Experiential performance booster joins PLT Health portfolio

15-Oct-2024 - Last updated on 15-Oct-2024 at 13:52 GMT

PLT Health Solutions has added CellFlo6—a gallate-enhanced oligomer extract sourced from green tea—to its broad portfolio of botanical ingredients as an experiential performance enhancer primed for a broad range of health benefits.

“Today’s consumers are looking for a more impactful experience and performance benefits from a wide range of delivery systems,” said Brett Bernier, director of sports and active Nutrition for PLT Health Solutions. “The industry is starting to recognize the unique benefits of CellFlo6 and what it can bring to a product formulation. It is known to help support improved endurance, faster recovery, enhanced blood flow and energy.”

The ingredient, developed by a CellFlo6 team led by inventors Matt Nickerson and Mike Sperduti, is created using a double-extraction process that increases catechins to deliver standardized levels of galloylated procyanidins, which are subject of a U.S. patent for treating endovascular dysfunction and increasing blood flow.

What the science says

CellFlo6 is backed by a 2020 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition investigating the effects of 300 mg, 600 mg or a matching placebo in 18 recreationally resistance-trained college-aged men.

This study, conducted at Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology in the Molecular and Applied Sciences Laboratory and Applied Physiology Laboratory, reported that 600 mg of CellFlo6 conferred circulation benefits, which may aid in muscle recovery.

“This is the first evidence suggesting a green tea-based supplement enhances localized blood flow following a resistance exercise bout,” the researchers wrote.

Since this pilot study, the product has been enhanced with a higher concentration of procyanidins epicatechin gallate (ECG) Dimer 1 and epigallocatechin (EGCG) Dimer 1.

In 2024, CellFlo 6 conducted an online consumer survey among U.S. men between the ages of 25 and 45, 74% of whom had been taking CellFlo6 for over six months. Benefits reported included improved endurance, strength, energy, recovery, mental sharpness and general well-being.

This research has been translated into marketing claims in support of potential improvements in cardiovascular, cellular, immune and metabolic health—benefits classically associated with green tea catechins.

Market impact: From 7-Eleven to Mr. Olympia

CellFlo6 has already been formulated in a wide range of pre-workout, energy, recovery and men’s health products. Most recently, it appeared as ingredient in 7-Eleven’s private label 7-Select Fusion Energy beverage—available in over 30,000 retail outlets in North America.

PLT also highlights CellFlo6 success with high performers and influencers including seven-time Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heat who calls it “the complete, all-in-one pump, performance and recovery ingredient.”

According to CellFlo6 co-inventor Nickerson, the growing buzz in beverage and sports nutrition markets can be largely attributed the ingredient’s highly experiential effects.

“It is easy to formulate since it is water-soluble, presents no taste issues and has a low inclusion rate,” he added. “We are just beginning to understand its market potential, and we are excited to be working with PLT Health Solutions to significantly expand the reach of CellFlo6 around the world.”