients who each had a small amount of OECs injected in their damaged spinal cords.
While none showed any significant improvement, the main purpose of the study was achieved, showing that the treatment was safe.
Multiple recent developments have inspired us at Dunphy Medical to focus on healthy brains this month, here are a few of them.
Trinity College in association with the EU recently launched Hello Brain, a website and free app that promotes mental agility, brain health and understanding of this fascinating organ, follow a link to their site here http://www.hellobrain.eu/en/
This October Bank Holiday weekend (25th-27th October), Muintir na Tíre is organising a National Active Community Weekend in conjunction with Console to promote mental health.
TedTalks, (a favourite reference on this site as frequent visitors know) have a great playlist this week called How Does My Brain Work which features 9 videos on separate aspects of brain function.
Here’s one of those TedTalks by Daniel Wolpert called The Real Reason For Brains, I hope you find it as interesting as I did. It also greatly supports and explains the rationale of a physical therapy which I use in my practice (Neural Organisation Technique – N.O.T.) which I have found of great benefit in head, spinal and other physical injuries, and also unexpectedly in dyslexia and learning disorders over the past 30 years. Further information on N.O.T. can be found on this blog by clicking on Neural Organisation Technique under Categories, a section that shows on the left side of our home page.
In 2006 I had the unique experience (for a short time) of using umbilical cord stem cells in a range of chronic diseases. Because of this experience I was invited as a guest speaker to the European Anti-ageing Conference in Athens, Greece in 2007 and to the World Anti-ageing Conference at the Palais de Congres in Paris the following year.
A fellow speaker from Oxford presented some fascinating new information on how spectacularly adaptive and regenerative the brain is, this quality is called plasticity. Brain plasticity was believed to be impossible as recently as approximately 10 years ago, so all medical textbooks more than 10 years old are 100% wrong in relation to brain plasticity and are best thrown on your next bonfire!!
We can thank the humble canary bird for our first scientific breakthrough in this regard, it generates 500,000 new neural (brain) cells learning a new song every spring – neural stem cells are a key player in learning and memory.
A study of London taxi-drivers who memorised and learned the ‘knowledge’ ie a map of London’s many streets like an internal GPS, showed a 14% growth of the hippocampus (the area of the brain responsible for memory) after just 9 months.
Another study found that when rats learned to navigate a new maze, after only 5 trials they developed more than 20,000 new brain cells. The control group of rats that just ran around a ring for the same time showed no increase in brain cells.
TOKI: A Radiant New You in 45 days. Toki Collagen is a lemon flavoured supplement that was developed to provide absorbable collagen and essential nutrients to the deep layer in the skin. Clinically tested for wrinkles, age spots, hydration and natural radiance.
Toki is available in powdered drink or tablet form or at our clinic.
-For wrinkles, age spots, hydration and natural radiance
Kat JamesAuthor of ‘The Truth about Beauty: Transform Your Life from the Inside Out’ “Toki collagen drink represents a safer, perhaps even health-building alternative or compliment to other models of wrinkle reversal. Clinical research shows a compelling reduction of lines and discoloration in as little as 45 days. And these effects are not just limited to the face.”* read full review
Dr. Linda PageOne of the world’s leading natural health and beauty educators. Author of more than 20 books and the besteller ‘Healthy Healing A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone’ “My skin tone is actually purer and more porcelain-like – and not just on my face – I see a change in my skin all over! I highly recommend Toki as a daily protocol for skin health, anti-aging and beauty. I don’t want to be without it and neither will you!”* read full review
Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, MDAuthor of Nutrition and Healing Newsletter, January 2008 “[Toki research] certainly appears to disprove the idea that injecting collagen is the only way to prevent it from being broken down by digestion.”* read full review
Dr. Irwin Kantor, MDDermatologist, Principal Investigator of Toki Clinical Study “The diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was impressive. I was even more impressed with the fading of discolored spots on the skin “*
Fighting the Signs of Ageing Beauty experts know that our bodies produce less collagen as we age. That can lead to fine lines, age spots and dry, tired looking skin. The challenge has always been how to restore collagen levels, especially in the critical, deep layer of the skin. Most creams and lotions only penetrate the upper skin layer. Then, a new, different collagen drink called TOKI, offered the promise of porcelain skin from within. TOKI, developed in Japan, appeared to do what other skin products, including other collagen supplements could not, helped to restore deep layer collagen levels. As a result a growing number of men and women, of all ages, have made TOKI part of their daily lives. Many have seen TOKI continually diminish wrinkles and age spots while enhancing overall skin glow, hydration and tone.
