Vital Stats: Actinos brand nitric-oxide whey-peptide fraction

Study claim: Whey peptide improves vascular function.

Published: Ballard KD, et al. Acute ingestion of a novel whey-derived peptide improves vascular endothelial responses in healthy individuals: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr J 2009 Jul 22;8(1):34.

Abstract: Whey protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides. Based on findings from in vitro experiments indicating a novel whey-derived peptide (NOP-47) increased endothelial nitric-oxide synthesis, researchers tested its effects on vascular function in humans.

A randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study design was used on 20 healthy adults (25 +/- 5 y, BMI = 24.3) in two vascular testing days, each preceded by two weeks of taking a single dose of 5g/day a novel whey-derived peptide (NOP-47) or placebo. After a two-week washout period between trials, patients underwent two weeks of supplementation.

Baseline peak flow-mediated dilation (FMD, a measure of vascular function) was not different for placebo (7.7 per cent) and NOP-47 (7.8 per cent). Placebo had no effect on FMD at 30, 60 and 90 minutes post-ingestion (7.5 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 7.6 per cent, respectively), whereas NOP-47 significantly improved FMD responses (8.9 per cent, 9.9 per cent and 9.0 per cent). Hyper-emia blood flow measured 120 minutes post-ingestion (27.2 per cent/minute) was unaffected by placebo whereas NOP-47 significantly increased hyperemia compared to baseline (29.9 per cent/minute). Plasma myeloperoxidase was increased transiently by both NOP-47 and placebo, but there were no changes in inflammation markers. Plasma total nitrites/nitrates significantly decreased over the two-hour post-ingestion period and were lower at 120 minutes after placebo (-25 per cent) compared to NOP-47 (-18 per cent).

This novel whey-derived peptide improved vascular function in healthy humans. Generally, impaired vascular function is found in individuals with obesity, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, heart failure, ageing and more.

Potential applications: This GRAS ingredient can be used in tablets/capsules, ready-to-mix powdered beverages, ready-to-drink beverages and bars. Markets include sports nutrition, vascular/endothelial health and anti-ageing.

Contact info:
+1 608 329 2800
www.glanbianutritionals.com

Vital Stats: GeroNova's sodium R-lipoic acid (NaRLA)

Study claim: Lipoic acid could act as a neuroprotectant against Alzheimer's disease.

Published: Maczurek A, et al. Lipoic acid as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2008 Oct-Nov;60(13-14):1463-70.

Abstract: Despite extensive research into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, a neuroprotective treatment — particularly for the early stages of disease — remains unavailable for clinical use.

A naturally occurring cofactor for the mitochondrial enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, lipoic acid (LA) can interfere with the pathogenesis or progression of AD. For example, LA increases acetylcholine (ACh) production by activating choline acetyltransferase and increasing glucose uptake, thus supplying more acetyl-CoA for the production of ACh. LA chelates redox-active transition metals, thus inhibiting the formation of hydroxyl radicals. LA is an antioxidant, thereby increasing the levels of reduced glutathione. In addition, LA down-regulates expression of redox-sensitive pro-inflammatory proteins including TNF and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In human plasma, LA exists in an equilibrium of free and plasma protein bound form. Up to 150 muM, it is bound completely, most likely binding to high affinity fatty acid sites on human serum albumin, suggesting that one large dose rather than continuous low doses (as provided by "slow release" LA) will be beneficial for delivering LA to the brain.

Evidence for a clinical benefit for LA in dementia is limited. In one of two published studies, 600mg/day LA was given to 43 patients with AD in an open-label study over 48 months. Whereas the improvement with moderate dementia was not significant, the disease progressed extremely slowly (change in ADAScog: 1.2 points=year, MMSE: -0.6 points=year) in patients with mild dementia (ADAScog<15). Data from cell culture and animal models suggest LA could be combined with curcumin, green tea EGCG and DHA to synergistically decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, A-beta levels and A-beta plaque load for a combined benefit.

Potential applications: Available in bulk, 150mg and 300mg capsules with curcumin and N-acetyl cysteine. Not GRAS. For sports nutrition, elderly nutrition, improved energy and wellness.

Contact info:
+1 415 785 3216
www.geronova.com