FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for increasing muscle glucose uptake and decreasing muscle recovery time by administration of a composition comprising select amino acid blends.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Adult nutritional supplements are widely commercially available. Many of these supplements are directed at the healthy adult population seeking to increase muscle mass and decrease muscle recovery time after a workout. Many supplements seek to increase glucose uptake into muscle cells to speed the recovery of the muscle tissue after physical exertion.

[0003] Glucose uptake and transport into muscle cells may also be particularly important for the pre-diabetic and diabetic population, as it is well known that a decrease in muscle glucose uptake is one of the early symptoms of diabetes. By increasing the rate of glucose uptake and transport into muscle cells, pre-diabetics and diabetics can more easily maintain a steady level of blood glucose and avoid unwanted glucose spikes.

[0004] To date, the rate of glucose uptake into muscle cells has been primarily enhanced by the use of exogenous insulin, physical exertion and exercise, and/or carbohydrate loading. Although one or a combination of these options may result in an increase uptake of glucose into muscle cells and the resulting benefits, they may not be suitable for all adults. For example, hypoglycemic episodes may be associated with insulin use in some adults. Additionally, not all adults have the physical ability to perform exercise, nor the physical ability to ingest a large number of carbohydrate calories.

[0005] As such, there is a need for compositions and methods for easily and effectively increasing the uptake of glucose into muscle tissue and reduce muscle recovery time. Additionally, it would be very beneficial if the compositions and methods could be utilized by a wide variety of adults, irrespective of overall health condition and physical ability.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to methods of increasing muscle glucose uptake and improving muscle glucose metabolism by administering a composition including a specific amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine. In some embodiments, the specific amino acid blend is utilized to increase the muscle recovery rate of an individual.

[0007] The present disclosure is specifically directed to a method of increasing glucose uptake in a muscle cell of an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about 0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0008] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of increasing the muscle recovery rate of an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about

0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0009] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of increasing the muscle glucose metabolism rate of an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about 0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0010] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of managing or treating diabetes or prediabetes in an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about 0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively. [0011] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of managing or treating insulin resistance in an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about

0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0012] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of preventing or treating skeletal muscle loss in an individual. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about

0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0013] The present disclosure is further directed to a method of increasing glucose uptake in a muscle cell of a diabetic athlete. The method comprises administering to the individual a composition comprising an amino acid blend comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about 0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively.

[0014] It has been unexpectedly found that by administering a specific amino acid blend including isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine, the glucose uptake, and hence the glucose metabolism rate, in muscle cells can be increased such that the time period for muscle recovery after a trauma or physical activity, such as after a workout, is reduced. Surprisingly, the specific amino acid blend increases glucose transport into muscle cells and reduces or eliminates that need for other means of increasing glucose transport into muscle cells, such as insulin use or ingestion of large amounts of

carbohydrates.

[0015] Additionally, it has further been discovered that the specific amino acid blend is particularly useful for prediabetics and diabetics as they typically experience a significant decrease in muscle glucose metabolism as diabetes progresses. By utilizing the specific amino acid blend, these individuals can increase muscle glucose uptake, which allows them to control their blood glucose level without solely relying on insulin or methodologies that can interfere with digestion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a graph showing the glucose uptake in red and white gastrocnemius muscles from Sprague-Dawley rats during an oral glucose tolerance test.

[0017] Figure 2 is a graph showing the glucose uptake in red gastrocnemius muscles from Zucker obese rats during an oral glucose tolerance test.

[0018] Figure 3 is a graph showing the glucose uptake in the soleus muscle from Zucker obese rats during an oral glucose tolerance test.

[0019] Figure 4 is a graph showing the glucose uptake in response to the treatment of epitrochlearis muscles from rats with different doses of a specific amino acid blend.

[0020] Figure 5 is a graph showing the C2C12 myotubular glucose transport in response to treatment with various amino acid blends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0021] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure are directed to specific blends of amino acids including isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine for increasing the rate of muscle glucose uptake and metabolism. These and other essential or optional elements or limitations of the compositions and methods of the present disclosure are described in detail hereinafter.

[0022] The term "healthy individual" as used herein refers to a person who is in generally good health, and is not obese, a prediabetic or diabetic.

[0023] The term "diabetic athlete" as used herein refers to an athlete who is diabetic, prediabetic, or suffers from impaired glucose tolerance.

