BIO-ACTIVE PEPTIDE SUPPLEMENT

Abstract

A colostrum derived bioactive supplement derived of a number of cleaved protein fragments. The colostrum supplement is utilized with milk protien and Leucine to provide improved muscular function and exercise recovery.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A method of increasing athletic performance and recovery, lean body mass, and muscle building capability in a subject who is in a muscle-building training regimen, comprising: ingesting a daily dose of a bioactive peptide nutritional supplement composition effective to increase athletic performance and recovery, lean body mass, and muscle building capability, wherein the nutritional supplement composition is concentrated from colostrum and comprises: insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in a concentration between 0.6 mcg/g and 1.8 mcg/g; transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-2) in a concentration between 0.7 mcg/g and 3.65 mcg/g; proline rich peptides (PRPs) in a concentration between 30 mg/g and 45 mg/g; immunoglobulin A in a concentration between 3 mg/g and 20 mg/g; and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a concentration of at least 300 mg/g.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the nutritional supplement is ingested in a dose of 500 mg to 10 g.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the nutritional supplement composition is mixed with a liquid base for ingestion.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the nutritional supplement composition further comprises lactoferrin (LF), extracted from colostrum, in at least a concentration of between 2 mg/g and 21 mg/g of said nutritional supplement composition.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the nutritional supplement composition further comprises at least one of a fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and/or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

23. A method of increasing athletic performance and recovery, lean body mass, and muscle building capability in a subject who is in a muscle-building training regimen, comprising: ingesting a daily dose of a bioactive peptide nutritional supplement composition effective to increase athletic performance and recovery, lean body mass, and muscle building capability, wherein the nutritional supplement composition is concentrated from colostrum and comprises: insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in a concentration between 0.6 mcg/g and 1.8 mcg/g; transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-2) in a concentration between 0.7 mcg/g and 3.65 mcg/g; proline rich peptides (PRPs) in a concentration between 30 mg/g and 45 mg/g; immunoglobulin A in a concentration between 3 mg/g and 20 mg/g; immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a concentration of at least 300 mg/g; lactoferrin (LF), extracted from colostrum, in at least a concentration of between 2 mg/g and 21 mg/g of said nutritional supplement composition; at least one of: a fibroblast growth factor; epidermal growth factor (EGF); platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); and wherein the nutritional supplement is mixed with a liquid base for ingestion and ingested in a dose of 500 mg-10 g.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Colostrum is the pre-milk produced immediately after birth before the breast secretions stabilize into milk. Colostrum includes concentrations of immunoglobulins, cytokines, interferons, glycoproteins, proline-rich peptides and vitamins which are significantly higher than in regular milk. In addition colostrum also includes various growth factors (e.g. IGF-I, TGF A and B), which are likewise in concentrations significantly higher than regular milk The immunoglobulin fraction of the colostrum provides a newborn with antibodies, lactoferrin and immune enhancers. These components offer the newborn protection against viruses, bacteria, allergens and toxins. The growth factors enable the newborn to grow healthily and to heal rapidly. That even healthy adults may benefit from the administration of colostrum is suggested by studies showing that bovine colostrum whey increases serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) in athletes undergoing training: Mero et al., 1997, J. Appl. Physiol., 1997, 83: 1144-1151. In sum, colostrum contains powerful healing, growth and repair factors that activate numerous immune, healing, growth and repair systems and assist in synthesis, retention and repair of muscle, bone, nerve and cartilage. Accordingly, it is desirable to concentrate one or more of the components of colostrum to provide a nutritional supplement for exercise recovery.

