Empyrean Nutrition Insu-Pro

Q: Why use Insu-Pro?
A: Insu-Pro was developed to rapidly deliver nutrients to muscle cells. Specifically Insu-Pro contains fast absorbing carbohydrates to facilitate an insulin spike, fast absorbing protein, antioxidants, and an insulin mimetic. Many athletes train in multiple disciplines and as a result require the proper nutrients post and/or intra-workout to keep muscles primed for peak performance. With the addition of Na R-ALA, which is not just a powerful anti-oxidant, it is also an inducer of cellular signaling pathways, an insulin mimetic, a hypotriglyceridemic agent, a vasorelaxant/anti-hypertensive compound, a metal chelator, and an adjuvant for neurocognitive function Insu-Pro is simply the best recovery supplement available.

Q: Why use hydrolyzed casein protein?  
A: This can be answered with a question. What is the first food source when you and other mammals come into this world? You got it milk which in humans is comprised of 50% casein and 50% whey protein*. As we all know nature knows best, therefore during this critical time of growth and cell division nature has selected a food source comprised of both whey and casein protein for its biological benefits. Post workout nutrition presents a similar challenge which is the requirement for fast absorption in the proper ratios for recovery. Therefore Insu-Pro contains rapid absorbing hydrolyzed casein and whey protein isolate. * Please note the protein content of human milk varies throughout lactation, the percentage quoted above is an average during this period [1, 2, 3]

 Many athletes/fitness enthusiasts ask themselves, if they are ingesting the proper nutrients to maximize recovery? With Empyrean Nutrition you can always be certain that you are getting an evidence based product with ingredients that have been thoroughly tested and demonstrated to be effective in humans. Insu-Pro is no different as you get the most advanced, evidence based recovery product on the market:

• 10 grams of clinically proven PeptoPro® hydrolyzed casein protein

• Low Temperature Processed Micro Filtered Whey Protein Isolate

• Perfect 2:1 Ratio of Fast Absorbing Carbohydrates and Protein for Optimized Recovery

• 6 grams of BCAAs per serving

• 150 mg Bio-Enhanced® Na R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful anti-oxidant and insulin mimetic

• Lactose Free

• Gluten Free

• No Bunk Carbohydrates like Waxy Maize Starch

• Mixes Easily & Tastes Great!

Post-Workout Research has demonstrated an intense training session (> 60 - 90 minutes) will deplete internal energy stores, i.e. glycogen. If one were to only ingest protein post-workout the protein would be used to stabilize blood sugar levels and replenish glycogen. This would be accomplished by gluconeogenesis where the body converts glucogenic amino acids into glucose (sugar). This does not increase muscle protein synthesis. If one were only to ingest carbohydrates post-workout the body would also stabilize blood sugar levels and replenish glycogen, however the body does not have a mechanism to convert carbohydrates to protein (hence some amino acids are essential). The net result of ingesting either carbohydrates or protein alone is an incomplete recovery. On the other hand ingestion of carbohydrates and protein within one hour after exercise has been shown to significantly increase muscle protein synthesis, increase insulin levels, optimize glycogen resynthesis, reduce immune-suppressive effects of intense exercise, and stimulate the mTOR pathways [4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The ideal post-workout supplement contains fast absorbing protein, high glycemic index carbohydrates, an insulin mimetic, and antioxidants. With Insu-Pro you have all of your bases covered. When developing Insu-Pro we left no stone unturned, so let’s start with some facts on protein digestion. After physical breakdown protein digestion continues with hydrolysis (the addition of a water molecule to break peptide bonds) of protein to di-peptides, tri-peptides, and free form amino acids which are then absorbed into the blood stream and transported to cells throughout the body. Only free form amino acids, di- and tri-peptides can be absorbed by the body, anything larger needs to be broken down. Larger oligopeptides need enzymes to degrade protein which require time and energy for production. PeptoPro® on the other hand already consists of di- and tri peptides which need no digestion and can be absorbed by the body instantly. Moreover research demonstrates that hydrolysates composed mostly of di- & tri-peptides are absorbed faster than hydrolysates containing larger peptides, faster than whole food proteins, and faster than free form amino acids.

Why is PeptoPro® different from other hydrolysates?

