Clinical Applications

• Supports protein metabolism and healthy body composition*
• Supports cardiovascular health*
• Supports gastrointestinal health*
• Supports antioxidant systems*
• Provides essential micronutrients*

FitPlant+ is a nutritionally dense shake mix, perfectly suited for those who are sensitive or allergic to soy and dairy, or for individuals in search of a superior plant-based protein source. At the heart of FitPlant+ is Fitties Vegan Protein, a natural blend of pea and rice proteins. Enhanced with Aminogen®, a plant enzyme that improves protein digestibility and absorption, and KiOtransine® chitin-glucan, an innovative fiber that bolsters the body's antioxidant mechanisms. This vegan formula is free from sugar and stevia and comes enriched with a spectrum of micronutrients. These include high-potency vitamins C and B12, bioactive B vitamins, and Albion® TRAACS® chelated minerals, known for their real amino acid chelate system, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.*

Discussion

Fitties Vegan Protein, a unique blend crafted by Fitties, combines easily digestible pea protein isolate with glycine, taurine, rice protein concentrate, and L-glutamine, forming the foundation of FitPlant+. The addition of Aminogen in this blend is specifically designed to boost protein digestion and absorption.[1] The synergistic use of pea and rice proteins in FitPlant+ achieves a complete amino acid score of 100%, aiding in protein metabolism and the promotion of a healthy body composition.*[2]

Protein plays a crucial role in repairing cells and tissues, synthesizing hormones and enzymes, and various metabolic activities. It is particularly vital in preserving lean body mass during periods of increased physical activity. Evidence suggests that protein supplementation is a key factor in augmenting fat-free mass and promoting exercise-induced fat burning. Research shows that participants consuming approximately 80 g/d of protein, as opposed to around 59 g/d, saw a notable rise in fat oxidation and fat-free mass, coupled with a decrease in fat mass and overall body fat percentage.[3] Numerous studies highlight that a higher intake of protein can enhance feelings of fullness[2,4-6] and reduce food consumption in later meals.[7] A specific study pointed out the advantages of pea protein over milk protein in terms of satiety and the duration between meals.[8] Furthermore, pea protein has been shown to stimulate the release of cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1, two gastrointestinal hormones that influence appetite regulation.*[9]

Pea protein is not only a satisfying and adaptable protein source but also beneficial for cardiovascular health. Animal studies have demonstrated its positive impact on lipid management by influencing gene expression, specifically by increasing genes related to hepatic cholesterol uptake and decreasing those associated with fatty acid synthesis.*[10,11]

FitPlant+ incorporates Chitin-Glucan to support antioxidant activity and cardiovascular wellness. This unique, gluten-free fiber, comprising chitin (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) and beta(1,3)-glucan, has been studied for its role in oxidative balance and artery health, crucial for cardiovascular well-being.[12,13] A 12-week animal study showed that chitin-glucan is beneficial for cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy arteries, reducing cardiac superoxide anion, and liver malondialdehyde (oxidation indicators), and boosting superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity.[12] Human studies have also yielded significant positive outcomes. In a six-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 130 participants, it was observed that 1.5 g/d of chitin-glucan significantly maintained LDL cholesterol within a normal range, and 4.5 g/d notably supported the body's natural antioxidant systems and the oxidative balance of LDL cholesterol.[13] Each serving of FitPlant+ provides 2.25 g of chitin-glucan.

Micronutrient Support: FitPlant+ offers a balanced array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, essential for supporting the body's extensive metabolic processes.[14] It includes bioactive forms of B vitamins like riboflavin 5’-phosphate, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, methylcobalamin, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate as Quatrefolic®.*[15]

Sugar- and Stevia-Free: FitPlant+ is sweetened with monk fruit extract, avoiding the use of sugar or stevia. Studies in both animals and humans indicate that excessive consumption of added sugars can increase adiposity, disrupt lipid regulation, and heighten cardiometabolic risk.*[16-20]

Glutamine, an essential amino acid, is crucial for replenishing amino acid stores post-exercise or stress.[21] It also supports the proliferation of intestinal cells, thereby maintaining gut barrier functionality and intestinal health.*[22-24]

Inulin, a soluble fiber, is fermented by colonic bacteria into short-chain fatty acids, which positively influence lipid metabolism and promote healthy colon transit time.*[25,26]

