* Protein Supplement * A Dietary Supplement The dietary protein provided by Ultra Protein Plus supplies essential amino acids that participate in all of the body’s metabolic and physiologic systems including the intestine, skeletal muscle, and the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Protein turnover in these systems is continuous and can be substantial. The dynamics of this constant degradation and resynthesis demand a daily supply of dietary protein and their constituent amino acids. Essential or indispensable dietary amino acids must be supplied by the diet as they are not made de novo by the body. Recent analyses of the dietary protein needs of people suggest that age and activity level may influence protein requirement for optimum health. For example, elderly adults may have a significantly higher protein requirement than that of young adults. This requirement may be as high as 1.0 g protein per kg body weight per day, or 25% more than that suggested for a young adult. This higher requirement may derive from a lower efficiency of protein utilization in advancing age, despite the associated decrease in muscle mass. Failure to meet these increased protein needs may negatively affect an individual’s immuno-competence and recovery from medical complications. Some scientists have also suggested that increased protein synthesis follows prolonged exercise. Athletes competing in body building or endurance sports may require significantly more protein that the normal requirement. Ultra Protein Plus contains BeFlora Plus, a prebiotic soluble dietary fiber fructooligosaccharide (FOS). This dietary fiber passes through the small intestine into the colon without being digested or absorbed. Once in the colon, FOS selectively supports healthy levels of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, and other gram-positive, acid-producing bacteria. This in turn creates a slightly acidic environment in the colon that is inhospitable to potentially harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, such as E. coli, and Clostridium species. Douglas Laboratories’ Ultra Protein Plus can help satisfy the body’s need for not only the indispensable amino acids, but also for the essential nutrients needed for optimum structure and function of all the body’s systems.