Composition containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and method of use

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. [Solution] A method is provided for improving the gastrointestinal absorption and systemic utilization of nutrients, comprising providing an effective amount of at least one nutrient and an absorption enhancer containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 896,335, filed Sep. 5, 2019, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 939,986, filed Nov. 25, 2019, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions comprising adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) in combination with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins (such as vitamin K2), amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs, and methods of using combinations of ATP with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs to improve the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. ATP acts as an absorption promoter when administered with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

Background Art

[0003] ATP Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) has long been known as a source of chemical energy for tissues including muscle. Intracellular ATP concentrations (1 - 10 mM) are very high in contrast to extracellular concentrations (10 - 100 nM), and thus the release of ATP from cells such as red blood cells and muscle is tightly regulated. More recently, the extracellular actions of ATP, acting through purinergic receptors found in most cell types, have been revealed. Vasodilatory functions, pain-reducing functions, and as a neurotransmission cotransmitter Several extracellular physiological functions of ATP have been reported, including the functions described above. Importantly, a small, transient increase in vascular ATP in muscles can cause vasodilation and increased blood flow to the muscles. Therefore, when ATP increases blood flow to the muscles, especially during intense resistance training, substrate utilization improves and the removal of metabolic waste products is more facilitated. Ellis et al. recently reported a review of studies supporting the role of ATP in increasing muscle blood flow through purine-mediated signaling and neurotransmission.

[0004] ATP has been shown to have an inotropic effect on the myocardium. Another study supporting the systemic effects of ATP showed that oral administration of ATP to rabbits for 14 days resulted in a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, an improvement in cardiac output, a decrease in pulmonary resistance, and an increase in arterial PaO2.

[0005] Adenosine, obtained as a result of ATP breakdown, can also act as a signaling agent through purine receptors or be broken down by adenosine deaminase. Adenosine acting through purine receptors can essentially mimic the effects of ATP. Injecting adenosine into muscle results in increased nitric oxide formation and vasoactive effects similar to those seen with ATP injection.

[0006] Fatigue resistance in repetitive high-intensity exercise is an attribute that athletes strongly desire. This applies to increased training volume, as well as to both endurance and explosive power in intermittent sports such as hockey. During the fatigue contraction process, blood flow An immediate adaptation occurs, preventing a decrease in force-generating capacity. Increased oxygen demand and blood flow in skeletal muscle are closely linked. Research suggests that red blood cells regulate this response by acting as "oxygen sensors." ATP is, ATP is carried by red blood cells, and when oxygen levels in the muscle region decrease during exercise, red blood cells deform, resulting in a series of events that lead to the release of ATP and its binding to the endothelial cells of smooth muscle. This binding results in smooth muscle relaxation, followed by an increase in blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen delivery. Specifically, extracellular ATP directly promotes increased synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in skeletal muscle, and thus directly affects tissue vasodilation and blood flow. This is supported by studies suggesting that vasodilation and blood flow increase in response to intra-arterial and exogenous administration of ATP. Such changes in blood flow are likely to lead to an increase in the matrix pool in skeletal muscle by increased glucose and O2 uptake. As a result, the energy state of cells under fatigue contraction is maintained.

[0007] Due to the physiological effects of ATP, researchers have investigated the effects of oral ATP supplementation. Jordan et al. administered 225 mg of enteric-coated ATP per day for 15 days. This study shows that P resulted in an increase in total bench press lifting volume (i.e., sets * reps * weight) and, furthermore, within-group set-one repetitions to failure. More recently, Rathmacher et al. studied a 15-day course of 400 mg per day. We found that ATP supplementation increased the minimum peak torque during knee extensor bout in set 2. Collectively, these results suggest that ATP supplementation helps maintain performance under high fatigue conditions and increases training volume.

[0008] Vitamin K is important for aiding blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. There is evidence supporting the role of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) in various physiological processes in humans, which can affect both cardiovascular health and exercise performance. Vitamin K2 may also be beneficial for osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone loss.

