Peptides Aim to Differentiate Dairy in the Muscle-Health Market
In a 17-day study of healthy men, daily consumption of 2.4 grams of the ingredient was associated with a 144% increase in the reported rate of muscle recovery, a 54% improvement in performance during recovery and a 47% reduction in muscle fatigue compared with placebo.
A separate randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 72 healthy men and women during 56 days of resistance training. Participants receiving 2.4 grams per day recorded 17% greater strength gains, a 21.6% improvement in muscular endurance, a 49% increase in muscle energy and a 0.7% rise in bone mineral content compared with the placebo group.
The material also describes research into PeptiStrong alongside established sports-nutrition ingredients. In human cells from both young and older donors, inactive doses of the peptide combined with leucine or HMB generated stronger muscle-protein-synthesis signalling than either ingredient used alone.
PeptiStrong is described as neutral in taste and odour and as readily dispersible. The ingredient can be used with chocolate, vanilla, coffee and citrus flavour profiles, and is proposed for yoghurt, protein powders, shakes and ready-to-drink beverages. The stated formulation approach retains dairy protein as a source of amino acids while adding a peptide intended to act on signalling related to muscle maintenance, strength and recovery.
The proposal is directed at an established US category. SPINS data cited in the material put the country’s protein market at $10bn, with annual growth of 9%. Creatine is reported at a further $400m, growing by 22% a year. The material presents biological activity as an additional basis for product differentiation alongside formats, flavours and target consumer groups.
A survey commissioned by Nuritas of more than 2,000 US adults found that 71% expressed interest in buying a product containing PeptiStrong and indicated a willingness to pay at least 30% more for it. Two commercial examples are cited: Les Trois Chênes reportedly doubled sales after reformulating products with the ingredient, while Make Wellness achieved performance more than 2.5 times its launch forecast.
PeptiStrong has GRAS status in the United States, is registered in Canada as a Natural Health Product and is recognised as not novel in the European Union. It is also described as plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and halal.
