Entrinsic Bioscience’s ultra-hydrating formula leverages high electrolyte absorption and protects gut, study finds

07 Dec 2023 --- A Heat Exertion Amino Acid Technology (HEAAT) clinical study commissioned by Entrinsic Bioscience (EBS) has endorsed the potential of its Ultra-Hydrating HeatDefense formula to enhance sports and rehydration beverages.

“The current generation of sports rehydration products typically contain high levels of sugars which can cause stomach and intestinal upset during exercise and can add significant calories where none are needed,” Stephen Gatto, chairman and CEO of Entrinsic Bioscience, tells Nutrition Insight.

“Our Next Generation Hydration formulas work without sugars, utilizing a patented blend of amino acids which can provide superior hydration to current sports drinks without the pitfalls of sugars.”

The formula boasts a patented amino acid blend demonstrating statistically significant levels of protection against exertional heat stress.

“Our formulas are powered by our patented blend of specific amino acids, which work together with key electrolytes lost in sweat and important for intestinal water absorption, to provide next generation, Ultra-Hydrating Sports drinks,” Gatto emphasizes.  

Peak water absorption
In contrast to glucose-based beverages that use one transporter, EBS’ Ultra-Hydrating HeatDefense formula provides enhanced electrolyte and water absorption. It also has strong heat protection capability, immune support and reduced inflammation during exertional heat stress.

“Our patented Hydro-Active Technology amino acid blends promote active intestinal absorption of water and electrolytes in the absence of sugar, and provide the powerful added benefit of intestinal protection against the combined stresses of exercise and environmental heat stress. Entrinsic Bioscience demonstrated these important benefits in a cutting-edge study,” Gatto notes.

The formula promotes dual action rapid rehydration with new levels of heat protection during sports, physical exertion and high heat stress. It also harnesses eight times the amount of electrolyte transporters for faster rehydration. It protects against gastrointestinal (GI) permeability resulting from these stressors.

“This study highlights the ability of this dual action formula to target advances in heat protection, coupled with ultra-hydration, to help drive optimal performance. We believe our natural formula will be a game changer whether protecting children playing on the ball field, adults working in high heat environments or soldiers training in extreme conditions,” says Gatto. 

EBS claims its hydration formula uses eight new channels to transport electrolytes, unlike similar products.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the meaningful impact our Ultra-Hydrating HeatDefense formula can have on consumers of sports and functional beverages. They provide new, targeted GI benefits and protection while addressing the need for rapid rehydration,” says Dr. Neil Fawkes, global medical director at EBS.

Amino acid-based beverages
The clinical study, conducted at Monash University, Australia and published in PubMed used a scientifically validated design to show that two EBS amino acid formulations successfully protected the GI barrier during exercise-induced heat stress and provided faster recovery from “leaky gut.” 

Participants consumed the amino acid blends twice daily for seven days, before and during intense exertional-heat stress for one week, with a one-week washout. The formula significantly reduced damage to the intestinal lining and unwanted inflammatory and immune responses.

The beverage protected the intestinal barrier from leakage of harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and reduced systemic inflammation.

Hydration plays a critical role in physical performance and health. Exercise increases body heat storage and sweat evaporation helps to remove body heat. Sweat is made up of body water and electrolytes.  

“It is critical to replace water and electrolyte losses to avoid or correct dehydration and its negative consequences for performance and even health. This is why optimal rehydration is so important,” Gatto concludes.

In other industry developments, Infinit Nutrition launched its Performance Labs platform to improve athletes’ approach to hydration, electrolyte monitoring and nutrition. The platform leverages wearable technology and nutrition coaching services.

Applied Nutrition has introduced Body Fuel – a sugar-free, electrolyte water sports drink with less than five calories per serving. The product features UFC star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett as its brand ambassador. 

In addition, Arla Foods Ingredients unveiled a concept of a functional drink to aid in rehydration and recovery. The RTD sports nutrition solution features Lacprodan SP-9213, a whey protein isolate the company states can retain functionality when paired with electrolytes. 

By Inga de Jong