Policy and regulatory developments in sports nutrition 2024
Reflections on the past year and insights on what lies ahead from the perspective of the Chair of the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA)
Sports nutrition
Acute omega-3 and whey protein supplement boosts female athlete recovery
Acute omega-3 and whey protein (WP) supplementation may reduce muscle soreness, inflammation and fatigue while supporting neuromuscular performance and recovery in female futsal players, according to new research.
Pioneer combines HMOs and pomegranate extract for mitochondrial health
Migalis ApS has been selected as a NutraIngredients Probiota Pioneer for its work in supporting mitochondrial health through urolithin A activation, offering solutions for endurance athletes by “addressing unmet needs in the market.”
Probiotic may act synergistically with HIIT for exercise performance
Daily supplementation with the TWK10 probiotic may enhance the performance benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and improve measures of hip circumference, says a new study from Taiwan and Japan.
EFSA rejects creatine for cognitive function health claim
The European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected claims that creatine may improve cognitive function, with one expert telling us that “it’s way too early to conclude that creatine improves cognition overall.”
Urolithin A’s benefits for muscle strength and endurance get RCT boost
Daily supplementation with Mitopure urolithin A may improve muscle strength and endurance and decrease inflammatory response levels in young resistance-trained male athletes, says a new study.
BC99 probiotic may improve strength and performance: Study
A probiotic protein powder containing Weizmannia coagulans BC99 increases the 80% repetition maximum (RM) in bench press and squat in male college students, says a new study.
Judges announce 2025 Probiota Pioneers
The editorial committee has selected three startups innovating in the field of microbiome science as the 2025 Probiota Pioneers.
Tailored nutrition supports energy in young cyclists: Study
Individual nutritional interventions significantly reduce low energy availability (LEA) in adolescent competitive cyclists, says a new study from scientists in Italy and the United States.
Regulators approve Arla’s acquisition of Volac’s whey nutrition business
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Arla Foods Ingredients’ acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business to expand its sports nutrition portfolio.
Gencor eyes sports nutrition opportunity with fermented salidroside bioactive
In its new role as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Gnosis by Lessafre's Landkind Pure Salidroside, Gencor is positioning the fermentation-derived ingredient as a clinically-backed performance enhancer in the sports nutrition category.
Probiotics protect against low mood in marathon runners: Study
Supplementing with probiotics for 30 days may help regulate mood after marathon running, according to a recent study.
BCAA-enhanced electrolyte drink may reduce muscle damage in runners
A sports drink enhanced with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may improve hydration, support potassium balance, reduce muscle damage and maintain lower limb strength during endurance exercise, says a new study.
Caffeine can aid post-exercise recovery, but not anaerobic performance – RCT
High caffeine consumption at 6mg/kg body weight significantly enhances skeletal muscle reactivity at rest, but did not improve anaerobic performance, according to a randomised crossover trial.
NPD launchpad October 2024
Immune-boosting supplements and personalized nutrition services take center stage in this months new product launch roundup.
Dairy NPD trend drivers: what do consumers want?
From supporting weight loss to boosting protein intake, how can dairy brands respond to the latest consumer trends?
Across the Nutraverse: Consumer spending in HK, KDP acquires Ghost, and more
A lot has happened in the global nutrition industry over the past seven days, with Keurig Dr Pepper acquiring Ghost for big money and LanzaTech accelerating its proprietary protein commercialization among the headlines. Catch up with our weekly round-up...
Rising trends and opportunities in active nutrition: Boosting cognitive health
Day two of the Active Nutrition Summit brought together experts to explore key trends, opportunities and challenges in the growing market of cognitive health supplements designed for active individuals.
Fragmented sports nutrition market creates opportunities for emerging brands
Experts at the recent 2024 Active Nutrition Summit revealed that the growing interest in active nutrition has created a fragmented demographic, presenting brands with more opportunities to fill a niche.
Low molecular weight collagen peptides may mitigate muscle stress in strength training
A new review shows improved bioavailability and absorption of collagen peptides with lower molecular weights, particularly those ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 daltons.
Guest article
Sports foods industry launches policy priorities for new EU decision makers
As the EU enters a new policy cycle following the European Εlections and with a new European Commission expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks, ESSNA, the European trade body for sports foods, has launched the policy priorities of the...
ANS preview: Unlocking the power of mind and body
In the upcoming Active Nutrition Summit webinar, leading industry experts will dive deep into the emerging intersection of mind, body and nutrition for active lifestyles.
The NutraIngredients-Europe Awards are back for 2025! Submit your entries!
The NutraIngredients-Europe Awards will return in 2025 with three new categories and the same commitment to honor the best and brightest in ingredients, products, companies, people and projects across the food supplements industry.
Navigating challenges in active nutrition: Active Nutrition Summit preview
The Active Nutrition Summit kicks off in a week, and day one will offer a deep dive into emerging trends shaping the industry as consumers increasingly focus on holistic health.
NPD launchpad September 2024
September product launches highlight key trends such as holistic health and active nutrition solutions, as well as seasonal flavors.
Guidance on caffeine in supplements issued amid safety concerns
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued new guidance to ensure the safe consumption and production of food supplements containing high levels of caffeine in response to growing health risk concerns.
