The Quality of Cetyl Myristoleate (CM)

The molecule Cetyl Myristoleate is found in concentrated amounts in animals. The discoverer of CM, Harry Diehls, found it in the bloodstreams of mice and in specific glands of the male beaver, as well as in the oil of the sperm whale.

Contemporary CM products are made with two natural substances. One of these substances is cetyl alcohol, derived from palm or coconut oils. The other substance is myristoleic acid, which has two sources: animal and plant.

• Animal-derived myristoleic acid comes from beef fat.
• Plant-derived myristoleic acid comes from the wild nutmeg Mystica kombo.

Kala Health’s Cetyl Myristoleate (CM) Cream uses a formulation based on animal sources. Scientific research indicates that CM from animal sources has a concentration three times higher than that from plant sources.

No 100% pure CM products are available. Raw materials contain varying percentages of other fatty acids, such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Some of these raw materials undergo distillation and crystallization processes to increase the desired fatty acids and reduce levels of unwanted or inert fatty acids. At this point, the complex is mixed with cetyl alcohol, washed with sodium hydroxide, and evaporated under reduced pressure, resulting in CM Plex, a waxy complex of esterified oil, including Cetyl Myristoleate.

The Safety of Cetyl Myristoleate

Among tens of thousands of CM users, there are no confirmed reports of side effects. Similar to fish oils, it may cause mild burping in some individuals, typically disappearing within an hour. Note: CM cream is exclusively for dermal use.

Toxicity studies have shown that Cetyl Myristoleate is non-toxic according to federal regulations. Megadoses administered to animals did not result in adverse effects. Necropsy on these animals showed no negative effects on internal organs.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is an organic form of sulfur bound to two methyl groups and one sulfur atom. It is the form in which sulfur occurs naturally in all living organisms. MSM contains over 30% sulfur, earning it the nickname ‘beauty mineral.’ Methyl groups are the building blocks of all organic molecules.

CM Cream is applied to the skin, protected by the epidermis from external influences. Just below the epidermis is the dermis, a thin layer responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Two sulfur-containing proteins, elastin and collagen, form fibrous structures in the dermis. Collagen, constituting 70% of the connective tissue in the skin, primarily provides firmness, while elastin is responsible for suppleness. In youth, the skin has enough elastin and collagen to keep it young, supple, and firm. After the age of 25, collagen production gradually decreases, leading to aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Both hair and nails also contain collagen, but their main component is keratin, a tough protein with a high sulfur content.

Boswellia serrata

Boswellia serrata is a tree whose resin is traditionally used in Indian medicine. In addition to India, the tree is also found in Africa. Today, the resin is used in supplements available in the Netherlands.

What does Boswellia do for your health?

The potential health effects listed on the packaging of supplements with Boswellia serrata are currently being investigated by the European Commission. The evidence for these health effects is currently in the evaluation phase by the commission. The following are unauthorized claims:

• Boswellia, for good gastrointestinal function.
• It contributes to flexible joints and healthy respiratory pathways.
• Boswellia also contributes to mental balance.
• It is good for the heart and helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
• Boswellia, for normal menstruation and good male fertility.

MSM, Glucosamine & Chondroitin

• OptiMSM®: OptiMSM® represents the purest form of MSM, an extremely small and light molecule efficiently absorbed by the body. It is the biologically active form in which sulfur naturally occurs in all living organisms. Natural sources of MSM include fruits, vegetables, and milk from cows grazing in pastures.
• GlucosaGreen®: Glucosamine is inherently present in the human body and is also found in the shells of shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and lobsters. These shells contain chitin, a polysaccharide that can be converted into glucosamine. GlucosaGreen® Glucosamine is of plant origin and is manufactured by fermenting corn. As a result, this formula is free from common allergens associated with shellfish.
• ChondroPure®: Chondroitin is found in nutrient-rich cartilage, especially from animals such as cattle, pigs, and sharks. The cartilage of these animals contains chondroitin sulfate, a substance extracted for use in supplements. ChondroPure® chondroitin is derived from bovine trachea, where the molecules are relatively small (< 10,000 daltons), essential for proper absorption in the body.

References

• Boswellia serrata. More information about health effects? | IVG. (2022, December 27). IVG info. https://www.ivg-info.nl/voedingssupplementen/kruiden/boswellia/
• Kim, Y. H., Kim, D. H., Lim, H., Baek, D., Shin, H., & Kim, J. (2009). The effect of methylsulfonylmethane on osteoarthritic large joints and mobility. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 32(4), 651–656. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.32.651
• Siemandi H. The effect of cis-9-Cetyl Myristoleate and adjunctive therapy on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Aug/Sept 1997, 58-63.