Compositions containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition comprising adenosine or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an absorption enhancer in combination with a nutrient such as a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, phytochemical, mineral, fatty acid or amino acid or a drug. The present invention describes methods of administering ATP or adenosine to improve the bioavailability of a nutrient such as a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, phytochemical, mineral, fatty acid or amino acid or a drug.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 939,986, filed November 25, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 896,335, filed September 5, 2019, and incorporates these provisional applications by reference herein. BACKGROUND TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a composition comprising adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) in combination with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins (such as vitamin K2), amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs, and methods of using the combination of ATP, nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs to enhance the bioavailability of the nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. ATP can act as an absorption enhancer when administered with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytonutrients, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. BACKGROUND

[0005] ATP

[0006] Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) has long been considered the chemical energy of tissues, including muscle. Intracellular ATP concentrations (1-10 mM) are quite high compared to extracellular concentrations (10-100 nM), and thus release of ATP from cells, such as red blood cells, and muscle is tightly controlled. Recently, extracellular actions of ATP through purinergic receptors found in most cell types have been implicated. Several extracellular physiological functions of ATP have been described, including vasodilation, reduction of pain perception, and as a neurotransmission cotransmitter. Importantly, small and transient increases in vascular ATP in muscle lead to vasodilation and increased blood flow to muscle. Thus, if ATP increases blood flow to muscle, especially during intense resistance training, substrate availability will be improved and removal of metabolic waste will be better facilitated. Ellis et al. recently reviewed studies supporting a role for ATP in increasing muscle blood flow through purinergic signaling and neurotransmission.

[0007] ATP has been shown to have inotrophic effects on cardiac muscle. Another study supporting systemic effects of ATP showed that oral administration of ATP to rabbits for 14 days reduced peripheral vascular resistance, improved cardiac output, reduced pulmonary resistance, and increased arterial PaO2.

[0008] Adenosine, which is produced from ATP degradation, can also act as a signaling agent through purinergic receptors or can be degraded by adenosine deaminases. Adenosine acting through purinergic receptors can essentially mimic the effects of ATP. Infusion of adenosine into muscle results in increased nitric oxide formation and vascular effects similar to those seen with ATP infusion.

[0009] Fatigue resistance during repeated high intensity exercise is a highly sought after attribute in sports. This is true for both increasing training volume and sustained force and power output during intermittent sports such as lacrosse. During a fatiguing contraction, an acute adaptation in blood flow occurs to eliminate the decline in force generating capacity. There is a tight coupling between oxygen demand and blood flow in skeletal muscle. Studies have shown that red blood cells regulate this response by acting as "oxygen sensors". ATP is carried in red blood cells and when oxygen levels are low in the working muscle area, the red blood cells deform, leading to a cascade of events that results in the release of ATP and binding to endothelial cells in the smooth muscle. The binding results in relaxation of the smooth muscle and subsequent increase in blood flow, nutrient and oxygen delivery. Specifically, extracellular ATP directly promotes increased synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) within skeletal muscle and thus directly influences tissue vasodilation and blood flow. This is supported by studies showing increased vasodilation and blood flow in response to intraarterial infusion and exogenous administration of ATP. These changes in blood flow can result in an increased substrate pool for skeletal muscle due to increased glucose and O2 uptake. The result is maintenance of energy status in the cell under fatiguing contractions.

[0010] The physiological effects of ATP have led researchers to investigate the efficacy of oral supplementation of ATP. Jordan et al. demonstrated that supplementation with 225 mg of enteric coated ATP daily for 15 days increased total bench press lifting volume (i.e. number of sets x number of repetitions x load) as well as the number of repetitions to failure within a set. More recently, Rathmacher et al. found that daily supplementation with 400 mg of ATP for 15 days increased the peak torque during two sets of knee extension bouts. In summary, the results discussed suggest that ATP supplementation can maintain performance and increase training volume under conditions of high fatigue.

[0011] Vitamin K is important for helping blood clots and preventing excessive bleeding. Evidence supports a role for vitamin K2 (menaquinone) in various physiological processes in humans that can influence cardiovascular health and exercise performance. Vitamin K2 can also provide benefits for osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone loss.

