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Physical activity plays a role, but the latest research also emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition - namely, the intake of the critical proteins and amino acids that build muscle mass and keep it there. Recent research described in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that up to four out of ten older Americans don't consume the recommended daily amount of protein, which can partially account for loss of muscle mass and function as they age.
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To address protein deficiency and muscle loss in older Americans, Little Rock-based HealthSpan Solutions, LLC developed a new protein blend specially formulated for healthy aging. The exclusive, proprietary blend - called ViaLeuPro(TM) - includes the amino acid leucine and other essential amino acids that have been shown to be four times more effective than intact protein alone at supporting muscle function.
John Troup President & CEO of HealthSpan Solutions recently announced that two varieties of the company's BeneVia(R) adult nutrition beverages will exclusively include ViaLeuPro(TM).
"Including ViaLeuPro(TM) and leucine into the Heart Health and Energy & Strength varieties of BeneVia is an important advantage for healthy aging and provides a balance in adult nutrition beverages that can help improve the lifestyles of consumers," Troup said. "ViaLeuPro(TM) will be a major part of how healthcare providers and consumers address muscle mass through therapeutic nutrition. We are looking forward to introducing it into other products and categories in the near future."
The ViaLeuPro(TM) blend and its components were clinically tested by a team of scientists led by Robert Wolfe, Ph.D. a protein and nutrition scientist and professor of geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
"When we are younger, our bodies can grow muscle mass without the assistance of additional leucine," says Wolfe, "As we age, our muscles need more leucine to grow muscle, which can be a major problem for older adults. The leucine in ViaLeuPro(TM) is the critical ingredient that gives BeneVia(R) such a unique nutritional benefit."
Wolfe is personally familiar with the importance of muscle in staying healthy. Wolfe is an accomplished endurance athlete; over the course of his running career, he has won more than 100 distance races and has set a number of national masters records. Today, he runs 30 miles a week, in addition to an active schedule of bicycling, golf, weightlifting and tennis.
"Keeping muscle mass is an important part of staying active and healthy. Unfortunately, it can be a nutritional challenge for many older adults," he says. "The good news is that BeneVia(R) with the ViaLeuPro(TM) protein blend can now be part of the solution."
About BeneVia(R)
BeneVia(R) is a balanced nutrition drink with essential vitamins and minerals for healthy aging. The four varieties of the BeneVia(R) product line also contain other nutrients which have been tested to aid in managing the four most common health conditions faced by aging consumers:
BeneVia(R) is a naturally flavored fruit juice drink that tastes better and is less filling than creamier "shake-based" nutritional drinks. BeneVia(R) is fat free and approximately half the calories of other beverages in the adult nutrition category.
BeneVia(R) is available in four-packs of eight ounce bottles and is sold in the adult nutrition section of major drug and grocery stores. The recommended retail price for the four-pack is between $7.99 and $8.99, a price point comparable to other adult nutrition drinks.
BeneVia(R) is rolling out in selected markets across the US in 2009 with plans to be available nationally by the end of the year.
For more information about BeneVia(R), including nutritional profiles and availability, visit www.gobenevia.com.
Note to editors: Product photos, samples and peer-reviewed research articles are available upon request.
-- Strength & Energy - With ViaLeuPro(TM) protein blend and Creatine -- Memory & Focus - With Omega3 DHA and Lutein -- Heart Health - With ViaLeuPro(TM) protein blend and Phytosterols -- Immune Protect - With Omega3 DHA and Amino Acids
SOURCE HealthSpan Solutions LLC
