In a groundbreaking leap from infant nutrition to sports science, 6’-Sialyllactose (6’-SL)—a functional sugar found in human breast milk—is showing promising new applications for adult muscle health and exercise performance. Recent preclinical studies reveal that 6’-SL supplementation significantly enhances endurance, grip strength, and muscle mass in mice, while also reducing fatigue biomarkers like blood lactate during treadmill exercise. Administered over 12 weeks, 6’-SL increased oxidative muscle fiber composition, boosted expression of myosin heavy chain proteins, and improved mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathways—hallmarks of improved stamina and recovery. Unlike traditional ergogenic aids, 6’-SL works by supporting muscle bioenergetics and fiber resilience at a cellular level, with no observed toxicity or metabolic side effects.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39203737/
