Amino acids for the preparation of a beverage

The present invention is directed to a method of improving the mental performance during strenuous physical activity and for delaying mental exhaustion due to physical activity as well as to improve recovery to a person in need thereof which comprises administering a ready-to-drink beverage comprising from 2 to 40 g/l ready-to-drink beverage of branched chain amino acids, from 0 to 750 g/l ready-to-drink beverage of oligosaccharides and up to 55 g/l ready-to-drink beverage of monsaccharides.

The present invention relates to the use of naturally occuring amino acids 
for the preparation of beverages or instant mixtures, which when ingested 
alleviate the feeling of tiredness and fatigue of mammals during and after 
endurance excercise or hard physical work and improve their physical and 
mental performance and recovery, and a method of improving the physical 
and/or mental performance during strenuous physical activity and delaying 
physical and mental exhaustion due to physical activity by ingestion of 
said beverage. 
Beverages which during exercise rapidly provide liquid and carbohydrates to 
the body and thus maintain the blood sugar content and insulin level of 
the body, are previously known, sec. SE 6807617-3, U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,856 
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,051. 
It has also previously been suggested that mixtures of amino acids should 
be used for maintenance of the nitrogen balance when given as the sole 
source of nitrogen in the diet and for the treatment of uremic conditions 
(cf. the Physicians' Desk Reference, 31:st Edition 1977 by Charles E. 
Baker, p. 1566 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,764,703). It is also previously known 
that amino acids have an unpleasant bitter taste and a limited solubility 
and attempts to solve said problems are suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,228,099. 
It has previously been suggested that there may be a relationship between 
the concentration of various amino acids in the blood stream and the 
improvement in mood during endurance exercise. 
The concentration of the aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine and 
tryptophan and the branched-chain amino acids valine, leucine and 
isoleucine are particularly pertinent but no suggestion has been made as 
to how to improve the physical or mental performance of mammals during and 
after endurance exercise or alleviate fatigue induced by exercise or other 
hard physical work. 
With the present invention it has surprisingly been discovered that a 
beverage or an instant mixture comprising non-toxic amounts of the 
naturally occuring branched-chain amino acids, valine, leucine and 
isoleucine, optionally together with mono and/or oligosaccharides and 
optionally physiologically acceptable food acids and/or salts thereof, 
alkalizing agent, flavoring and aroma agents, leads to improved physical 
and mental performance during strenuous physical activity and delays the 
physical and mental exhaustion as well as improve recovery due to physical 
activity. 
The beverage or instant mixture shall contain at least one of the 
branched-chain amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine but contains 
preferably at least two and most preferably all three branched-chain amino 
acids. 
The maximum amounts of the branched-chain amino acids in the product 
according to the invention will, since the toxicity of the amino acids in 
question is low, be determined by such factors as the solubility of the 
amino acids, the taste of the product and also the economical aspect. 
The minimum amounts of branched-chain amino acids in the product according 
to the invention are the amounts required to maintain the amino acid 
concentration in the blood stream. 
The exact dose depends on such factors as the effect to be achieved, the 
nature of the exercise undertaken, the route of administration and the 
body weight of the subject and is such that by ingestion of adequate 
amounts before, during and after the exercise or work, the amino acid 
concentration in the blood stream is maintained and preferably increased. 
The included amounts are generally in the region of from 2 to 40, 
preferably from 2 to 20 grams total branched-chain amino acids per liter 
ready-to-drink beverage. Leucine is included in the product in an amount 
of from 0 to 20 grams per liter, preferably 0 to 10 grams per liter; 
isoleucine in an amount of from 0 to 10 grams per liter, preferably 0 to 5 
grams per liter and valine in an amount of from 0 to 15 grams per liter, 
preferably from 0 to 8 grams per liter with the proviso that the minimum 
amounts are not less than 2 grams per liter of ready-to-drink beverage. 
The beverage or instant mixture should preferably further contain at least 
1 gram per liter ready-to-drink beverage of mono and/or oligosaccharides 
to prevent hypoglycemia, an amount which preferably makes the 
ready-to-drink beverage hypotonic to facilitate a rapid transport through 
pylorus to the intestine where it is rapidly taken up by the blood stream 
and maintains an appropriate blood glucose level. 
The amounts of oligosaccharides included in the beverage or instant mixture 
are such that the ready-to-drink beverage contains from 1 to 750 grams per 
liter, preferably 5 to 500 grams per liter and most preferably 50 to 100 
grams per liter. The oligosaccharides have an average molecular weight in 
the range of 500 to 2500 and a DE value of 6 to 40. 