Collagen to the Dermis TOKI, a natural lemon citrus drink, was developed to provide absorbable collagen and essential nutrients to the deep layer in the skin. It is composed of patented Collagen peptide, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Calcium (calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide) Glucosamine, HA (Hyaluronic Acid) and Dermantic Acid (Muccopolysaccharide Complex) and HAI (Heated Algae Ingredient). This collagen formula is water soluble and highly absorbable. The HAI which contains approximately 47 amino acids may facilitate absorption of the collagen. TOKI powder, mixed in eight ounce of water, delivers all of these essential nutrients to the dermis, traveling through the bloodstream, to bring nourishment to cells deep down where topical applications cannot reach. Like water from an underground spring, the nutrients in TOKI are absorbed into the dermis and parched cells begin springing back to life. TOKI nourishes and replenishes from within.
Clinically Tested For Wrinkles and Age Spots TOKI was the subject of an eight-week-long clinical study of 32 women between the ages of 35 and 65. The study results were published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) in 2002. Each woman was evaluated every two weeks for improvement in the soft tissue of the eyes, sagging, puffiness, wrinkles, and overall facial aging through a visual assessment scale, dermatological exams, and patient self-evaluations. Blood collagen levels were also tested during the first four weeks of the study.* The dermatological review found statistically significant improvements in the soft tissue of the eyes, sagging, puffiness, wrinkling, and aging over the course of eight weeks. Patients saw improvements in their appearance and on average, blood collagen indicators increased by 114%. In addition Medical professionals are finding that TOKI is useful as an adjunct to other forms of cosmetic treatment. Sylvan Bartlett, M.D. of Midland TX started patients who have deep scars on TOKI the same day they have laser resurfacing.
Porcelain Skin From Within TOKI reintroduces a youthful look and feel to skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes Collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to restore a more youthful quality to the skin. That is combined with the moisture retention of Hyaluronic Acid in a mucopolysaccharide complex. When all these ingredients are modified with HAI Amino Acid Extract from Hijiki seaweed for enhanced absorption, skin tone, moisture level and resiliency are revived. In as little as 45 days, skin texture starts to become smoother and tighter, hydration and radiance improve and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be diminished. Toki is available in convenient single packets powder form or mini-tabs.
Toki Collagen Powder 60 Packets
Toki Mini-Tabs: 900 Mini Tabs
TOKI RESULTS
Toki contains Active Collagen, Calcium, and Hyaluronic & Dermatanic acids. These nutrients have been combined with 47 amino acids from Hijiki seaweed to promote absorption. Unlike topical creams, Toki supports internally. The consumption of dietary collagen formulation (Toki) resulted in highly statistically significant improvement in periorbital wrinkling, in periorbital aging and in periorbital overall facial aging. The investigator’s mean global improvement scores of overall facial aging as compared to baseline photographs were highly significant.* In women with age-related skin changes, a dietary collagen formulation (Toki) from LaneLabs significantly improved periorbital wrinkling, periorbital aging, and periorbital overall facial aging with minimal adverse effects.* Dermatological Examinations from a 60-day clinical study of 40 Toki users (led by the Director of Dermatology at Research Testing Laboratories, New York.) rated 78% of women as “improved” or “much improved” on his global assessment including: radiance, appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and lightening of patchy discolorations such as age spots.
