Nestlé takes on cellular health with new Celltrient supplement line

Photo from Nestlé Health Science

Nestlé is tackling aging head on with its new dietary supplement line, Celltrient, for cellular health. Celltrient is a three-product line that addresses three key aspects of cellular health: cellular energy, cellular protection, and cellular strength. The products are available in capsule and drink mix-in formats to give consumers an easy way to work supplementation into their everyday nutrition regimens.

The first supplement, Celltrient Cellular Energy, contains the key ingredient nicotinamide riboside (NR)—specifically, the flagship Tru Niagen ingredient from ChromaDex Corp. (Los Angeles). NR helps boost the level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in the body. NAD+ is a key metabolite in every cell of the body and is integral to cellular metabolism and mitochondrial health. It ensures the body can efficiently convert nutrients from food into the energy for the mitochondria (the organelles that power the cells) in order for cells and the body to function. Unfortunately, as one gets older, NAD+ levels, and thus cellular energy production, naturally decrease.

“Studies have shown that as we age, the levels of NAD+ can decline by as much as 50% between the ages of 40 and 60, thus impairing mitochondrial function and overall cellular energy production,” said Noelle Reid, MD, a family medicine physician who spoke about the Celltrient line at a Nestlé press event. Studies have shown that NR, the key ingredient in Celltrient Cellular Energy, “when supplemented, can increase NAD levels and in as soon as two weeks,” she added. Other ingredients in the product also support energy metabolism, including vitamin C and vitamin B (riboflavin, thiamin, biotin, B5, B6, and B12). The product is offered in powder mix-in format.

The second supplement, Celltrient Cellular Protect, aims to support the body’s production of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. As the body ages, the ability of the cells to synthesize glutathione diminishes, lowering the ability to scavenge free radicals, remove toxins, and fight oxidative stress. The key ingredients in Celltrient Cellular Protect—a patented blend of the amino acids glycine and N-acetyl cysteine—help support glutathione production. Reid said it may also help provide immune support and includes vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, and selenium. The product is offered in both capsule and mix-in powder forms.

The third product is Celltrient Cellular Strength. Its key ingredient is urolithin A (UA). UA is a cellular nutrient implicit in mitophagy, the process by which damaged mitochondria are removed to eliminate poorly functioning mitochondria in cells and new mitochondria are generated. Without this process, aging adults can experience a decrease in muscle strength and stamina.

Said Reid: “Naturally occurring urolithin A is formed by gut bacteria—so when we eat certain foods that contain compounds called ellagitannins, a type of polyphenol found in plants like pomegranates, berries, and nuts—however, only one in three people have the gut bacteria that’s necessary to allow for them to produce urolithin A themselves.” Celltrient Cellular Strength is available in capsule and powder form and also contains magnesium to support the regulation of muscle contraction and relaxation.

Age-associated cellular decline and the supportive role supplements can play is a growing part of the health and wellness conversation. Nestlé Health Science is playing a bigger part in this conversation with the Celltrient line. “At Nestlé Health Science, we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of the revolution in cellular nutrition,” said Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science, in a press release. “As people age, we know that there is a gap between how they want to feel and how they are actually feeling. With Celltrient, we can help people transform the way their cells perform with age, ultimately helping them improve the health of their cells with nutrition.”

Declines in mitochondrial and cellular health can result in declines in daily energy levels, strength, stamina, immune health, and overall resilience. Unfortunately, the standard diet may not provide nutrients to adequately support cellular health. The macronutrients and micronutrients obtained from the daily diet may meet basic nutrition needs, said Reid, “however, they may not be enough to combat the age-related declines that are happening inside our cells.”

With Celltrient, she said, “we have something that goes at an even deeper level: working at the cellular level to proactively address the aging process.”