Food & Beverage Reporter August 2018

INGREDIENTS
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benefit from increased bioavailability.
However, manufacturers are often wary
of incorporating hydrolysed protein into
sports nutrition products because of the
higher cost. It can also have undesirable
odour and flavour profiles which can
cause formulation challenges when
trying to mask these elements. As such,
digestive enzyme optimisation presents
a viable alternative by effectively breaking
down protein without either of these
formulation challenges.
Typical sports nutrition products
determining that the ingredient
can release twice as much leucine from
whey protein concentrate than 2 500 mg
of another leading enzyme ingredient,
and two and a half times more than
endogenous enzymes alone.
Similarly, another Glanbia Nutritionals
in-house study using whey protein isolate
produced comparable results. 100 mg of
IGNITOR released four times as much
leucine, 3.25 times more BCAAs and 2.25
times more glutamine than endogenous
enzymes alone. Particularly with athletes’
increasingly discerning attitudes towards
performance nutrition, the results of both
With demand for protein showing no signs of slowing
down, there will be plenty of innovation opportunities
in the performance nutrition market.
WheyXR is a whey protein
concentrate from Glanbia Nutritionals
that is modified to have a prolonged
release of amino acids. Using advanced
protein polymerization technology, it
allows manufacturers to create protein
particles that are double the size of
regular whey protein particles.
As such, these robust protein gels are
less susceptible to enzymatic digestion,
meaning the release of amino acids is
extended. Simulated hydrolysis studies
have shown that WheyXR is 47% less
digested after six hours than regular whey.
When formulated with a recovery
mix of nutrients, such as vitamins C, E,
D, B6, magnesium and zinc, Whey XR
can be used as a post-workout ready-tomix
drink.
Glanbia Nutritionals’ Whey XRecovery
prototype helps to highlight its potential
in the performance nutrition market. With
a vanilla-mocha flavour, the combination
of Whey XR and mix of nutrients enables
consumers to support the maintenance
of normal muscle function, as well as
the immune system following intense
physical exercise.
Paving the way for whey protein
require athletes to ingest large amounts
of protein in one sitting. In cases like
this, our endogenous enzymes cannot
fully digest the proteins and release
amino acids. As such, manufacturers are
looking at ways to increase bioavailability
through a greater BCAA and glutamine
release. Glanbia Nutritionals’ IGNITOR
amino acid matrix is a proprietary blend
of proteolytic enzymes, which can be
added to protein products to optimise
digestive enzyme activity and promote
a higher concentration of amino acids.
The resulting pathway activation helps to
synthesise muscle protein and ultimately,
grow skeletal muscle.
The science behind IGNITOR
Although there is currently a range of
enzyme blends on the market, IGNITOR
can specifically target individual BCAAs
or glutamine. In fact, a simulated
gastrointestinal study carried out by
Glanbia Nutritionals has been crucial in
studies are promising in furthering the
health benefits of whey protein.
As well as allowing manufacturers
to formulate the next generation
of performance nutrition products,
IGNITOR can also improve existing
formulations. For example, as serving sizes
become limited due to on-the-go lifestyles,
consumers can still receive the same
BCAA and glutamine effectiveness, but
with smaller amounts of protein.
A steady supply of amino acids
Although whey protein is a fast-digesting
protein, the initial surge of amino acids
in the first 30 minutes to one hour can
decrease over time. Performance nutrition
manufacturers are therefore keen to use
whey protein concentrates with a slower
rate of digestion. A more sustained supply
of amino acids can help to support muscle
growth and recovery, which would make
it ideal for athletes to consume postworkout,
or for night-time recovery.
With demand for protein showing no
signs of slowing down, there will be
plenty of innovation opportunities in the
performance nutrition market. Whey
protein remains popular among elite
athletes and bodybuilders – and for good
reason, as it aids their fitness goals. Its
“natural” image continues to hold interest
for the Millennial generation, while its high
protein levels promise numerous muscle
function benefits.
However, scientifically-aware
consumers are looking for credible
performance nutrition products – not
just fad ingredients. Therefore, it is more
important than ever that there is adequate
and compelling evidence behind each
product. Glanbia Nutritionals’ IGNITOR
and WheyXR are two ingredients that
show how significant technology advances
can help to increase the bioavailability of
whey protein and help athletes get the
most out of their high-protein products.
• At the time of going to print, regulatory
approval process for Ignitor in South
Africa was due to be completed.
www.glanbianutritionals.com
kkeyter@glanbia.com
Tel : +27(0)73 1199 838
24 AUGUST 2018 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.za