Three clinical studies measured the benefit of taking Toki collagen drink for aging skin. The first study found a statistically significant improvement in facial aging as early as two weeks and throughout the entire eight week trial. Significant improvement in wrinkling and aging around the eyes was also noted. The second study found blood collagen levels more than doubled (114%) among women taking Toki for four weeks. In the third study, researchers noted subjective smoothening and moistening of the skin among elderly patients who took Toki for four months. Adverse events observed were minor and included intermittent diarrhea, and nausea. Some clinical trial patients saw no benefit. Your results may differ
TOKI STUDIES
The Science of Toki The skin is divided in 2 main portions; the upper layer is the Epidermis and the lower layer is the Dermis. The bottom layer of the Epidermis is where pigment-producing cells live (melanocytes), where our skin color is produced as well as less desirable skin tones and overall skin discolorations (freckles, dark spots). These can also be due to sun damage.
The Dermis goes through many changes in the aging process. The Dermis is where the capillaries that bring blood flow to the skin live. When Collagen and Elastin fibers begin to break down, it may lead to skin weakness, or sagging (fine lines, wrinkles). The overuse of facial muscle will also cause deep wrinkles (squinting, frowning, smiling). Because TOKI is taken internally (in the form of a drink), it can help deliver nutrients to the dermis (lower layer). The result: A total body solution that supports a youthful appearance.*
Toki Clinical Studies STUDY 1: A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF DIETARY FORMULATION IN IMPROVEMENT OF AGE-RELATED SKIN CHANGES IN WOMEN WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE WRINKLING OF THE PERIORBITAL AREA Irwin Kantor, MD, FAAD, Louise A.Donikyan, DO, Randi Simon, BS, Bernd Wollschlager, MD RTL, Inc., Hackensack, New Jersey Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Family Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida The Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) (2002) Vol 5,2 : 10-19 ABSTRACTContext: The relationship between dietary supplement and the repair of aging skin is unclear. Objective:To assess the safety and efficacy of a dietary formulation for the improvement of age -related degenerative skin changes in women Methods:Using a blinded, randomized, parallel design, a total of 40 women, age 35-65 years were enrolled and divided into approximately balanced groups with 38 women completing this eight-week, four-visit study. Recommended daily doses of the study product, a dietary collagen formulation (Toki), were 7.5g (given to Group A) and 8.5g (given to Group B). Both investigator and subjects assessed skin wrinkling and other skin characteristics in the periorbital (“eye”) area as well as overall facing aging. Main Outcome Measures:Safety and Efficacy of a dietary collagen formulation when used to improve periorbital wrinkling, aging, sagging, and puffiness and periorbital overall facial aging. Results:The consumption of dietary collagen formulation resulted in highly statistically significant improvement in periorbital wrinkling, in periorbital aging and in periorbital overall facial aging. The investigator’s mean global improvement scores of overall facial appearance as compared to baseline photographs were highly significant. Significant improvement was noted as early as two weeks. Conclusion:In women with age-related skin changes, a dietary collagen formulation (Toki) significantly improved periorbital wrinkling, periorbital aging, and periorbital overall facial aging with minimal adverse effects. Case Study 1. Patchy Discolorations
Self Observations -Toki users reported firmer, more pliant skin, less noticeable the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improvements in skin color. Other Findings -The study also revealed that Toki was most effective for those who did not smoke or did not have extensive sun-damage. Read Complete Published Study Here
STUDY 2: ABSORPTION OF TOKI MEASURED BY BLOOD COLLAGEN ASSAY Absorption of collagen form Toki was assessed by measuring levels of serum collagen. Hydroxyproline (amino acid component of collagen) levels were measured and converted to equivalent levels of porcine collagen. Serum collagen levels were tested at baseline, study day 15 and study day 30. Clinical evaluations, performed by a board-certified dermatologist, and subjective evaluations were used to determine the effectiveness of Toki in improving skin appearance. Clinical assessments and subjective evaluations were performed at day 15, study day 30 and study day 60. Absorption of collagen form Toki was assessed by measuring levels of serum collagen. Hydroxyproline (amino acid component of collagen) levels were measured and converted to equivalent levels of porcine collagen. Serum collagen levels were tested at baseline, study day 15 and study day 30. A statistically significant increase in hydroxyproline was observed at both day 15 and day 30 as compared to baseline, suggesting a high rate of absorption of Toki collagen. Read Study Results Here
STUDY 3: SKIN IMPEDENCE AND JOINT HEALTH Researchers at Katsuragi Hospital in Japan discovered skin improvements in people who ingested Toki (described as AAACa calcium with collagen and other matrix components). In this 80 person case controlled study, changes were measured between an individual taking Toki and a similar subject who took nothing. The researchers noted that “basal skin impedance, which increases with age, was significantly reduced in response to the Ca-collagen matrix [i.e. Toki] supplementation, suggesting a change in skin properties similar to rejuvenation, along with subjective smoothening and moistening of the skin.
