Featured Supplement of the Week: dotFIT Lean MR protein powder

Every week or so I will be discussing some of my favorite supplements in-depth. This week is dotFIT Lean MR, which is one of my proteins of choice.

Goal

The purpose of the LeanMR formula is to support body fat/weight reduction by delivering better, satisfying nutrition in fewer calories. LeanMR was designed to provide maximum support for lean body mass (LBM), a steady supply of energy, and optimal fullness (satiety) within the least amount of calories in order to improve the dieting experience and accelerate results.

With only 180-190 calories per serving, LeanMR provides:

• 20 grams of the highest-quality protein, whey protein isolate to support the preservation or increase of LBM while decreasing body fat 

• The perfect dose and blend of necessary fats including Conjugated Linoleic Acid (Tonalin®) to support the special needs and appetites of active individuals during dieting 

• 19.5 grams of a Sustained Release Patented Carbohydrate Blend with 6-7 grams of fiber (Fibersol-2® and Glucomannan) and no sugar to deliver immediate and long-lasting energy and fullness 


Rationale


LeanMR Drink Mix for Weight Control 

In all studies meal replacements (MR) have been shown to be an extremely effective aid to weight reduction (1,2,3,4) and in almost all cases more effective than conventional methods of dietary restrictions (5,6,7,8) (see Figure 6.). Additionally MR have been shown to be just as effective as dietary restriction combined with pharmacological therapy (9). And most importantly, continuous use of MR may be the most effective means of all treatments when it comes to maintaining weight loss (1,10,11,12) (See Figure 7.).

MRs are generally used to replace one or two meals a day and allow freedom of choice for the remaining allotted foods/calories.

Meal replacements allow:

• Portion control: people generally attempt to consume meals to completion (13,14) therefore meal portion size significantly impacts a person’s total calorie intake (13,15). Overwhelming evidence validates that the smaller the portions, the fewer daily calories consumed (15) and vice-versa. In other words, people tend to “eat with their eyes not their stomachs”. Use of portion-controlled meals has proven to yield greater weight loss than conventional diet therapy alone (16,17,18,19).

• Accurate calorie counts of total daily food intake when compared to having to estimate the calories of self-prepared or unmarked meals (20).

• Satiety (fullness): use of a properly formulated MR such as the LeanMR mix allows the user to increase the frequency of daily meals while managing calories. This in turn satisfies appetite and maintains greater daily energy levels i.e. more nutrition and fullness with fewer calories, and often a significant savings in groceries. Proper use throughout the day can deliver good nutrition while helping to save calories, allowing the user to partake in larger meals or favorite foods at desired times (e.g. higher calorie lunches and/or dinners).

• Higher protein-to-calorie ratio: helps protect lean body mass while dieting, which is otherwise lost when consuming only a restricted conventional diet (2,3).

Sustained-Release Carbohydrate with Fibersol® Blend

The combination of Rice Oligodextrins (low glycemic carbohydrate source), Palatinose™ (generic nameIsomaltulose), Glucomannan (a soluble fiber) and Fibersol-2™ (functional soluble fiber) allow for users of the LeanMR mix to experience even and prolonged energy levels and greater satiety.

Palatinose™ is a low glycemic functional carbohydrate that delivers prolonged energy due to its unique structure and low insulinemic response. With its slow but complete absorption, Palatinose provides constant and extended streams of energy for muscles and brain. This new energy source lasts over a longer period of time when compared to quickly absorbed carbohydrates (21).

Fibersol-2™ is a soluble fiber and is included in this formula to deliver dietary fiber’s well known positive impact on health and weight control/appetite. Fiber is extremely important in a weight control program because it produces the feeling of fullness sooner and longer when added to a meal (23).

Fibersol-2, a digestive resistant maltodextrin, is a soluble fiber that doesn’t act like one. Fibersol-2 doesn’t affect taste or interfere with mineral or calcium absorption, traits that are common among other fibers. Because Fibersol-2 is fermented slowly; it produces less acid and gas than most soluble fibers. All these traits make Fibersol-2 the perfect fiber to add to the diet and therefore are included in the LeanMR mix. The user receives the benefits of a “better fiber” in a convenient delivery system without fiber’s sometimes less desirable effects (taste, gas, bloating, etc.). Studies have shown Fibersol-2 to improve bowel regularity (24), exert a positive effect on blood glucose (25), lower cholesterol and serum triglycerides (25), increase probiotic levels (feed good bacteria) and help keep the digestive tract clean and healthy (26). Additionally Fibersol-2 has been approved as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber added to Lean Mix because it has been clinically shown to beneficially affect total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body weight and fasting blood glucose (27). Glucomannan continues to be used within fiber mixtures successfully in clinical trials related to improved weight loss, satiety and decreases in LDL-cholesterol (28,29,30).

