Ascend Performance Hydrolysed Collagen Protein is one of the best tasting protein powders on the market. Dairy-free with 25g of protein per serve and 30 serves per pouch.

ASCEND Performance mission is to become the most accessible Supplement Brand in Australia focusing on new, innovative performance enhancing ingredients to give high performing individuals at every stage of their development, the edge to ascend to new heights. Ascend aims to redefine the word “performance”, focusing on the routines of high performing individuals (whatever their background), and re-educating the market on how to integrate high-quality “performance” products into their daily routines.

ASCEND Performance Collagen Protein has utilised the best quality PATENTED Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides from Germany known as “BODYBALANCE”. These Collagen Peptides have been widely researched to show that high performing individuals are optimizing the most out of there muscle recovery. Next you throw in the next best ingredient for Joints & Ligaments, again a patented formula from Germany called “TENDOFORTE” which helps aid in restoring function within your Joints & Ligaments because we know we are always forgetting to take our Fish Oil and Glucosamine. After that you through in another Patented ingredient “GUT MATRIX” & than all of a sudden you have the most innovative Protein Supplement that has you covered from all angles.

To retain an optimal body composition and to support an active lifestyle, GELITA has developed BODYBALANCE®. These highly specialized collagen peptides have been shown to decrease fat mass, increase lean body mass and to provide more muscle strength in combination with resistance training.

BODYBALANCE® has positive effects on two main components of the human body: lean body mass and fat mass. Lean body mass, also called fat free mass, comprises mainly muscle mass but also bone mass, connective tissue and body water.

Muscles are essential for physical activity, stability and posture, they enable blood circulation and help during the digestion of food. A loss of muscle mass over the course of life time means a loss of mobility, which is followed by a loss of independence and a loss of quality of life. In summary, the studies confirm that the intake of BODYBALANCE® results in improvement of mobility in healthy individuals.

The BODY PROTEIN mechanism

The exact mechanism of BODYBALANCE® is still subject of ongoing research, but current data suggest, that the mode of action is based on the multifactorial impact of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®) on various metabolic processes and the overall functional unit of muscle: e.g. muscle and fat metabolism.

Recent investigations revealed, BODYBALANCE® significantly stimulates the mTOR pathway. Availability and activity of this key protein are essential for the protein metabolism. The protein metabolism ensures the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. More synthesis than breakdown indicates an anabolic state that builds lean tissues, higher breakdown than synthesis indicates a catabolic state that decreases lean tissues.

Moreover, BODYBALANCE® influences the fat metabolism. A sufficient energy supply is mandatory for the proliferation of muscle cells and the synthesis of new muscle tissue. The AMPK enzyme is responsible for the energy transfer in the muscle cells. The stimulation of AMPK leads to an increase in fatty acid metabolism, which provides more energy for the cells and results in a reduction of fat mass. Due to its specific amino acid composition and its excellent bioavailability BODYBALANCE® stimulates fat and muscle metabolisms, finally leading to an improved body composition.

Studies confirm the efficacy of BODYBALANCE®

Several randomized, placebo-controlled, double blinded studies have demonstrated the efficacy and potential of the daily intake of 15 g BODYBALANCE® in combination with resistance training.

In the latest studies 2,3, the effect of post-exercise supplementation on lean body mass, fat mass and muscle strength in combination with resistance training was tested. 114 healthy, physically inactive men, aged 35-60 participated. The primary outcome was to compare 15 g BODYBALANCE® supplementation with placebo. Changes in body composition were measured by DXA scans. DXA represents the “Gold Standard” in body composition measurement. Total body scans using DXA give a precise measurement of body composition, including bone mass, lean body mass and fat mass.

In addition, muscle strength, waist circumference and various blood parameters were determined. The results of the primary endpoint of the study revealed a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in lean body mass after BODYBALANCE® supplementation compared to placebo.

Lean body mass

The positive effect was also reflected in the results of the secondary study criteria. BODYBALANCE® treatment led to an improved muscle strength, a reduction of waist circumference and a statistically significant fat mass reduction (p<0.05), after collagen peptide intake.

2 Zdzieblik, D. et al Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomized controlled trial, doi: 10.1017/80007114515002810, British Journal of Nutrition, 2015

TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS DETERMINE MOBILITY

Strong tendons and ligaments are crucial for lifelong wellness and physical activity. Ligaments bind bones together and tendons bind muscle to bone. Made of collagen, they are the connecting elements of the body, crucial for movement control, stability, and better mobility.

Especially for active people, soft-tissue injuries, those affecting muscles, tendons and ligaments, are extremely common at all levels of sport. Whether it is running, climbing, tennis, golf or soccer, most injuries
result from the overuse of tendons. These are very common because strength, power, and speed are dependent on rigid tendons. However, harder tendons may be better for performance but they are also more injury prone. High performing tendons and ligaments combine strength and flexibility. Collagen fibres give
them the right elasticity for optimal function and performance. Tendon injuries are characterized by collagen fibre degeneration and are slow to recover and disrupt training with a number of personal, competitive and financial consequences to the high performance athlete or the exercise enthusiast.

TENDOFORTE® IS AN EFFECTIVE NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION FOR
STRONG TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS

Strong tendons and ligaments contribute to the foundation of high physical performance and fast return-to-training in athletes. They are also the prerequisite for the fluid and flowing motion required in isometric,
high flexibility exercises, such as yoga and Pilates. The strength of tendons and ligaments depends on an intact composition of the extracellular matrix collagens, proteoglycans and elastic fibers. TENDOFORTE® is a Bioactive Collagen Peptide, optimized to stimulate the biosynthesis of new extracellular matrix molecules for healthy tendons and ligaments.

TENDOFORTE® BENEFITS THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF MATRIX MOLECULES OF TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS

A first experiment in-vitro observed that Fibroblasts, obtained from human ligaments and Achilles tendons, were able to produce significantly more tissue matrix (1.2 to 2.4-fold) when directly exposed to the
Bioactive Collagen Peptides found in TENDOFORTE®. The RNA expression of collagen significantly increased, and the synthesis of elastin - the most prominent component of the ligament matrix - increased by approximately 50%.The break-down of tissue was also reduced. This was the first study to suggest a role
for Bioactive Collagen Peptides in reducing the risk of injuries and rupture of ligaments and tendons.

TENDOFORTE® IMPROVES EXTENSION PROPERTIES OF THE FINGER JOINTS

In one of the first clinical trials to look at a nutritional intervention for connective tissue weaknesses, the oral ingestion of specific collagen peptides were shown to improve the extension properties of the finger
joints, due to firmer ligaments.

RECENT STUDY SHOWS THE EFFICACY OF TENDOFORTE®

A study of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) examined the benefits of TENDOFORTE® supplementation over a period of 6 months (cross-over design). The participants were 20 subjects with long-term symptoms
of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, not responding to any traditional therapies and being unable to train. Within 3 months, 12 out of 20 participants were able to return to running after starting a therapy with daily intake of 5 g TENDOFORTE® in combination with a highly specialized exercise program. Furthermore,
the effect is long-term. The group starting with TENDOFORTE® in the cross-over design still had beneficial effects after the 3 months wash-out phase.