Arla launches 'Go High in Protein' campaign
Arla Foods Ingredients announced its Nutrilac ProteinBoost range of patented microparticulated whey proteins to appeal to manufacturers formulating to meet theconsumer demand for high protein products.
Across the Nutraverse: U.S. herbal supplement sales, Gatorade’s Hydration Booster, ashwagandha, and more
A lot has happened in the global nutrition industry over the past seven days, with U.S. herbal supplement sales rebounding, Gatorade launching an Hydration Booster, a special issue of Phytotherapy Research on ashwagandha and the NutraIngredients-Asia...
Enervit sports gel may reduce inflammation for endurance runners: Study
New research finds that maltodextrin–fructose supplementation significantly reduces inflammatory markers and metabolic stress in medium-to-high-level endurance runners.
Gatorade mixes up portfolio with vitamin-enhanced Hydration Booster line, as water enhancer market grows
Gatorade released Hydration Boosters, an electrolyte drink mix line with a “heavier lifestyle lean” than its sports-focused products, as the brand evolves its portfolio to tap into more everyday occasions, Marissa Pines, senior marketing director for...
Protein Rebel launches seawater magnesium for runners
Endurance-sport nutrition brand, Protein Rebel, has launched an on-trend seawater-sourced magnesium citrate powder for runners' recovery.
Guest article
The EU’s term 2024–25: What sports foods businesses should expect from the new policy cycle?
In this guest article, Luca Bucchini, the Chair of the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA), discusses some of the new Commission's policy ambitions impacting the sports nutrition sector.
Probiota 2025: Early bird discount end this month!
With expert speakers confirmed from Ani Biome, the Lawson Health Research Institute, Örebro University, ETH Zurich, dsm-firmenich, Novonesis, IFF, Morinaga, Kerry, and more, the upcoming Probiota 2025 is not to be missed.
NPD Launchpad August 2024: Fresh flavors, women’s health and adaptogens
New flavors and special editions are key this month, as August sees brands cater to a wide range of wellness needs—from hormonal support and cognitive enhancement to digestive health and high-protein convenience.
Mixed protein may drive better golf performance: RCT
A combination of calcium casein, whey protein and pea protein isolate may significantly boost your golf swing, including driver distance and driver ball speed, says a new study from South Korea.
Magnesium may mitigate muscle soreness
Magnesium is essential for muscle function, but few studies have investigated whether it might help mitigate muscle soreness in physically active individuals when consumed as supplement on its own.
Protein shake enhances muscle strength in sedentary individuals: Study
A post-exercise shake made with Fresubin Protein may improve lower body strength in previously sedentary individuals, according to new research published in the journal Nutrients.
Consumers prefer sweet over salty snacks, as healthy options ripe for innovation, IFIC finds
Consumers largely prefer sweet and salty snacks – in that order – as many shoppers use snacking to satisfy hunger in between meals and provide an indulgent moment, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) shared in a recent report.
On the ground at the 2024 Olympics: Female athlete nutrition
High temperatures pose micronutrient deficiency risks at the historic 2024 Olympics—the first games with an equal gender split—according to a nutrition advisor working with athletes as they enter the fourth and final week in Paris.
Research uncovers sport supplement habits of female road cyclists
Overall health trumps athletic performance for female road cyclists making sport supplement (SS) choices, says a new study.
Spirulina eases muscle tension in water polo athletes: Study
Supplementation with spirulina and copper may help water polo players’ subjective performance measurements by lowering muscular tension, according to a recent study.
NPD launchpad July 2024: Healthy aging and sports nutrition
July’s product launches highlight healthy aging and brain health, sports recovery and hydration, as well as new shakes and flavors.
Beta-Alanine boosts power in high-intensity training: Study
Beta-alanine supplementation improves sports performance in key high-intensity functional training (HIFT) measures, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrients.
NCAA athletes suffer from poor nutrition knowledge across divisions: Study
Sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) among NCAA collegiate athletes is low, leading to inappropriate intake of macro and micronutrients, according to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
June 2024 launchpad: New products meet dietary requirements, diversify formats
Omega-3 solutions, plant-based proteins, functional gummies, sleep bars, MS support, and blood sugar control products are in the lineup of new launches this month.
CoQ10 reduces exercise-induced changes in vitamin D: Study
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may modulate exercise-induced oxidative stress' impact on the metabolism of vitamin D and methyl-arginine, new research has found.
Cargill eyes long-term growth with solutions in multiple sectors
Cargill is optimistic about the long-term future as it aims to cater to an increasingly diverse consumer base with its specialized nutrition portfolio, Niels Boetje, president of health and nutrition, told NutraIngredients.
Women’s health webinar unveils major white space for bone health support
Brands need to stop treating women as one homogenous group and take note of the key white space in bone health, panelists agreed during the recent NutraIngredients webinar on women’s health.
Does one dose of creatine supplementation fit all?
Creatine is one of the most studied dietary supplement compounds, but the optimal dose needed to maximize muscle, bone and brain benefits remains unknown, according to a team of leading creatine researchers.
Protein source and amount matter for muscle building in older men: Study
The quality of the protein supplement matters for muscle preservation in older healthy men when consumed over recommended dietary allowance, according to a new study from McMaster University.