A human clinical study published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition found that a small daily dose of lactotripeptides (IPP and VPP), both derived from casein, produced measurable improvements in muscle pump, thigh circumference, lean body mass, and self-reported measures of fatigue reduction and training motivation.

The study was conducted by Asahi Group Foods, Ltd., which markets the tested formula as VasoDrive-AP. It evaluated 34 healthy men between the ages of 20 and 49 who had been engaging in training for more than 3 months. During a 4-week supplementation window, while instructed to maintain identical training routines, participants were administered either a 3.4 mg daily dose of lactotripeptides, and 1.7 mg daily dose, or a placebo.

The group that supplemented with the 3.4 mg dose daily saw significant improvements across five key training areas:

• Muscle Pump: the treatment resulted in significant increases in thigh circumference after exercise compared to placebo, indicating greater muscle pump.
• The 3.4 mg group also saw significant increases in body weight and BMI compared to baseline and placebo, as well as significant increases in thigh circumference and lean body mass, signaling meaningful hypertrophy-related adaptations.
• Participants in the treatment groups each had greater reductions in self-reported perceptions of fatigue after exercise.
• Participants also reported greater perceptions of motivation the morning after exercising compared to placebo, potentially linked to lactotripeptides’ effects on healthy blood flow and cerebral oxygenation.
• Safety: no adverse events were reported, and blood and urine analysis suggested a strong safety profile.

“Food-derived peptides, such as lactotripeptides, are a unique contributor to nitric oxide production resulting in healthy blood flow, stamina, lean muscle growth, and motivation,” said Abhijit Natu, vice president of sales and marketing for Maypro, distributor for Asahi Group Foods. “For product developers, Maypro’s lactotripeptide ingredient, registered as VasoDrive-AP, is a clinically validated ingredient that integrates easily into formulations while delivering measurable performance benefits to end users.”

More than 30 studies provide evidence that lactotripeptides can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and promote arterial flexibility by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. This new trial directly measures endpoints linked to consistent eNOS-related nitric oxide support, the company reported.

Maypro and Asahi Group Foods will be exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West at booth 4481. To schedule a meeting, click here.