Building blocks for better performance

When athletes use PeptoPro® during and immediately after a workout, the pre-digested protein is rapidly absorbed. Amino acids can be delivered directly to muscles and to organs which require them.

During exercise, protein breakdown is larger than protein synthesis so, in fact, exercise normally results in a loss of muscle mass. This can be reversed by consuming extra amino acids. Because muscle protein consists of all 20 amino acids, each amino acid needs to be supplied to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is hampered and protein degradation may be promoted by the lack of only one amino acid, resulting in a higher loss of muscle mass. It is therefore important that protein supplied during exercise contains the complete amino acid profile.

Casein is considered to be one of the best sources of protein for muscle protein synthesis. It contains all amino acids in just about the ideal proportions. PeptoPro® contains the same amino acids as casein, the only difference being the size of the peptide chains: very long for intact casein, very short (mainly di- and tripeptides) in PeptoPro®.

When used during exercise, PeptoPro® not only reduces muscle protein loss, it even builds up muscle mass, as shown in a recent experiment. PeptoPro® therefore helps to reduce muscle damage, resulting in a higher and faster storage capacity for energy-containing compounds and a reduction of post-exercise muscle soreness.

Protein is not only used as building blocks for muscle growth, it also stimulates the production of insulin. Insulin is particularly important for recovery after exercise. It stimulates the formation of muscle protein and the uptake of sugars, such as glucose, from the blood into muscle cells. And in the muscle cell, insulin stimulates the formation of glycogen, the glucose store of muscles, which is an important source of energy during exercise. Thus protein, via insulin, helps to replenish muscles’ store of energy.

Glycogen stores are replenished slowly if no protein is consumed directly after exercise and may take 24 to 30 hours to recover fully to the pre-exercise level.Recovery can be boosted by the supply of protein directly after exercise, via the subsequent increase in insulin. Instant re-charging of energy reserves allows athletes to recover faster and to be in better shape for their next training or match.

Timing of protein supply is essential. The sooner protein is consumed after exercise, the better is an athlete’s recovery. So right at the finish line is the best time for a recovery drink containing not only sugars and electrolytes but also protein. Unpleasant consistency, texture and taste make consumption of intact protein difficult directly after exercise. And protein hydrolysates and free amino acids are too bitter to be easily consumed. Thus, for recovery drinks, PeptoPro® is the protein source of choice: its texture and taste make it easily drinkable and it rapidly supplies the body with the complete range of amino acids.