Bioiberica’s hyaluronic acid matrix regenerates muscle when mixed with whey protein

21 Mar 2024 --- Preliminary findings on Bioiberica’s latest patent-pending research show that its hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix ingredient, Mobilee, supports muscle regeneration when combined with whey protein. Mobilee is a patented HA matrix ingredient with a 60–75% concentration of hyaluronic acid, 5–15% sulfated polysaccharides and up to 20% collagen. Scientific research demonstrates that the novel food-approved ingredient supports mobility at a daily dose of 80 mg.

“Mobilee has already demonstrated significant benefits for joint health, however, this latest study is the first-of-its-kind in the muscle health domain and marks the second phase of our research in this field,” says Daniel Martínez Puig, head of R&D, human and animal health at Bioiberica. 

“In the initial stage, we established that Mobilee plays a supportive role in muscles. But we wanted to trial its effects in combination with well-recognized and frequently used ingredients in the muscle health arena, like whey protein.” 

Cellular turnover in the muscles
According to the researchers, muscle regeneration is vital in maintaining physical function, improving chronic conditions, aiding injury recovery and supporting an active lifestyle. In the past, muscle regeneration was encouraged through rest, rehabilitation and nutrition, but Bioiberica believes there is a need for new strategies.

The company investigated the effects of Mobilee on muscle regeneration when it is incorporated into hydrolyzed whey protein (WP), an essential nutrient for muscle growth and repair, as a source of high-quality protein.

The in vitro study in myocyte (muscle) cells showed that the combination boosted myocyte hyperplasia — an increase in muscle cell size — and myogenic differentiation. The process facilitates muscle cell turnover and the renewal process.  

“By combining these two ingredients and showcasing their unique effect on muscle regeneration for the first time, we’ve opened up exciting opportunities for innovation in the food supplements and functional foods categories and we now plan to invest in further research,” says Martínez.

Myocytes models
The study findings, published in Clinical Nutrition Espen, add to a growing body of scientific data about Bioiberica’s HA matrix ingredient in human health and create further innovation opportunities in nutrition. 

Mobilee and WP were digested in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion model before being tested in L6-myocytes. The size of the myocytes and cell regeneration were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy techniques. 

The researchers found that the combination was beneficial to aspects of muscle regeneration, such as inflammation induced by a tumor necrosis factor. Clinical studies are necessary to verify the findings.

The company unveiled the initial scientific findings for Mobilee at SupplySide West 2023, Las Vegas, US, which were poised to open innovation avenues for the application.

By Inga de Jong