[0024] All percentages, parts and ratios as used herein, are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or byproducts that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified. [0025] Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5 to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

[0026] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

[0027] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

[0028] The various embodiments of the compositions of the present disclosure may also be substantially free of any optional or selected essential ingredient or feature described herein, provided that the remaining composition still contains all of the required ingredients or features as described herein. In this context, and unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially free" means that the selected composition contains less than a functional amount of the optional ingredient, typically less than 0.1% by weight, and also including zero percent by weight of such optional or selected essential ingredient.

[0029] The compositions and corresponding methods of the present disclosure can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the disclosure as described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in the compositions or methods.

Product Form

[0030] The compositions including the specific amino acid blends useful in the methods of the present disclosure may be formulated in any known or otherwise suitable product form for oral or parenteral administration. Oral product forms are generally preferred and include any solid, liquid, or powder formulation suitable for use herein, provided that such a formulation allows for safe and effective oral delivery of the essential and other selected ingredients from the selected product form.

[0031] Non-limiting examples of solid nutritional product forms suitable for use herein include snack and meal replacement products, including those formulated as bars, sticks, cookies or breads or cakes or other baked goods, frozen liquids, candy, breakfast cereals, powders or granulated solids or other particulates, snack chips or bites, frozen or retorted entrees and so forth.

[0032] Non-limiting examples of liquid product forms suitable for use herein include snack and meal replacement products, hot or cold beverages, carbonated or non carbonated beverages, juices or other acidified beverages, milk or soy-based beverages, shakes, coffees, teas, enteral feeding compositions, and so forth. These liquid

compositions are most typically formulated as suspensions or emulsions, but can also be formulated in any other suitable forms such as clear liquids, solutions, liquid gels, and so forth.

[0033] Other non- limiting examples of suitable oral product forms include semisolid or semi-liquid compositions (e.g., puddings, gels), as well as more conventional product forms such as capsules, tablets, caplets, pills, and so forth. The quantity of the composition for providing an effective amount of the defined amino acid blend to the targeted user may be contained in one or a plurality of individual dosage forms, e.g., in one tablet or a plurality of tablets that may be administered in single or multiple dosages per day.

[0034] For product forms such as lozenges, tablets (e.g. chewable, coated, etc.), pastes, or gels, the amino acid blend may be formulated at concentrations most typically ranging from about 5 to about 50%, including from about 15 to about 33%, and also including from about 15 to about 25%, by weight of the product form, all in combination with excipients or other ingredients such as carbohydrates, acidulants, flavors, and colors. Amino Acid Blend

[0035] The compositions useful in the methods of the present disclosure comprise a select blend of branched chain amino acids and sulfur-containing amino acids, the former of which includes valine (VAL), leucine (LEU), and isoleucine (ILE), and the latter of which includes cysteine (CYS) and methionine (MET). The compositions include a specific amino acid blend of at least isoleucine, leucine, valine, cysteine, and methionine, the quantity or amount of which should be sufficient to provide an increase in glucose uptake in a muscle cell of an individual, an increase in the muscle recovery rate of an individual, and/or an increase in muscle glucose metabolism rate in an individual upon administration.

[0036] Generally, the amino acid blend is present in the composition in an amount sufficient to provide an individual with from about 0.1 grams to about 50 grams per day, desirably from about 1 gram to about 15 grams per day of the amino acid blend. The composition may be administered once, twice, three times or more daily to reach the desired level of amino acid blend intake per day.

[0037] In one embodiment, the amino acid blend comprises isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of about 97.65 :about 0.68:about

0.77:about 0.31 :about 0.59, respectively. In another embodiment, the amino acid blend comprises isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine, and cysteine in a molar ratio of 96.49- 98.00:0.65-0.70:0.68-0.81 :0.26-0.38:0.55-0.62, respectively.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition contains from about 1.0 to about 200 mg/kg of body weight of isoleucine; from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight of leucine; from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight of valine; from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight of cysteine; and from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight of methionine. Body weight refers to body weight of the individual or subject patient to which the composition is administered.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition contains from about 120 to about 180 mg/kg of body weight of isoleucine; from about 0.25 to about 7.5 mg/kg of body weight of leucine; from about 0.25 to about 7.5 mg/kg of body weight of valine; from about 0.25 to about 7.5 mg/kg of body weight of cysteine; and from about 0.2 to about 5 mg/kg of body weight of methionine.

[0040] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition contains from about 130 to about 170 mg/kg of body weight of isoleucine; from about 0.5 to about 5 mg/kg of body weight of leucine; from about 0.5 to about 5 mg/kg of body weight of valine; from about 0.5 to about 5 mg/kg of body weight of cysteine; and from about 0.3 to about 3 mg/kg of body weight of methionine.

