Founded by nutritionist and wellness expert Kate Prince, Ancient + Brave formulates innovative supplements that focus on holistic health.
My name is Jamini, and I am a Master’s student studying Pharmaceutical Formulation at UCL. I have focussed my research on harnessing traditional natural ingredients which contain bioactive compounds, offering a natural, safer, and environmentally sustainable approach to nutraceutical formulations.
This drew me to Ancient + Brave, where ‘ancient wisdom’ is combined with ‘brave innovation’ to provide a holistic approach to well-being. Founded in 2018 by nutritionist and wellness expert Kate Prince, Ancient + Brave formulates innovative supplements, from collagen to medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil. The products tackle a range of health goals, from gut health, immune support and cognition to menopause and new mother support.
Here are some of the products that caught my eye, and the science behind them that makes them so effective.
This collagen supplement comprises of easily digestible, highly absorbable Type I hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides. Collagen is a structural protein which supports the integrity, elasticity and strength of our skin, joints, bones and gut lining. As we age the natural level of collagen declines, starting in our mid-twenties by approximately 1% each year.
Native collagen is a large triple-helix protein, requiring our digestive system to break it apart into amino acid and smaller chains (peptides) before they are able to pass through the gut wall. On the other hand, hydrolysed collagen has already been treated with enzymes to ‘hydrolyse’ or break apart the large protein structure into smaller peptide chains (1). The size of these peptide chains enable them to easily dissolve in water and be absorbed more efficiently.
The BECOME (Benefits of Bovine Collagen vs. Placebo on Skin, Hair, Nails, and Whole-Body Health in Healthy Adults) independently-run clinical study has verified the whole-body health benefits of True Collagen. The 12-week study (60 healthy female participants aged 35-55) demonstrated the transformative power of consistency, with;
Not only does collagen have beauty enhancements, True Collagen also supports a wide range of health benefits. The study has been pivotal in showing Ancient + Brave’s commitment to harnessing scientific research to transform our understanding of health, nutrition and well-being.
As one of many functional supplements, Ancient + Brave’s True MCT oil is made up of 60% C8 (caprylic acid) and 40% C10 (capric acid), entirely sourced from coconuts. These MCTs are broken down quickly to be used as fuel for the body. This supplement supports steady energy, mental clarity, and healthy metabolism. MCTs can also contribute to feeling fuller for longer, supporting the body’s fat burning ability.
100% coconuts are used instead of palm oil, due to the deforestation and endangerment of wildlife caused by palm oil production. This highlights a key aspect of Ancient + Brave’s ethos, centred on making sustainable and eco-friendly products.
I focussed my research at university on green formulation techniques in the pharmaceutical industry, therefore was drawn to the method of preparation used to produce the MCT oil. C8 and C10 are extracted using pure steamed distillation and gentle hydrolysis, without the use of organic solvents or chemicals. This holistic approach to formulation, takes into consideration safety, sustainability and innovation.
These capsules contain omega 3 and omega 7 – both of which help to support skin hydration, brain function, eye and heart health. Omega 3s are polyunsaturated fats, which despite being essential, must come from diet as our bodies cannot produce them. In these capsules, plant-based Omega 3 (types: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) has been extracted from algae.
The Omega 7 comes from sea buckthorn which is a plant containing many nutritional active components. With the idea being to ‘nourish your body, nurture the planet’, these capsules truly unlock the power of plant-based omegas.
These are just a few of the products offered by Ancient + Brave. It is clear a lot of thought has been put into how their products feel, taste and integrate into everyday life. This is through the mild or neutral tasting base, for example, of their True Collagen powder, which means it can easily be incorporated into coffees, smoothies or soups.
When flavours are used, natural additions like cacao, matcha or spices are used to create more enjoyable blends. Each product is crafted for effortless incorporation into everyday life. Emphasis is put on making these supplements simple daily rituals, creating sacred moments which connect our bodies and minds.
With the belief that science is more than data and is instead a dialogue between ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, Ancient + Brave takes such a unique stance on wellness. It is the highest scoring B Corp supplement brand in the UK, putting people and the planet at the heart of everything they do. Emphasis is put on making these supplements simple daily rituals, creating sacred moments which connect our bodies and minds as well as to the world around us.
As someone who is passionate about women’s health, it is amazing to see a brand focus on female empowerment. This is done through their products, as well as their company ethos. To support the complex processes involved in menopause and new mother support, Ancient + Brave outlines step by step rituals which can be tailored to what resonates most with your body.
In 2024 Ancient + Brave donated to The Swimming Sisters to empower women and girls with The Lotus Flower. To date, through the Love Mercy Foundation, Ancient + Brave has built a NICU corner in the postpartum ward of the Kristina Heath Centre in Uganda.
Overall, Ancient + Brave is a truly inspirational wellness brand, bringing new perspectives to cutting-edge nutrition. They show how modern formulation science and ancestral knowledge can coexist, setting a benchmark for the future of nutraceuticals.
