Elastin F

Elastin is a pivotal extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that contributes to elasticity and resilience of body tissues and organs. Elastin and collagen are two different types of protein. Elastin is approximately 1000 times more flexible than collagen. It is responsible for allowing body tissues to return to their original shape after being stretched or contracted. Hence, elastin is a dominant protein in tissues where elasticity is of utmost important, including blood vessels (50% of dry weight), elastic ligaments (70% of dry weight), lungs (30% of dry weight) and skin (2% to 4% of dry weight).

The aorta is the most elastic arteries (blood vessels) in the body. The presence of high proportion of elastin fibers in aorta allows dilation of blood vessels to accommodate high blood volume when the heart contracts. When the heart relaxes, the blood in aorta is advanced forward due to elastic recoil. This elasticity is crucial to maintain a relatively constant pressure in arteries despite the pulsating nature of the blood flow from the heart. With aging and mechanical stress, elastin fibres within the arterial wall starts to degenerate, leading to arterial or aortic stiffness. Aortic stiffness is an important risk factor for the development and progression of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Extracted from bulbus arteriosus of bonito fish, Elastin F is the secret to keep blood vessels elastic and “young”. Bulbus arteriosus, a small chamber connecting gill and heart, is particularly rich in elastin fibres. Hence, elastin F extracted from it can be clearly distinguished from other types of fish elastin, which are commonly extracted from fish skin that is high in collagen. Elastin F has low molecular weight and can be absorbed easily to exert beneficial effects in the body. It sends  signals” to the body to stimulate elastin production. This is not only vital to restore elasticity of blood vessels, but also help improve skin elasticity and mitigate joint pain.