What the Press Say…
“Toki provides significant improvement for periorbital problems including wrinkles… the diminished appearance of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was impressive.”* Read full article –Cosmetic Surgery Times
“Toki significantly improved facial ageing.”* Read full article –JANA Journal
“Down it three times a day, and within a month and a half… age spots will lighten and your skin texture will be more refined.”* Read full article –New York Magazine
“Those turned off by the idea of [collagen] injections might be interested to know that it is sold in other forms.” Read full article –Elle Magazine
A real youth drink? Toki ($195 for a 30-day supply; 888–AGELESS) is the first collagen-replacement drink (it’s meant to feed skin from within, where creams can’t reach). It diminishes lines and fades spots.* –Self Magazine
A Drink to Your Skin: The Latest Anti Aging Product is Ingested, not Injected.* –Fashion Wire Daily
Sarah, a 20-year-old publicist, swears by a Japanese powdered drink called Toki that, when consumed three times a day, works to hydrate skin cells and stimulate collagen production, to give you a more youthful glow.”* –Nylon Magazine
“I have been taking Toki for 30 days and I love it.” –Fox 5 News
“The drink contains three essential nutrients to help improve the appearance of the skin: calcium, collagen and hyaluronic acid“* Read full article –Medical Spa
“[The] natural collagen drink clinically shown to reduce fine lines and age spots”* Read full article –Renew
“LaneLabs Toki is a collagen drink that helps diminish the signs of aging and improves skin texture.”* Read full article –Skin Inc.
“Nurture your body from the inside out.” Read full article –H Texas Magazine
“Introduced to the U.S. by way of Japan, [Toki] has become a leader in the field of natural beauty aids” Read full article –Happi
“The result is overall improvement in the texture and appearance of the skin, according to the company.”* Read full article –Les Nouvelles
“Anyways, I really REALLY really enjoyed this. And am placing an order for my mother ASAP. Had I thought ahead, I would have taken before and after pictures, but now you will just have to take my word for it! – And the word is GREAT!”* Read full article –Beauty Snob
“Now I know what you are saying, “drinkable collagen?” Yes, indeed and it is basically a nutritional therapy that is good for your face and whole body.” Read full article –Melinda Zook
“Toki has become a leader in the field of natural beauty aids.” Read full article –TheCelebrityCafe.com
“Until now if you wanted to get a little collagen pucker up, you had to go get an injection. But why go for a shot when you drink Collagen at home. Yep, we said drink.”* Read full article –Chip Chick
“Toki was introduced as the first collagen drink to help diminish signs of aging and improve texture and appearance, literally leading women to their ‘fountain of youth’”* Read full article –Make Up University
Older people who are active internet users and who regularly indulge in culture may be better able to retain their health literacy, and therefore maintain good health, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Prof Raisman
Dr Tabakow
Before
After
Enlarge
Before
After
Enlarge
Before
After
Enlarge
Before
After
Absorption of collagen form Toki was assessed by measuring levels of serum collagen. Hydroxyproline (amino acid component of collagen) levels were measured and converted to equivalent levels of porcine collagen. Serum collagen levels were tested at baseline, study day 15 and study day 30. Clinical evaluations, performed by a board-certified dermatologist, and subjective evaluations were used to determine the effectiveness of Toki in improving skin appearance. Clinical assessments and subjective evaluations were performed at day 15, study day 30 and study day 60. Absorption of collagen form Toki was assessed by measuring levels of serum collagen. Hydroxyproline (amino acid component of collagen) levels were measured and converted to equivalent levels of porcine collagen. Serum collagen levels were tested at baseline, study day 15 and study day 30. A statistically significant increase in hydroxyproline was observed at both day 15 and day 30 as compared to baseline, suggesting a high rate of absorption of Toki collagen. 
Dunphy Medical Carrigaline 