ATP Ingredient Linked to Muscle-Building Benefits in Two New Clinical Studies

New research provided evidence that Peak ATP, an ingredient manufactured by TSI Group which is identical in structure to endogenous ATP, may significantly enhance amino acid uptake.

The findings, now published in Current Developments in Nutrition, were presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting.

TSI Group reports that amino acids require ATP and special transport proteins to move through the digestive system. Therefore, the present studies, which contained groups of 19 healthy older adults and 15 younger healthy adults, respectively, sought to determine the effect of Peak ATP on the uptake of amino acids after ingesting 20 grams of pea protein or 20 grams of whey protein, respectively.

Both studies involved two seven-day supplementation protocols with 400 mg of Peak ATP, separated by a two-week washout period before crossover. Blood samples were drawn pre-supplementation and at 15-minute intervals over four-hour periods.

According to the blood test results, Peak ATP supplementation was associated with significantly greater plasma amino acid concentrations, indicating better bioavailability and effective uptake.

“The addition of ATP to a daily 20-gram dose of a plant protein beverage to older adults improved AUC (area under the curve) for total amino acids and several individual amino acids. Further, ATP addition also tended to improve AUC for BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) when added to a whey protein beverage in young adults,” the authors wrote.

“The effect was seen with both whey and plant proteins, which broadens the application possibilities,” said Shawn Baier, MS, MBA, vice president of business development for TSI’s innovative products division.

For athletes, “this means potentially greater amino acid availability during the critical post-exercise period, which may support faster muscle recovery and more efficient protein utilization,” he said.

Meanwhile, “As we age, anabolic resistance limits our ability to utilize dietary protein. The observed enhancement in plasma amino acid levels with PEAK ATP may offer a novel strategy to support muscle health and metabolic efficiency in older adults, even in the presence of high-quality protein sources,” Baier noted.

In clinical populations, Peak ATP’s effects can support tissue repair and recovery outcomes in clinical populations. And in settings of malnutrition or clinical care, “maximizing the efficiency of protein absorption is critical,” Baier said. “The data showing significantly greater amino acid uptake following oral ATP administration provides early evidence that Peak ATP may enhance nutrient bioavailability where it matters most.”

“For TSI’s customers, this science advances the opportunities to develop next-generation formulas that go beyond just delivering protein; they will ensure the body can actually use it,” said Baier.