The Research Speaks for Itself.
AstraGin® in the Media: This landmark study has gained significant attention across major news outlets. Read the full coverage on PR Newswire, Morningstar, and KTLA 5.
Protein is one of the most widely consumed nutrients in sports nutrition and healthy aging formulations. Yet, growing evidence suggests that protein intake alone does not guarantee optimal results. Absorption efficiency, intestinal health, and amino acid utilization all play critical roles in determining how effectively protein supports muscle function.
A newly published human clinical study in Nutrients adds important clarity to this issue. The research demonstrates that AstraGin®, a patented ingredient developed by NuLiv Science, significantly enhances amino acid absorption from whey protein and translates those improvements into measurable gains in muscle strength and muscle mass.
The Study at a Glance
The study, titled Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng Saponins Extract on the Pharmacokinetics of Whey Protein Absorption, Intestinal Permeability, and Muscle Function, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial conducted in healthy adults.
Thirty participants were divided into three age groups, allowing researchers to evaluate how age influences protein absorption and response. The study was conducted in two distinct phases:
- Single-dose phase: Measured immediate amino acid absorption following whey protein ingestion
- Four-week supplementation phase: Evaluated longer-term effects on amino acid absorption kinetics and muscle function during resistance training
This design allowed researchers to assess both acute absorption effects and functional outcomes over time.
AstraGin® Improves Amino Acid Absorption from Whey Protein
In the single-dose phase, participants consuming whey protein with AstraGin® experienced significantly improved absorption of key branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, compared to placebo.
These amino acids are essential for muscle protein synthesis and are often the primary targets of protein supplementation. Improving their uptake without increasing protein dose represents a meaningful advancement for protein formulation efficiency.
After four weeks of daily supplementation, AstraGin® continued to enhance amino acid absorption and also supported increased arginine uptake, an amino acid associated with nitric oxide production and muscle performance.
From Absorption to Real Muscle Outcomes
One of the most notable aspects of this study is that improved absorption did not remain a theoretical benefit. Instead, it translated into measurable functional outcomes.
Participants supplementing with AstraGin® alongside whey protein demonstrated:
- Greater improvements in grip strength
- Increases in muscle mass
- Enhanced response to resistance training
These results are particularly significant because few human trials demonstrate a clear link between nutrient absorption and physical performance outcomes.
According to NuLiv Science CEO Richard Wang,
“It is rare to demonstrate a clear link between absorption and physical performance in human trials. This study doesn’t just show that AstraGin® helps the body absorb protein, it demonstrates protein absorption leading to improved muscle function, which is the ultimate goal.”
Pronounced Benefits in Older Adults
While benefits were observed across age groups, the effects were most pronounced in adults aged 60–80 years.
Older participants supplementing with AstraGin® and whey protein showed:
- Greater overall essential amino acid absorption
- Stronger improvements in muscle strength
- More meaningful increases in muscle mass
These findings are especially relevant for healthy aging applications, where reduced protein absorption and anabolic resistance often limit the effectiveness of protein supplementation.
By improving nutrient utilization rather than simply increasing protein intake, AstraGin® may help address a key challenge in aging nutrition.
Supporting Gut Barrier Integrity
In addition to absorption and performance outcomes, the study also reported favorable changes in biomarkers associated with gut permeability.
Maintaining intestinal barrier integrity is critical for effective nutrient transport and overall gut health. These findings reinforce AstraGin®’s dual role in supporting both nutrient absorption efficiency and intestinal function, which are closely linked.
What This Means for Formulators and Brands
This study positions AstraGin® as more than an absorption ingredient. It demonstrates AstraGin®’s ability to:
- Improve the efficiency of whey protein formulations
- Enhance delivery of key amino acids without increasing serving size
- Support measurable muscle performance outcomes
- Address protein utilization challenges in active aging populations
For formulators, this creates opportunities across multiple categories, including:
- Protein powders and ready-to-mix beverages
- Sports nutrition and performance products
- Active aging and muscle maintenance formulations
Advancing Protein Effectiveness Through Science
NuLiv Science’s commitment to human clinical research continues to set AstraGin® apart as a scientifically validated ingredient. By demonstrating a direct connection between absorption, utilization, and functional performance, this study advances how protein effectiveness is defined.
To learn more about AstraGin® and the growing body of human and preclinical research supporting its role in nutrient absorption and performance nutrition, visit www.nulivscience.com.