NNB Nutrition applies for L-ergothioneine patent in China for decreasing age-related muscle loss

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Ingredients supplier NNB Nutrition (Nanjing, China) reports that it recently submitted a patent application covering the efficacy of its proprietary MitoPrime L-ergothioneine ingredient for decreasing the prevalence of age-related muscle degeneration, or sarcopenia. The patent was filed in China with the China Intellectual Property Office.

MitoPrime is said to help restore mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Increasing MMP is thought to help combat age-related muscle degeneration in aging adults. With this in mind, the company previously filed another patent application in China in January 2021, titled “Methods for ameliorating mammal aging related to hematopoietic stem cells.”

According to a press release from the company, “Specifically, MMP is a key indicator of mitochondrial function, which can reflect the cellular health status. Normal MMP is the prerequisite for mitochondria to produce ATP. The higher the MMP, the more energy produced by mitochondria, which promotes energy conversion in cells. L-ergothioneine, mainly widespread in mitochondria, is a naturally water-soluble amino acid with a powerful energy-boosting antioxidant property. Hence, L-ergothioneine is capable of restoring mitochondrial dysfunction to ameliorate age-associated muscle decline effectively and radically by helping to mitigate MMP and scavenge chronic reactive oxygen species.”

The company says MitoPrime is produced using a natural fermentation process. It is suited for food, beverages, powder, and capsules.