First off Peptopro® is a hydrolyzed casein protein as opposed to a hydrolyzed whey protein. Current whey protein hydrolysates on the market are obtained via 'classic' hydrolysis. This ‘classic’ form of hydrolysis leaves proteins tasting bitter and absorbed slower due to a large amount of left over larger peptides and free form amino acids that can cause some allergic reactions. Peptopro® uses a patented enzyme technology that breaks proteins down into the smallest of parts. There are different enzymes available depending on their preference for the place where they break through the amino acid chain. The broken up protein pieces are called peptides; they consist of at least two amino acids. In ‘classic’ hydrolysis exoproteases are used as they detach the first amino acid from a peptide chain, one at a time. These standard enzymes are used to cleave the protein and leave larger oligopeptides with a bitter taste. Peptopro® uses only endopeptidases and a new patented endoprotease with a preference for the amino acid proline. The resulting di- & tri-peptides are water soluble and no longer bitter. In this way the unique PeptoPro® production process ensures that fewer single amino acids are left over (<2%) and equally important, the bitter peptides are removed! In addition di- and tri-peptides do not lie in your stomach like a brick, which means that PeptoPro® can also be taken before, during, or immediately following a sports performance. This is important as during intense exercise the body’s digestive capacity is dramatically reduced due to limited blood flow to the gut (up to 80%), since PeptoPro® contains more than 60% di- and tri-peptides this keeps blood in muscle tissue, where you need it. In addition to over 60% of PeptoPro® being smaller than 500 Dalton and di- and tri-peptides, molecular mapping indicates that it consists of less than 2% free form amino acids. The low level of free form amino acids is significant as the body prefers di- and tri-peptides as they are absorbed into the small intestinal epithelial cells by co-transport with H+ ions via a transporter called PepT1 [9]. On the other hand in a competitive environment (i.e. other macronutrients in the gut) the amount of free form amino acids that can be absorbed at a given time is limited by competitive inhibition as they are oxidized and used for energy rather than protein [10].

PeptoPro® breakdown:

• During and immediately following intense exercise the body’s digestive capacity is dramatically reduced due to limited blood flow to the gut (up to 80%), since PeptoPro® contains more than 60% di- and tri-peptides this keeps blood in muscle tissue, where you need it.

• Molecular mapping indicates that PeptoPro® consists of less than 2% free amino acids

• Peptides obtained by ‘classic’ hydrolysis is extremely bitter, absorbed slower, and can cause some allergic reactions. They have no or only a low effect on raising insulin levels after exercise.

• The di- and tri-peptides in PeptoPro® are completely water soluble. They form a clear and stable solution which is not bitter. They are quickly absorbed by the body and stimulate insulin production. They are hypoallergenic and were thoroughly tested during the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

• In a competitive environment, i.e. substances competing for absorption into the bloodstream di- & tri-peptides are much more stable than free form amino acids, are preferred by the body, and as a result are absorbed into the bloodstream much more efficiently.

Below is an illustration of the unique method of hydrolysation used to make PeptoPro®

Why use PeptoPro® over whey protein hydrolysate?

Remember we discussed the ‘classic’ form of hydrolysis which leaves proteins tasting bitter, absorbed slower due to left over larger peptides and free form amino acids, and can cause some allergic reactions. The problem with whey protein hydrolysates on the market today is that there is yet to be a hydrolysation process to cure this problem. Also when compared to PeptoPro® whey protein hydrolysate has been demonstrated to be inferior. R Demling and L DeSanti carried out a study with 34 American police officers who were overweight. They all followed a hypo caloric diet (80% RDA) for 12 weeks. The second group received extra whey protein hydrolysate (1,5 g/kg/day) and the third group received extra PeptoPro® casein hydrolysate (1,5 g/kg/day). The results are illustrated in the table below:

As illustrated above all three groups lost body weight. The protein enriched diets led to a greater loss of body fat and increased lean body mass which resulted in a measureable increase in muscle power! Both proteins, whey and casein, were given in the form of hydrolysates, the difference lays in the absorption rate.

Why add Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate?

In addition to clinically proven PeptoPro®, Insu-Pro also has cold temperature processed, microfiltered whey protein isolate. Microfiltration is a process to filter out fat, lactose, ash, and larger protein molecules that are more difficult to absorb. These are present in whey concentrates and other lower quality whey protein powders. Instead of relying on chemicals and processing at a higher temperature, microfiltration is a delicate process performed at a low temperature employing very fine filters. The net result of microfiltration is an undenatured protein with high levels of bioactive whey protein fractions; immunoglobulin, lactoferrin and glycomacropeptides (GMP).