[0041] In some embodiments, the amount of amino acids for use in the select amino acid blends may also be characterized as a weight ratio of the branched chain to sulfur-containing amino acids of at least about 10: 1 , including at least about 50: 1 , and also including at least about 100: 1 , and also including from 500: 1 to 10: 1.

[0042] The individual amino acids for use in the compositions and methods of the present disclosure can be provided in the form of natural, intact or hydrolyzed proteins, which may therefore include free amino acids as well as various polypeptides or intact proteins within the compositions or otherwise consumed as part of the methods, provided that such sources provide the requisite kind and amount of amino acids in the blends as described herein.

[0043] The amino acid blends for use in the methods and composition may therefore comprise from 0 to 100% , including from 50 to 100%, also including from 75 to 95%), also including from 90 to 100%, and also including 100%, on a molar or weight basis of the targeted amino acid blend in the form of free amino acids within the compositions or otherwise administered in the methods. The amino acid blends may also be provided in the form of a blend of one or more of free amino acids, intact proteins, and hydrolyzed proteins or other protein fractions.

[0044] The amino acids in the defined blend may be in the L or R configuration, or a mixture thereof, although most amino acids for use in the formulation will typically be in the L configuration. Suitable amino acids described herein are commercially available from a number of different material suppliers, including Sigma- Aldrich Corporation (St. Louis, Missouri.) [0045] When a composition of the present disclosure is in liquid form, most typically as an oral liquid or beverage, or after a powder embodiment is reconstituted to form an oral liquid composition, the pH of the liquid composition is suitable for appropriate administration to a subject, such as by oral administration. In one such liquid embodiment, the composition has a pH of from about 2.5 to about 8.0, including from about 2.7 to about 7.0, and also including from about 3.0 to about 5.5, and also including from about 3.0 to about 5.0.

[0046] The compositions of the present disclosure may further comprise one or more supplemental amino acids, non-limiting examples of which include aspartic acid (ASP), threonine (THR), serine (SER), glutamic acid (GLU), proline (PRO), glycine (GLY), alanine (ALA), tyrosine (TYR), histidine (HIS), lysine (LYS), arginine (ARG), tryptophan (TRY), phenylalanine (PHE), and combinations thereof. The compositions may contain a sufficient amount of one or more (such as at least about 2 or more, and at least about 5 or more) supplemental amino acids to contribute to providing a treatment for at least one of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition contains one or more of from about 0.01 to about 30 mg/kg (including from about 1 to about 30 mg/kg and also including from about 5 to about 20 mg/kg) of body weight of each of aspartic acid and glutamic acid; from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/kg (including from about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg and also including from about 0.5 to about 5 mg/kg) of body weight of each of threonine, serine, proline, histidine, and lysine; and from about 0.001 to about 20 mg/kg (including from about 0.1 to about 20 mg/kg and also including from about 1 to about 10 mg/kg) of body weight of each of glycine, alanine, tyrosine, arginine, and tryptophan.

[0048] In some instances, the compositions of the present disclosure contain little or no phenylalanine. For example, the composition may contain less than about 10 mg/kg of body weight of phenylalanine or less than about 5% by weight. In another embodiment, the composition contains less than about 5 mg/kg of body weight of phenylalanine. In yet another embodiment, the composition contains zero or less than about 1 mg/kg of body weight of phenylalanine. Macronutrients

[0049] The compositions of the present disclosure including the amino acid blend may further comprise one or more other macronutrients including a fat source, a carbohydrate source, and a protein source, all in addition to the amino acid blend as described herein.

[0050] The optional macronutrients in combination with the other essential or added ingredients may provide up to about 1000 kcal of energy per serving or dose, including from about 25 kcal to about 900 kcal, also including from about 75 kcal to about 700 kcal, also including from about 100 kcal to about 500 kcal, also including from about 150 kcal to about 400 kcal, and also including from about 200 kcal to about 300 kcal, per serving or dose, most suitably as a single, undivided serving or dose.

[0051] Many different sources and types of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are known and can be used in the various products described herein, provided that the selected nutrients are safe and effective for oral administration and are compatible with the essential and other added ingredients.

[0052] Carbohydrates suitable for use in the compositions of the present disclosure may be simple, complex, or variations or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable carbohydrates include hydrolyzed or modified starch or cornstarch, maltodextrin, glucose polymers, sucrose, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, rice-derived carbohydrate, glucose, fructose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup, indigestible

oligosaccharides (e.g., fructooligosaccharides), soluble or insoluble fiber, honey, sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, erythritol, sorbitol), and combinations thereof.

