Derived from citrus peels, CitraPeak is glucosyl hesperidin, a flavonoid which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows that it may boost energy and physical output, as well as increase circulation and blood flow, allowing more blood, nutrients and oxygen to reach the muscles.
Launching at Vitafoods, CitraPeak is a near tasteless, colorless and odorless solution, activating within just 30 minutes due to its soluble formulation.
These factors make CitraPeak an ideal addition to sports supplements, according to Prinova’s global marketing director James Street.
“[Citrapeak] offers pre, intra and post-workout support,” he told NutraIngredients. “A clean, effective, and virtually flavorless ingredient, it embodies everything discerning sports and lifestyle nutrition consumers demand of a supplement.”
What is glucosyl hesperidin?
Glucosyl hesperidin is a synthetic, water-soluble form of the natural compound hesperidin.
Hesperidin is known for its cardiovascular benefits, with clinical trials supporting its ability to improve blood pressure, endothelial function and inflammatory markers.
Recent studies have also demonstrated that it may benefit cutaneous functions through its wound healing, UV protection, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Glucosyl hesperidin is created by adding a glucose molecule. In CitraPeak, hesperidin is bonded to tapioca starch, making it 100,000 times more soluble than the natural compound, according to Prinova.
This not only allows it to be absorbed by the body more quickly, but it also increases its bioavailability.
“[CitraPeak] offers all the clinically proven benefits of standard hesperidin—like increase in thermogenic effect and release of nitric oxide," said Street. “However, for the first time it delivers them in a completely soluble form, so that the vasodilatory and pump effects of hesperidin are noticeable extremely rapidly.”
Glucosyl hesperidin and exercise performance: What does the research say?
The ‘pump’ effect related to this compound is linked to its ability to increase nitric oxide levels, which in turn boosts blood flow to the muscles and increases energy production.
A study in rats reported that two weeks of glucosyl hesperidin intake improved low-intensity running performance. It also appeared to boost fat metabolism through the enhancement of β-oxidation—an energy production system.
Human clinical trials on the effects of glucosyl hesperidin in a physical activity context are fairly limited, however. To address this knowledge gap, a team of researchers at Lindenwood University, Missouri, are currently investigating the impact of CitraPeak in physically active men and women.
The study aims to uncover how glucosyl hesperidin affects exercise performance, blood flow, stress, cognition and other perceptual indicators, with results expected next year.