PeptoPro could help elderly or obese

DSM says its high protein ingredient PeptoPro can benefit a wider audience than simply athletes and exercise fanatics. It could be used to create healthier soft drinks for kids and for recovery products aimed at elderly hospital patients.

The patented drink, based on the hydrolysed milk protein casein was first promoted for its amazing recovery properties after exercise. It was, for example, promoted by athletes in the Dutch Olympic team and is currently being used by German sports drink producer Haleko Multipower in a new range of drinks.

However, DSM says it could have a much wider application as a healthy alternative to the high-sugar soft drinks currently consumed by children. Its high protein content could be used to replace the high levels of sugar and would help children grow muscle mass rather than putting on fat.

The company also suggests elderly patients recovering from operations in hospital can also combat muscle loss by taking PeptoPro-based drinks.

Normally it takes a while to digest long protein chains and people do not like the taste of them. But PeptoPro contains a 2:1 ration of carbohydrates and small casein protein, so can be drunk directly after exercise and it has a pleasant taste.