History
BNRG’s roots are closely intertwined with the life and career of its founder, Kevin Lawrence. In 1991, after a storied bodybuilding career, Kevin founded BioNutritional Research Group to research and develop protein substrates based on the same formula that had cured his son and to incorporate them into new bioengineered foods. Over the next five years he successfully formulated and tested the first commercial version of Proto Whey® protein, the flagship of a new line of nutritional supplements introduced to the market in 1998. Following the success of Proto Whey, Power Crunch® was developed with Kevin's recognition that there was a need for a better-tasting nutritional bar product that would please consumers of all ages. Power Crunch® is sold in health clubs, health food, grocery, drug, club and convenience stores over the US and thirteen countries internationally.
Over a decade and a half later, BNRG continues to be a success story extending the Power Crunch line with the unique Power Crunch Choklat® and adding critical energy and recovery products Alpha Glutamine® and Cell Charge®. As consumers become more aware of the critical role of protein in health, fitness and well being, and as they learn more about BNRG’s role in providing these important di and tripeptide protein products, BNRG’s growth will continue at its impressive pace.
Discovery and Formulation of Proto Whey
The protein formula developed by Kevin Lawrence in 1991 is the basis of BNRG’s proprietary di and tripeptide product containing 100% pure high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein.
Shortly after his birth in 1991, Kevin’s son developed a serious case of infantile colitis. Due to post-cesarean complications with his mother, he was not able to nurse normally and was getting all of his nutrition from infant formulas. For several weeks his health continued to decline and his parents became increasingly concerned that his early development would be compromised.
As his son’s condition dragged on, Kevin decided to get involved. “That sparked the beginning of intense research involving protein chemists, PhDs and MDs to whom I am eternally grateful," remarks Kevin.
Kevin and friends theorized that it was not a lactose or dairy intolerance that was affecting his colon. Nor was it some sort of allergic reaction. They believed the condition could very likely be caused by the naturally large, hard-to-digest protein molecules (peptides) in the infant formulas rather than the protein source or its accompanying ingredients. With the exception of only one brand, all the proteins in infant formulas at that time were whole proteins. When these large peptides are introduced into a new and extremely immature infantile intestinal tract digestive problems can and often due occur, including painful, gas-induced colic.The answer seemed obvious: feed Khalen a formula that has peptides that are already reduced in size – or hydrolyzed. Unfortunately, this was anything but easy to accomplish. The only available infant formula that claimed to contain hydrolyzed protein was six times the cost of any other product.
Additionally, further research showed that it was hydrolyzed to such a low degree (“Low-DH” as most other so-called “hydrolysates” on the market today) that in reality it represented only a marginal change over other products. But even this marginal change made a discernable improvement in the condition.
Now Kevin turned to commercial suppliers of raw proteins for help with the idea of creating his own high-DH formula to feed his son. Fortunately he was able to obtain some high-DH hydrolyzed whey protein powder samples that were not yet in commercial production. Kevin mixed these powders with the other special components necessary to maintain the proper caloric and nutritional needs of newborns and fed this new formula to his son.
After 48 hours, the battle was over. His son’s situation completely reversed in 2 days and the colic and diarrhea disappeared. The painful condition he had lived with almost from birth was gone. He never suffered from it again. That formula became the basis for the development of Proto Whey, BNRG’s proprietary di and tripeptide protein product. Kevin’s experience and new insights into protein absorption created the drive into further research and product development based on this remarkable effective form of protein.
Today, BNRG, Proto Whey and Power Crunch all owe their existence to Kevin and his son, whose journey helped forge a new understanding and application of high-DH hydrolyzed protein that has improved the health, performance and wellness of millions around the globe.