[0012] It has been unexpectedly and surprisingly discovered that ATP can act as an absorption enhancer for nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. ATP can increase the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. There is a need for a composition and method to enhance the absorption and / or increase the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition for use in increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a composition for use as an absorption enhancer for nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of administering a composition to increase the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0016] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan upon reference to the following description, drawings and claims.

[0017] The present invention is directed to overcoming the difficulties encountered to date. To this end, a composition comprising ATP in combination with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs is provided. The composition is administered to an animal in need thereof. All methods comprise administering an absorption enhancer such as ATP or adenosine and a nutrient such as nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs to an animal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a graph showing total amino acid absorption.

[0019] Figure 2 is a graph showing essential amino acid absorption.

[0020] Figure 3 is a graph showing branched chain amino acid absorption.

[0021] Figure 4 is a graph showing leucine absorption.

[0022] Figure 5 is a graph showing isoleucine absorption.

[0023] Figure 6 is a graph showing valine uptake.

[0024] Figure 7 is a graph showing histidine uptake.

[0025] Figure 8 is a graph showing lysine uptake.

[0026] Figure 9 is a graph showing methionine uptake.

[0027] Figure 10 is a graph showing phenylalanine uptake.

[0028] Figure 11 is a graph showing threonine uptake.

[0029] Figure 12 is a graph showing tryptophan uptake.

[0030] Figure 13 is a graph showing alanine uptake.

[0031] Figure 14 is a graph showing arginine uptake.

[0032] Figure 15 is a graph showing asparagine uptake.

[0033] Figure 16 is a graph showing aspartate uptake.

[0034] Figure 17 is a graph showing citrulline uptake.

[0035] Figure 18 is a graph showing cysteine uptake.

[0036] Figure 19 is a graph showing glutamate uptake.

[0037] Figure 20 is a graph showing glutamine uptake.

[0038] Figure 21 is a graph showing glycine uptake.

[0039] Figure 22 is a graph showing ornithine uptake.

[0040] Figure 23 is a graph showing proline uptake.

[0041] Figure 24 is a graph showing serine uptake.

[0042] Figure 25 is a graph showing tyrosine uptake.

[0043] Figure 26 This shows plasma K2 concentrations with and without ATP.

[0044] Figure 27 This shows plasma K2 concentrations with and without ATP. Detailed Implementation

[0045] It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that ATP acts as an absorption enhancer to improve the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or pharmaceuticals. This invention comprises a composition of ATP in combination with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or pharmaceuticals.

[0046] This combination can be used for all age groups seeking to improve the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or medications.

[0047] In view of the above, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an absorption enhancer (typically ATP), including nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or pharmaceuticals. Compared to the administration of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or pharmaceuticals without ATP, the combination of ATP with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or pharmaceuticals can provide elevated C60 levels. max T max and / or AUC levels. ATP, as an absorption enhancer, can effectively promote the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs when combined with them. Compared to administration of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs without ATP, co-administration of ATP with these nutrients increases their AUC. Compared to administration of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs without ATP, co-administration of ATP with these nutrients produces improved pharmacokinetic properties.

[0048] Improved bioavailability can also improve the efficacy of a substance that exhibits improved bioavailability. Enhanced absorption of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs can increase the availability of these substances to tissues, and thus provide a faster and more efficient method of getting these substances into tissues.

[0049] As used herein, the term "bioavailability" generally refers to the rate and extent of absorption of a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, amino acid, phytochemical, mineral, fatty acid, and / or drug at the site of action and becomes available. For oral dosage forms, bioavailability relates to the process by which the active ingredient (i.e., nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, amino acid, phytochemical, mineral, fatty acid, and / or drug) is released from the oral dosage form and moves to the site of action. Generally, bioavailability is the amount of nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, amino acid, and / or drug available systemically (i.e., blood / plasma levels) over time.

[0050] As used herein, T max is the time to reach maximum concentration, and C max is the maximum concentration observed. Area under the curve (AUC) refers to the average area under the plasma concentration-time curve and is considered a direct measure of the bioavailability of the nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, amino acid, and / or drug.

[0051] As used herein, "absorption enhancer" shall mean any substance effective to increase the absorption of an agent, such as a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, amino acid, phytochemical, mineral, fatty acid, and / or drug, through a mucous membrane relative to the absorption in the absence of such an agent.

