Product Description

Maximum Protein is a unique protein blend based on cutting edge research on the physiology of protein digestion and metabolism. The rationale behind the development of Maximum Protein is to provide nutritional support to maximize protein synthesis and limit protein degradation within muscle, especially during the periods prior to, and immediately following, strenuous exercise training; as well as during periods of negative caloric balance. Several important studies have demonstrated that both the type of protein ingested and the timing of protein intake are crucial for not only building muscle mass, but also for maintaining muscle mass when caloric energy expenditure exceeds caloric intake.

Maximum Protein is composed of a blend of three different proteins each of which has properties that affect the time course of delivery of amino acids to muscle.

The magnitude and the duration of change in amino acid availability are what regulate protein muscle protein gain following a meal. Specifically, the hydrolyzed whey component in Maximum Protein enables rapid protein digestion and absorption of amino acids, including the branched chain amino acids, particularly leucine, which has been shown to be a key stimulatory amino acid for muscle protein synthesis. The two other protein components, whey isolate and casein prolong the duration of increased blood amino acid levels. In fact, human studies have demonstrated a marked reduction in proteolysis (muscle protein breakdown) following the ingestion of the protein casein. This “time-release” effect of casein is due primarily to its ability to congeal in the stomach thereby slowing gastric emptying. This property can also increase the feeling of satiety following ingestion. A major problem associated with the consumption of whey protein alone in large amounts is that much of it bypasses the muscles and is oxidized by the liver. In other words, over time whey protein is less efficient in promoting protein retention and accumulation in muscle. Intense exercise alone is a potent stimulus for muscle protein synthesis and if amino acids are not supplied to the muscle it will simply breakdown its own protein to support new protein synthesis. The protein blend we have developed is designed to “kick” muscle protein synthesis into gear soon after ingestion yet maintain a constant lower level of amino acid delivery to the muscles in order to prevent these same muscles from just recycling amino acids (from proteolysis) already in the muscle fibers for protein synthesis and hence, muscle development.

To help facilitate the digestion process we have added Aminogen to the blend. Aminogen is a patented, plant derived, digestive enzyme preparation designed to function in both the stomach and small intestine to effectively convert ingested dietary protein into free amino acids and short chain peptides.  Many of the popular food supplements commercially available today contain enzymatic protein hydrolysates and/or amino acids in their free form. These food supplements are not only expensive, but they are usually unpalatable. By incorporating Aminogen into Maximum Protein, we can adjust the blend to make a great tasting product!

Another important component of Maximum Protein is bovine colostrum. Colostrum is a fluid produced by mammary glands along with milk, but only in the hours immediately following birth. It is essential for newborn mammals, including humans, because it contains several biologically-active molecules which are essential to the body's immune and growth functions. These molecules can be categorized into: 1) immune factors, which provide support to the body’s immune system and 2) growth factors, in particular insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a potent stimulator of muscle fiber repair and protein synthesis. Reduced immunoglobulin levels may result from either intense exercise training and/or reduced caloric intake, especially protein, and are linked to the susceptibility to viral or bacterial infection. Results from recent studies have demonstrated that ingestion of colostrum is associated with increased levels of immunoglobulin (IG). Evidence has show that increased IGF-1 levels following ingestion of colostrum can help increase lean body mass during the course of training. In addition research supports potential improvement in recovery from training sessions and even increased performance following supplementation.


References:

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Dangin M, Boirie Y, Garcia-Rodenas C, Gachon P, Fauquant J, Callier P, Ballevre O, Beaufrere B. The digestion rate of protein is an independent regulating factor of postprandial protein retention. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Feb; 280(2):E340-8

Wolfe, R.R. Protein metabolism in response to ingestion pattern and composition of proteins. J. Nutr. 132: 3219S-3224S, 2002

Antonio J, Sanders MS, Van Gammeren D. The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in active men and women. Nutrition. 2001 Mar; 17(3): 243-7. 

Buckley JD, Brinkworth GD, Abbott MJ. Effect of bovine colostrum on anaerobic exercise performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor I. J Sports Sci.  2003 Jul; 21(7): 577-88. 

Coombes JS, Conacher M, Austen SK, Marshall PA.Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum on physical work capacity in cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc.  2002 Jul; 34(7): 1184-8. 

Rachman, B. Unique features and applications of non-animal derived enzymes. Clinical Nutrition Insights. 5(10): 1997.