Elemental Peptides

Elemental Nutrition Peptides is a revolutionary supplement designed to aid muscle growth and repair, and support fast recovery from even the most intense workouts. This unique supplement is one of the first to combine di- and tri-peptides for quick absorption and fast assimilation into the blood stream & muscles.

Hydrolysed versus Intact Protein

As far back as the 1970’s, studies on protein digestion in humans revealed that the main products of protein digestion in the gut are not single amino acids, but rather dipeptides and tripeptides^{1, 2}. Subsequent studies in humans have shown that a nitrogen load is absorbed more rapidly when it is delivered in the form of di- or tripeptides, rather than as whole protein or even as free amino acids^1-6. Their superior absorption is mediated by a specific intestinal oligopeptide transporter called Pept-1^{7, 8}.

Importance of Degree of Hydrolysation

While it’s proven that dipeptides and tripeptides are absorbed faster than intact protein or free amino acids, it’s erroneous to assume that your typical hydrolysed whey protein contains any appreciable amounts of these peptides. For a hydrolysed whey protein to contain high levels of dipeptides and tripeptides, it must have a high degree of hydrolysis. This in turn requires a number of additional purification and extraction steps, which come at a significant cost. So rather than pay for a quality hydrolysate, many brands attempt to leverage the benefits of dipeptides and tripeptides by using cheap whey protein hydrolysates with a low degree of hydrolysis and minimal dipeptide and tripeptide content.

Benefits of Peptides

Not only does Elemental Nutrition Peptides contain whey protein with a high degree of hydrolysis, it contains specialised whey protein fractions specifically concentrated to contain high amounts of branched-chain amino acid dipeptides and tripeptides. Recent research has discovered that these branched chain dipeptides and tripeptides from whey protein mediate many of the specific benefits ascribed to hydrolysed whey protein. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased insulin release – leading to improved muscle protein synthesis and glucose storage
• Attenuation of muscle glycogen depletion during exercise
• Stimulation of glucose uptake into muscle following exercise – leading to improved recovery
• Improved endurance capacity with continued use
• Quicker absorption⁹
• Higher peak amino acid levels in blood following ingestion⁹

The graph below displays how branched-chain amino acids from hydrolysed whey protein are absorbed more rapidly and peak at higher levels in blood when compared to free-form branched-chain amino acids from normal whey protein.

*Graph adapted from - Morifuji M, et al. Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58:8788–8797.

The graph below shows the time course of the blood levels of essential amino acids (EAAs) when ingested from hydrolysed whey protein compared with normal whey protein.

*Graph adapted from - Morifuji M, et al. Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58:8788–8797.

The graph below displays the insulin response of whey protein hydrolysate compared to normal whey protein. As with the branched-chain amino acids above, insulin peaks higher and sooner following ingestion of whey protein hydrolysate. This is important as insulin is one of the most powerful hormones for muscle growth and recovery.

*Graph adapted from - Morifuji M, et al. Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58:8788–8797.

Faster & Higher Absorption of Peptides

High amino acid levels in blood together with high insulin levels is a potent anabolic stimulus. Elemental Nutrition Peptides provides a range of vital amino acids in a highly usable form, allowing for rapid uptake and stimulus of muscle protein synthesis. WIth its high branched-chain amino acid content, Elemental Nutrition Peptides also serves as an effective supplement for improving muscle recovery and reducing muscle soreness.

References
1. Adibi SA. Intestinal transport of dipeptides in man: relative importance of hydrolysis and intact absorption. J Clin Invest.1971; 50 (11): 2266–2275.
2. Adibi SA, Morse EL, Masilamani SS, Amin PM. Evidence for two different modes of tripeptide disappearance in human intestine. Uptake by peptide carrier systems and hydrolysis by peptide hydrolases. . J Clin Invest. 1975; 56 (6): 1355–1363.
3. Grimble GK, Keohane PP, Higgins BE, Kaminski MV Jr, Silk DB. Effect of peptide chain length on amino acid and nitrogen absorption from two lactalbumin hydrolysates in the normal human jejunum. Clin Sci (London). 1986, 71 (1), 65–69.
4. Grimble GK, Rees RG, Keohane PP, Cartwright T, Desreumaux M, Silk DB. Effect of peptide chain length on absorption of egg protein hydrolysates in the normal human jejunum. Gastroenterology. 1987, 92 (1), 136–142.
5. Rerat A, Simoes-Nunes C, Mendy F, Vaissade P, Vaugelade P. Splanchnic fluxes of amino acids after duodenal infusion of carbohydrate solutions containing free amino acids or oligopeptides in the non-anaesthetized pig. Br J Nutr. 1992, 68 (1), 111–138.
6. Monchi M, Rerat AA. Comparison of net protein utilization of milk protein mild enzymatic hydrolysates and free amino acid mixtures with a close pattern in the rat. JPEN, J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1993, 17 (4), 355–363.
7. Fei YJ, Kanai Y, Nussberger S, Ganapathy V, Leibach FH, Romero MF, Singh SK, Boron WF, Hediger MA. Expression cloning of a mammalian proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter. Nature. 1994; 368 (6471), 563–566.
8. Fei YJ, Sugawara M, Liu JC, Li HW, Ganapathy V, Ganapathy ME, Leibach FH. cDNA structure, genomic organization, and promoter analysis of the mouse intestinal peptide transporter PEPT1. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000; 1492 (1), 145–154.
9. Morifuji M, et al. Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58:8788–8797.

The Elemental Guarantee

Whilst Elemental Nutrition products are manufactured at stringent quality control facilities and are the best of their kind, we also understand that it’s not possible to please all people all of the time. Thus should you be unsatisfied with any Elemental Nutrition product, you can return it to your place of purchase within 30 days for a FULL REFUND, no questions asked. Proudly Australian Made & Owned - Elemental Nutrition Peptides.