Post-exercise boost: Nutrition 21 presents positive results of Velositol complex on myokines

16 Nov 2017 --- Nutrition 21, LLC has announced the presentation of new preclinical and clinical study results that support the efficacy of Velositol, a modified-release chromium complex combined with a specialized form of amylopectin, in increasing the levels of various myokines after exercise.

The results, entitled, “The Effects of Velositol on Exercise-induced Myokines,” were presented to nutrition science researchers, clinical nutritionists and other professionals last week during the American College of Nutrition’s (ACN) 58th annual conference in Alexandria, Virginia. They will also be published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Velositol is a novel complex previously shown to accelerate and boost muscle protein synthesis (MPS) when combined with protein. MPS is a prime component for amplified muscle growth, lean body mass, and quicker muscle recovery.

“Velositol is now not only being added to a number of whey protein products, but also BCAA products, and other sources of essential amino acids and proteins,” James Komorowski, M.S., Chief Science Officer of Nutrition 21, explains to NutritionInsight. “In addition, Velositol can be used in dietary supplements and foods in a variety of applications including in nutritional bars, powders and RTDs.”

Velositol stands apart
To investigate if myokines are affected by Velositol, the ingredient was tested in a preclinical study. Myokines are cytokines – musclin and fractalkine – released by muscles during exercise that lead to MPS. Treatment groups included: exercise in control; exercise and whey protein; and exercise, whey protein and Velositol.

All active treatment groups showed significant increases in musclin serum levels as compared to the exercise control group. However, all groups supplemented with Velositol and whey protein had significantly higher musclin levels when compared to whey protein alone; these were results that highly correlated with the increases observed in MPS.

Additionally, in a clinical study, subjects participated in a double-blind, crossover design study where they consumed a beverage containing six grams of whey protein or six grams of whey protein and two grams of Velositol and then completed eight sets of bilateral isotonic leg extensions. The results showed that cytokine levels were again highest in Velositol and whey protein-treated subjects.

Interestingly, increases in both musclin and fractalkine were observed, and they are involved in muscle growth and endurance.

“Fascinating results” show positive effects
“We are especially pleased with the fascinating results derived from these two separate studies indicating that Velositol supplementation, when combined with whey protein, can effectively enhance the formation of various myokines following exercise,” comments Komorowski. “These study results further support our knowledge of the positive effects of Velositol in humans.”

Velositol is a uniquely efficacious ingredient that delivers clinically substantiated results, Nutrition 21 states. The company adds that consumer benefits shown to be directly linked to Velositol, when combined with protein, include:

• Significantly boosts MPS beyond protein alone (as measured by FSR).
• Promotes leaner body composition.
• Doubles the power of protein on MPS versus protein alone in a single dose. This is based on a double-blind, crossover clinical study in whih participants were given a single dose of Velositol with 6g of protein or 6g of protein alone.
• Unlocks the potential of protein to enhance muscle-building activity after exercise.

Speaking about the general mainstreaming of sports nutrition, Komorowski tells NutritionInsight that it makes a lot of sense that a wider variety of people with active lifestyles are now interested in taking protein products. “Velositol plays a significant role in this market, especially in products with lower protein levels that could use a boost, as well as products with higher protein levels where consumers want to purchase protein containing product that may give them the biggest boost they can,” he adds.

“We are seeing the level of enthusiasm growing more rapidly now that products containing Velositol are starting to hit the market,” Komorowski says of the level of interest at present. “The release of new study data and the press pickup of the benefits of this protein-enhancing ingredient are also contributing to the recent growth in customer interest.”

The potential product applications for Velositol are also very broad, so the company is in the early stages of planning multiple studies to support these areas, Komorowski adds.