EGT - a "super amino acid"
December 11 2024
In recent years, ergothioneine (EGT) has gained attention as a "super amino acid" with significant health benefits, such as preventing various diseases and promoting overall well-being. EGT is a rare amino acid found in small amounts in mushrooms and is known for its extraordinary antioxidant power—7,000 times stronger than "vitamin E," which is already celebrated as an antioxidant. Because of these remarkable properties, EGT has earned the nickname "longevity vitamin" and is emerging as a key component in the fields of food, medicine, and cosmetics, with potential applications in a wide range of future products.
The human body, aside from water and fats, is primarily composed of proteins, including those in hair, which are built from 20 different types of amino acids. A deficiency in these amino acids can lead to a variety of health problems, such as difficulty losing weight, anemia, sensitivity to cold, and skin issues. Amino acids play a vital role in maintaining the body's health. However, since EGT is a potent antioxidant amino acid that is only found in nature and cannot be produced by the human body, it has become a popular choice for anti-aging treatments.
Antioxidants help prevent the oxidation of the skin and body, which is a critical concept for those interested in anti-aging care. Factors such as ageing and external influences like UV rays and air pollution cause oxidation, weakening the skin’s barrier function and leading to issues such as dark spots, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. The strong antioxidant effect of EGT, particularly in high concentrations, inhibits melanin production, which is responsible for dark spots. It also helps support collagen and elastin, key elements for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, and protects hair, including eyelashes.
Recognising the potential of EGT, Sairai focused on its antioxidant properties, which promote healthy skin, and undertook extensive research and development. This led to the creation of Japan’s first proprietary manufacturing process (Vegan Synergy Manufacturing Method®), combining high-concentration EGT with 98% purity and high-purity mineral particles using a specialised extraction technique. All Sairai products contain EGT.
In 2019, EGT received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it an approved ingredient for use in supplements and other products in the United States. This certification ensures that EGT is recognized as safe for consumption under specific conditions of use, based on expert knowledge and experience in the field.