09.01.03
DSM Food Specialties has developed a new recovery drink for athletes that produces better average performance levels than a normal, sugar-based sports drink, according to the company. These are the findings of a study carried out by Nutrim, the Food and Toxicology Research Institute of the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. The study findings indicate that the recovery drink can speed up the replenishment of fuel reserves in the muscles following high-intensity exercise. This enables athletes to reach their optimum performance level faster and to perform at this level for longer.
DSM uses the protein casein (a natural protein found in cow’s milk) in the production of the recovery drink. The new recovery drink is based on the addition of casein fragments to a sugar-containing drink. The uptake of the protein fragments stimulates insulin release in the body. As a result, glucose is absorbed faster from the blood into the muscle cells. Once absorbed by the muscles, glucose is converted into glycogen, which acts as a muscle fuel. The faster this process takes place following high-intensity exercise, the faster athletes can perform again at their optimum level. Cutting the protein into fragments obviates the need for the protein to be digested; instead it is absorbed directly, and therefore quickly, into the body.
DSM uses the protein casein (a natural protein found in cow’s milk) in the production of the recovery drink. The new recovery drink is based on the addition of casein fragments to a sugar-containing drink. The uptake of the protein fragments stimulates insulin release in the body. As a result, glucose is absorbed faster from the blood into the muscle cells. Once absorbed by the muscles, glucose is converted into glycogen, which acts as a muscle fuel. The faster this process takes place following high-intensity exercise, the faster athletes can perform again at their optimum level. Cutting the protein into fragments obviates the need for the protein to be digested; instead it is absorbed directly, and therefore quickly, into the body.