[0052] ATP or adenosine as an enhancer of absorption of macromolecules, including nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs, into the body. Adenine nucleotides or adenosine and inorganic phosphate, including adenosine 5'-monophosphate, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and mixtures thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or chelates thereof, or metal complexes thereof, or liposomes thereof, are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Adenosine-5' -Triphosphate Disodium (ATP)

[0054] Oral administration of ATP is typically in the form of Adenosine-5' -Triphospate Disodium. In the present invention, Adenosine-5' -Triphospate Disodium or any form of ATP or adenosine suitable for oral administration can be combined with any known coating suitable for imparting enteric properties in a granular form.

[0055] Those skilled in the art recognize that ATP can be incorporated into the delivery and / or administration form in such a way as to yield a typical dosage range of about 10 mg to about 80 grams, although more or less can be desirable depending on the application and other ingredients.

[0056] The composition of ATP and nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs is administered to the animal in any suitable manner. Acceptable forms include, but are not limited to, solids (such as tablets or capsules) and liquids (such as enteral solutions). Furthermore, the composition can be administered using any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known in the art, and examples of such carriers include various starches and salt solutions. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is administered in a consumable form. Furthermore, the effective dosage range can be administered in divided doses, such as 2-3 times per day.

[0057] The present invention can be used with enteral feeding tubes that deliver nutrients and drugs. Such feeding tubes can be used to deliver nutrients and drugs to the stomach, small intestine, and jejunum regions. The feeding tube can be nasally, orally inserted, or transdermally. Enteral tube feeding can be administered by various methods, including continuously, cyclically, as a bolus, and intermittently.

[0058] The present invention can be used with oral nutritional products (such as Ensure, IsoPure, Boost, Glucerna, Jevity, Osmolite, or other supplemental nutritional liquids) that contain nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, and / or amino acids.

[0059] The ATP is present in the composition in any form. The range of ATP in the present invention includes ATP in an amount of about 10 milligrams to about 80 grams. In a preferred embodiment, the range of ATP is about 100 milligrams to about 1.6 grams.

[0060] When the composition is administered orally in a consumable form, the composition is preferably in the form of a dietary supplement, a foodstuff, or a pharmaceutical vehicle, more preferably in the form of a dietary supplement or a foodstuff. In the context of the present invention, any suitable dietary supplement or foodstuff comprising the composition can be used. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the composition can include amino acids, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals, and / or trace elements, regardless of the form (such as dietary supplement, foodstuff, or pharmaceutical vehicle).

[0061] To prepare the composition into a dietary supplement or a foodstuff, the composition is typically combined or mixed in such a way that the composition is substantially uniformly distributed in the dietary supplement or foodstuff. Alternatively, the composition can be dissolved in a liquid (such as water), or emulsified in a liquid.

[0062] The composition of the dietary supplement can be a powder, a gel, a liquid or can be made into tablets or capsules.

[0063] Although any suitable pharmaceutical medium comprising the composition can be used in the context of the present application, preferably the composition is combined with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier such as dextrose or sucrose.

[0064] Methods of calculating the frequency of administration of the composition are well known in the art and any suitable frequency of administration (e.g. a 6g dose once per day or 3g doses twice per day) and over any suitable period of time (e.g. a single dose can be administered over a 5 minute period or over a 1 hour period or, alternatively, multiple doses can be administered over an extended period of time) can be used in the context of the present application. The combination of ATP and nutrients (including nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids) and / or drugs can be administered over an extended period of time such as one or more weeks, one or more months or one or more years.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that ATP and nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids and / or drugs need not be administered in the same composition to carry out the claimed method. In other words, separate capsules, pills, mixtures, liquids, etc. of ATP and nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids and / or drugs can be administered to a subject to carry out the claimed method.

[0066] Any suitable dose of ATP can be used in the context of the present application. Methods of calculating an appropriate dose are well known in the art.

[0067] Experimental Example

[0068] The following examples will illustrate the application in more detail. It will be readily appreciated that the compositions of the present application, as generally described and illustrated in the examples herein, can be synthesized in a wide variety of formulations and dosage forms. Consequently, the following more detailed description of the methods, formulations and compositions of the present application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but is merely representative of the currently preferred embodiments of the application.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] The aim of this study was to determine whether oral ATP supplementation would affect the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal (Gl) tract following consumption of a mixed protein shake.

