The sports nutrition landscape has changed dramatically over the years.
Some of the classic products and ingredients remain, but there is an
emergence of more scientifically backed ingredients and functional finished
products. Near the end of the chain, retailers are in a precarious but powerful
position to help consumers navigate the churning waters of sports nutrition,
educating them on the science behind various products and guiding them through
various fears and concerns driven by the recent media and regulatory practices.
Despite all internal and external challenges, the market for sports
supplements is still growing at a decent clip. Sports nutrition was a $2 billion
market in 2000 (Frost & Sullivan) and has grown to about $8 billion in 2004,
excluding weight loss products (Nutrition Business Journal). Much of this
strong growth has been attributed to functional products. “Sports food and
drinks, specifically energy drinks and bars, grew 48 percent between 2000 and
2005,” said Tom Raspanti, biochemist with Xyience Inc. “This is the highest
rate of growth among all food and beverage categories.”
It is not only changing in terms of dollar value, but the sports nutrition
arena is evolving through science and quality efforts. “Nutritional companies are including more supporting scientific literature
and use of ingredients that are backed by clinical studies,” Raspanti said.
Among the findings, he noted essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been
discovered to activate or deactivate genes involved in fat metabolism.1 In the
study, Czech researchers showed marine-derived eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids had a more profound effect than their precursor
alpha linolenic acid on adiposity due to a metabolic switch in adipocytes,
including enhancement of beta-oxidation and up-regulation of mitochondrial
biogenesis.
Fat metabolism and body composition are of utmost importance to athletes and
even active consumers. It is a matter of body strength and performance
efficiency, not to mention appearance. There are two main approaches to
management of body composition—adding lean muscle mass and losing fat.
One of the controversies in sports nutrition is the use of stimulants in
weight-loss and body composition programs. “Most companies have moved away from
the stimulants, but caffeine is still prevalent for endurance and weight/fat
loss,” said Jay Robb, chief executive officer (CEO) of Jay Robb Enterprises.
A natural source of caffeine is guarana, an herb derived from an
evergreen vine found in the Amazon basin. While guarana contains numerous
phytochemicals, Brazilian scientists studying the difference between caffeinated
and decaffeinated guarana found the whole herb extract led to lower serum
lactate levels and higher muscle glycogen content in both trained and untrained
rats.2 They reported guarana’s positive effect on lipid metabolism was negated
by decaffeination.
In the wake of the controversy and federal ban of ephedra, critics pointed to
such natural weight management supplements that appeared to them as equally
dangerous stimulants. One such target, Citrus aurantium, or bitter
orange, was pegged another problem stimulant, but research has shown it has,
instead, a positive thermogenic benefit on weight-loss. Not only has bitter
orange (as Avantra Z™, from Nutratech Inc.) been shown to increase thermogenic
response and metabolic rate in lean men,3 but it has also recently proven safe,
with no detrimental effect on blood pressure or arrhythmia biomarker QTc.4
Also thermogenic are forskolin (Coleus forskolhii) and green
tea. Supplementation with catechin-rich green tea extract (GTE), in
conjunction with an exercise program, may stimulate fat oxidation and prevent
obesity.5 Researchers from the Kao Corp., Japan, concluded GTE’s thermogenic effects
may be mediated, at least partly, by increased metabolic capacity and
utilization of fatty acid as a source of energy in skeletal muscle during
exercise.6
Meanwhile, researchers have hypothesized forskolin may improve thermogenic
response—leading to increased metabolic rate and body fat consumption—by
stimulating 3’5’adenosine monophosphate (AMP), a compound involved in the
release of fatty acids from adipose tissue. In a 2005 trial, supplementation
with 250 mg of 10-percent forskolin extract (as ForsLean®, from Sabinsa Corp.)
twice daily for 12 weeks improved body composition while concurrently increasing
bone mass and serum free testosterone levels in overweight and obese men.7
Another weight management supplement under scrutiny by regulators is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone),
a precursor to body hormones including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA can
increase resting metabolic rate (RMR) and lipid oxidation, and enhances glucose
disposal.8 However, due to its ability to convert in the body to these steroids,
DHEA has drawn much criticism during the recent sports-steroid drama. However, unlike other DHEA metabolites, 7- keto DHEA is less likely
than DHEA to produce steroid hormones, but instead induces key thermogenic
enzymes. Specifically, 7- keto (as 7-keto™ Naturlean™, from Humanetics Corp.)
activates three thermogenic enzymes, increasing RMR and burning fat without the use of
stimulants.9,10 Still other research has shown subjects given 100 mg twice daily of 7-keto
DHEA along with regular, supervised exercise and calorierestricted diet
significantly reduced body weight and body fat, compared with exercise and a
reduced-calorie diet alone.11,12 In these trials, 7-keto treatment was
well-tolerated, with no significant changes to vital signs, blood sugar,
testosterone and estradiol levels, liver and renal function, or thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH).
