Skydrive† – What is it and why is it used in dietary supplements?
Skydrive† is Skytrition’s proprietary complex consisting of Amylopectin and Chromium – two ingredients that together can enhance the body’s ability to build muscle during and after training.
Unlike patented ingredients from third-party suppliers, Skydrive† is developed and owned by Skytrition – part of our philosophy of creating our own, transparent, and scientifically grounded formulas.
What is Amylopectin?
Amylopectin is a branched form of starch found naturally in plants. It is one of the two components of starch (the other being amylose) and is characterized by its highly branched molecular structure.
In the context of dietary supplements, Amylopectin is interesting for a specific reason: it can stimulate insulin release, which in turn affects how effectively the body transports amino acids to muscle cells.
What is Chromium?
Chromium is an essential trace element that plays a central role in the body’s glucose metabolism. It enhances insulin signaling in the cells – meaning that insulin can perform its job more effectively.
Chromium contributes to:
- Normal macronutrient metabolism
- Maintenance of normal blood glucose levels
- Improved insulin sensitivity
How does Skydrive† work – the mechanism behind it
The combination of Amylopectin and Chromium in Skydrive† creates a synergistic effect:
- Amylopectin stimulates a moderate insulin release
- Chromium enhances insulin’s ability to bind to receptors in muscle cells
- Insulin transports amino acids into the muscle cells
- The amino acids drive muscle protein synthesis (MPS) – the process that builds and repairs muscle tissue
The result is that the amino acids you ingest via EAA and hydrolyzed whey in IntraUP are utilized more effectively by the body.
What does the research say?
In clinical studies on similar Amylopectin-Chromium complexes, the following has been observed:
- +48% increase in MPS compared to whey protein alone when the complex was combined with 6g of whey protein
- Increased myokine levels – proteins released by skeletal muscles during contraction that actively promote muscle growth
- The effect was significantly greater than whey protein without the addition of Amylopectin-Chromium
These results show that Skydrive† is not just an energy supplement – it is an active enhancer of the muscle-building process.
Who benefits from Skydrive†?
Skydrive† is relevant for:
- Strength athletes who want to maximize muscle growth per training session
- Endurance athletes who need to protect muscle mass during long sessions
- Anyone who trains intensively and wants to get more out of their amino acid supplements
Where can Skydrive† be found?
Skydrive† is included in three of Skytrition’s premium protein products:
- IntraUP – our premium intra-workout formula with 10g EAA, hydrolyzed whey, Cocomineral® and AstraGin®
- WheyUP – Sweden’s best whey protein for optimal recovery and muscle growth after training
- IsoUP – our premium isolate protein for maximum purity and fast absorption
For best results – combine IntraUP with CarbUP during the workout and finish with WheyUP or IsoUP after the session.
Frequently asked questions about Skydrive†
Is Skydrive† patented?
No – Skydrive† is Skytrition’s proprietary complex and is not a patent from a third-party supplier. The cross (†) indicates that it is a proprietary brand, not a patent.
Is Skydrive† safe?
Yes – both Amylopectin and Chromium are well-studied ingredients with a long history of use in supplements and food.
Can I take Skydrive† every day?
Skydrive† is included in products designed for training days. On rest days, you can instead take WheyUP or IsoUP as a normal protein meal.
What is the difference between taking Skydrive† via IntraUP vs WheyUP/IsoUP?
In IntraUP, Skydrive† acts during the session to maximize MPS in real time. In WheyUP and IsoUP, it enhances the effect of the protein after the session during the recovery phase.
See also our complete guide on Skytrition’s patented and proprietary ingredients.
