Velositol May Boost Whey Protein's Effect on Muscle Protein Synthesis

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Velositol, a supplement formula from Nutrition 21 (Purchase, NY) that combines amylopectin and chromium, may double the muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rate when taken with whey protein, compared to whey-protein supplementation alone, according to a new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Researchers found that the combination of Velositol and whey protein increased MPS by a significant 48% over baseline, while whey protein alone increased MPS by just 24%.

“This study shows Velositol has the ability to unlock the potential of protein, promote leaner body composition, and enhance muscle building,” says Joe Weiss, president of Nutrition 21, in a press release. “This study confirmed our theories, and exceeded our expectations for Velositol.”

The randomized, double-blind, single-dose, active-controlled crossover study included 10 healthy men and women aged 22–34. Participants were either given 2 g of Velositol with 6 g of whey protein or 6 g of whey protein alone, followed by an exercise session involving eight complete sets of bilateral isotonic leg extensions with a load equivalent to 80% of their estimated one-repetition maximum. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after supplementation and the exercise bout.

In addition to finding the significant improvement to MPS in the Velositol plus whey protein group, researchers also observed a non-significant increase in insulin “to help initiate muscle growth,” according to Nutrition 21. But blood glucose levels of participants remained in a healthy range.

Tim N. Ziegenfuss, PhD, lead author of the study, explained that the small number of subjects is common for a study like this, as muscle biopsies are invasive and must be tightly controlled. “The study results are impressive,” Ziegenfuss added. “Until this study was done, one of the only ways known to improve the anabolic response to resistance training was to consume more protein, which is not always practical. If future studies confirm our results, Velositol could be a huge benefit not only to people in their 20s and 30s, but especially those in their 40s and 50s and older, whose muscles become more resistant to the anabolic effects of protein.”

Nutrition 21 adds that in the wake of these promising study results, it intends to fund more studies investigating further additional benefits of Velositol, including its effects in combination with different types of protein.

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References:

1. Siegenfuss TN et al., “Effects of an amylopectin and chromium complex on the anabolic response to a suboptimal dose of whey protein,” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Published online February 8, 2017.