Whey Protein Isolate Characteristics:

• Absorbs rapidly

• Rich in BCAAs

• Bioactive protein fractions, including immunoglobulin, lactoferrin and glycomacropeptides (GMP).

What are high glycemic index carbohydrates and why use them?

The glycemic index is a measure of the effect carbohydrates have on blood sugar levels. The faster a carbohydrate breaks down and gets into the bloodstream the higher the glycemic index will be. Insu-Pro has both dextrose and maltodextrin as these carbohydrates have the highest glycemic index. Don’t be fooled by products that boast about using bunk carbohydrates such as waxy maize starch (WMS) and look to pass the cost along to you. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition comparing WMS to dextrose and sucrose not only did WMS absorb slower than dextrose it also absorbed slower than sucrose which is a low glycemic index carbohydrate [11]. This means slower gastric emptying, a lesser spike in insulin, and a delay in nutrients reaching your blood. The combination of the fast absorbing protein, Na+ R Lipoic Acid, and high glycemic index carbohydrates in Insu-Pro yield the best post-workout supplement on the market.

What is Bio-Enhanced® Na R-Lipoic Acid (NaRALA)?

Alpha Lipoic Acid is amongst the most potent antioxidants in nature and is the only antioxidant that is soluble (dissolves) in both fat and water, so it protects all parts of your cells from harmful free radicals. Bio-Enhanced® NaRALA is added to Insu-Pro not only for its anti-oxidant effects but also for its dual effect on insulin (Insulin is a powerful hormone that is essential to allow entry of glucose into liver, muscle, and fat tissue where it can either be converted into usable energy or stored energy (glycogen or fat) for later use). Specifically Bio-Enhanced® NaRALA acts as an insulin mimetic (acts like insulin) and an insulin sensitizing agent. Bio-Enhanced® NaRALA is the most bioavailable oral form of Lipoic Acid on the market. The vast majority of Alpha Lipoic Acid products on the market today contain an unnatural form of Lipoic Acid that is not found anywhere in nature and did not even exist until it was chemically synthesized in 1952. These are racemic mixtures where 50% is the natural form and 50% is NOT the natural form, this is not recommended. R-Lipoic Acid is the natural form of Lipoic Acid. It is significantly more potent than the synthetic form as it is the exact type your body makes and requires. R-Lipoic Acid is the better form when compared to Alpha Lipoic Acid, however pure R-Lipoic Acid in its “free acid” form lacks stability and bioavailability. The “R” form (R-Lipoic) is considered the “eutomer” (the biologically superior form) of Alpha Lipoic Acid, however it needs to be stabilized. Bio-Enhanced® Na R Lipoic Acid (NaRALA) is the stable form of R-Lipoic Acid as it is the sodium salt of R-Lipoic Acid. In fact as evidenced in the chart below pharmacokinetic data demonstrated Bio-Enhanced® Na R-Lipoic Acid (NaRALA) is the most bioavailable oral form of Lipoic Acid on the market. A preliminary human trial found that people who took Bio-Enhanced® Na R-Lipoic Acid (NaRALA) achieved blood concentrations of Lipoic Acid a full 40 times higher than those who took unstabilized RLA. In addition to the numerous studies on Alpha Lipoic Acid over a dozen peer reviewed published studies demonstrate the benefits listed below in humans from specifically taking Bio-Enhanced® Na R-Lipoic Acid (NaRALA):  

• Improve metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity which improves glucose and peptide transport

• Increase lean muscle mass

• The only antioxidant that is soluble (that dissolves) in both fat and water, so it protects all parts of your cells — the fatty cell membrane and the aqueous cell interior — from harmful free radicals

• Restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound

• Increase ATP (energy) levels for more strength, explosive power output, and endurance

• Reverse oxidative damage to enzymes and DNA

• Support a healthy response to inflammation, including decreasing C-reactive protein

• Enhance cardiovascular health by promoting vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels)

• Protect the integrity of the brain and nervous system

• Chelate heavy metals* [12-22]

References:

¹Kunz C, Lönnerdal B. Re-evaluation of the whey protein/casein ratio of human milk. Acta Paediatr 1992;81:107–12.[Medline]

²Kunz C, Lönnerdal B. Human-milk proteins: analysis of casein and casein subunits by anion-exchange chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and specific staining methods. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:37–46.