Healthy Dietary Fat Blend

The LeanMR mix includes a combination of important fats for added satiety and health maintenance including Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) supplied by Tonalin® (31). CLA has demonstrated numerous potential health benefits and regular dosages have been shown to exert modest but positive effects on body composition (32).

Figure 6: In all six studies the groups that were using meal replacements (PMR) as part of their overall calorie intake lost significantly more weight than the reduced calorie diet (RCD) group (1).

Figure 7: In a 1-year follow-up in the groups that were tracked, the subjects still using meal replacements maintained significantly more weight loss than the RCD group (1).

Summary

Purpose

The LeanMR™ mix is to be used primarily as a satisfying and healthy meal replacement that supports body fat/weight loss goals to a better extent than competitive products. It delivers high satiety and nutrition in fewer calories:

• A healthy, convenient food replacement designed to be integrated into daily meal planning in order to assist the user in reaching and maintaining weight control and health goals

• Supply nutrient-rich, convenient snacks between meals to boost energy, curb hunger and assist in weight control by controlling calories

• Also can be used for “snacking”, which may decrease the amount of food consumed in the subsequent meal or keep one from making an inappropriate food choice (e.g. high-calorie meal driven by an uncontrolled craving) as often happens when extra hungry and especially during weight loss

Unique Features

• Contains the highest quality whey protein – high protein product

• Proprietary blend of carbohydrates, including functional fibers, deliver a “better lasting” energy and satiety to support aggressive weight loss goals

• Contains NO ASPARTAME, no sugar and relatively LOW sodium

• Six to seven grams of fiber (24 to 28% of daily needs) for satiety and health (including helping to maintain the integrity of the digestive track and bowel regularity)

• Healthy blend of essential fats including CLA

• Designed in a synergistic relationship with all dotFIT products and a person’s traditional food intake.

It is NOT spiked with unnecessary nutrients. Most other products in this space (e.g. bars, shakes, etc.) are heavily spiked with many nutrients, leading to undesirable levels within the body when combining multiple manufacturers, products and normal food intake

• When consuming only dotFIT products as directed with one’s normal daily food intake, the recipient is assured of keeping the body at a safe and optimal nutrient level

• Formulated and manufactured for great taste and pleasing texture in a FDA-registered facility in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and maintains rigorous product testing, exclusively for dotFIT, LLC

References

1 Heymsfield SB, van Mierlo CA, van der Knaap HC, Heo M, Frier HI. Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 May;27(5):537-49.

2 Smith TJ, Sigrist LD, Bathalon GP, McGraw S, Karl JP, Young AJ. Efficacy of a meal-replacement program for promoting blood lipid changes and weight and body fat loss in US Army soldiers. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Feb;110(2):268-73.

3 Flechtner-Mors M, Boehm BO, Wittmann R, Thoma U, Ditschuneit HH. Enhanced weight loss with protein-enriched meal replacements in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2010 Jul;26(5):393-405.

4 Hamdy O, Zwiefelhofer D. Weight management using a meal replacement strategy in type 2 diabetes. Curr Diab Rep. 2010 Apr;10(2):159-64. Review.

5 Ashley JM, St Jeor ST, Perumean-Chaney S, Schrage J, Bovee V. Meal replacements in weight intervention. Obes Res. 2001 Nov;9 Suppl 4:312S-320S.

6 Ditschuneit HH. Do meal replacement drinks have a role in diabetes management? Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Clin Perform Programme. 2006;11:171-9; discussion 179-81.

7 Li Z, Hong K, Saltsman P, DeShields S, Bellman M, Thames G, Liu Y, Wang HJ, Elashoff R, Heber D. Longterm efficacy of soy based meal replacements vs an individualized diet plan in obese type II DM patients: relative effects on weight loss, metabolic parameters, and C-reactive protein. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 Mar;59(3):411-8.

8 Poston WS, Haddock CK, Pinkston MM, Pace P, Karakoc ND, Reeves RS, Foreyt JP. Weight loss with meal replacement and meal replacement plus snacks: a randomized trial. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Sep;29(9):1107-14.

9 Douketis JD, Macie C, Thabane L, Williamson DF. Systematic review of long-term weight loss studies in obese adults: clinical significance and applicability to clinical practice. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Oct;29(10):1153-67. Review.

10 Ditschuneit HH, Flechtner-Mors M. Value of structured meals for weight management: risk factors and long-term weight maintenance. Obes Res. 2001 Nov;9 Suppl 4:284S-289S.

11 Rothacker DQ. Five-year self-management of weight using meal replacements: comparison with matched controls in rural Wisconsin. Nutrition 2000;16:344–8.