[0053] Proteins suitable for use in the compositions, in addition to the amino acid blend component as described herein, include hydrolyzed, partially hydrolyzed or non- hydrolyzed proteins or protein sources, and can be derived from any known or otherwise suitable source such as milk (e.g., casein, whey), animal (e.g., meat, fish), cereal (e.g., rice, corn), vegetable (e.g., soy), or combinations thereof. [0054] Fats suitable for use in the compositions include coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, soy oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides), sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, palm and palm kernel oils, palm olein, canola oil, marine oils, cottonseed oils, structured lipids, and combinations thereof.

[0055] The concentration or amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrate in the compositions of the present disclosure may vary considerably depending upon the particular product form (e.g., solid, liquid, powder) and the various other formulations and targeted dietary needs. These macronutrients are most typically formulated within any of the caloric ranges (embodiments A-D) described in the following table.

Each numerical value is preceded by the term "about"

Other Optional Ingredients

[0056] The compositions including the amino acid blend of the present disclosure may further comprise other optional components that may modify the physical, chemical, aesthetic or processing characteristics of the products or serve as pharmaceutical or additional nutritional components when used in the targeted population. Many such optional ingredients are known or otherwise suitable for use in medical food or other nutritional products or pharmaceutical dosage forms and may also be used in the compositions herein, provided that such optional ingredients are safe for oral

administration and are compatible with the essential and other ingredients in the selected product form. [0057] Non-limiting examples of such optional ingredients include fibers, preservatives, anti-oxidants, emulsifying agents, buffers, pharmaceutical actives, additional nutrients as described herein, colorants, flavorants, thickening agents and stabilizers, emulsifying agents, lubricants, sweetening agents, vitamins, minerals and so forth.

Methods of Manufacture

[0058] The compositions including the specific amino acid blends of the present disclosure may be prepared by any known or otherwise effective manufacturing technique for preparing the selected product form. Many such techniques are known for any given product form such as nutritional liquids or nutritional bars and can easily be applied by one of ordinary skill in the art to the nutritional products described herein.

[0059] The compositions can likewise be prepared by any known or otherwise effective manufacturing technique for preparing the various pharmaceutical product forms. Many such techniques are known for any given pharmaceutical product form such as capsules, tablets, liquids, and so forth, and can easily be applied by one of ordinary skill in the art to the compositions described herein.

[0060] As a basic liquid formulation, the compositions may be prepared by dissolving each of the selected amino acids in water or a dilute acid solution, and then combining the different amino acid solutions to form a liquid embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As a basic solid formulation, the compositions may be prepared by combining the different powder forms of the selected amino acids, along with any tablet forming materials or other excipients, and then dry blending the powders prior to processing it into the desired solid product form, e.g., tablet, capsule, caplet, and so forth.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the compositions may be formulated as a nutritional liquid, including a juice or milk or soy-based liquid, comprising the selected amino acid blend. Such an embodiment may be prepared by first forming an oil and fiber blend containing all formulation oils, any emulsifier, fiber and fat-soluble vitamins.

Additional slurries (typically a carbohydrate and two protein slurries) are prepared separately by mixing the carbohydrate and minerals together and the protein in water. The slurries are then mixed together with the oil blend. The resulting mixture is homogenized, heat processed, standardized with any water-soluble vitamins, flavored and the liquid terminally sterilized or aseptically filled or dried to produce a powder.

[0063] Other product forms such as nutritional bars may be manufactured, for example, using cold extrusion technology as is known and commonly described in the bar manufacturing art. To prepare such compositions, typically all of the powdered

components are dry blended together, which typically includes the amino acid blend and any proteins, vitamin premixes, certain carbohydrates, and so forth. The fat-soluble components are then blended together and mixed with any powdered premixes. Finally any liquid components are then mixed into the composition, forming a plastic like composition or dough. The resulting plastic mass can then be shaped, without further physical or chemical changes occurring, by cold forming or extrusion, wherein the plastic mass is forced at relatively low pressure through a die, which confers the desired shape. The resultant exudate is then cut off at an appropriate position to give products of the desired weight. If desired the solid product is then coated, to enhance palatability, and packaged for distribution.

[0064] The solid nutritional embodiments of the present invention may also be manufactured through a baked application or heated extrusion to produce solid product forms such as cereals, cookies, crackers, and similar other product forms. One

knowledgeable in the nutrition manufacturing arts is able to select one of the many known or otherwise available manufacturing processes to produce the desired final product.

[0065] The compositions may, of course, be manufactured by other known or otherwise suitable techniques not specifically described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes and equivalents also come within the description of the present invention.