Monosaccharides may also be included in an amount of up to 55 grams per 
liter ready-to-drink beverage, preferably 0 to 10 and most preferably 0 to 
2 grams per liter. 
The ready-to-drink beverage shall preferably be hypotonic, that is, have an 
osmotic pressure lower than the normal pressure of blood plasma and be in 
the range of 50 to 400 mOsmol/Kg, in order to be rapidly distributed from 
the ventricle. The osmotic pressure shall preferably be within the range 
of 50 to 300 mOsmol/kg, most preferably 50 to 250 mOsmol/kg. 
Physiologically acceptable edible acids and/or salts thereof and/or 
alkalizing agents as e.g. sodium or potassium bicarbonate may be included 
in order to achieve an appropriate pH-value, that is, within the range of 
3.0 to 8.0, preferably 3.0 to 4.5. 
The amount of alkalizing agents may be from 0 to 10 grams per liter 
ready-to-drink beverage, preferably from 0.1 to 5 grams per liter. 
The physiologically acceptable edible acids such as e.g. citric acid or 
citrate may be included in an amount of 0-2 grams per liter, preferably 
0.1-1.6 grams per liter ready-to-drink beverage. Also equivalent amounts 
of maleic acids and/or maleate, tartaric acids and/or tartrates, 
orthophosphoric acid and/or corresponding phosphate may be included. 
The beverage or instant mixture may also, with the aim of masking the 
bitter taste of the branched-chain amino acids, contain appropriate 
flavour or aroma agents in an amount adequate to mask the bitter taste. 
Such agents are preferably citrus oils or derivatives thereof. 
Also, physiologically acceptable mineral salts normally present in body 
fluid, which during exercise are secreted with the perspiration, may be 
included in an amount of 0 to 10 grams per liter ready-to-drink beverage, 
preferably 0 to 5 grams per liter and said salts may be NaCl, KCl, 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 and KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4. 
The amino acid or amino acids may be administered before, during and/or 
after the exercise although it is presently contemplated that the amino 
acids would be administered before the exercise or hard physical work, and 
for exercises or work of long duration during the exercise in order to 
improve physical and/or mental performance during the exercise or work. 
Administration after exercise is contemplated in order to improve recovery 
and prevent or delay post-exercise physical exhaustion and especially 
post-exercise mental exhaustion. 
Thus, the invention contemplates the use of from 2 to 40 grams of the 
naturally occuring branched-chain amino acids in a beverage or instant 
mixture comprising at least 1 gram of mono- and/or oligosaccharides per 
liter ready-to-drink beverage and optionally adequate amounts of 
physiologically acceptable food acids and/or salts thereof, alkalizing 
agents, flavouring and aroma agents; wherein said beverage or instant 
mixture improves the physical and mental performance during strenuous 
physical activity by ingestion of an amount which maintains or preferably 
increases the amino acid concentration in the blood stream. 
The invention further comprises a method of improving the physical and/or 
mental performance during strenuous physical activity and the delaying of 
physical and mental exhaustion due to physical activity by ingestion of 
the ready-to-drink beverage in an amount which maintains or preferably 
increases the amino acid concentration in the blood stream.

The invention will be further illustrated by the following Examples: 
Beverage and Instant Mixtures 
Example 1 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 8.0 
Isoleucine 6.0 
Valine 6.0 
Oligosaccharides 1.4 
DE = 40 
Average molecular weight 500 
Fructose 1.1 
Citric acid 0.25 
Trisodiumcitrate 0.066 
Flavouring agent 0.27 
______________________________________ 
The stated ingredients are mixed into an instant mixture which is packed 
air-tight; or the ingredients may be mixed in appropriate amounts of 
water. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture in the stated amounts is then dissolved in 1 liter of 
water for use, either by the manufacture at the plant or by the user. The 
ready-to-drink beverage has a pH of 4.4 and an osmotic pressure (.pi.) of 
190 mOsmol/kg. 
Example 2 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 7.05 
Isoleucine 3.45 
Valine 4.50 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 17 
Average molecular weight 1887 
Citric acid 1.68 
Trisodiumcitrate 0.38 
NaCl 0.40 
KCl 0.05 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O 
0.05 
KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 0.15 
NaHCO.sub.3 0.05 
KHCO.sub.3 0.05 
Flavouring agent 0.05 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 3.8 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 225 
mOsmol/kg. 
