TSI Group acquires research hub to expand protein market reach

19 Jun 2020 --- Health and wellness company TSI Group has acquired Metabolic Technologies (MTI), a research-driven company responsible for the discovery of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), a substance naturally produced during leucine metabolism. The strategic acquisition integrates TSI’s HMB production and business development capabilities with MTI’s clinical R&D capabilities. Extended research on the benefits of TSI’s branded HMB ingredient, myHMB, in the field of sports nutrition is projected to help “a much larger base of consumers, beyond traditional sports nutrition” access HMB.

MTI first discovered HMB in the early 1990s. As supplementation with HMB has been shown to support muscle strength and exercise recovery, it has “long been popular among sport nutrition brands,” TSI affirms. Therefore, the company provides a 3 g supplementation of HMB to maintain and improve overall muscle health.

HMB decreases protein breakdown while stimulating muscle protein sythesis.“This acquisition allows us to drastically expand our global market reach and access through globally aligned technical and commercial teams. We’re implementing an aggressive plan that expands myHMB market awareness and education with key brand partners who are highly motivated to take advantage of this untapped growth opportunity,” says TSI USA President Larry Kolb.

TSI will communicate these benefits through its awareness and education growth strategy behind myHMB. HMB is produced naturally in the body during the metabolism of the essential amino acid leucine. Leucine is found in protein such as soybeans, beef, alfalfa and fish. However, only 5 percent of dietary leucine is converted to HMB in the body. 

A booming joint health market
Musculoskeletal joint and bone health categories are mature, multi-billion-dollar categories for food and supplement brands, Kolb continues. “Meanwhile, the muscle health category remains in its infancy. Muscle health awareness and its importance is just now starting to emerge, especially for the aging population.”  

The nutrition industry saw a slew of developments in the muscle and joint health sector during this week alone. Nestlé Health Science joined forces with Bioiberica to integrate the latter’s collagen ingredient Mobilee into the former’s joint health drink mix called Meritene Mobilis. Addressing the need for muscle health solutions for an aging population, Arla Foods Ingredients launched Lacprodan HYDRO.Rebuild.

Lonza will also tap into the demand for functional supplements in next week’s webinar. The biotechnology company’s range of ready-to-market solutions, including UC-II undenatured type II collagen, can address the needs of a growing consumer base seeking to maintain joint health. Meanwhile, PLT Health Solutions is set to globally market its novel active and sports nutrition ingredient Dynaleve Muscle+Joint Formula, which is touted as a water-soluble, low-dose solution to post-exercise recovery.

Edited by Anni Schleicher