Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Nutraceuticals
February 21, 2017

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Introduces New BODYMAINTÉ Brand BODYMAINTÉ Jelly, a conditioning food to support athletic performance to be launched in April 2017

  • BODYMAINTÉ Jelly, a conditioning food*1 to support athletes in training for competition, to be launched on April 17, 2017.
  • Containing lactic acid bacterium B240*2 (a strain licensed to Otsuka Pharmaceutical), BODY MAINTÉ is formulated with BCAA + Arginine (2,500mg) and whey protein (7.5g), to prevent deterioration in physical condition under rigorous training regimens.
  • In addition to support for athletes' conditioning regimens, BODYMAINTÉ aims to contribute to enhanced health and wellbeing for members of the general public who are concerned about maintaining optimum physical condition.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) has announced the introduction of BODYMAINTÉ Jelly, a conditioning food to support athletic performance. The new brand will be launched on April 17, 2017, and will be available through the 'otsuka-plus1.com' online store and other channels.

Athletes who pursue rigorous training regimens may be at risk of illness due to lowered immunity, leading to concerns about appropriate volume and intensity of conditioning in preparation for competition*3. Aware of these and other concerns about athlete's physical condition, Otsuka Pharmaceutical developed new BODYMAINTÉ Jelly, formulated with lactic acid bacterium B240 (a strain licensed to Otsuka Pharmaceutical), BCAA + arginine, and whey protein. Contributing to maintenance of optimum physical condition and recovery from exercise stress, BODYMAINTÉ Jelly supports conditioning for maximum performance.

Established in 2015 as an extension of Japan's Strategy for a Sports Nation, the Japan Sports Agency manages several high-performance sports initiatives, and is involved in development of appropriate conditioning and recovery methods as functions necessary for athletes, coaches and support staff*4. While it is recognized that an appropriate amount of exercise enhances health, athletes practicing heavy training regimens are at increased risk of illness and physical deterioration, making it difficult for them to maintain physical condition for optimum performance.

While the current market for sports nutrition products focuses primarily on enhanced performance, new BODYMAINTÉ Jelly is a conditioning food, focusing on training as the basis of performance and offering new value by addressing the unmet needs of athletes. In the future, BODYMAINTÉ will be adapted to support members of the general public who are concerned about developing and maintaining optimum physical condition.

BODYMAINTÉ Jelly was developed as a result of research into the digestive tract, exercise, and nutrition carried out at the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Otsu Nutraceuticals Research Institute.

Based on our corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical is dedicated to the development of innovative products that contribute to the health of people around the world.

  1. 1Nutritional supplement for daily consumption that enhances physical condition and supports athletic training in preparation for competition.
  2. 2Lactic acid bacterium B240 is a strain isolated by Tokyo University of Agriculture for which Otsuka Pharmaceutical has confirmed efficacy.
  3. 3Fahlman, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2005:37;374-380,
  4. 4Sports Agency website:http://www.mext.go.jp/sports/b_menu/sports/mcatetop07/list/detail/1372076.htm
Lactic acid bacterium B240

Lactic acid bacterium B240 was isolated by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture from miang, a form of fermented tea leaves traditionally consumed in northern Thailand. In 2006, findings were published from collaborative research conducted by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Otsu Nutraceuticals Research Institute and Prefectural University of Kumamoto proved efficacy of this new strain of lactic acid bacteria in enhancing biological defense mechanisms.

BCAA+arginine
Characterized by molecular structures with branches, Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) is a general term for essential amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine, which are considered to be sources of muscle energy. Arginine is an amino acid with multiple functions, including support for energy production.
Whey protein
Whey (lactoserum) accounts for approximately 20% of the protein in bovine milk. Quickly digested and absorbed, whey protein is characterized by highly efficient protein utilization.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Conditioning Initiatives

In December 2016, Otsuka Pharmaceutical joined with the Japan Sport Council (JSC) High Performance Center to launch the JSC High Performance Center Total Conditioning Research Project. The project aims to develop guidelines for sports conditioning, with the goal of advancing sports medicine and science and boosting Japan's international competitiveness.

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