improved protein metabolism

Improved Protein Metabolism

Functional nutrition and protein utilisation

Efficient protein metabolism is a key component of nutritional strategies aimed at muscle maintenance, post-exercise recovery, and metabolic health. Supporting the digestion, absorption and tissue uptake of amino acids is especially relevant in formulations intended for physically active populations, ageing adults, or individuals undergoing weight management protocols.

Mechanisms supporting protein utilisation

NOW® Energy (2 × 3.35 g/day)

NOW® Energy is a standardized ingredient derived from carob, rich in D-pinitol, a naturally occurring inositol with metabolic support functions. Documented mechanisms include:

  1. Enhanced intestinal absorption of amino acids: D-pinitol modulates glucose-sodium co-transport mechanisms, which facilitate improved uptake of key amino acids such as leucine and glutamine in the small intestine.
  2. Support for muscle amino acid uptake: As an insulin mimetic, D-pinitol contributes to muscle cell amino acid transport, potentially enhancing muscle protein synthesis and post-exercise recovery.
  3. Reduced proteolysis under metabolic stress: Stable blood glucose may help modulate cortisol-associated catabolism, contributing to the preservation of lean mass during caloric restriction or intense physical activity.

NOW® Weight (2 × 4 g/day)

NOW® Weight is a carob-based functional ingredient system high in polyphenol-enriched soluble fibre, developed to support digestive and metabolic efficiency. Relevant effects include:

  1. Modulation of digestive kinetics: The polyphenol-fibre matrix slows gastric emptying, enhancing enzymatic activity in the small intestine and improving the breakdown and bioaccessibility of dietary proteins.
  2. Support for lean mass retention during weight loss: Clinical observations suggest a preservation of muscle mass in subjects using NOW® Weight, despite reductions in fat mass and body weight.
  3. Improved metabolic partitioning: The formulation may help prioritise fat oxidation over protein catabolism, improving protein sparing and enabling amino acids to be used primarily for tissue maintenance and repair.

Technical applications
These ingredient systems are suitable for use in:

  1. High-protein functional foods.
  2. Sports nutrition formulations.
  3. Recovery blends or clinical nutrition products supporting muscle preservation.

Scientific evidence
The functional effects of D-pinitol and polyphenol-rich fibre on protein absorption and muscle metabolism are supported by experimental and clinical data, including:

  1. Studies on glucose-dependent amino acid transport mechanisms.
  2. Trials evaluating body composition and nitrogen balance.
  3. Literature on polyphenol-fibre interactions with macronutrient absorption.
  4. Technical files and scientific summaries are available for review under NDA.

DISCLAIMER FOR B2B USE ONLY
This content is provided exclusively for business-to-business communication in the context of food formulation and ingredient supply. It does not constitute a nutritional or health claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Final product manufacturers are responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance for any consumer-facing claims.