Methods of Use

[0066] The compositions including the specific amino acid blend as described herein may be administered to individuals to increase the rate of glucose uptake in a muscle cell of the individual, to increase the rate of muscle recovery rate of an individual, to increase the rate of muscle glucose metabolism in an individual, or to increase the fuel supply to the muscles of an individual. The individual may be a healthy individual, such as an athlete, who wants to speed muscle recovery after a trauma or physical exertion.

Alternatively, the individual may be an individual who is a prediabetic or has diabetes, has insulin resistance, or impaired glucose tolerance, or who wants to control and maintain safe blood glucose levels with the use of little or no insulin. Alternatively the individual may be an individual who suffers from skeletal muscle loss, cancer cachexia, sarcopenia,

HIV/AIDS, COPD, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure may be directed to any individual, including humans and other mammals such dogs, cats, rodents, cows, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other hoofed animals, and so forth. Healthy individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes may be administered the compositions as well.

[0068] The compositions including the specific amino acid blend may be administered before, during, or after carbohydrate intake (such as from a meal, drink, or snack), or before, during or after exercise to increase the rate of muscle recovery and/or increase muscle glucose metabolism rates. In one embodiment, the administration of the amino acid composition is conducted within about one hour of carbohydrate consumption and/or physical exertion by the subject. In another embodiment, the administration of the amino acid composition is conducted within about 30 minutes of carbohydrate

consumption and/or exertion by the subject.

[0069] The compositions including the specific amino acid blend may be used to increase muscle uptake of blood glucose to treat and/or manage glucose tolerance, diabetes, obesity, skeletal muscle loss, sarcopenia, muscle wasting diseases, cachexia due to cancer, HIV/ AIDS, COPD and combinations thereof, and/or symptoms and side effects thereof. Specifically, the compositions and methods may be used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and/or symptoms thereof. Symptoms and side effects of diabetes include one or more of high blood glucose levels, sleep habits such as insomnia, general energy level such as lethargy, decreased strength, body weight/poor or increased appetite, reflux, irregularity, stomach neuropathy, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and deteriorating eyesight. [0070] The methods of the present disclosure as described herein are also intended to include the use of such methods in individuals unaffected by or not otherwise afflicted with glucose intolerance, diabetes, obesity, sarcopenia, muscle wasting diseases, etc., for the purpose of managing, preventing, minimizing, or delaying the development of such diseases or conditions over time. For such prevention purposes, the methods of the present disclosure preferably include continuous, daily administration of the compositions as described herein. Such preventive methods may be directed at adults or others who are at risk of developing muscle wasting and/or diabetes.

[0071] In one aspect of the invention, administration of the compositions of the subject invention to a subject in need thereof after, during, or before carbohydrate ingestion increases muscle glucose metabolism. Blood glucose levels may be determined using whole blood, blood plasma or blood serum. Unless otherwise indicated, blood glucose levels refer to analysis of whole blood. Administration of the compositions decreases blood glucose levels after carbohydrate ingestion (compared to blood glucose levels after carbohydrate ingestion without administration of the amino acid compositions) in at least one of about 30 minutes after carbohydrate intake, about 60 minutes after carbohydrate intake, about 90 minutes after carbohydrate intake, and about 120 minutes after

carbohydrate intake.

EXAMPLES

[0072] The following examples illustrate specific embodiments and/or features of the compositions and methods of the present disclosure. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All exemplified amounts are weight percentages based upon the total weight of the formulation, unless otherwise specified.

Example 1

[0073] In this Example, the rate of glucose uptake in red gastrocnemius and white gastrocnemius muscles of Sprague-Dawley rats is analyzed following the administration of: (1) a carbohydrate-only solution; or (2) a carbohydrate solution including a specific amino acid blend of the present disclosure. [0074] The carbohydrate-only solution administered is a 22.5% (by weight) glucose standard solution. The carbohydrate solution including a specific amino acid blend is a 22.5%) (by weight) glucose standard solution (50 mL) including 5.28 mg of cysteine, 3.36 mg of methionine, 6.68 mg of valine, 944.8 mg of isoleucine, and 6.58 mg of leucine. The amino acid blend is introduced into 45 mL of the 22.5% glucose solution while stirring at high speed for about 1.5 hours. After all of the amino acids are dissolved, the solution is brought up to 50 mL. The amino acid blend has a molar ratio of

isoleucine: leucine : valine methionine: cysteine of about 97.65:0.68:0.77:0.31 :0.59.

