Understanding how P² works in active people requires an explanation of a few of the basics of human nutrition.

Life requires nutrients. They are indispensable for the proper functioning of the human body. The major groups of nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. P² is a source of protein.

Proteins are a major component of the body. Our muscles, for example, consist mainly of protein. Proteins contribute to tissue structures and are essential in metabolism, movement and the regulation of our systems of hormones.. Proteins are synthesised from chains of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential and cannot be synthesised by our bodies. They must therefore be supplied via our daily food intake.

Amino acids can be linked together. Two linked amino acids are called a dipeptide, three linked amino acids are called a tripeptide, four a tetrapeptide, etc. A chain of many linked amino acids is a polypeptide, often simply called “protein”.

Normal healthy people are unable to absorb intact protein. Only free amino acids, di- and tripeptides can be absorbed by the body. This is because our intestinal cells contain ‘transporters’ that can only transport free amino acids, di- and tripeptides. So only small peptides can be absorbed by the gut and subsequently conveyed to the bloodstream. This is why digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestine need to degrade protein to free amino acids and very small peptides as only these can be absorbed. Digestion takes time, however, as enzymes have to degrade protein and it requires energy for enzyme production. But P² already consists of di- and tri peptides and so can be aborbed and reach the bloodstream quickly and easily.

How does P² work?

  P² improves endurance, accelerates recovery and reduces muscle soreness resulting in better physical performance. The biological activity resides in the fact that P² mainly consists of di- and tripeptides, which are easily and rapidly absorbed. This results, on one hand, in a fast supply of amino acid building blocks flipping the negative protein balance during exercise into a positive one and increasing muscle protein synthesis. On the other hand, rapid absorption of amino acids leads to an increase in insulin secretion after exercise, resulting in replenishment of glycogen energy stores in the muscle cells.

When do you have to take P²?

  P² can be taken prior to exercise (e.g. as 350-500 ml of a 1% protein drink) to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
  P² can be taken during exercise (e.g. regularly sipping a 1-2% protein drink) to reduce the muscle protein breakdown that normally occurs during exercise, and to increase its synthesis.
  P² can be taken directly after exercise (e.g. as 350-500 ml of a 2-4% protein drink) to rapidly restore muscle glycogen stores as well as enhance muscle protein synthesis.

What are the minimum and maximum dosages?

There is scientific evidence for significant beneficial effect on performance at a minimal dose of 18 grams of P². Lower dosages will probably also work but have not been tested in our studies.
There is no maximum dose, but P² is a protein and it is generally recommended not to exceed daily protein intake of 1 g/kg/day. However, most people in Western countries actually consume more, and protein requirement also increases upon heavy physical training.

Is P² only beneficial for professional sportsmen?

No, P² can be beneficial for all active inividuals. P² can reduce muscle ache even in those who are not used to physical activity at all.

P² stimulates insulin secretion. Is it safe for people with Diabetes?

Yes. P² as such can even be beneficial as it has been shown that casein hydrolysates also increase insulin secretion in people suffering from Diabetes type 2, resulting in the advantageous lowering of plasma glucose levels. Interestingly, it has been shown that P² even stimulates muscle protein synthesis in the absence of added sugars. However, when standard premixes of P² are combined with significant amounts of sugar, Diabetics should be aware of the sugar content in the product.

Does P² work better than intact casein?

Yes, for several reasons. First, P² can be more easily formulated in clear drinks than intact protein. Second, P² quenches thirst better than intact protein. Third, P² causes less gastro-intestinal discomfort (‘full stomach’) during exercise than does intact protein. Fourth, amino acids from a hydrolysate are absorbed faster than those from an intact protein.

Does P² work better than other hydrolysed proteins?

Yes, for several reasons. First, the protein quality (amino acid profile and digestibility) of casein is better than that of most other protein sources, including soy, wheat, corn or gelatin. This is an important factor in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, which depends on supply of all 20 amino acids. Second, in contrast to many other protein hydrolysates, P² is extensively hydrolysed. It therefore contains mainly very small peptides (di- and tripeptides) that are absorbed without energy loss as they do not require additional digestion. Third, P² is generated by use of a unique debittering enzyme, resulting in a less bitter taste that other protein hydrolysates. And fourth, there is a growing body of scientific evidence proving the efficacy of P² in humans, which is an increasingly strict regulatory requirement for making claims about products.

Is P² lactose-free?

No, but the lactose content is very low; < 0.5%

Is P² gluten-free?

Yes, P² is gluten-free.

Directions For P²:

Mix one scoop with 10 to 16 oz. of water (varies for individual flavor preferences) . For optimal workout nutrition mix one scoop with 10 to 16 oz. of water for each pre, during and post workout and/or anytime you need a quick burst of protein.