In the News
Increased fatigue may signal hidden nutrient deficiencies
New Study Finds Pycnogenol® Alleviates Cellulite in Women
Designs for Health Unveils "Design Your Health" Challenge to Celebrate Daily Wellness Routines Across the Country
Increased fatigue may signal hidden nutrient deficiencies
A vitamin deficiency could be the reason to feeling constantly fatigued despite getting enough sleep.
Recent NHS figures reveal a worrying national trend:
· In 2023-24 there were 191,927 admissions for conditions caused by iron deficiency – an 11% increase from the previous year
· B vitamin deficiency cases rose to 2,630 – a 15% increase year-on-year
The World Health Organization advises the most common deficiencies worldwide are iron, vitamin A, and iodine.
However, vitamin D is the most prevalent deficiency in the UK, with 1 in 6 adults reported to have low levels.
Other fatigue-linked deficiencies include:
Vitamin B12 – helps produce red blood cells and maintain nerve function. A deficiency can cause tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, and in some cases, anaemia, according to the NHS
Iron – is essential for oxygen transportation, cognitive function, and immunity. Low levels can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced concentration. Research shows iron supplementation significantly reduces fatigue and improves serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels
Magnesium – supports energy production, muscle function, and bone health. Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lack of energy. Studies have found that daily supplementation of 300mg helped relieve stress
Vitamin D – plays a key role in supporting immune health, bone maintenance, and blood calcium levels. A clinical trial of 174 adults presenting with fatigue found that 77.2% had low serum vitamin D levels. After their levels were normalised, fatigue scores improved significantly
These subtle symptoms can indicate fatigue may be linked to a deficiency
· Ongoing fatigue
· Brain fog
· Irritability
· Brittle hair and nails
· Mouth ulcers
· Headaches
· Restless legs
Pauline Peh, Brand Lead from leading UK supplement brand Nature's Best, said: "These figures reinforce how widespread nutrient deficiencies really are and how easily they can go undetected. Fatigue, brain fog, and low mood are not always caused by lifestyle alone. In many cases, these are signs that the body is running low on key vitamins and minerals. These statistics are a reminder that health starts with the basics, which includes keeping an eye on your nutrient levels."
New Study Finds Pycnogenol® Alleviates Cellulite in Women
A new double-blind, placebo controlled study reveals that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark extract, reduces cellulite severity—a very common skin condition, most prevalent in women, linked to dermal structure and vascular changes beneath the skin. The research found that women who took Pycnogenol® experienced measurable improvements in cellulite after 60 and 90 days. In addition, the study found that oral intake of Pycnogenol® decreased upper thigh circumference, reduced skin roughness, and improved skin smoothness.
Published in Phytomedicine Plus, the study evaluated 60 women aged 25 to 45 years over the course of three months, with cellulite status and response measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Thirty (30) women took 150 mg of Pycnogenol® a day (50 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening), while thirty (30) women took a placebo. Key findings include:
Decrease in Cellulite Severity
After 2 months of supplementation, researchers observed a 12.2% reduction in cellulite severity.
By the end of the 12-week trial, participants in the Pycnogenol® group had experienced a 13.6% total reduction.
These results were measured using the Hexsel Cellulite Severity Scale, a clinically validated assessment tool that evaluates five key morphological features of cellulite—such as skin surface alterations and depressions. A 13.6% reduction on this scale represents a clinically meaningful improvement.
The decrease in cellulite severity was not significant in the placebo group but was significantly reduced in the Pycnogenol® group.
Reduction in Upper Thigh Circumference
Participants taking Pycnogenol® saw a reduction of 2.07 cm after 3 months.
This was significantly greater than the 0.9 cm reduction in the placebo group.
Decrease in Skin Roughness
Skin roughness of the outer thigh decreased by 32% in the Pycnogenol® group after 3 months.
The placebo group showed only a 6% reduction overall.
Increase in Skin Smoothness
Participants in the Pycnogenol® group experienced an 11.19% improvement in skin smoothness after 3 months.
The placebo group only showed a 6.82% improvement overall.
"Cellulite is incredibly common—impacting up to 90% of women—and while often seen as frustrating, it doesn't have to undermine confidence," says author and renowned natural physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore. "Women today are looking for natural, effective ways to support skin health. Pycnogenol® is a clinically backed ingredient with multiple skin benefits, including its ability to visibly improve cellulite. That's exciting for anyone looking to simplify their beauty routine and feel better in their own skin."
Danielle Lin, C.N., lifestyle radio and podcast host and long-time Pycnogenol® advocate, adds: "Wellness is the foundation of timeless beauty, and Pycnogenol® is one of those rare ingredients that truly bridges inner health with visible results. For women looking to refine skin tone and texture naturally, this research offers a smart, science-backed solution. It's a beautiful blend of nature and innovation that empowers us to feel confident in our own skin."
In addition to this new cellulite research, Pycnogenol®'s skin and beauty benefits have been well documented in over 25 published clinical studies. These demonstrate its ability to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis within the skin's extracellular matrix, improving skin elasticity and hydration.
To review clinical research and additional information on Pycnogenol®, visit www.pycnogenol.com. Pycnogenol® is available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health products worldwide.
About Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 450 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.
About Horphag Research
Horphag Research is the exclusive worldwide distributor for Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research. For its patented ingredient, Pycnogenol®, Horphag Research has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award, Nutraceutical Business & Technology Safety & Quality Award, SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and The American Botanical Council's Tyler Research Award. Horphag Research has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol® worldwide and benefits from more than 40 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement.
SOURCE Horphag Research (USA) Inc.
Designs for Health Unveils "Design Your Health" Challenge to Celebrate Daily Wellness Routines Across the Country
Designs for Health®, a leading practitioner-recommended supplement brand, is celebrating everyday health routines with the launch of its "Design Your Health" challenge. This 30-day initiative, open for submissions now through July 9, 2025, invites participants to share the daily practices that support their long-term vitality, while providing meaningful opportunities for connection among those passionate about wellness.
How to enter:
- Share a Photo or Video: Share a photo or video on Instagram using #DesignsforHealthRoutine with your Designs For Health routine, or upload via our contest page on the Designs for Health website. Let us know if you're a practitioner or consumer!
- Spread the Love: Encourage others to join and show how they Design their Wellness Routine.
- Get Noticed: Invite friends and followers to vote for you! Winners are chosen by community votes + internal review.
Participants are encouraged to tag @designsforhealth and can enter the challenge for a chance to win a wellness prize package valued at $1,000. Second and Third Runners-Up will receive wellness prize packs valued at $250 each.
"This initiative highlights the everyday protocols individuals rely on to optimize their health. When we share how we care for ourselves, we uplift others and build a more connected, health-conscious community," said Rick Sheppard, Chief Marketing Officer at Designs for Health. "We can't wait to see the impact of our science-driven solutions as participants share their personal wellness journeys."
To learn more about the challenge and Designs for Health's comprehensive portfolio of products, visit https://www.designsforhealth.com.
About Designs for Health, Inc.
Family-owned Designs for Health, Inc. offers high-quality nutritional supplements and functional foods to health care professionals and their patients. Guided by its founding philosophy of "Science-First™," the company holds an unwavering commitment to creating research-driven formulations with meaningful quantities of functional ingredients that maximize the potential for successful health outcomes. For over 35 years, Designs for Health has been many health-care professionals' trusted source for not only product innovation but also leadership in clinical education and practice development solutions. https://www.designsforhealth.com/our-story
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. For Official Rules: https://woobox.com/fbozi8/rules