Example 3 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 5.65 
Isoleucine 2.75 
Valine 3.60 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 24 
Average molecular weight 1460 
Citric acid 1.53 
Trisodiumcitrate 0.42 
NaCl 0.35 
KCl 0.1 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O 
0.1 
KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 0.1 
NaHCO.sub.3 0.1 
Flavouring agent 0.1 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 3.8 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 230 
mOsmol/kg. 
Example 4 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 4.70 
Isoleucine 2.35 
Valine 2.95 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 29 
Average moleculare weight 1167 
Citric acid 1.38 
Trisodiumcitrate 0.46 
NaCl 0.30 
KCl 0.15 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 0.20 
NaHCO.sub.3 0.15 
Flavouring agent 0.15 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 3.9 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 235 
mOsmol/kg. 
Example 5 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 8.0 
Isoleucine 4.0 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 24 
Average molecular weight 1460 
Citric acid 1.30 
Trisodium citrate 0.33 
NaCl 0.25 
KCl 0.20 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O 
0.25 
KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 0.05 
NaHCO.sub.3 0.10 
KHCO.sub.3 0.10 
Flavouring agent 0.5 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 3.6 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 225 
mOsmol/kg. 
Example 6 
______________________________________ 
grams/liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 10.0 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 29 
Average molecular weight 1167 
Citric acid 1.22 
Trisodiumcitrate 0.73 
NaCl 0.20 
KCl 0.25 
NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O 
0.30 
KHCO.sub.3 0.10 
Flavouring agent 0.85 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 4.3 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 237 
mOsmol/kg. 
Example 7 
______________________________________ 
grams liter 
______________________________________ 
Leucine 8.0 
Valine 4.0 
Oligosaccharides 75.00 
DE = 7 
Average molecular weight 2500 
Citric acid 1.8 
NaHCO.sub.3 2.5 
KHCO.sub.3 2.5 
Flavouring agent 1.25 
______________________________________ 
The beverage or instant mixture is mixed and packed as above. 
Ready-to-Drink Beverage 
The instant mixture is dissolved as above in 1 liter of water. The pH of 
the ready-to-drink beverage is 7.8 and the osmotic pressure (.pi.) 270 
mOsmol/kg. 
TESTS 
Example I 
Three individuals each drank a solution containing 10 g of three 
branched-chain amino acids (2.3 g isoleucine, 3 g valine, 4.7 g leucine) 
and blood samples were taken 0, 15, 80 and 170 minutes after ingestion for 
measurement of total branched-chain amino acid concentration. Results are 
given in Table 1. 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
Plasma conc. (.mu.M) of branched-chain amino acid 
Time after ingestion (min) 
Individual 
0 15 80 170 
______________________________________ 
1 390 764 1565 840 
2 420 954 1288 697 
3 363 1470 1365 687 
Mean 391 1053 1406 741 
______________________________________ 
Example II 
Two volunteers were each given 1.5 g of branched-chain amino acid in 150 ml 
water to drink 7 minutes before the start of a run and another 1.5 g in 
150 ml water 23 minutes after the start of the run. Blood samples were 
taken approximately 10 minutes before the first drink, 20 minutes and 60 
minutes after the start of the run. Branched-chain amino acid concentrates 
were measured enzymatically. Results are shown in Table 2. 
TABLE 2 
______________________________________ 
Plasma conc. (.mu.M) of branched-chain amino acids 
Time of running (min.) 
Individual 
-17 20 60 
______________________________________ 
1 460 450 660 
2 365 520 590 
______________________________________ 
Example III 
Eight volunteers participated in the test which took place on the same day 
of the week during two subsequent weeks and with approximately the same 
outdoor temperature and weather conditions. The running distance was 24 
kilometers. Each of the volunteers obtained before the start and after 13 
kilometers running, a beverage containing 2.5 grams of branched-chain 
amino acids of the same composition as the two previous tests or flavoured 
water (placebo). The results of experienced physical effort are disclosed 
in Table 3a and the results of mental effort in Table 3b. 