[0071] Methods

[0072] 6 young, healthy adults (3M, 3F) participated in this study. All were free of gastrointestinal disease / symptoms and were not taking any medications or supplements known to alter gastrointestinal function or nutrient absorption.

[0073] The study used a placebo-controlled crossover study design with a balanced treatment order. The inter-trial interval was 7 days.

[0074] Subjects arrived at the laboratory in the morning after an overnight fast. A polyethylene catheter was inserted and a baseline blood sample was drawn.

[0075] Participants consumed a 400 mg ATP or placebo capsule with 4 ounces of water.

[0076] 10 minutes after consuming the supplement capsule, participants consumed a 10-ounce vegan protein shake containing 20 g protein, 1.5 g HMB, and 5 g sucrose.

[0077] Blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after ingestion of the shake.

[0078] Plasma was isolated and frozen for analysis of amino acid levels.

[0079] Results

[0080] In the area describing total amino acids, Figure 1 ATP increased C max (5%) and AUC (7%). Based on unadjusted t-tests, total amino acid change (ATAA) was higher after ATP supplementation at all time points.

[0081] In the area describing essential amino acids, Figure 2 Based on unadjusted t-tests, essential amino acid change (DEAA) was higher after ATP supplementation at time points between 60 and 180 minutes.

[0082] In the area describing branched-chain amino acids, Figure 3 Based on unadjusted t-tests, branched-chain amino acid change (DBCAA) was higher after ATP supplementation at 120 minutes.

[0083] For AUC of individual amino acids, ATP increased AUC

[0084] • Glutamine (10%; p = 0.02) ( Figure 20 )

[0085] • Citrulline (13%; p = 0.06) ( Figure 17 )

[0086] • Asparagine (20%; p = 0.04) ( Figure 15 )

[0087] • Alanine (19%; p=0.07) Figure 13 )

[0088] Individual Amino Acids

[0089] Plots for each individual amino acid are depicted in Figures 4 to 25 These are shown as change from baseline (blue = placebo, orange = ATP).

[0090] ATP improved total amino acid availability during the 3 hours after the protein shake was mixed. Individual amino acids that demonstrated improved bioavailability included glutamine, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline. Without being bound by any particular theory, this can occur because ATP enhances the uptake of selected amino acids from the gut and / or inhibits the clearance of selected amino acids from the circulation. ATP can affect glutamine transporters in the gut cells, leading to increased absorption of glutamine, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline.

[0091] The data indicate that ATP acts as an absorption enhancer for certain amino acids, including glutamine, asparagine, arginine, alanine, and citrulline. Adding ATP to any composition that is administered for the benefit of these amino acids will improve the bioavailability of these amino acids. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,031,000 describes administering beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyric acid (HMB) with at least one amino acid, including glutamine, for treating disease-related wasting (including age-related muscle wasting), lowering serum triglyceride levels, lowering serum viral load, and redistributing fat. Adding ATP to the composition and the methods of using the compositions of the present patent improve the bioavailability of the amino acids in the composition. Juven is a product for wound healing and building and maintaining lean body mass containing glutamine, arginine, and HMB. Adding ATP to such amino acid-containing products improves the bioavailability of the amino acids in these products.

[0092] Glutamine has been shown to be useful in conditions of metabolic stress, due to severe trauma, impaired gastrointestinal function due to inflammatory bowel disease and surgery, severe burns or injury due to chemotherapy or radiation, malabsorption disorders such as Crohn's disease, acute trauma, and wound healing. Adding an absorption enhancer, such as ATP, to a composition containing glutamine results in improved bioavailability of the glutamine and improved systemic availability of the glutamine.

[0093] Arginine has been shown to be useful in treating or reducing the effects of pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease, wound healing, improving kidney function, maintaining immune and hormonal function, dilating and relaxing arteries, improving blood flow in the arteries of the heart, improving symptoms of arterial obstruction, chest pain, and coronary artery disease, improving erectile dysfunction, lowering blood pressure, and improving hypertension. The addition of an absorption enhancer, such as ATP, to a composition containing arginine results in an improvement in bioavailability of glutamine and an improvement in systemic availability of arginine.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with ATP and K2 alone and in combination.

