Fortetropin supplementation increased lean muscle mass in 70 percent of subjects while contributing no adverse side effects.
March 22, 2023
MYOS CORP, a research-based, advanced nutrition company, today announced the completion of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that examined the impact of Fortetropin® on cats suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. The trial, conducted at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, showed that Fortetropin supplementation increased lean muscle mass in 70 percent of test subjects while contributing no adverse side effects. The study will be presented at the 2023 AAVN Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium, Philadelphia, PA and be submitted for publication in Spring 2023.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious illness that impacts millions of humans and animals around the world. Muscle wasting is a common symptom of CKD as the disease makes optimal protein consumption very difficult for those afflicted. Animals with CKD are typically on a special renal diet with restricted dietary phosphorus and low levels of protein. Fortetropin is a unique muscle building supplement in that it contains only a small amount of phosphorus and protein, making it a potentially great product for CKD patients that have experienced sarcopenia or loss of muscle mass.
“The results of this study on Fortetropin are very exciting,” said Professor Korinn Saker, the lead researcher in the trial. “We were able to increase the lean muscle mass in a majority of cats without any negative effects. You have to be very careful on what to feed cats with CKD because their kidneys are not always able to effectively process and eliminate waste products from protein breakdown. It's important to have food and supplements that help these cats but also do no harm."
The study took place over 12 weeks, during which cats with CKD had their diets supplemented with Fortetropin. After the 12 week period, 70 percent of the cats experienced improved lean muscle mass. Renal parameters including BUN, Creatinine and phosphorus remained statistically unchanged, while the urine protein-creatinine ratios indicated the absence of true proteinuria. Gastrointestinal intolerance to the supplement was not reported, while palatability by cats was reported as very high.
“Chronic kidney disease is something we see in a lot of animals, especially older ones, and it can be very serious if not treated early and properly,” said MYOS CORP veterinary consultant Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM. “One of the main symptoms we see is a loss of muscle mass, which can affect mobility and quality of life for our older feline patients. Any product that can naturally help cats maintain their muscle mass while being treated for CKD represents potentially significant clinical benefits.”
This is the seventh clinical trial conducted on the efficacy of Fortetropin since 2016. Previous studies have shown that Fortetropin:
- Helps canines recover faster from surgery.
- Enhances quality of life for senior canines.
- Keeps myostatin levels from rising during muscle disuse.
- Helps build lean muscle mass in young men.
- Accelerates the rate of muscle protein synthesis in older adults.
“This is very exciting study because CKD is a terrible disease that affects so many – and if Fortetropin can help these patients, in any way, that is a great thing,” said MYOS CORP CEO, Joe Mannello. “Our product isn’t going to cure CKD, but keeping patients strong while they go through treatment and recovery is very impactful.”
