Beyond Protein: Energy and Body Fat Mobilization

The optimal protein bars not only fuel your workouts, safeguard against catabolism, but also promote the mobilization of body fat.

Lifters and athletes consume protein bars for numerous reasons; however, fat loss is typically not the primary one. While it's true that someone might replace a hot fudge sundae with a protein bar, this is a different scenario. We are focusing on the utilization of protein bars to preferentially burn fatty acids for energy and to facilitate fat loss.

It's important to note that we're not referring to a bar laced with a trendy fat - loss ingredient. Instead, we're talking about a bar that not only supplies protein, fuels intense workouts, and hydrates more effectively than any Gatorade - based product, but also promotes fat - burning through the use of a unique, functional carbohydrate.

This protein bar indeed exists. The multi - functional protein bar is Biotest's FINi Bars (available for purchase on Amazon), and the functional carbohydrate is Palatinose, commonly known as isomaltulose.

The Carbohydrate That Enhances Fat Oxidation

Isomaltulose is derived from the sucrose obtained from beet juice. It has a mild, natural sweetness. More significantly, it is a low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate. It prompts the body to utilize body fat for energy by enhancing fat oxidation to a much greater extent than other carbohydrates. (Normally, when one consumes ordinary carbohydrates prior to a workout, carbohydrate oxidation increases while fat oxidation decreases, which is not conducive to successful fat loss.)

This implies that isomaltulose is the sole carbohydrate that provides sustained energy while simultaneously supporting fat mobilization - releasing free fatty acids from adipose tissue.

One study discovered that the percentage of energy derived from fat in endurance athletes who ingested isomaltulose was 25% higher than in those who ingested maltodextrin (a commonly used carbohydrate in many generic workout powders and energy bars). Another study found that isomaltulose caused insulin to increase approximately 55% less than regular table sugar.

The same study also investigated the effects of isomaltulose on GIP and GLP - 1, two hormones that play a crucial role in regulating glucose levels and body weight. The former influences insulin levels, while the latter enhances muscle glucose uptake, reduces the rate of food digestion, and suppresses appetite.

Generally, when consuming food, one desires GIP levels to either decrease or remain relatively stable, while GLP - 1 levels should increase after a meal. This is precisely what occurred when subjects ingested isomaltulose. Compared to the effects of regular sugar, which caused GIP levels to more than double within 15 minutes, isomaltulose only led to a slight increase in GIP levels.

Regarding GLP - 1 levels, isomaltulose caused them to rise significantly and remain elevated for an extended period, which is highly desirable if one is concerned about body fat.

What Else Sets the FINi Bar Apart?

Most protein bars attempt to present themselves as being formulated with certain functions or health benefits, enabling consumers to convince themselves that they are making nutritionally sound choices. Unfortunately, these bars are often merely chocolate - flavored protein delivery systems, suitable for obtaining protein in a pinch but offering little else.

The FINi Bars (available on Amazon), however, are truly functional protein bars. Like all other protein bars, they contain a substantial amount of protein and perform the typical protein - bar functions such as promoting muscle protein synthesis. But the FINi bar offers many additional benefits, courtesy of isomaltulose:

• Enhanced Fat Oxidation and Fat Loss: Assuming a balanced diet, increased fat oxidation can lead to fat loss.

• Glycogen Sparing: During exercise, it spares glycogen in muscles and the liver, thereby enhancing exercise capacity.

• Stable Blood Sugar: Keeps blood sugar levels stable.

• Minimal Insulin Release: Results in minimal increases in insulin release.

• Complete Hydrolysis in the Gut: Ensures no bloating or intestinal discomfort.

• Superior Hydration: Provides far better hydration than water or conventional sports drinks.

• Endothelial Health Preservation: Does not cause a post - meal decline in endothelial health, making it "heart - healthy," especially for insulin - resistant individuals.

• Metabolic Improvement: Improves overall metabolic conditions and leads to a reduction in waist circumference.

• Increased Satiety: Induces greater satiety, thereby reducing hunger.

How and When to Use FINi Bars

Biotest initially designed the FINi Bars (available on Amazon) to provide energy and hydration for endurance athletes. However, it was soon realized that they were effective for various types of athletes, including weightlifters, CrossFit enthusiasts, combat sports professionals, and even military personnel.

Regarding fat loss (or prevention of fat gain), it was not initially a prominent feature until customers and staff noticed that they could consume multiple bars over days and weeks without any apparent increase in body fat - an outcome likely unattainable with conventional protein bars.

This was also when more research emerged regarding isomaltulose's beneficial effects on blood sugar, insulin levels, and GIP and GLP - 1 (the two "incretin" hormones that regulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells). Now, we have a better understanding of why consuming a significant number of FINi bars does not seem to cause weight gain and may even contribute to fat loss when used to fuel workouts.

While Biotest recommends having a FINi bar before a weightlifting session, a 50 - mile bike ride, or other athletic activities, we suggest consuming one as a mid - morning snack, before bed, or whenever an additional protein boost is desired.

Admittedly, calorie intake is of utmost importance when it comes to controlling body fat percentage. However, not all calories are created equal. Different substances have significant beneficial effects on the brain centers that regulate hunger and the hormones involved in fat metabolism. The isomaltulose present in the FINi bar is one such substance.

References

• Amano T et al. Effects of isomaltulose ingestion on postexercise hydration state and heat loss responses in young men. Exp Physiol. 2019 Oct;104(10):1494 - 1504. PubMed: 31400765.

• de Groot E et al. Efficacy of Isomaltulose Compared to Sucrose in Modulating Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 3;12(1):141. PubMed: 31947853.

• König D et al. Substrate Utilization and Cycling Performance Following Palatinose Ingestion: A Randomized, Double - Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2016 Jul;8(7):390. PubMed: 27347996.

• Lightowler H et al, Changes in Weight and Substrate Oxidation in Overweight Adults Following Isomaltulose Intake During a 12 - Week Weight Loss Intervention: A Randomized, Double - Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 4;11(10):2367. PubMed: 31590285.

• Lina BAR et al. Isomaltulose (Palatinose®): a review of biological and toxicological studies. Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Oct;40(10):1375 - 81. PubMed: 12387299.

• Miyashita M et al. The effects of isomaltulose ingestion on gastric parameters and cycling performance in young men. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2019 Jul;17(3):101 - 107. PubMed: 31303872.