The Research Behind our Products

There have been a number of game-changing findings in InnovAAte's three decades of research that now influence product formulations. This work, combined with established science, has formed the basis of our innovative biotechnology.

HDAA: The High-Demand Amino Acids are lost in Sweat

Your body has a high demand for a group of six specific amino acids known as the HDAA. These "6 Aminos" are also lost in high quantities in sweat every day. When you exercise, these losses of HDAA are magnified and some people lose them faster than others. This was highlighted in the research published by the InnovAAte Team.

In addition to protein synthesis, these key amino acids, which are being lost at faster rates, are also used in multiple and other important aspects of metabolism, including:

  • Hormone production
  • Formation of neurotransmitters
  • Formation of DNA
  • Folate metabolism

References (click the links to get to the papers):

  1. Sweat facilitated amino acid losses in male athletes during exercise at 32-34°C. PLoS ONE, 11(12). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0167844
  2. Relationships between electrolyte and amino acid compositions in sweat during exercise suggests a role for amino acids in reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- from sweat. PLOS ONE 14(10): e0223381. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223381

 

Increases in the rates of losses of amino acids

The group of HDAA which are being lost at faster rates during daily routines are lost at significantly higher rates under many conditions, such as:

  • Increased physical exertion
  • Long workdays, commutes, hectic lifestyles
  • Living in warmer climates 

References

  1. Sweating Rate and Sweat Sodium Concentration in Athletes: A Review of Methodology and Intra/Interindividual Variability. Sports Med 47, 111–128 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0691-5
  2. Role of dehydration in heat stress-induced variations in mental performance, Arch Environ Health 1988, 43: 15-17

 

The body meets demands during exertion

Some of these HDAA are “essential” amino acids, which means the body cannot make them and they need to be taken in from the diet.

Some of the HDAA can be made by the body but, under some conditions, production may not keep up with demand.

When the body is undertaking exercise with a higher demand for amino acids, the body will break down its own proteins via a process known as the "catabolic response". This provides a supply of these HDAA until the body can receive amino acids from ingested resources. 

Reference

  1. Protein turnover, amino acid requirements and recommendations for athletes and active populations. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 45:875-890.

 

The Catabolic Response

When the body is in a "Catabolic Response", proteins in the muscles are broken down to release the amino acids required to support exertion and recovery processes. When the body cannot receive food during exercise, this process helps the body to provide the resources it requires to sustain the exertion.

Extended periods of exercise and exposure to hot conditions can lead to substantial depletion of endogenous resources. This can adversely affect future performance with slower rates of recovery.

The catabolic response has been associated with recovery from injuries and illness, and extended periods of catabolism would result in fatigue and reduced vitality. 

References:

  1. Modelling of protein turnover provides insight for metabolic demands on those specific amino acids utilized at disproportionately faster rates than other amino acids, Amino Acids. doi:10.1007/s00726-019-02734-1
  2. Protein turnover, amino acid requirements and recommendations for athletes and active populations. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 45:875-890.

 

The Impact On Body Functions

The body needs constant access to this group of key amino acids to meet demand when and where it needs it. Some of the key body functions for which amino acids are required, include:

  • Building proteins
  • Driving metabolism
  • Building membranes
  • Immune function
  • Maintenance of skin and moisture
  • Healthy blood - forming haemoglobin and red blood cells
  • Production of hormones 
  • Forming neurotransmitters
  • Facilitating sleep

Reference:

  1. Modelling of protein turnover provides insight for metabolic demands on those specific amino acids utilized at disproportionately faster rates than other amino acids, Amino Acids. doi:10.1007/s00726-019-02734-1

 

Replenishing The HDAA

Much work was done by our team to determine which amino acids are lost most during exertion. We then developed computer models for amino acids and protein turnover to assess which specific amino acids are utilized at disproportionately faster rates than other amino acids.

The InnovAAte products focus on the replenishment of these HDAA in the post-exercise period. The strategy was based on the premise that the supply of HDAA could help reduce demand on the catabolic response which would otherwise be needed to provide the amino acids from the body.

Usage as directed may assist in the development of muscle mass and the OptimAAte and ElectrtAAte products are useful before, during, or after sustained strenuous exercise.

Reference

  1. Modelling of protein turnover provides insight for metabolic demands on those specific amino acids utilized at disproportionately faster rates than other amino acids, Amino Acids. doi:10.1007/s00726-019-02734-1

 

The Rapid Uptake Of HDAA

Digestion remains diminished for some time (hours) after exertion depending on the intensity and duration of exercise. The strategy is thus to replenish the HDAA immediately post-exercise to provide these resources to support recovery and repair processes.

The HDAA in OptimAAte and ElectrAAte can be directly absorbed because they do not require digestion. They can be rapidly absorbed and directed to where they are needed, when they are needed.