[0075] Sprauge Dawley rats are orally gavaged 8 ml/kg with either carbohydrate (CHO) or carbohydrate plus the 5 amino acid mixture (CHO-AA). Fifteen minutes after the gavage, a bolus containing 40 μΟΔ¾ body weight 2-[l,2- ³ H] deoxyglucose ( ³ H-2-DG) and 20 μΟΔ¾ body weight [U- ¹⁴ C] mannitol is injected by syringe via a tail vein. Sixty minutes after the oral gavage, rats are anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital at which time the gastrocnemius is excised, sectioned into red and white muscle samples, freeze clamped in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80° C. Muscle samples are digested and read in a liquid scintillation counter preset for simultaneous counting of [ ³ H] and [ ¹⁴ C] DPM.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 1 , there is shown a graph of the in vivo assay results of the glucose uptake measured in the red (RG) and white (WG) gastrocnemius muscles during the oral glucose tolerance test in the Sprague Dawley rats. As the graph indicates, both the RG and the WG have significantly greater glucose uptake following administration of the carbohydrate and amino acid blend as compared to the carbohydrate alone. This indicates that the amino acid blend increases the glucose uptake into the muscle cells.

Example 2

[0077] In this Example, skeletal muscle glucose uptake across different fiber types isolated from Zucker obese rats is analyzed following the administration of: (1) a carbohydrate-only solution; or (2) a carbohydrate solution including a specific amino acid blend of the present disclosure. [0078] The carbohydrate-only solution is a 22.5% (by weight) glucose standard solution. The carbohydrate solution including a specific amino acid blend is a 22.5% (by weight) glucose standard solution (50 mL) including 5.28 mg of cysteine, 3.36 mg of methionine, 6.68 mg of valine, 944.8 mg of isoleucine, and 6.58 mg of leucine. The amino acid blend is introduced into 45 mL of the 22.5% glucose solution while stirring at high speed for about 1.5 hours. After all of the amino acids are dissolved, the solution is brought up to 50 mL. The amino acid blend has a molar ratio of

isoleucine : leucine : valine :methionine : cysteine of 97.65:0.68:0.77:0.31 :0.59.

[0079] Obese Zucker rats are orally gavaged 8 ml/kg with either carbohydrate (CHO) or carbohydrate plus a 5 amino acid mixture (CHO-AA). Fifteen minutes after the gavage, a bolus containing 40 μΟΔ¾ body weight 2-[l,2- ³ H] deoxyglucose ( ³ H-2-DG) and 20 μCi/kg body weight [U- ¹⁴ C] mannitol is injected by syringe via a tail vein. Sixty minutes after the oral gavage, rats are anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital at which time the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle are excised, sectioned into red and white muscle samples (gastrocnemius muscle), freeze clamped in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80° C. Muscle samples are digested and read in a liquid scintillation counter preset for simultaneous counting of [ ³ H] and [ ¹⁴ C] DPM.

[0080] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there are shown graphs of the in vivo assay results of the glucose uptake measured in the red gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle during the oral glucose tolerance test in the Zucker obese rats, an animal model used for the study of insulin resistance. As the graphs indicate, both the red gastrocnemius muscle and soleus muscle have significantly greater glucose uptake following administration of the carbohydrate and amino acid blend as compared to the carbohydrate alone. This indicates that the amino acid blend increases the glucose uptake into the different fiber types in insulin resistant muscle.

Example 3

[0081] In this Example, in a specific amino acid blend experiment, the rate of glucose uptake in isolated rat epitrochlearis muscle is analyzed following the

administration of various doses of a specific amino acid blend. The rate of glucose uptake is measured at basal level (no amino acid blend), 0.5 times amino acid blend, 1 times amino acid blend, 2 times amino acid blend, and 4 times amino acid blend. [0082] Sprauge Dawley rats are fasted for 8 hours and then anesthetized via an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pentobarbital sodium (65 mg/kg body weight). The epitrochlearis muscle is then surgically dissected for in vitro incubation. The isolated muscles are individually pre-incubated for 50 min at 29 °C in 1.5 ml of continuously gassed (95%02/5%C02) Krebs-Henseliet bicarbonate (KHB) buffer containing 0.1% BSA, 32 mM mannitol, and 8 mM glucose. Following the pre-incubation, muscles are washed for 10 min at 29 °C in fresh KHB buffer (1.5 ml) containing 0.1% BSA, 2 mM pyruvate, and 38 mM mannitol. For measurement of glucose uptake, muscles are then incubated for 20 min at 29 °C in the uptake mediums containing different levels of the 5 amino acids with radioactive tracers (280 μθ/ητιηοΐ [ ³ H] 2-deoxyglucose and 10 μθ/ιηιηοΐ [ ¹⁴ C]-mannitol). Following the last incubation period, muscles are blotted and freeze clamped with Wallenberg tongs cooled in liquid nitrogen. The muscles are stored at -80 °C until analysis.

