Whey Protein Isolate Bioavailability Study
Bioavailablility Study
Whey protein isolate is a high quality protein that includes the naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine, and isoleucine, as well as arginine, citrulline and ornithine (amino acids involved in nitric oxide (NO) production) as a part of the whey protein matrix.*
Three healthy male adult volunteers 29 to 33 years old participated in a clinical trial to study the bioavailability of Whey Protein Isolate, a dietary supplement from NOW® Sports (# 2172). Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured at baseline, and 1, 2, and 4 hours following administration of 28 grams of Whey Protein Isolate providing 25 grams of protein.
Results
All amino acids peaked one hour following supplementation, reaching an average of 106% and 30% above the baseline levels for BCAAs and NO-producing amino acids, respectively (Figures 1 and 2).* All average amino acid concentrations returned to near-baseline levels four hours post-supplementation. The study confirms the bioavailability of BCAAs and amino acids involved in nitric oxide production from NOW® Sports Whey Protein Isolate.*
Plasma Amino Acids, µmol/L
0 hours
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
Valine
240
390
310
300
300
Isoleucine
140
330
230
200
170
Leucine
90
200
145
110
90
In a pharmacokinetic study with three healthy male adult volunteers (29 to 33 years old), oral administration of a single serving of Whey Protein Isolate (28 grams, NOW® Sports Product # 2172) resulted in a significant increase in BCAAs (Figure 1) and amino acids involved in nitric oxide production (Figure 2), all with Tmax of one hour.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
