Unlike conventional, carbohydrate-only sports drinks, Accerlerade has a patented 1:4 ratio of protein to carbohydrate.
Dr Robert Portman, CEO of PacificHealth, told NutraIngredient-USA.com that the company hit on the 1:4 ratio after investigating the optimum level of protein in products for sporting performance.
Too much actually slows performance and decreases rehydration, he said, "so you should never consider using a protein drink during exercise". Too little, on the other hand, delivers no benefits.
The four studies were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine last week. Two of the studies were independent, and two were part-funded by PacificHealth.
Researchers from James Madison University reported that, when compared to carbohydrate-only drinks such as Gatorade, Accelerade was seen to increase the parameters of exercise performance and decrease muscle fatigue; improve exercise endurance by 19 percent; decrease muscle damage by 75 percent; improve muscle functioning measured 24 hours later by 16 percent; and, in NCAA Division I cross-country runners, reduce muscle damage by 27 percent and muscle soreness by 30 percent.
PacificHealth first introduced Accelerade in powder form four years ago, and it is now available in 10,000 retail outlets. It was the first product using the company's technology to come to market, and Portman said it has been the driver of its sales. An Accelerade gel is also on the market.
The brand is about to experience a serious boom, however, since Cadbury Schwepps has purchased the patents and technology for an initial $4m plus a multi-year royalty stream, and plans to launch a ready to drink version in the near future.
The deal grants PacificHealth a royalty-free license to continue selling its Accelerade powders and gels at the same time.
Dr Portman said that the newly reported studies "should be of great value to Cadbury Schwepps Americas Beverages".
PacificHealth is currently preparing for the launch of its Satietrim weight loss technology and product in the third quarter of this year.