[0083] To determine the dose-response relationship, the amino acid mixture is based on the concentration of isoleucine within the incubation medium, and the ratios of each individual amino acid in the medium are kept the same among different doses. For the concentrations of the individual amino acids, see Table 1.

Table 1. The concentrations of individual amino acids in different amino acid mixtures

[0084] Glucose uptake in the incubated muscles is estimated by determining the incorporation rate of ³ H-labeled 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) into the muscle fibers during the 20 minute incubation. Frozen muscle samples are weighed (15-25 mg) and digested in 1 ml IN KOH at 60 °C for 20 minutes. Muscle homogenate then are neutralized with 1 ml IN HC1, and the neutralized supernatant are added into 6 ml BioSafe II scintillation cocktail (Research Products International, Mt. Prospect, IL). Samples are counted for ³ H and ¹⁴ C in an LS-6000 liquid scintillation spectrophotometer (Beckman, Fullerton, CA). Muscle 2-DG uptake is calculated as the difference between total muscle 2-DG and 2-DG in the extracellular space. The amount of 2-DG contained in the extracellular space is determined and corrected by the amount of [ ¹⁴ C]-mannitol retained in the tissue.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown graphs of the in vitro assay results of the glucose uptake in response to treatment of the epitrochlearis muscles with different doses of the specific amino acid blend. As the graph indicates, the muscle has significantly greater glucose uptake following administration of the increased doses of the amino acid blend as compared to basal levels. This indicates that the amino acid blend increases the glucose uptake into the muscle.

Example 4

[0086] In this Example, glucose transport of C ₂ C ₁₂ myotubes is analyzed after treatment with various solutions, including insulin (100 nM in Krebs-Ringers-HEPES buffer with bovine serum albumin (BSA), glucose, and sodium bicarbonate (KRH-BGB), 5AA (14.4 mM isoleucine, 0.10 mM leucine, 0.11 mM valine, 0.05 mM methionine, and 0.09 mM cysteine), 4AA (0.10 mM leucine, 0.11 mM valine, 0.05 mM methionine, and 0.09 mM cysteine), ILE (14.4 mM isoleucine in KRH-BGB), and a basal treatment (KRH- BGB alone).

[0087] Initially, C ₂ Ci ₂ myoblasts are passed in a medium consisting of

Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), 8% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), and Penicillin-Streptomycin (10,000 IU/10,000 μg/ml) solution at a final concentration of 1%. C ₂ Ci ₂ myoblast plates (6-well plates) are prepared at a concentration of ~6 X 10 ⁴ cells/well (3 ml of suspension/well). Following preparation, the C ₂ Ci ₂ myoblast plates are differentiated to C ₂ Ci ₂ myotubes by replacing the growth medium with differentiation medium (DMEM, 2% Horse Serum (HS), L~alanyi~L-glutaraine at a final concentration of 1%, and Penicillin-Streptomycin (10,000 IU/10,000 μg/ml) solution at a final concentration of 1%. Once differentiated, the C ₂ Ci ₂ myotubes are subjected to a C ₂ Ci ₂ glucose transport assay.

[0088] To begin the assay, microscopic observations of several wells of the test plates including differentiated C ₂ Ci ₂ myotubes are recorded. The differentiated C ₂ Ci ₂ myotubes are then washed three times (1 ml/well) with ~37°C KRH-BGB buffer and incubated for 2 hours at 37°C/5% C0 ₂ to starve the myotubes. The KRH-BGB buffer is removed from the starved myotubes and replaced with either fresh KRH-BGB (To

(background) and Basal wells), with insulin (positive control), or with a 5AA, 4AA, or ILE test solution.

[0089] Next, 0.5 ml of ³ H-deoxyglucose at 1 μθ/πύ suspended in KRH-BGB buffer is added to each well and incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature. While the test plate wells are incubated, the two T ₀ wells are processed to determine the background disintegrations per minute (DPM) values for the experiment. The ³ H-deoxyglucose is added and immediately aspirated from each well. The test plates are placed on ice and the T ₀ wells are washed three times with ice cold PBS.

[0090] 0.5 ml of cell extraction buffer is added to each To well and a cell scraper is used to dislodge the treated cells from the plates. 0.25 ml of the cell suspension is dispensed into a scintillation vial and the remaining cell suspension is dispensed into a separate tube for storage at < 20°C until protein testing (Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA)) could be completed. To each scintillation vial, 15 ml of liquid scintillation fluid is added. At end of incubation, the wells including the insulin control and test amino acid-containing solution samples are then processed as the T ₀ wells.

