Energy and endurance are essential components to success in many human and equine sports. Two ground breaking double-blind placebo controlled crossover studies have now been conducted relative to increasing natural ATP production.

What is ATP?

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the body’s energy currency. It participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions as well as a number of important extracellular actions. It is produced in the body from mitochondria responsible for processing oxygen and converting substances from food into energy.

Challenges to Healthy ATP Production

• Several ATP supplements exist on the market, but there are challenges to coming up with a system that works consistently. Research indicates that oral supplementation with exogenous ATP is an unreliable way to increase ATP blood levels. Exogenous ATP is converted to adenine/adenosine in the gut, prior to absorption.
• ATP production is typically accompanied by ROS and lactic acid production that can compromise the integrity of cells by inducing oxidative stress and causing cellular dysfunction.

As a result of these challenges, researchers began work on oral supplementation to assist the body in natural ATP production. A unique and proprietary blend of ancient peat (fossilized plants) and polyphenols from apple extract were the subject of the clinical studies, the purpose of which was to verify the effectiveness of the compound in increasing production and blood levels of ATP. The results were undeniable.

Results of Clinical Studies

One study showed an acute increase in blood levels of ATP by 64% on average compared to placebo. Tests showed that this increase was achieved without causing undesirable increases in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or lactic acid.

In addition, a second study produced muscle biopsies with localized ATP increases in muscle tissue of 180% at T60 and 330% at T120, over baseline values.

The following structure/function claims have been substantiated through these clinical studies:

• Supports healthy mitochondrial energy production
• Increases intracellular ATP levels
• Stimulates endogenous production of ATP

An additional human performance study involving athletes produced further substantiation claims.

• Increases lean muscle
• Promotes muscular hypertrophy
• Improves body composition
• Aides improvements in athletic performance
• Increases strength
• Increases power
• Helps increase training volume

A major edict of Spectra Animal Health is to utilize the best from both equine and human research. The new ATP generating technology described in this article can be found in the new equine product Endurion, part of Spectra’s Professional line sold only through licensed veterinarians.

Endurion is a six day program designed to build ATP levels ahead of an event where increased energy and endurance are desired.   The product is available through your local veterinarian or by visiting www.vetaffiliate.com.