AM, FRSN, PhD
Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts is a scientist interested in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic infection, sports supplements, amino acid supplements, who currently focuses on metabolomics of chronic disease. In association with long-time collaborator Professor Hugh Dunstan their multidisciplinary research group has been investigating underlying biochemical and microbiological anomalies in polysymptomatic illness and in exercise.
They developed and published a computer-based model to investigate amino acid intake, utilisation and loss. The model allowed a completely new understanding of protein turnover and amino acid metabolism that included an ability to understand: the quantity of amino acids losses in sweat; the nature of amino acid losses in sweat; the direct relationship to important aspects of human biology, protein turnover and metabolism; and how amino acids contribute to health, well-being, exercise and recovery.Of the 20 amino acids used by the body to build proteins, the researchers found that there are six amino acids that are lost daily in significant quantities. These amino acids play crucial roles in various bodily functions, general health, well-being, and recovery from injury or illness, and are essential for metabolism and protein synthesis. Remarkably, the body does not hold stores of amino acids, resorting to the catabolism of muscle proteins to meet HDAA demands. In the dynamic landscape of medical practice, the introduction of HDAA through exogenous supplementation emerges as a highly effective strategy. Swift absorption without the need for digestion provides reduced demand for muscle catabolism.
This novel insight led to development of two unique nutritional supplement strategies:Well-being: The supply of high-demand amino acids that optimise the body’s ability to support general exertion, build and maintain energy systems and support collagen synthesis. Hydration: The supply of high-demand amino acids plus the key electrolytes needed to maintain/restore hydration, whilst helping the body to generate and utilise energy, and support recovery.
In 2017 the group were able to establish InnovAAte Pty Ltd to commercialise the patented laboratory findings. Tim now spends his week working to develop the company as one of its Directors.