³Lönnerdal B, Forsum E, Hambraeus L. The protein content of human milk. I. A transversal study of Swedish normal material. Nutr Rep Int 1976;13:125–34.

⁴Zawadzki KM, Yaspelkis BB 3rd, Ivy JL: Carbohydrate-protein complex increases the rate of muscle glycogen storage after exercise. J Appl Physiol 1992, 72:1854-1859.

⁵Miller SL, Tipton KD, Chinkes DL: Independent and Combined Effects of Amino Acids and Glucose after Resistance Exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003, 35:449-455.

⁶Morrison PJ, Hara D, Ding Z, Ivy JL: Adding protein to a carbohydrate supplement provided after endurance exercise enhances 4E-BP1 and RPS6 signaling in skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 2008, 104:1029-1036.

⁷Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Bush JA, Putukian M, Sebastianelli WJ: Hormonal responses to consecutive days of heavy-resistance exercise with or without nutritional supplementation. J Appl Physiol 1998, 85(4):1544-55.

⁸Tarnopolsky MA, Bosman M, Macdonald JR, Vandeputte D, Martin J, Roy BD: Postexercise protein-carbohydrate and carbohydrate supplements increase muscle glycogen in men and women. J Appl Physiol 1997, 83(6):1877-83.

⁹Bowen, R. "Absorption of Amino Acids and Peptides." Arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu. Colorado State University, 8 July 2006. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. .

¹⁰Bucci LR, Unlu L. Protein and amino acid supplements in exercise and sport. In: Wolinsky I, Driskell JA, eds. Energy-Yielding Macronutrients and Energy Metabolism in Sports Nutrition, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2000, pp. 191-212.

¹¹Anderson GH, Catherine NL, Woodend DM, Wolever TM. Inverse association between the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose and subsequent short-term food intake in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;76(5):1023-30.

¹²Carlson DA, Smith AR, Fischer SJ, Young KL, Packer L. The plasma pharmacokinetics of R-(+)-lipoic acid administered as sodium R-(+)-lipoate to healthy human subjects. Altern Med Rev (2007) 12(4) 343- 51.

¹³Carlson DA, Young KL, Fischer SJ, Ulrich H. An evaluation of the stability and plasma pharmacokinetics of R-lipoic acid (RLA) and R-dihydrolipoic acid (R-DHLA) dosage forms in human plasma from healthy volunteers. In: Packer L, Patel M, eds. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Energy Production, Antioxidant Activity and Health Effects. London, England: Taylor & Francis Publishers (2008) 235-270.

¹⁴Krone D. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of R-(+)-alpha lipoic acid. PhD thesis. Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany (2002).

¹⁵Hermann R, Niebch G. Human Pharmacokinetics of Alpha Lipoic acid, Chapter 22 in Lipoic Acid in Health and Disease. (1997) 337-360. Fuchs J, Packer L, Zimmer G. Marcel Dekker, Inc.

¹⁶Biewenga GP, Haenen GR, Bast A. The pharmacology of the antioxidant lipoic acid Gen Pharmacol (1997) 29(3) 315-31.

¹⁷Shi DY, Liu HL, Stern JS, Yu PZ, Liu SL. Alpha-lipoic acid induces apoptosis in hepatoma cells via the PTEN/Akt pathway. FEBS Lett (2008) 582(12)1667-71.

¹⁸Maczurek A, Hager K, Kenlies M, Sharman M, Martins R, Engel J, Carlson DA, Münch G. Lipoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (2008).

¹⁹Burekovi A, Terzi M, Alajbegovi S, Vukojevi Z, Hadzi N. The role of alpha-lipoic acid in diabetic polyneuropathy treatment. Bosn J Basic Med Sci (2008) 8(4) 341-5.

²⁰Ullian ME, Gelasco AK, Fitzgibbon WR, Beck CN, Morinelli TA. N-acetylcysteine decreases angiotensin (Ang) II receptor binding in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Am Soc Nephrol (2005)16(8):2346-53.

²¹Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha Lipoic Acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol Med (1995) 19(2):227-50.

²²Suh JH, Shenvi SV, Dixon BM, Liu H, Jaiswal AK, Liu RM, Hagen TM. Decline in transcriptional activity of Nrf2 causes age-related loss of glutathione synthesis, which is reversible with lipoic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (2004) 101(10) 3381-6

* This statement has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.