[0096] Methods

[0097] A total of 11 subjects (6 males, 5 females; age 20-30 years) completed all study phases. Treatment employed a double-blind crossover design with a Latin square sequence design to minimize confounding effects of treatment order. Participants were semi-randomly assigned to treatment sequences; at least one male and one female participant were assigned to each sequence to minimize any confounding effects of gender.

[0098] During each study period, participants consumed one of 4 supplements for 15 days:

[0099] o ATP (400 mg / d)

[0100] o K2 (200 pg / d) as Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) MK-7, containing )

[0101] o ATP (400 mg / d) + K2 (200 pg / d)

[0102] o Placebo

[0103] Blood samples were collected before and after each supplementation period to measure serum K2 concentration, ratio of carboxylated / undercarboxylated osteocalcin (a marker of K2 function), and clinical chemistry and hematology analyses.

[0104] Results

[0105] Participant characteristics

[0106]

[0107] Supplement adherence was 94 ± 2%. All participants consumed >73% of the provided dose during all periods.

[0108] K2 levels were analyzed in blood samples. Mean serum K2 levels after 15 days of K2 supplementation were 1.08 ± 0.25 ng / mL and 2.29 ± 0.49 ng / mL after 15 days of K2 + ATP supplementation (p < 0.05). None of the two participants accumulated K2 in serum during either treatment period. Concurrent ATP and K2 intake improved K2 bioavailability.

[0109] For the safety analysis, blood samples were also analyzed for clinical chemistry and hematology. Although some minor differences were observed, they were small and of no clinical relevance. No adverse effects of the supplements were observed.

[0110] In Figures 26-27 , the values after supplementation are given. In Figure 26 , plasma levels of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (K2 MK-7) were measured by LC / MS / MS before and after 15 days of supplementation with 200 pg / d K2 MK-7 with or without 400 mg / d ATP (n = 9). After 15 days of supplementation, the mean plasma K2 MK-7 levels were 113% higher after supplementation with ATP + K2 compared to K2 alone. Data are presented as mean ± SE *statistically significant difference between K2 and ATP + K2 (p < 0.05).

[0111] In Figure 27 , plasma levels of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (K2 MK-7) were measured by LC / MS / MS before and after 15 days of supplementation with 200 pg / d K2 MK-7 with or without 400 mg / d ATP (n = 9, lines represent individual subjects). After 15 days of supplementation, the plasma levels of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (K2 MK-7) were higher after supplementation with ATP + K2 compared to K2 alone in 8 / 9 subjects.

[0112] The combination of ATP + vitamin K2 improved K2 bioavailability as the mean vitamin K2 levels were nearly twice as high when the vitamin K2 supplement was taken with 400 mg / d ATP compared to when the vitamin K2 supplement was taken with placebo capsules.

[0113] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings contain illustrative embodiments of the application. The foregoing described embodiments and methods can be varied in a wide variety of ways, based on the ability, experience and preference of those skilled in the art. The steps of a method are not limited to the order in which they are listed. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the application, and are not intended to limit the application, except as claimed. Modifications and variations inherent in the art of producing and using the instant application can be made without departing from the scope of the application. The terms subject and animal are used interchangeably in this application and are in no way limited to one term or the other.

Claims

1. Use of an absorption enhancer in the preparation of a composition for improving the bioavailability of at least one nutrient in animals, wherein the at least one nutrient is at least one amino acid selected from glutamine, asparagine, alanine and citrulline, and the absorption enhancer is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

2. Use of an absorption enhancer in the preparation of a composition for improving the absorption of at least one nutrient in humans, wherein the at least one nutrient is at least one amino acid selected from glutamine, asparagine, alanine and citrulline, and wherein the absorption enhancer is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

3. Use of an absorption enhancer in the preparation of a composition for improving the bioavailability of at least one vitamin in an animal, wherein the at least one vitamin and the absorption enhancer are administered to the animal for at least 15 days, wherein the absorption enhancer is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the vitamin is vitamin K2.

4. The use of claim 3, wherein the improved bioavailability is measured by a greater increase in serum levels of the vitamin compared to vitamin administration without an absorption enhancer.

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