US-based Levelle Nutrition has launched its Cycle Syncing Protein, which is claimed to be the first protein powder designed to support the shifting nutritional needs of menstruating women throughout their cycle.
The product is made with effera™, a precision-fermented, human-identical lactoferrin developed by the biotech company Helaina. The ingredient is structurally identical to the lactoferrin in human milk, unlike bovine-derived lactoferrin. Last year, Helaina raised $45 million to scale and commercialize effera™.
According to Levelle, the majority of protein supplements are modeled on male physiology. Cycle Syncing Protein aims to address this gap in the market; clinically informed and developed by a physician-turned-formulator, it is designed to meet the female body’s changing nutritional demands across the menstrual cycle.
The formulation is structured around two distinct phases. Phase 1 is designed for days 1–14 of the cycle, and is intended to support recovery and ovulation. It delivers 15g of protein, 25g of complex carbohydrates, and a targeted micronutrient blend rich in fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Phase 2 covers days 15–28, providing 22g of protein, 18g of carbohydrates, and a nutrient profile calibrated for energy, muscle tone, and inflammation resolution. This includes calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
“This isn’t just about macros”
Seven in 10 pre-sale customers have reportedly opted for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Cycle Syncing Protein, indicating a demand for protein solutions tailored to women’s physiology.
“effera™ was born to serve women’s health from the inside out,” said Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina. “Its inclusion in Levelle’s Cycle Syncing Protein speaks to the ability of modern biotechnology to support complex physiological processes safely and accurately. This represents an important step forward in making precision nutrition accessible and effective for women.”
Levelle has recently received a Growth and Innovation Award from the Nutrition Business Journal for its leadership in female-focused product development. Alongside its protein powders, the company’s growing portfolio also includes real-food-based performance gels designed for female athletes. Levelle is now in the process of formulating a protein powder targeting menopause and post-menopause.
“This isn’t just about macros. It’s about giving women a protein powder that finally reflects their physiology, their performance, and their potential,” said Dr. Linda Alvarez, co-founder of Levelle Nutrition. “This product reflects what women have needed all along: nutrition that keeps pace with their physiology, not the other way around.”