[0009] Unexpectedly and surprisingly, ATP has been found to act as an absorption enhancer for nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. ATP increases the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. Compositions and methods for enhancing the absorption and / or bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs are needed. [Overview of the project]

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide compositions for use in increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide compositions for use as absorption enhancers for nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for administering compositions for increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0013] These and other objects of the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following specification, drawings, and patent application. This will become clear by referring to the range of the request. The present invention intends to overcome the problems faced so far. For that purpose, a composition containing ATP together with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs is provided. The composition is administered to an animal that needs it. All methods include administering an absorption promoter such as ATP or adenosine to an animal in combination with nutrients such as nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a graph showing the absorption of all amino acids. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing the absorption of essential amino acids. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph showing the absorption of branched-chain amino acids. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the absorption of leucine. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the absorption of isoleucine. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing the absorption of valine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a graph showing the absorption of histidine. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a graph showing the absorption of lysine. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a graph showing the absorption of methionine. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a graph showing the absorption of phenylalanine. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a graph showing the absorption of threonine. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing the absorption of tryptophan. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph showing the absorption of alanine. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph showing the absorption of arginine. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a graph showing the absorption of asparagine. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a graph showing the absorption of aspartic acid. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a graph showing the absorption of citrulline. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a graph showing the absorption of cysteine. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a graph showing the absorption of glutamic acid. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a graph showing the absorption of glutamine. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a graph showing the absorption of glycine. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a graph showing the absorption of ornithine. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a graph showing the absorption of proline. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a graph showing the absorption of serine. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a graph showing the absorption of tyrosine. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows the plasma K2 concentration with and without ATP. [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows the plasma K2 concentration with and without ATP.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it has been found that ATP acts as an absorption promoter that increases the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. The present invention includes compositions of ATP combined with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs.

[0016] 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 drugs.

[0017] In light of the above, in one embodiment, the present invention is included together with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. The present invention provides an absorption enhancer, typically comprising ATP. By including ATP together with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs, compared to nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs administered without ATP, C max , T max , and / or an increase in AUC levels is obtained. Including ATP as an absorption enhancer with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs is effective in increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, proteins, peptides, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. Co-administration of ATP with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs results in an increase in the AUC of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs compared to administration without ATP. Administering ATP with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs results in an improved pharmacokinetic profile compared to administration without ATP.

[0018] Improved bioavailability can also improve the effectiveness of substances exhibiting improved bioavailability. Enhancing the absorption of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs improves their availability to tissues, thus providing a faster and more efficient way to deliver them to tissues.

[0019] As used herein, the term “bioavailability” generally refers to the rate and extent to which nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs are absorbed and made available at the site of action. In the case of oral dosage forms, bioavailability relates to the process by which the active ingredient (i.e., nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs) is released from the oral dosage form and moves to the site of action. Generally, bioavailability is the amount of nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs that are available systemically over time (i.e., at blood / plasma levels).

[0020] As used herein, T max This is the time to reach the maximum concentration, and C max This represents the maximum observed concentration. 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 nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs.

[0021] As used herein, “absorption enhancer” means any substance that is effective in increasing the absorption of agents such as nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs through the mucous membrane compared to the absorption without such absorption enhancer.

[0022] ATP or adenosine acts as an enhancer for the absorption into the body of macromolecules, including nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs. Adenine nucleotides or adenosine and inorganic phosphates are included in the scope of the present invention and include 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.

[0023] Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) Oral administration of ATP is typically in the form of adenosine-5'-triphosphate disodium. In this invention, any form of adenosine-5'-triphosphate disodium or ATP or adenosine suitable for oral administration may be combined with any known coating suitable for imparting enteric coating to a granular form.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will recognize that ATP may be incorporated into the delivery and / or administration form to obtain a typical dose range of approximately 10 mg to 80 g, although depending on the application and other components, larger or smaller amounts may be desirable.