12 Flechtner-Mors M, Ditschuneit HH, Johnson TD, Suchard MA, Adler G. Metabolic and weight loss effects of long-term dietary intervention in obese patients: four-year results. Obes Res. 2000 Aug;8(5):399-402.

13 Levitsky DA, Youn T. The more food young adults are served, the more they overeat. J Nutr. 2004 Oct;134(10):2546-9.

14 Wansink B, Painter JE, North J. Bottomless bowls: why visual cues of portion size may influence intake. Obes Res. 2005 Jan;13(1):93-100.

15 Rolls BJ, Roe LS, Meengs JS. Reductions in portion size and energy density of foods are additive and lead to sustained decreases in energy intake. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;83(1):11-7.

16 Jeffery RW, Wing RR, Thorson C, Burton LR, Raether C, Harvey J, Mullen M. Strengthening behavioral interventions for weight loss: a randomized trial of food provision and monetary incentives. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1993 Dec;61(6):1038-45

17 McCarron DA, Oparil S, Chait A, Haynes RB, Kris-Etherton P, Stern JS, Resnick LM, Clark S, Morris CD, Hatton DC, Metz JA, McMahon M, Holcomb S, Snyder GW, Pi-Sunyer FX. Nutritional management of cardiovascular risk factors. A randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 1997 Jan 27;157(2):169-77.

18 Wing RR, Jeffery RW. Food provision as a strategy to promote weight loss. Obes Res. 2001 Nov;9 Suppl 4:271S-275S. Review.

19 Wing RR, Jeffery RW, Burton LR, Thorson C, Nissinoff KS, Baxter JE. Food provision vs structured meal plans in the behavioral treatment of obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1996 Jan;20(1):56-62.

20 Abbot JM, Thomson CA, Ranger-Moore J, Teixeira PJ, Lohman TG, Taren DL, Cussler E, Going SB, Houtkooper LB. Psychosocial and behavioral profile and predictors of self-reported energy underreporting in obese middle-aged women. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Jan;108(1):114-9.

21 “PALATINOSE™ - The New Carbohydrate from BENEO-Palatinit.” Beneo Palatinit. 2008. Beneo Palatinit. 6 Nov. 2008

22 Liu S, Willett WC, Manson JE, Hu FB, Rosner B, Colditz G. Relation between changes in intakes of dietary fiber and grain products and changes in weight and development of obesity among middle-aged women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Nov;78(5):920-7.

23 Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Oct;108(10):1716-31.

24 Satouchi M et al, “Effects of indigestible dextrin on bowel movements,” Japanese J Nutr, 51:31-37, 1993.

25 Tokunaga K and Matsuoka A, “Effects of a [FOSHU] which contains indigestible dextrin as an effective ingredient on glucose and lipid metabolism,” J Japanese Diabetes Society, 42:61-65, 1999.

26 Fastinger ND, Karr-Lilienthal LK, Spears JK, Swanson KS, Zinn KE, Nava GM, Ohkuma K, Kanahori S, Gordon DT, Fahey GC Jr. A novel resistant maltodextrin alters gastrointestinal tolerance factors, fecal characteristics, and fecal microbiota in healthy adult humans.J Am Coll Nutr. 2008 Apr;27(2):356-66.

27 Sood N, Baker WL, Coleman CI. Effect of glucomannan on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;88(4):1167-75.

28 Salas-Salvadó J, Farrés X, Luque X, Narejos S, Borrell M, Basora J, Anguera A, Torres F, Bulló M, Balanza R; Fiber in Obesity-Study Group. Effect of two doses of a mixture of soluble fibres on body weight and metabolic variables in overweight or obese patients: a randomised trial. Br J Nutr. 2008 Jun;99(6):1380-7. Epub 2007 Nov 22.

29 Rogovik AL, Chanoine JP, Goldman RD. Pharmacotherapy and weight-loss supplements for treatment of paediatric obesity. Drugs. 2010 Feb 12;70(3):335-46. doi: 10.2165/11319210-000000000-00000.

30 Lyon MR, Reichert RG. The effect of a novel viscous polysaccharide along with lifestyle changes on short-term weight loss and associated risk factors in overweight and obese adults: an observational retrospective clinical program analysis. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Apr;15(1):68-75.

31 “CLA Research.” The Healthy Edge Your Body Needs. 2008. Tonalin. 6 Nov. 2008

32 Bhattacharya A, Banu J, Rahman M, Causey J, Fernandes G. Biological effects of conjugated linoleic acids in health and disease. J Nutr Biochem. 2006 Dec;17(12):789-810. Epub 2006 May 2.