Generation ucan
Generation UCAN is an American company that produces sports nutrition supplements. The company’s key ingredient, SuperStarch, was created by GlyGenix Therapeutics, Inc.[1][2]
The company is based in Woodbridge, Connecticut, and is privately held. In 2006, Shoba Murali was named CEO of the company, and Peter Kaufman was named Executive Vice President.[1]
Company History
UCAN first started with the intention of treating young children who suffer from hypoglycemia by providing a solution to help them effectively manage and stabilize their blood sugar levels.[3][4] A young boy named Jonah would have to be tube-fed every 2 hours to stabilize his blood sugar levels.[5] Jonah’s parents set out to find a cure for their son. They went about raising funding, building awareness, and gathering research about his specific condition. This would eventually lead to a scientific discovery that would completely transform the lives of them and their son. This discovery was known as “SuperStarch”.[4]
While this discovery treats Glycogen Storage Disease, there are also health and nutrition benefits for endurance athletes.[6][7][8] Following this additional discovery, the product underwent extended-use clinical trials. It was found that this revolutionary formula could enhance physical performance, weight loss, and enhance well-being.[4] It was then that bars and powdered formulas were developed to serve endurance athletes.
About SuperStarch
SuperStarch is a patented carbohydrate derived from non-GMO corn that has been hydrothermally treated.[3][9] These specific ingredients were examined by numerous dieticians and researchers. Their objective was to identify a source of energy that maintained human blood sugar levels for the longest period of time possible. SuperStarch was created for this very purpose and is now regarded as a revolutionary energy source.[4] An independent IRB study at the University of Oklahoma validated the benefits of SuperStarch for athletes.[6] It was found that SuperStarch steadily released glucose, which in turn prevented hyperglycemia as well as hypoglycemia. In addition, it significantly decreases early blood sugar spikes while keeping blood glucose levels steady.[3][4] For individuals, this provides reliable, consistent, and extended levels of energy.
SuperStarch Science
SuperStarch is not considered a sugar or fiber. Chemically, it is a complex carbohydrate or starch that has the capability of being fully absorbed by the body.[6]
SuperStarch is a polymer containing glucose, and its molecular weight falls at about 600,000 g/mol on average. Since there is an inverse relationship between molecular weight and osmolality, SuperStarch exerts a very low osmotic pressure in the gastrointestinal tract and is quickly emptied from the stomach into the intestines. SuperStarch is gentle on the stomach and highly palatable. In the intestines, SuperStarch has a certain level of resistance to digestion and, over time, is completely absorbed into the individual’s bloodstream. This slow and sustained absorption rate allows the delivery of steady energy. This also results in no spikes in insulin levels.[9][10][4]
Products
Generation UCAN produces a variety of products offering health and nutritional benefits for endurance athletes.[6][7][8] Its products include UCAN Snack Bars, UCAN SuperStarch Drink Mix, UCAN Protein Drink Mix, UCAN HYDRATE Electrolytes, Special Starter Packs, and UCAN Specialty Products.
Sponsorships
The company sponsors athletes in the Triathlon, Football, Biking, Running, and Diet/Nutrition fields.[11] Some notable athletes are Boston Marathon Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Meb Keflezighi and American record holder for the 5,000-meter race Dathan Ritzenhein.
In addition, the company also sponsors numerous events such as the Boston Marathon,[12] the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon,[13] the Walter Camp Foundation,[14] among others.
External links
Disclosure
The original author of this article is an affiliated consultant for Generation UCAN inc. and Glycenix inc., a non-profit organization, and falls under the Wikipedia conflict of interest exception “Consultants for mission-aligned organizations”. The author hereby confirms that all information contained within remains neutral (to their best knowledge) and complies with The Wikimedia Foundation’s Terms of Use.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Valigra, Lori. UCAN Collects Some of $2.5M round. Biz Journals. 2012.
- ↑ Connell, Mark G. Nutritional products and methods of improving exercise performance and reducing exercise-induced impairment of immune function. U.S. Patent Application No. 14/406,752. 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bhattacharya K, Orton RC, Qi X, Mundy H, Morley DW, Champion MP, Eaton S, Tester RF, Lee PJ. Inherit Metab. A novel starch for the treatment of glycogen storage diseases. 2007. 350–357.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Correia CE, Bhattacharya K, Lee PJ, Shuster JJ, Theriaque DW, Shankar MN, Smit GP, Weinstein DA. Use of modified cornstarch therapy to extend fasting in glycogen storage disease types Ia and Ib. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008. 1272–1276.
- ↑ Ofgang, Erik. Connecticut Boy’s Rare Disease Inspires Sports Drink Used by NFL, Other Athletes. New Haven, CT. November 25, 2014.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Chock, Caitlin. The Science Behind High Molecular Carbohydrates. San Diego, CA. April, 2012.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Roberts, M. D., Lockwood, C., Dalbo, V. J., Volek, J., and Kerksick, C. M. Ingestion of a high-molecular-weight hydrothermally modified waxy maize starch alters metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in trained cyclists. Nutrition. 27, 659–665. 2011.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bergstrom J, Hultman E. Muscle glycogen synthesis after exercise: an enhancing factor localized to the muscle cells in man. 1966. 210:309–310.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Volek, Jeff. SuperStarch A Technological Breakthrough in Sports Nutrition Innovation
- ↑ Quinones, Manuel D. Effect of Modified Corn Starch Ingestion on Soccer Skills and Physical/Cognitive Performance During a Simulated Soccer Game. Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2016. 4056.
- ↑ Team UCAN. Generation UCAN inc. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
- ↑ The UCAN Company. Generation UCAN(TM) Unveiled in Boston; Energizes Elite Marathon Runner Meb Keflezighi. Woodbridge, CT. April 17, 2010.
- ↑ The Walter Camp Foundation. Generation UCAN. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
This article "Generation ucan" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