[0025] Compositions of ATP with nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs are administered to animals by any suitable method. Acceptable forms include, but are not limited to, solids such as tablets or capsules, and liquids such as enteral solutions. The composition may also be administered using any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are known in the art, and examples of such carriers include various starches and saline solutions. In preferred embodiments, the composition is administered in food form. In addition, the effective dose range may be administered in divided doses, such as two to three times a day.

[0026] The present invention may be used in conjunction with an enteral feeding tube for delivering nutrients and pharmaceuticals. Such a feeding tube may be used to deliver nutrients and pharmaceuticals to the stomach, small intestine, and jejunal region. The feeding tube may be a nasogastric feeding tube, an orally inserted feeding tube, or a percutaneous feeding tube. Enteral nutrition may be administered in various ways, such as continuous, cyclic, bolus, and intermittent.

[0027] The present invention can be used in conjunction with oral nutritional products containing nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, and / or amino acids, such as Ensure, IsoPure, Boost, Glucema, Jevity, Osmolite, or other nutritional supplement liquids.

[0028] ATP is present in the composition in any form. In this invention, the range of ATP is about 10 milligrams to about 80 grams. In preferred embodiments, the range of ATP is about 100 milligrams to about 1.6 grams.

[0029] When the composition is administered orally in food form, it is preferably in the form of a dietary supplement, food product, or pharmaceutical medium, and more preferably in the form of a dietary supplement or food product. Any suitable dietary supplement or food product containing the composition may be used within the context of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the composition, regardless of its form (such as a dietary supplement, food product, or pharmaceutical medium), may contain amino acids, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals, and / or trace elements.

[0030] To prepare a composition as a dietary supplement or food product, the composition is usually combined or mixed so that it is substantially uniformly distributed within the dietary supplement or food product. Alternatively, the composition may be dissolved in a liquid such as water, or emulsified in a liquid.

[0031] The composition of the nutritional supplement may be in the form of a powder, gel, liquid, or tablets or capsules. Any suitable pharmaceutical medium containing the composition may be used within the context of the present invention, but preferably the composition is combined with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier such as dextrose or sucrose.

[0032] Methods for calculating the frequency at which a composition is administered are known in the art, and this invention Within the context, any appropriate frequency of administration (e.g., a 6g dose once daily or a 3g dose twice daily) may be used for any appropriate duration (e.g., a single dose may be administered for a duration of 5 minutes or 1 hour, or alternatively, multiple doses may be administered for a longer duration). Combinations of ATP with nutrients (including nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids) and / or drugs may be administered for a long duration, such as several weeks, months, or years.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will understand that ATP and nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, and / or drugs do not need to be administered in the same composition to carry out the claimed method. In other words, ATP and nutrients, proteins, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, minerals, fatty acids, and / or drugs may be administered to a subject in separate capsules, pills, mixtures, liquids, etc., to carry out the claimed method.

[0034] Any appropriate dose of ATP may be used within the context of this invention. Methods for calculating an appropriate dose are known in the art. Experimental example The following examples illustrate the present invention in more detail. It will be readily apparent that the compositions of the present invention can be synthesized in a variety of formulations and dosage forms, as generally described and illustrated in the examples herein. Therefore, the following more detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments of the methods, formulations, and compositions of the present invention are not intended to limit the claimed scope of the invention, but are merely representative examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Example 1 The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether oral ATP supplementation affects nutrient absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract after ingestion of a mixed protein shake.

[0036] method Six young, healthy adults (3 men and 3 women) participated in this experiment. None of them had any GI-related diseases or symptoms, and none were taking any medications or supplements known to alter GI function or nutrient absorption.

[0037] This experiment used a placebo-controlled crossover design with a balanced treatment sequence. The trial was divided into 7-day intervals. The subjects arrived in the laboratory the morning after an overnight fast. A polyethylene catheter was inserted, and a baseline blood sample was taken.

