A hallmark of health is the ability to maintain homeostasis over time, which includes the ability to repair and regenerate cells and tissues when necessary. After intense physical activity and resistance training, muscle damage may occur, which is characterized by delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. Due to muscle and joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain, DOMS may hinder recovery and performance. Muscle mass is an important modifiable lifestyle habit essential for proper metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological function. Therefore, strategies to support normal muscle restoration after resistance training while promoting muscle strength may help promote homeostasis.  

Consuming adequate protein is a strategy for supporting healthy muscle mass growth, repair, and maintenance. Proteins may be consumed as amino acids (e.g., lysine, glutamine, or taurine) or peptides (such as collagen) in whole food or supplement form. A cutting-edge new ingredient at the forefront of emerging research called PeptiStrong™ is a plant-based peptide that has been shown to act on certain pathways in the body that stimulate muscle protein synthesis and may be an important factor for promoting muscle strength and recovery. 

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, 30 healthy males (30 to 45 years old) were recruited to receive either a placebo (silicified microcrystalline cellulose; SMCC) or PeptiStrong™ supplementation with the first meal of the day for 17 days. The primary outcome being investigated was the effects of PeptiStrong™ supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive, damaging exercise, which induced delayed onset muscle soreness on day 14. Muscle strength was assessed by two sets of five maximal effort repetitions of knee extension and flexion exercises 48 hours (day 16) and 72 hours (day 17) post-DOMS onset. 

In the placebo group, muscle strength significantly decreased from baseline to 48 hours post-DOMS (p = 0.032) and did not return to baseline even at 72 hours. In contrast, the PeptiStrong™ subjects maintained their muscle strength with no significant reduction at 48 hours and demonstrated a significant increase from baseline at 72 hours (p = 0.025). This translated to a 144% increase in muscle recovery rate compared to the placebo.

This study also suggests that PeptiStrong™ may help support athletic performance in those already physically active. The experimental subjects displayed a 54% increase in isokinetic leg extension performance over 72 hours after DOMS. Furthermore, the PeptiStrong® group showed a significant (p = 0.002) benefit on the fatigue index, resulting in a 47% reduction in muscular fatigue and improved muscular endurance compared to the placebo (p = 0.041). 

Beyond performance metrics, the PeptiStrong™ group also displayed modulated myokine activity. Myokines are cytokines released by muscle cells in response to muscular contractions and can be used to measure injury to muscle tissue. The experimental group had an increase in irisin expression and a rise in interleukin (IL)‑15 (although not statistically significant over time, p = 0.159), both of which are associated with glycogen replenishment and muscle regeneration. Additionally, the PeptiStrong™ group had a significant 56% reduction in myostatin release (p = 0.006), which supports an anabolic response and may help promote faster muscle protein synthesis. Furthermore, the PeptiStrong™ subjects had significantly increased fractalkine (p = 0.030) and osteonectin/SPARC compared to placebo (p = 0.025), which play a role in regeneration, mitochondrial biogenesis, and muscle protein synthesis biomarkers.

PeptiStrong™ is a cutting-edge new ingredient at the forefront of emerging research. The research behind its bioactive peptides offers promising potential for those seeking to maintain muscle strength and recovery as they age. PeptiStrong™ may help increase muscle recovery rate by 144%, athletic performance recovery by 54%, and help reduce muscular fatigue by 47%, which may further support muscular endurance in active individuals. 

By Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN, and Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN

Learn more about peptides and muscle health: 

Decoding Peptides: The Body’s Little Helpers

Collagen Peptides to Promote Skeletal Muscle

Bioactive Peptides From the Fava Bean: The Future of Muscular Health?

Muscle Tone Matters: The Key to Optimal Body Composition and Metabolic Health