TABLE 3a 
______________________________________ 
Ingested drink 
Running distance 
Branched-chain amino acid 
Placebo 
______________________________________ 
0-13 km 2.3 2.3 
13-18 km 2.5 2.0 
18-24 km 2.1 1.5 
______________________________________ 
TABLE 3b 
______________________________________ 
Ingested drink 
Running distance 
Branched chain amino acids 
Placeo 
______________________________________ 
0-13 km 2.1 2.4 
13-18 km 2.8 2.0 
18-24 km 2.6* 1.5 
______________________________________ 
*Indicates p &lt; 0.05 as compared with Placebo 
The figures of Tables 3a and 3b are the mean values (n=8) of the estimated 
physical (3a) and mental (3b) efforts, wherein in an estimation scale: 
The score 1 is rated as heavy 
The score 2 is rated as medium 
The score 3 is rated as easy. 
The test also shows a decrease in plasma concentration of branched-chain 
amino acids during the running if only placebo was obtained, while 
ingestion of 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids increased the 
concentration of branched-chain amino acids in the plasma. The 
concentration at the end of the run was an average of 30% higher than 
before the start. 
TABLE 3c 
______________________________________ 
Plasma conc. of branched-chain amino acids 
Branched chain amino acid-drink 
Placebo 
Subject 
Before After Before 
After 
______________________________________ 
1 542 633 498 368 
2 378 507 442 611 
3 517 382 333 313 
4 387 457 407 208 
5 367 536 277 303 
6 378 581 498 298 
7 368 507 528 253 
8 478 705 447 368 
Mean 427 538 429 340 
SE 21.3 35.8 30.7 
43.1 
______________________________________ 
SE = Standard error of the mean 
The figures refer to the plasma concentration (.mu.M) of branched chain 
amino acids of each of the 8 subjects participating in the test. 
Example IV 
Six well-trained male volunteers obtained each at two separate long 
distance runs (30 kilometers indoor running) either Pripps Pluss.RTM. 
(commercially available sport drink sold by AB Pripps Bryggerier, 
Stockholm, Sweden) or the beverage according to Example 3 in the amounts 
stated in Table 4. 
Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the runs for analysis 
of the concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and glucose. 
The running time varied between 1 h, 52 min and 2 h, 18 min but all 
subjects ran the two races within an individual time difference of 2 min, 
30 sec. All of the subjects felt it was "easier" to run after ingestion of 
the beverage according to the invention. 
During the run the plasma concentration of glucose increased from an 
average of 5.3 to 7.4 mM when the beverage according to the invention was 
obtained and from 5.0 to 6.6 mM when Pripps Plus.RTM. was obtained. The 
plasma concentration of branched-chain amino acids increased from an 
average of 431 to 945 .mu.M when drinking the beverage according to the 
invention while the concentration decreased from 464 to 354 .mu.M when 
drinking Pripps Pluss.RTM.. 
The conclusion is that the beverage according to the invention has an 
effect on mental fatigue as well as physical tiredness. 
TABLE 4a 
______________________________________ 
Plasma concentration (.mu.M) of branched-chain amino acids 
Beverage according 
to Example 3 Pripps Pluss .RTM. 
Ingested Plasmaconc. Plasmaconc. 
Sub- amount of BCAA Ingested 
of BCAA 
ject (1) Before After amount (1) 
Before 
After 
______________________________________ 
1 0.92 458 1379 0.81 487 420 
2 0.60 363 625 0.60 382 320 
3 0.45 406 940 0.55 396 348 
4 0.92 453 1350 0.87 558 267 
5 0.43 434 639 0.46 487 425 
6 0.50 473 735 0.63 473 344 
Mean 0.64 431 945* 0.65 464 354* 
SE 16.6 141 26.7 
24.7 
______________________________________ 
*Indicates p &lt; 0.05 as compared with the "Before" value 
The figures refer to ingested amounts of beverage in liters during the test 
run and the plasma concentration of branched-chain amino acids before and 
after the test run. 
TABLE 4b 
______________________________________ 
Plasma concentration (.mu.M) of glucose 
(Ingested amounts as in Table 4a) 
Beverage according 
to Example 3 Pripps Pluss .RTM. 
Subject Before After Before 
After 
______________________________________ 
1 5.7 8.3 5.6 8.5 
2 3.2 7.0 3.2 5.5 
3 5.3 7.5 4.9 6.1 
4 6.1 9.4 5.4 8.6 
5 5.8 6.1 5.8 6.1 
6 5.5 6.3 5.3 4.8 
Mean 5.3 7.4* 5.0 6.6 
SE 0.43 0.51 0.30 0.65 
______________________________________ 
*Indicates p &lt; 0.05 as compared with the "Before" value