[0038] Participants took either a 400 mg ATP or placebo capsule with 4 ounces of water. Ten minutes after taking the supplement capsule, participants consumed a 10-ounce vegan protein shake containing 20g of protein, 1.5g of HMB, and 5g of sucrose.

[0039] Blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after the shake was consumed. The plasma was separated and frozen for analysis at the amino acid level.

[0040] result In Figure 1, which shows all amino acids, ATP is C max (5%) and AUC (7%) were increased. Based on the unadjusted t-test, the change in total amino acids (ΔTAA) was at all time points. Therefore, supplementing with ATP is more effective.

[0041] In Figure 2, which shows essential amino acids, based on an unadjusted t-test, the change in essential amino acids (ΔEAA) is higher when ATP supplementation is performed at the 60-180 minute time points. In Figure 3, which shows branched-chain amino acids, based on an unadjusted t-test, the change in branched-chain amino acids (ΔBCAA) was higher at 120 minutes when ATP supplementation was performed.

[0042] Regarding the AUC for individual amino acids, ATP increased the AUC for the following amino acids: - Glutamine (10%, p=0.02) (Figure 20) - Citrulline (13%, p=0.06) (Figure 17) - Asparagine (20%, p=0.04) (Figure 15) - Alanine (19%, p=0.07) (Figure 13) Individual amino acids Plots for each individual amino acid are shown in Figures 4 to 25. These represent the change from baseline (blue = placebo, orange = ATP).

[0043] ATP increased the bioavailability of all amino acids over a three-hour period following ingestion of a mixed protein shake. Individual amino acids showing increased bioavailability included glutamine, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline. While not limited to any specific theory, this may occur because ATP enhances the uptake of selected amino acids from the stomach and / or inhibits their clearance from circulation. ATP may also affect glutamine transporters in intestinal cells, leading to increased absorption of glutamine, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline.

[0044] Data shows that ATP acts as an absorption enhancer for certain amino acids, including glutamine, asparagine, arginine, alanine, and citrulline. Adding ATP to any composition administered for the benefit of these amino acids improves their bioavailability. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,031,000 describes administering β-hydroxy-β-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) together with at least one amino acid, including glutamine, for the treatment of disease-related wasting (including age-related muscle wasting), for reducing serum triglyceride levels, reducing serum viral load, and for fat redistribution. Adding ATP to the composition and method of use of the composition improves the bioavailability of the amino acids in the composition. Juven is a product containing gluamine, arginine, and HMB, used for wound healing and for increasing and maintaining lean body mass. Adding ATP to this type of amino acid-containing product improves the bioavailability of the amino acids in these products.

[0045] Glutamine has been shown to be useful in cases of metabolic stress, severe trauma, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal dysfunction resulting from surgery, severe burns or injuries resulting from chemotherapy or radiation, malabsorption conditions (such as Crohn's disease), acute trauma, and wound healing. Adding absorption enhancers such as ATP to glutamine-containing compositions improves the bioavailability of glutamine and its systemic utilization.

[0046] Arginine has been shown to be useful in treating or alleviating the effects of pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease, wound healing, improving renal function, maintaining immune and hormonal function, dilating and relaxing arteries, improving cardiovascular blood flow, improving symptoms of arterial occlusion, chest pain, and coronary artery disease, improving erectile dysfunction, lowering blood pressure, and improving hypertension. Adding absorption enhancers such as ATP to arginine-containing compositions results in improved bioavailability of glutamine and improved systemic utilization of arginine.

[0047] Example 2 The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of ATP and K2 supplementation, both individually and in combination.

[0048] method A total of 11 subjects (6 males and 5 females; aged 20-30 years) completed the entire experimental period. The treatment agents were administered in a double-blind, crossover design using a Latin square order design to minimize the influence of confounding factors due to the treatment order. Participants were semi-randomly assigned to treatment orders, with at least one male and one female participant assigned to each order to minimize the influence of any confounding factors due to sex.

