Nutritional supplementation is an increasingly vital component in the realm of athletic performance, offering a multitude of benefits that can positively influence both physical output and the recovery process. As athletes strive to push their limits and achieve peak performance, incorporating targeted nutritional supplements into their regimen provides a crucial edge.

And that’s why we were excited to bring Thorne’s Pre-Workout Elite to market earlier this year. Although there is a lot to love about Pre-Workout Elite, one of my favorite things about this product is that it contains Peak ATP, an ingredient that helps you achieve a more efficient and effective workout routine by supporting your lean muscle mass goals, muscle function, and recovery.*

ATP and cellular energy

Many of us were introduced to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in high school biology class. But if you need a refresher, ATP is the biochemical compound that serves as the fundamental energy currency within living cells. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating a diverse array of physiological processes, particularly during exercise and physical exertion. As the primary source of energy for cellular activities, ATP undergoes rapid turnover in muscle tissues, enabling the contraction of muscles and fueling various metabolic reactions essential for sustained physical performance. During high-intensity exercise, the breakdown of ATP releases energy that powers muscle contractions, enabling individuals to engage in activities demanding significant strength and endurance. 

Moreover, ATP plays a critical role in facilitating the restoration and regeneration of muscle tissues post-exercise, contributing to the recovery process crucial for achieving optimal physical performance. Its integral involvement in both immediate energy release and long-term muscle recuperation underscores the central significance of ATP in shaping the dynamics of exercise and highlighting its indispensable role in sustaining peak physical capabilities.

Introduction to Peak ATP

Peak ATP is adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) disodium, a unique preparation of ATP in supplement form that promotes muscle strength, facilitates faster recovery, decreases fatigue, and supports healthy blood flow.* Peak ATP has been shown to foster explosive muscular power and performance, while diminishing the effects of exhaustion.*

To effectively deliver 400 mg of ATP, a daily serving of approximately 450 mg of Peak ATP is required. It is advised to consume one serving of Peak ATP about 30-60 minutes before engaging in exercise. This is suitable for a diverse range of individuals, including bodybuilders, active lifestyle enthusiasts, weekend warriors, endurance athletes, and anyone who wants to optimize their training and workout outcomes.*

The clinical findings

Several clinical trials have been published documenting the benefits of Peak ATP on human performance, strength, and recovery.*

One study filled the gap in the research on ATP supplementation in resistance-trained populations over an extended period. The 12-week investigation evaluated the effect of 400 mg per day of ATP (as Peak ATP) on muscle adaptations, protein breakdown, cortisol levels, and performance during an overreaching cycle. The study encompassed a 3-phase randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled intervention, including a periodized resistance-training program, an overreaching phase with increased volume and frequency, and a tapering phase. Results indicated significant improvements in total body strength (147% increase), vertical jump power (30% increase), and lean body mass (100% increase) in the ATP group compared to the placebo group.* Moreover, during the overreaching cycle, the ATP group displayed less decline in strength and power, with less protein breakdown. Overall, the study suggests that ATP supplementation enhances muscular adaptations and mitigates performance decrements following an intense 12-week resistance training program, without notable adverse effects on blood chemistry or hematology.1

Another study investigated the effects of acute and chronic ATP administration on vasodilation and blood flow responses, both in animal models and in resistance-trained athletes. In the human pilot study portion, 12 resistance-trained subjects receiving 400 mg of ATP (as Peak ATP) daily for 12 weeks exhibited increased blood flow and brachial dilation during and after exercise at weeks 1, 8, and 12.* Overall, the results suggest that ATP supplementation can effectively promote post-exercise blood flow, especially during the recovery phase, highlighting its potential as a beneficial supplement in promoting vascular health and exercise recovery.*2

A 2017 study assessed the immediate impact of ATP supplementation on performance and physiological responses during resistance exercise in recreationally trained men. Eleven participants underwent two randomized, double-blinded trials: one with 400 mg ATP (as Peak ATP) and another with a placebo. Thirty minutes after ingestion, participants performed four sets of half-squats at 80 percent of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) until muscle failure, with a two-minute rest between sets. The total weight lifted was significantly higher when they took ATP compared to placebo (p=0.005).* Moreover, heart rate was notably higher during the fourth set in the ATP group (p<0.001), and oxygen consumption during exercise was also greater in the ATP group (p=0.021).* There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of blood lactate levels or blood pressure. In summary, the findings suggest that a single oral dose of ATP can enhance lower body resistance training performance and increase energy expenditure in recreationally resistance-trained males.*3

A 2021 study explored the critical role of Peak ATP in providing energy for vital processes in living cells, such as muscle contraction, neurotransmission, and cardiac function. Previous studies using enteric-coated ATP had not exhibited significant efficacy. However, in this study, ATP supplementation showed enhanced bioavailability and demonstrated both immediate and long-term advantages in cardiovascular health, muscular performance, body composition, and recovery.* Furthermore, ATP reduced muscle breakdown and fatigue.* The review emphasized a comprehensive evaluation of the bioavailability of oral ATP and its diverse benefits in promoting overall health and enhancing physical performance.*4

Finally, a 2023 study investigated the effects of Peak ATP supplementation on various cognitive and performance parameters over a period of 14 days. Twenty adults participated in a double-blinded, crossover design, where they were randomly assigned to either 400 mg of ATP or placebo. The participants underwent a 3-minute all-out test on a cycle ergometer, with assessments of visuomotor reaction time (RT) and multiple object tracking (MOT) speed before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after the test. The results revealed that Peak ATP supplementation helped maintain proactive RT and improved reactive RT after high-intensity sprint exercise, as evidenced by better performance in Dynavision D2 Proactive and Reactive tasks.* However, no significant differences were observed between ATP and placebo for MOT, mood, or cognition. In conclusion, the findings suggest that Peak ATP supplementation might potentially counteract exercise-induced reaction time deficits.*5

The takeaway

Peak ATP has garnered attention for its remarkable capacity to harness the power of ATP, delivering unparalleled benefits, such as enhanced muscular power, improved blood flow, and diminished fatigue.* Supported by robust research, the evidence underscores the significant potential of ATP supplementation in enhancing both physical and cognitive performance, offering a compelling avenue for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to attain their utmost potential and achieve peak performance levels.*

Peak ATP is featured in Thorne’s Pre-Workout Elite. Enhance your exercise routine with the formula that supports focus, strength, output, and recovery, helping you get the most out of every workout.*

References

  1. Wilson JM, Joy JM, Lowery RP, et al. Effects of oral adenosine-5'-triphosphate supplementation on athletic performance, skeletal muscle hypertrophy and recovery in resistance-trained men. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2013;10(1):57. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-10-57.
  2. Jäger R, Roberts MD, Lowery RP, et al. Oral adenosine-5’-triphosphate (ATP) administration increases blood flow following exercise in animals and humans. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2014;11:28. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-11-28.
  3. Freitas MC, Cholewa JM, Gerosa-Neto J, et al. A single dose of oral ATP supplementation improves performance and physiological response during lower body resistance exercise in recreational resistance-trained males. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33(12):3345-3352. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002198.
  4. Jäger R, Purpura M, Rathmacher J, et al. Health and ergogenic potential of oral adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation. J Funct Foods 2021;78:104357-104370.
  5. Moon JM, Dufner TJ, Wells AJ. Evaluating the effects of PeakATP® supplementation on visuomotor reaction time and cognitive function following high-intensity sprint exercise. Front Nutr 2023;10:1237678. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1237678.