Bioiberica’s hyaluronic acid matrix shows promise for muscle health

09-Jun-2023 - Last updated on 09-Jun-2023 at 13:46 GMT

Healthy senior women walking in park. Image © alvarez / Getty Images

Barcelona-based Bioiberica has reported that its Mobilee-branded hyaluronic acid matrix ingredient for mobility may play a role against sarcopenia by boosting muscle cell size and production, and protecting against muscle damage.

The results of the in vitro study found that Mobilee promoted myocyte hyperplasia (increase in myocyte size) by 7% and myocyte proliferation (production of new cells) by more than 20%.

Data presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO, 4-7 May, Barcelona) also showed the ingredient’s effect against muscle atrophy, muscle damage and cell death in the sarcopenia model.

A spokesperson for the company told NutraIngredients that the results of the study have been submitted to a peer-review journal, and will likely be published in a supplement of ACER (Aging Clinical and Experimental Research) later this year.

“A clinical trial, testing the efficacy of Mobilee’s role in muscle health is currently underway. We’re hoping to be able to share the results later next year or early 2025 - all being well,” added the spokesperson.

Hyaluronic acid for mobility

According to Bioiberica, Mobilee is the first hyaluronic acid matrix ingredient available for innovation in the mobility market; demonstrated to support joint and muscle health at a low dose of only 80 mg/day. The ingredient is composed of three naturally-occurring components – hyaluronic acid (60-75%), polysaccharides and collagen.

The ingredient is considered a Food Supplement Ingredient and Novel Food Ingredient for dairy foods in the EU, added the spokesperson. It is already incorporated into a range of finished products, including the Meritene Mobilis joint-health drink mix from Nestlé Health Science available in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and Apsen’s Motilex HA in Brazil.

“Western societies are ageing and there is a progressive rise in the prevalence of muscle disorders, like sarcopenia – which significantly impact an individual’s overall mobility, independence and quality of life,” said Jaume Reguant, Healthcare Director, Bioiberica. “Simultaneously, there is a greater focus on exercise and remaining active, both in younger, healthier populations and older generations. Consumers recognise that good mobility goes beyond looking after joint health alone and they understand that nutritional support can aid their mobility.

“With this in mind, it’s an exciting time to innovate with a premium, easy-to-formulate ingredient, like Mobilee. It taps into multiple market trends and consumer preferences – from the active nutrition movement to rising demand for multi-ingredient solutions that bring holistic health benefits, as well as increasing appetite for convenient, low dose and science-backed products.”

Study details

The new in vitro study treated myocytes (muscle cells) with 6 µg/mL of digested Mobilee for 24 hours, and then measured the effect in muscle homeostasis (measured by assessing the proliferation and hyperplasia of myocytes) and protection against muscle damage and atrophy.

The results indicated that the ingredient was associated with increases in the size of myocytes (7% increase) and myocyte proliferation (production of new cells) by more than 20%.

“We are one of the first organisations to explore the role of hyaluronic acid-rich solutions on muscle health,” said Daniel Martinez-Puig, Head of R&D Human Health, Bioiberica. “Mobilee is the result of 15-plus years of research and development and is backed by robust scientific research demonstrating its unique benefits in joint and muscle health.

“This latest evidence points towards its potential to play a supportive role in muscles too; where it may be effective for balancing muscle cell turnover and protecting against common characteristics of sarcopenia.”