Slideshows
Slideshow: Going for Gold with Sports Nutrition Supplements
There's something for everyone in the sports nutrition market.
1. Harnessing Your Inner Olympian
Whether you’re a casual fitness enthusiast or an Olympian at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, there’s a sports nutrition supplement on the market to fit your needs.
According to Nutrition Business Journal estimates, sales of sports nutrition supplements grew 11.7% in 2012 to $4 billion.
In 2013 Packaged Facts reported that the sports nutrition market was returning to form after a few years of stagnation due to the economic downturn. The market research firm predicted that U.S. retail sales of sports drinks would reach $7.4 billion in 2013, reflecting 6% growth, while nutrition bars would post double-digit growth. Packaged Facts also projected category growth at 14% in 2013, for sales of $2.6 billion.
As we enter 2014, here’s a look at some new sports nutrition products, and some noteworthy events within the market.
2. Energy Bits: #itsOKtoSwallow
ENERGYbits, an algae-based sports nutrition supplement from Bits of Health Inc. (Boston, MA), launched the campaign #itsOKtoSwallow in honor of the athletes of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. ENERGYbits are high-protein, plant-based algae tabs designed to increase stamina. The hashtag illustrated how to take ENERGYBits (they work best when swallowed) and referenced the “hard to swallow” commitment that Olympians make when chasing their dreams.
The ENERGYbits team was in Sochi giving away samples and “its OK to Swallow” swag, and hosted a video contest to celebrate the Winter Games. Participants submitted 15 second videos showing how they take ENERGYbits. Entries were posted here. Prizes of ENERGYbits tabs and “its OK to Swallow” swag were awarded for multiple categories including: most liked video; most original video; funniest video; most people in a video; best athlete video; best non-athlete video; staff favorite and more.
3. Natural Force: ‘BS Free’
All-natural sports nutrition company Force, North East, MD, has added two new products to its line of organic, whole-food sourced supplements, which they market as being “BS FREE.” The new supplements, Iskiate Endurance and Recovery Nectar, are both plant-based and Paleo diet friendly. The supplements are also free of coloring, flavoring and artificial ingredients.
Intra-workout product Iskiate Endurance is a blend of whole chia seeds and honey, which aims to keep the body energized and aid in the delay of muscle fatigue during training.
Recovery Nectar, a new post-workout supplement, is a coconut water and plant-protein-based drink designed to decrease recovery time and soreness by recharging the body and its energy systems. Recovery Nectar is also rich in super foods that assist in combating inflammation of joint tissues and boosting immune function.
4. Play Again for Joint Support
Viscos, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, has launched Play Again, a daily supplement designed for joint health, discomfort and recovery. Available on GNC.com, this supplement targets athletes of all ages who are actively looking for alternative pain management solutions, joint, ligament and tendon maintenance, and long-term preventive support.
Play Again’s active ingredient is high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring molecule in the body, which coats and protects all the organs, connective tissues and joints.
Available in a 16-oz. bottle, with recommended intake of 75 to 225 mg daily, Play Again’s HA content provides hydration and cushioning for joints when they need it most. Play Again is caffeine and gluten free, and contains zero carbs or calories.
5. Fuelstrip Fuelade
Miami-based sports science company Fuelstrip has introduced Fuelade, a custom sports energy drink. The new formula provides a boost for athletes based on their sweat-analyzed energy levels. According to the company, Fuelade is the only dose-based sports drink created by sports medicine physicians, designed so that athletes never have to guess how much to drink in order to maximize their performance.
Fuelade measurements correspond with the reading of the Fuelstrips, the company’s flagship product. Fuelstrips are proprietary sweat test strips used to analyze an athlete’s sweat to detect levels of fuel depletion so he or she knows exactly how much energy is needed to refuel.
6. TapouT Knocks Out Muscle Pain
Axxess Pharma Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada, a specialty pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary AllStar Health Brands Inc. and Nutritional Products International, has unveiled a partnership to distribute TapouT Pain Relief vitamins and supplements across the U.S.
Included in the distribution deal is the new Extreme Muscle Growth and Recovery line. TapouT Extreme Muscle Growth, a product under development for the past six months, combines natural ingredients in a supplement for active men. TapouT Muscle Recovery supports intense training and rapid pain relief, according to the companies.
Originally developed with fighters in mind, TapouT Muscle Recovery first debuted on the “Ultimate Fighter” TV program in 2011. The product consequently gained popularity with the contestants, with word quickly spreading to athletes in other sports.
7. Team Ribose Member Billy Demong Competes in Sochi
The first American to win a gold medal in the Nordic combined event, and member of Team Ribose, Billy Demong, competed again in this year’s Winter Games.
In a press release from the company, Bioenergy Ribose stated, “We are proud of his accomplishments. Mr. Demong has told us that Bioenergy Ribose plays an important role in his stamina and muscle recovery.”
Bioenergy Ribose, a five-carbon monosaccharide, is a functional energy ingredient, which drives energy maintenance and recovery by making energy compounds and keeping them in muscle cells. It has a negative glycemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels.
An all-natural substance, Bioenergy Ribose has a slightly sweet taste, no after taste, and is highly soluble in hot or cold solutions, allowing for easy incorporation into the formulations of a variety of nutritional products. It is FDA GRAS-affirmed (Generally Recognized As Safe), Kosher certified, Halal, allergen free and non-GMO.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. is the manufacturer of Bioenergy Ribose, the only FDA GRAS-affirmed and patent-protected Ribose. The company has amassed a large body of scientific literature and intellectual property on the uses of Ribose for people across all age and health categories. Bioenergy Ribose has quickly gained the attention for its health benefits and energy functions. Bioenergy Ribose is used in leading functional foods such as energy bars and beverages to increase their nutritional profile and benefits claims.
By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 02.11.14
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