A Deep Dive Into Sculpt 9

We sat down with Professor Francis Stephens of University of Exeter who led the Clinical Study for Sculpt 9 to do a deeper dive into what makes Sculpt 9 so unique, the study, and the novel findings. 

What problem does Sculpt 9 address?

Many women are aware that protein consumption is essential alongside exercise to build and repair muscles, but most studies have been tailored to men. Many of the best-selling protein powders contain protein sources from dairy that can be hard to digest and often contain over 150 calories, which can limit results when weight loss is also a goal. That’s why Sculpt 9, at 5 calories, was studied in a head-to-head test against 20g of traditional whey-based protein powder. 

What makes Sculpt 9 a unique product?

Sculpt 9 is a unique innovative drink that combines the best ingredients for building and restoring lean muscles. The formulation features all 9 essential amino acids at clinically-backed levels to boost muscle protein synthesis for lean muscle building. Sculpt 9 also features a phytonutrient pomegranate extract at a dose clinically shown to speed up functional recovery and reduce muscle soreness and pain. 

This combination of essential amino acids and science-backed phytonutrients supports your muscles with key nutrients proven to speed results.

What are Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and why are they so important? 

Of the 20 amino acids the body utilizes, 9 are “essential," meaning the body does not produce them, and they must be consumed by diet. These 9 amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, histidine hydrochloride, lysine hydrochloride, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. Of these 9 essential amino acids, leucine is thought to be the most important and potent when it comes to muscle recovery and rebuilding, but having all 9 at sufficient levels is required to maximize the recovery response. One or more essential amino acids below a critical threshold can limit the recovery response. This is often the problem with plant-based proteins that lack one or more essential amino acids, like methionine.

Exercise effectively shapes and sculpts lean muscle, and numerous nutritional strategies can be used to augment the effect of exercise and training. One of the most important types of nutritional support is supplementation with essential amino acids, in particular, leucine. In combination with repeated exercise, these EAAs can activate muscle protein synthesis, which leads to the building of lean muscle tissue for women.

What were the measured results for study participants who consumed Sculpt 9? How about those who did not consume Sculpt 9?

Sculpt 9 was shown to have an equivalent muscle response to 20g of whey-based protein but with significantly fewer calories. The comparable serving of whey contains 100-150 calories on average. Sculpt 9 increased amino acid absorption by 148% and boosted muscle protein synthesis by 78% for women post-workout, vs baseline. The study found an even greater response during a woman’s follicular phase of her menstrual cycle: +377% amino acid absorption and +177% muscle protein synthesis. For the first time, this gives women a guilt-free post-workout supplement option that promises the same efficacy as traditional protein powders, but without the caloric load and hard-to-digest ingredients. 

How did the measured results change throughout the participants' menstrual cycle? 

What was really interesting about the study is that while Sculpt 9 increased amino acid absorption by 148% and boosted muscle protein synthesis by 78% for women 0-2 hours post-workout, the Sculpt 9 study also shed light on the recovery response specific to women through their cycle. When women entered their follicular phase (the second and longest phase of the menstrual cycle; starts on the first day of your period and lasts for approximately 13 to 14 days, ending in ovulation), Sculpt 9 was shown to be even more potent. Sculpt 9 increased amino acid absorption by 377% and boosted muscle protein synthesis by 177% for women post-workout in the follicular phase, showing that Sculpt 9 amplified results during this period. This very novel finding suggests that women may benefit even more by taking Sculpt 9 during their follicular phase in support of their overall program and results.

 

Why did the study compare Sculpt 9 to 20g of whey protein? 

It has been a long-held notion that approximately 20g of a high-quality protein maximizes muscle protein synthesis and the exercise recovery response in adults. Anything above this amount has been thought to be excessive and not effectively utilized by the body and is mostly excreted. Because 20g of protein has been a golden number when it comes to protein post-workout, many clinical trials have used this amount to study the effects of protein on the body in response to exercise and training. Most other commercial protein powders on the market geared toward exercisers also come close to 20g of protein per serving. Of these common products currently available and because whey protein is one of the highest quality and most rapidly absorbed powder protein type amongst them, we decided to compare the effects of Sculpt 9 directly to 20g of whey protein.

When is the best time to take Sculpt 9? 

Sculpt 9 should be consumed within 2 hours after exercising. The clinical data tested the effects of Sculpt 9 after being consumed immediately after exercising, where we saw equivalent effects on muscle recovery compared to 20g of protein. Because Sculpt 9 is so light and refreshing, it can also be consumed during the workout to hydrate and start the recovery response sooner.

Why is it important to run clinical trials on supplements?

Clinical trials are important because they are the gold-standard for measuring the efficacy behind products and provide people with real proof points they can trust. This allows consumers to understand what a product does for them with confidence - without worrying about gimmicks, pseudoscience, and false promises.

Women as subjects in medical research have been underrepresented, and in sport science, only 6% of studies have focused on women. Therefore, this study’s focus on women is even more significant, as it provides women with trusted information about how this product will support their results based on their unique biologies. 

What are the ingredients in Sculpt 9 and are they safe?

Sculpt 9 is free of dairy, sugar, gluten and intentionally formulated with:

• L-Leucine: Supports protein synthesis, muscle growth, and overall health.

• L-Lysine Acetate: Supports immune function, healthy skin and connective tissues, and athletic performance.

• L-Threonine: Supports protein synthesis, collagen and elastin formation, and liver health.

• L-Valine: Supports energy production, muscle growth and repair, and healthy hair and skin.

• L-Isoleucine: Supports protein synthesis, energy production, and post-exercise muscle recovery.

• L-Phenylalanine: Supports protein synthesis and metabolism regulation.

• L-Methionine: Supports protein synthesis, antioxidant production, and metabolic processes.

• L-Histidine: Supports protein synthesis, immune function, and brain function.

• L-Tryptophan: Supports serotonin production and metabolic function.

• Pomegranate Fruit Extract: A clinically-backed powerhouse for recovery, performance and overall wellness. 

Vegan, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Non-GMO, Free of Major Allergens 

No artificial chemicals, colors or additives 

For more information on the study, you can find the full publication HERE. 

 

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