[0049] During each experimental period, participants took one of four supplements for 15 days. - ATP (400mg / day) - K2 (200 μg / day), as menaquinone-7 (contains NOW® MK-7 and MenaQ7®) - ATP (400mg / day) + K2 (200μg / day) - Placebo Before and after each supplementation period, blood samples were collected to measure serum K2 concentration, carboxylated / low-carboxylated osteocalcin ratio (a marker of K2 function), and clinical chemistry and hematology.

[0050] result

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] Supplement compliance was 94±2%. All participants consumed ≥73% of the provided dose over the entire period. Blood samples were analyzed for K2 levels. The mean serum K2 level was 1.08 ± 0.25 ng / mL after 15 days of K2 supplementation and 2.29 ± 0.49 ng / mL after 15 days of K2 + ATP supplementation (p < 0.05). Neither participant showed any accumulation of K2 in their serum during either treatment period. The combined intake of ATP and K2 improves the bioavailability of K2.

[0053] For safety analysis, blood samples were analyzed for clinical chemistry and hematology. While some minor differences were observed, all were small and not clinically relevant. No adverse effects were observed from any of the supplements.

[0054] The values ​​after replenishment are shown in Figures 26-27. In Figure 26, menaquinone-7 (K2MK-7) and Plasma levels of vitamin K2 were measured by LC / MS / MS before and after 15 days of supplementation with 200 μg / day of K2MK-7 with or without 400 mg / day of ATP (n=9). After 15 days of supplementation, mean plasma K2MK-7 levels were 113% higher with ATP+K2 supplementation compared to K2 supplementation alone. Data are shown as mean + SE, and * indicates a statistically significant difference between K2 and ATP+K2 (p<0.05).

[0055] In Figure 27, plasma levels of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (K2MK-7) were measured by LC / MS / MS before and after 15 days of supplementation with 200 μg / day of K2MK-7 with or without 400 mg / day of ATP (n=9, lines represent individual subjects). After 15 days of supplementation, plasma levels of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (K2MK-7) were higher in 8 / 9 subjects with ATP + K2 supplementation compared to K2 supplementation alone.

[0056] When vitamin K2 supplements were taken with 400 mg / day of ATP, average vitamin K2 levels were almost twice as high compared to when vitamin K2 supplements were taken with a placebo capsule, indicating that the ATP + vitamin K2 combination improves the bioavailability of K2.

[0057] The above description and drawings include exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The above embodiments and methods described herein may be modified based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. A mere enumeration of the steps of a method in a particular order does not constitute any limitation on the order of steps of a method. The above description and drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto unless the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art who have come before this disclosure will be able to modify and change this disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms subject and animal are used interchangeably throughout this application and are not limited in any way to one term or the other. [1] A method for improving the gastrointestinal absorption and systemic utilization of a nutrient, comprising providing an effective amount of at least one nutrient and an absorption enhancer comprising adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the nutritional substance is a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, or amino acid. [3] A method for increasing the bioavailability of nutrients in animals, comprising administering to the animals at least one nutrient and an absorption enhancer, wherein the absorption enhancer is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine. [4] The method according to [3], wherein the nutritional substance is a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, or amino acid. [5] A method for improving the absorption of a nutrient in a human, comprising administering to the human an absorption enhancer and at least one nutrient, wherein the absorption enhancer is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine. [6] The method according to [4], wherein the nutritional substance is a nutrient, protein, peptide, vitamin, or amino acid. [7] The method according to [6], wherein the nutrient is an amino acid. [8] The method according to [7], wherein the amino acid is an essential amino acid. [9] The method according to [7], wherein the amino acid is a branched-chain amino acid.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for improving the gastrointestinal absorption and systemic utilization of nutrients, comprising providing an effective amount of at least one nutrient and an absorption enhancer containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine.

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