Compositions and methods for enhancing exercise performance

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for improving canine exercise performance. The compositions are pre-exercise supplements that generally comprise (a) about 35% to about 60% protein or amino acids, comprising one or more structural proteins, one or more bioavailable proteins and one or more branched chain amino acids; (b) about 20% to about 38% fat, comprising at least one source of medium chain triglycerides; and (c) about 5% to about 25% carbohydrate. The methods involve administering the supplement to the animal within about 30-60 minutes before the beginning of the exercise session. The supplements can be administered in conjunction with one or more other exercise performance-enhancing or recovery agents.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A canine pre-exercise supplement comprising:
 a. about 35% to about 60% protein or amino acids, comprising one or more structural proteins, one or more bioavailable proteins and one or more branched chain amino acids;   b. about 20% to about 38% fat, comprising at least one source of medium chain triglycerides; and   c. about 5% to about 25% carbohydrate.   
     
     
         2 . The supplement of  claim 1 , formulated to provide the canine with (a) between about 1.2 g/kg BW and about 2.0 g/kg BW total nutrition. 
     
     
         3 . The supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the structural protein includes animal muscle. 
     
     
         4 . The supplement of  claim 3 , wherein the muscle is heart muscle. 
     
     
         5 . The supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the bioavailable protein is selected from whey, partially hydrolyzed soy and hydrolyzed amino acids, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the branched chain amino acids include L-leucine. 
     
     
         7 . The supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the source of medium chain triglycerides is coconut oil. 
     
     
         8 . The supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the carbohydrate comprises complex carbohydrates. 
     
     
         9 . The supplement of  claim 1 , comprising beef heart, soy meal and soy protein. 
     
     
         10 . The supplement of  claim 9 , comprising coconut oil and L-leucine. 
     
     
         11 . A method for improving exercise performance in a canine, comprising:
 a. identifying a canine that will be performing exercise; and   b. administering to the canine a pre-exercise supplement in an effective amount, the pre-exercise supplement comprising (i) about 35% to about 60% protein or amino acids, comprising one or more structural proteins, one or more bioavailable proteins and one or more branched chain amino acids; (ii) about 20% to about 38% fat, comprising at least one source of medium chain triglycerides; and (iii) about 5% to about 25% carbohydrate, wherein the supplement is formulated to provide the canine or with between about 1.2 g/kg BW and about 2.0 g/kg BW total nutrition,   
       wherein the supplement is administered to the canine between about zero and about 60 minutes prior to exercise. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the supplement is administered to the canine between about zero and about 30 minutes prior to exercise. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the structural protein in the supplement includes animal muscle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the muscle is heart muscle. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the bioavailable protein in the supplement is selected from whey, partially hydrolyzed soy and hydrolyzed amino acids, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the branched chain amino acids in the supplement include L-leucine. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the source of medium chain triglycerides in the supplement is coconut oil. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the carbohydrate in the supplement comprises complex carbohydrates. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein administration of the supplement does not cause a substantial increase in blood insulin. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein, relative to a control animal not receiving the supplement, the blood level of branched chain amino acids is increased 30 to 60 minutes after the animal ingests the supplement. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the supplement comprises leucine and, relative to a control animal not receiving the supplement, the blood level of the leucine is increased 30 to 60 minutes after the animal ingests the supplement. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the effective amount provides at least one of the following: (1) increased BCAA in the blood within 30 minutes following administration, (2) increased leucine in the blood within 30 minutes following administration; (3) increased availability of free fatty acids or glycerol for exercising muscles as measured by an increase of the free fatty acids or the glycerol in blood circulating levels; (4) insulin secretion of no more than 5% increase following administration; (5) reduction of activity-induced protein catabolism; (6) increased protein biosynthesis (7) stable or increased blood oxygenation, (8) reduced production of at least one stress hormone; (9) reduced production of protein oxidation products, (10) increased or reduced-depletion of endogenous pH buffering agents including beta-alanine or carnosine; and (11) reduced fatigue or reduced soreness.