References

1. Oben J, Kothari SC, Anderson ML. An open label study to determine the effects of an oral proteolytic enzyme system on whey protein concentrate metabolism in healthy males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Jul 24;5:10. [PMID: 18652668]
2. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Lemmens SG, Westerterp KR. Dietary protein - its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. Br J Nutr. 2012 Aug;108 Suppl 2:S105-12. Review. [PMID: 23107521]
3. Soenen S, Plasqui G, Smeets AJ, et al. Protein intake induced an increase in exercise stimulated fat oxidation during stable body weight. Physiol Behav. 2010 Dec 2;101(5):770-4. [PMID: 20826169]
4. Halton TL, Hu FB. The effects of high protein diets on thermogenesis, satiety and weight loss: a critical review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Oct;23(5):373-85. Review. [PMID: 15466943]
5. Anderson GH, Moore SE. Dietary proteins in the regulation of food intake and body weight in humans. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):974S-9S. Review. [PMID: 15051857]
6. Veldhorst M, Smeets A, Soenen S, et al. Protein-induced satiety: effects and mechanisms of different proteins. Physiol Behav. 2008 May 23;94(2):300-7. Review. [PMID: 18282589]
7. Johnstone AM, Stubbs RJ, Harbron CG. Effect of overfeeding macronutrients on day-to-day food intake in man. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996 Jul;50(7):418-30. [PMID: 8862477]
8. Diepvens K, Häberer D, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Different proteins and biopeptides differently affect satiety and anorexigenic/orexigenic hormones in healthy humans. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 Mar;32(3):510-8. [PMID: 18345020]
9. Geraedts MC, Troost FJ, Tinnemans R, et al. Release of satiety hormones in response to specific dietary proteins is different between human and murine small intestinal mucosa. Ann Nutr Metab. 2010;56(4):308-13. [PMID: 20530962]
10. Rigamonti E, Parolini C, Marchesi M, et al. Hypolipidemic effect of dietary pea proteins: impact on genes regulating hepatic lipid metabolism. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010 May;54 Suppl 1:S24-30. [PMID: 20077421]
11. Parolini C, Manzini S, Busnelli M, et al. Effect of the combinations between pea proteins and soluble fibres on cholesterolaemia and cholesterol metabolism in rats. Br J Nutr. 2013 Oct;110(8):1394-401. [PMID: 23458494]
12. Berecochea-Lopez A, Decordé K, Ventura E, et al. Fungal chitin-glucan from Aspergillus niger efficiently reduces aortic fatty streak accumulation in the high-fat fed hamster, an animal model of nutritionally induced atherosclerosis. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Feb 11;57(3):1093-8. [PMID: 19154104]
13. Bays HE, Evans JL, Maki KC, et al. Chitin-glucan fiber effects on oxidized low-density lipoprotein: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Jan;67(1):2-7. [doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.121 ]
14. Ames BN. A role for supplements in optimizing health: the metabolic tune-up. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2004 Mar 1;423(1):227-34. [PMID: 14989256]
15. Quatrefolic. http://www.quatrefolic.com/. Accessed January 24, 2017.
16. Stanhope KL, Schwarz JM, Keim NL, et al. Consuming fructose-sweetened, not glucosesweetened, beverages increases visceral adiposity and lipids and decreases insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese humans. J Clin Invest. 2009 May;119(5):1322-34. [PMID: 19381015]
17. Pollock NK, Bundy V, Kanto W, et al. Greater fructose consumption is associated with cardiometabolic risk markers and visceral adiposity in adolescents. J Nutr. 2012 Feb;142(2):251-57. [PMID: 22190023]
18. Stanhope KL, Havel PJ. Fructose consumption: recent results and their potential implications. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Mar;1190:15-24. Review. [PMID: 20388133]
19. Stanhope KL, Havel PJ. Fructose consumption: considerations for future research on its effects on adipose distribution, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in humans. J Nutr. 2009 Jun;139(6):1236S-1241S. [PMID: 19403712]
20. DiNicolantonio JJ, Berger A. Added sugars drive nutrient and energy deficit in obesity: a new paradigm. Open Heart. 2016 Aug 2;3(2):e000469. [PMID: 27547437]
21. Castell L. Glutamine supplementation in vitro and in vivo, in exercise and in immunodepression. Sports Med. 2003;33(5):323-45. Review. [PMID: 12696982]
22. Chwals WJ. Regulation of the cellular and physiological effects of glutamine. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2004 Oct;4(8):833-8. Review. [PMID: 15544544]
23. McAnena OJ, Moore FA, Moore EE, et al. Selective uptake of glutamine in the gastrointestinal tract: confirmation in a human study. Br J Surg. 1991 Apr;78(4):480-82. [PMID: 1903318]
24. Souba WW, Klimberg VS, Plumley DA, et al. The role of glutamine in maintaining a healthy gut and supporting the metabolic response to injury and infection. J Surg Res. 1990 Apr;48(4):383-91. Review. [PMID: 2187115]
25. Roberfroid M. Dietary fiber, inulin, and oligofructose: a review comparing their physiological effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1993;33(2):103-48. Review. [PMID: 8257475]
26. Flamm G, Glinsmann W, Kritchevsky D, et al. Inulin and oligofructose as dietary fiber: a review of the evidence. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2001 Jul;41(5):353-62. Review. [PMID: 11497328]