[0091] All of the scintillation vials are analyzed using a liquid scintillation counter to determine DPM for each test vial, a liquid scintillation fluid blank, a cell extraction buffer (0.25 ml) control, and a radioactive control (0.10 ml of the ³ H- deoxyglucose at 1 μθ/ιηΐ solution). The average time zero (T ₀ ) DPM is subtracted from the average Basal and sample DPM values. The average DPM^g protein in 0.25 ml of cell suspension is calculated after the BCA protein analysis, described below, is completed. Further, the percent of Basal results for each control and test sample is then calculated ((Sample or Control DPM per μg protein/Basal DPM per μg protein) x 100). The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0092] To conduct the BCA protein analysis, radioactive C2C12 glucose transport assay protein samples (i.e., the 0.25 ml of cell extraction buffer that is not added to the scintillation vials, but is frozen and later tested for protein) are thawed on ice. A protein standard from the BCA kit is used to prepare the standard curve by making a series of 1 :2 dilutions in cell extraction buffer (2000 μg/ml through 125 μg/ml) and a 1 : 10 dilution of the 250 μg/ml standard (25 μg/ml). Duplicate wells of a flat-bottom micro titer plate are loaded with 25 μΐ of the prepared standards, blanks, and samples. Cell extraction buffer is used in the assay blank wells.

[0093] The working solution of BCA reagents, which is a 50: 1 mixture of kit components A and B, is prepared. 290 μΐ of BCA working reagent is added to each well of the microtiter plate and gently rocked to mix the samples. The radioactive plate(s) are safely transferred to a 37°C incubator. Once the plate cools to room temperature, a microplate reader is used to read the absorbance at 562 nm. The microplate reader's software program, quadratic curve, is then used to evaluate the standards and calculate the μg/ml of protein for the controls and test samples from the C ₂ C ₁₂ glucose transport assay. To determine the protein concentration associated with each scintillation vial, the μg/ml of protein is divided by 4.

[0094] Referring now to Figure 5, it is shown that the average percent of basal glucose transport of myotubes treated with 5AA showed a stimulation of 15.2%, which is greater than the stimulation by 4AA alone (-1.4%) or by ILE alone (3.6%) and is greater than the expected stimulation from the sum (2.2%). Thus, the 5AA provides a synergistic effect..

Example 5-7

[0095] Examples 5-7 illustrate nutritional liquid embodiments of the present disclosure. The ingredients for each exemplified composition are described in the following table. All ingredient amounts are listed as kg per 1000 kg batch of product, unless otherwise specified.

Ingredient Example 5 (kg) Example 6 (kg) Example 7 (kg)

Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.

Phosphoric acid (80%) 27.49 27.49 27.49

45% KOH 8.247 8.247 8.247

Citric acid 0.2749 0.2749 0.2749

Eridex (Erythritol) 23.37 23.37 23.37

Maltitol powder 12.37 12.37 12.37 Acesulfame K (10% 0.5910 0.5910 0.5910

solution)

Sucralose liquid (25% 0.5910 0.5910 0.5910

solution)

Isoleucine 16.62 8.31 33.24

Cystine 2HCL 0.3111 0.156 0.622

Methionine 0.05910 0.03 0.118

Valine 0.1182 0.059 0.236

Leucine 0.1155 0.058 0.231

Flavor 0.6873 0.6873 0.6873

Flavor 0.5154 0.5154 0.5154

Flavor 0.5154 0.5154 0.5154

Isoleucine, cystine, methionine, valine, leucine are part of the amino acid blend

[0096] Each of the exemplified embodiments of the present invention as referenced in the preceding table may be prepared, for example, in accordance with the following batching and processing instructions.

[0097] The amino acid blend is prepared by conventional methods as a powder comprising each of the identified amino acids. The amino acid powder is added slowly, with agitation, to a kettle containing the specified amount of water. Once the amino acids are fully dispersed, the solution pH is reduced to 2.4 using an 80% phosphoric acid solution, and thereafter increased to 3.2 using a 45% KOH solution.

[0098] To the pH-adjusted blend, the specified amounts of the premix flavor blend, citric acid, erythritol, powdered maltitol, 10%> Acesulfame potassium solution, and liquid sucralose, are added and allowed to mix thoroughly. The resulting mixture is then subjected to minimal homogenization pressure, UHT (ultra high temperature) processing at 104°C for 5 seconds, and then hot aseptic filling into suitable containers at a temperature of 88-99°C. The pH of the final product is approximately 3.2.