Eight weeks of supplementation combined with resistance training was associated with a 22% increase in muscular endurance, compared to resistance training plus placebo, according to findings published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.
The study used a 2.4 grams per day dose of Nuritas’ PeptiStrong Fava bean (Vicia faba L.) protein hydrolysate.
Commenting on the study and its implications, the authors wrote: “Regardless of protein intake, supplementation with Vicia faba protein hydrolysate (VFH) enhances gains in strength and muscular energy greater than resistance training alone. VFH also added to bone mineral content substantially compared with placebo.
“The low dose of peptides within VFH target positive changes in muscle strength, without additional protein intake. This raises the possibility of a significant impact on mobility and all-cause mortality by adding to everyday food, getting more from what we consume.”
PeptiStrong
The dose used in the study corresponds to the dose listed in the company’s GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notification filed with the FDA. GRAS Notification No. 1166 covers the fava bean protein hydrolysate as a protein source at a level of 2.4 grams per serving across a broad range of popular food applications, including dry-blend powders, meal replacement drinks and bars, milk analogs, ready-to-drink beverages, gummies, protein and energy bars, baked goods and more.
Commenting on the new study, Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at Nuritas and co-author on the paper, told us: " We are delighted to see our latest clinical trial published. This is the third human clinical trial showing a doubling of muscular energy with PeptiStrong, and also significant gains in muscular strength, wellbeing and bone mineral content.
“Importantly for us it shows the extension of benefit of PeptiStrong to women, where previously seen in men and also the extension of benefit were maintained across a 2 month period”
Nuritas, which harnesses the next generation of intelligent ingredients using AI, has built an extensive peptide knowledge base combining this AI with genomics platform Magnifier Nπϕ (Nuritas Peptide Finder). The platform analyzes billions of untapped peptides in plants and natural food sources to predict and identify how they impact specific health areas, molecular pathways or receptors.
Study details
The new double-blind placebo-controlled parallel trial included 72 healthy men and women between the ages of 19 and 40. Participants underwent a resistance training program and were randomly assigned to receive either five capsules per day of PeptiStrong or placebo (silica microcrystalline cellulose) for eight weeks. The study was performed by KGK Science.
Results showed that the fava bean protein hydrolysate group experienced significantly greater increases in leg strength after four and eight weeks, compared with placebo.
In addition to the enhanced muscular endurance, PeptiStrong supplement was also associated with a 0.7% increase in bone mineral content (BMC), compared to placebo.
Analysis of peptides or proteins secreted by skeletal muscle cells (myokines) revealed PeptiStrong may modulate a range of biomarkers associated with blood sugar control, bone formation, metabolic and mitochondrial function.
“In conclusion, VFH was shown to significantly enhance the effects of resistance exercise and induce sustained improvements in strength performance, endurance, physical conditioning and BMC,” the researchers wrote.
Source: BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2025. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2024-001050. “Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect on human strength and endurance after resistance training and supplementation of Vicia faba protein hydrolysate compared with placebo”. Authors: N.M. Mohan et al.