[0022] Colostrum components of interest include immunoglobulins which have antibiotic effects. Within muscle cells IGs are scavengers for detecting harmful substances, which in turn, helps the muscle cell and neuromuscular connection to become more efficient and fire with more precision. PRPs (Proline Rich Peptides) are cell-signalers that, within the muscle cell, initiate the call for amino acids, to induce protein synthesis. Which in turn, helps the muscle cell to undergo more efficient muscle protein synthesis. Lactoferrin has beneficial effects on good bacteria and immunity, but also because it has a high infinity to bind to iron. Which in turn, helps the muscle cell to rebuild and recover more efficiently. IGF-1 is a primary mediator of the effects of growth hormone (GH) made in anterior pituitary gland, which is released into the blood stream and then stimulates systemic body growth. IGF-1 has been identified as having growth-promoting effects on almost every cell in the body, especially skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, hematopoietic cell, and lungs. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-2) are multifunctional peptides that regulate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, and other functions in many cell types by transducing their signal through cell membranes. Generally, these components, among others, are considered bio-active peptides, which are defined as protein fragments that have a positive impact on body functions

[0023] A colostrum supplement or extract including various ones, all of the above-noted bio-active peptides and/or additional peptides enhance a body's ability to recover from a workout. However, it is believed that taken alone, such a colostrum extract may not achieve maximum effectiveness. That is, while the bio-active peptide supplement may provide various growth factors and/or amino acids (e.g., building blocks), the body needs additional inputs to efficiently recover.

[0024] The addition of whey protein to the human diet has been proven to be a successful adjunct to regular meals for both health and fitness related parameters. It is well known that Milk Derived Proteins including but not limited to whey protein in concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, and casein protein forms have been shown to improve muscle size, strength and definition (tone). Protein supplementation has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems through various mechanisms as the proteins are broken down into their active constituents and absorbed. Further evidence suggests that bio-active peptides found within whey protein may have an even greater effect on those individual systems as well as improving hormone levels that play a specific role in musculoskeletal maintenance.

[0025] From an anabolic standpoint, whey protein is comprised of several amino acids and other constituents that aid in muscle protein synthesis, specific metabolic functions, and autoregulation of various systems while both at rest and exercising. Several studies have shown that increased protein consumption along with training has improved recovery time, increased muscle mass and improved Muscle Protein Synthesis. Protein-based supplement consumption has been shown to increase insulin secretion which in addition to its role in glucose metabolism, it plays a key role in the process of Muscle Protein Synthesis. Additionally, protein supplementation has been shown to help with satiety, curbing appetite, while providing key nutrients to the body, thus making it a valuable adjunct for helping maintain lean muscle tissue while persons are engaged in a calorie-restricted diet.

[0026] Of the 20 amino acids, 9 are essential, meaning they cannot be derived on their own and must be consumed by food or supplement. The others can be synthesized by the body in a variety of ways and thus are considered non-essential. All the essential aminos are needed to carry out specific bodily functions, but a few play a critical role in Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS). These muscle-building specialists are collectively known as the Branch-Chained Aminos Acids or BCAAs for short and are individually called Leucine, Iso-Leucine and Valine. They have been given the classification due to their branched structure and shape as compared to other non-branched amino acid strands. The BCAAs, and in particular, Leucine, appears to be the most beneficial amino acid for muscle protein synthesis. Leucine appears to trigger various functions in the muscle building pathway, that force a series of steps to take place which ultimately cause the rebuilding of new protein strands. This process, while not completely understood is downstream from main cellular activity and is perpetuated by the activation of a conduit known as the mTOR Pathway (mammalian target of rapamycin). While the science is complex, increasing mTOR activation means increased protein synthesis. The other Essential Amino Acids play vital roles in hormone regulation, metabolism of various fuels, repair of specific tissues, and central and peripheral nervous system maintenance. All of these factors that are controlled by EAAs, are vital in aiding in recovery, helping with muscle development, and improving physical and athletic performance variables.

[0027] To maximize athletic performance and recovery, and in particular, muscle-building capability, muscle protein synthesis needs to be increased and protein degradation needs to be minimized. If the anabolic effect of protein synthesis exceeds that of the catabolic effect of protein breakdown, a positive result occurs for both athletic performance and muscle-building. Since several amino acids and bio-active peptides are responsible for muscle protein synthesis, a higher presence of these in the blood facilitates faster protein synthesis attributing to greater athletic gains. Further combining amino acids, proteins, and bioactive peptides ensures that all pathways and mechanisms of action for improving muscle quality, muscle strength, muscle size, muscle power, muscle endurance and reducing recovery time are greatly enhanced. Bioactive peptides in combination with any single component (protein or amino acid) or in combination with several components, improve all aspects of athletic performance and in particular, muscle development at a considerably greater rate than Amino Acids or Whey Protein on their own. Thus, the addition of Bioactive Peptides to functional protein components and amino acids, produces superior improvement in athletic function then the previous best practice of supplementing with either amino acids or protein.

[0028] While a bioactive peptide supplement can be used on its own, when combined with whey and/or casein protein and/or amino acids, it will act synergistically to fortify overall effectiveness of all of the constituents. Specifically the combination of bio-active peptides with whey, casein protein, amino acids (particularly L-leucine) in a combined/finished product improves the overall effectiveness of the supplement and maximizes the effectiveness of increasing and improving muscle protein synthesis and decreasing muscle protein breakdown. Specifically, the addition of Leucine (i.e., in addition to any amounts existing in the colostrum extract) increases the amount of free leucine to stimulate mTOR activity and also increases the bioavailability of IGF-1 or receptor activation and augmented activity of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

[0029] In summary, the combining of amino acids, whey protein, casein protein and bioactive peptides/colostrum extract is based on the following rationale: bioactive peptides/colostrum extract already have a great complement of amino acids, antibodies and PRPs for boosting immune function and reducing inflammation, and a myriad of important growth factors most notably IGF-1. The addition of additional L-leucine will amplify the response in muscle protein synthesis by activating mTOR signaling. Adding additional essential and non-essential amino acids will amplify the response of muscle protein synthesis, reduce recovery time, and provide important immune support to combat the stress of exercise. Adding whey protein will provide additional essential amino acids and yet Leucine which will further amplify muscle protein synthesis activation. Adding casein protein will help sustain the increase in blood leucine levels for several hours, reduce muscle protein degradation, and also help to increase the bioavailability of IGF-1 contained in the bioactive peptides/colostrum extract.

EXAMPLE 1

Bioactive Peptide/Colostrum Extract

[0030] A mixture was prepared by separating bioactive components from whole colostrum by the removal of fat, sugar and casein to obtain bovine colostral whey, followed by ultra-filtration and concentration with nano-filtration. Resulting components where combined in a concentration of (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) IGF-1 at 1.2 mcg/g of supplement; (Transforming growth factor-beta 2) TGF-2 in a concentration of 1.4 mcg/g of the supplement; Protein Rich Peptides (PRPs) in a concentration of at least 30 mg/g of the supplement, Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in a concentration of 22 mg/g of the supplement and Lactoferrin (LF) in a concentration of at least 5.5 mg/g of the supplement with the remainder comprising trace amounts of other components, protein, sugar and fat.

EXAMPLE 2

[0031] Bioactive Peptides/Colostrum Extract with Milk Protein

[0032] 500 mg to 10 g of bioactive peptides/colostrum extract, per serving in combination with any or all of the following:

[0033] 1) 5 g to 30 g Milk Derived Proteins including but not limited to: [0034] a. 5 g to 30 g Whey Protein Concentrate [0035] b. 5 g to 30 g Whey Protein Isolate [0036] c. 5 g to 30 g Whey Protein Hydrolysate [0037] d. 5 g to 30 g Casein Protein

[0038] 2) 1 g to 6 g Leucine

[0039] 3) 500 mg to 6 g any BCAA

[0040] 4) 250 mg to 6 g any Essential Amino Acid

[0041] 5) 250 mg to 6 g any Amino Acid (non-essential)

[0042] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.