The key to body composition management is trading lbs. for LBM (lean body
mass). A couple of ingredients have proven adept at accomplishing this
beneficial exchange. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can reduce body fat
mass (BFM) while preserving or even increasing LBM.13,14 In separate trials, CLA
(as Clarinol™, from Lipid Nutrition) significantly reduced BFM and increased
body cell mass in both novice and advanced resistance athletes,15 while
administration of CLA-free fatty acid or CLA triglycerides (as Tonalin®, from
Cognis) in both men and women led to significant decreases in BFM, with the CLA-free
fatty acid also increasing LBM.16
Similarly, the mineral chromium, a regulator of insulin-mediated
glucose, amino acid and fat transport, is popular in sports nutrition for its ability to swap BFM for
LBM,17 as well as for its ergogenic actions (increases muscular work
capacity).18 In
fact, in a study on elite cyclists, chromium (as ChromeMate®, from InterHealth
Nutraceuticals) improved exercise performance, as measured by power output.19
Also, in proprietary studies initiated by Nutrition 21, researchers reported
chromium picolinate (as Chromax®, from Nutrition 21) improves strength and
endurance by down-regulating tumor necrosis factor alpha and ubiquitin proteins
involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
On the muscle development side of body composition, athletes are quite fond
of supplemental protein, which contains an array of amino acids and
forms the building blocks for LBM. As the most complete plant protein source,
soy is favored by vegetarian athletes, but animal protein is still king of the
sports nutrition mountain. Whey protein is an excellent source of
branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—including leucine, isoleucine and valine—which
promote muscle growth and regeneration, as they increase the rate of protein
synthesis and decrease the rate of protein degradation in human muscle.20,21,22
Research has shown supplemental whey protein can increase both muscle mass
and strength.23,24
Casein, a tasteless, odorless protein precipitated from milk by rennin,
delivers similar benefits to muscle mass, but has slightly different mechanisms.
In one trial, scientists reported casein produced similar increases as whey
protein in muscle protein net balance and synthesis, despite different patterns
of serum amino acid responses between the two ingredients.25 In fact, in another
trial designed to test the differences between the two protein forms, overweight
policeman taking casein experienced greater gains in strength and LBM than
individuals given whey.26 Additionally, a pair of studies out of Maastricht
University in the Netherlands revealed casein may be more useful than soy protein in body composition
activity.27,28
As far as amino acids go, carnitine (as LCarnipure ®, from Lonza) has
been demonstrated to increase fat oxidation and spare LBM in overweight
subjects,29 and enhance fat utilization in physically active males.30 Carnitine,
an amino acid metabolite synthesized within the body from the amino acids lysine
and methionine, also works on a cellular level to increase energy, as it
supplies the mitochondria with fatty acids for fuel.31 In further support of
active lifestyles, carnitine has been shown to improve training, competition and recovery from strenuous
exercise.32,33,34,35,36
Arginine offers a list of researched benefits, including increased
skeletal muscle glucose clearance,37 increased anaerobic work capacity and
muscle mass catalyzed by resistance training,38 decreased levels of
exercise-induced waste products in the blood,39 and increased
endurance.40
Creatine, a naturally-occurring amino acid derivative found principally
in skeletal muscles and in lesser quantities in the heart, brain and testes, is
touted for its ergogenic properties and for its role in increasing muscle mass.41,42 A Canadian trial involving both men and women found supplementation
with creatine after arm training produced increases in muscle thickness of the arms, particularly in
males.43 In other research, long-term creatine supplementation also enhanced the
progress of muscle strength during resistance training in sedentary females.44
Most recently, creatine has demonstrated benefit to seniors who experience
enhanced strength and lean mass gains after taking the supplement during a strength training
program.45
Reflecting the broad benefits of creatine to athletes, Australian researchers
from University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, reported male athletes who
took creatine and worked aerobically on a cycle ergometer experienced a
significant increase in body mass, with decreases in both maximum heart rate and
submaximal VO2 (oxygen uptake).46 This underscores the association between improved body composition and more efficient performance,
including endurance and energy.
Creatine is converted in the body to phosphocreatine (PCr), an energy source
treasured by athletes in sports requiring highintensity energy bursts. Based on
this mechanism, creatine has been combined with magnesium for synergistic
support of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. One study confirmed a creatine-magnesium chelate (as Creatine MagnaPower™,
from Albion Advanced Nutrition) more effectively enhances the generation and
regeneration of ATP for muscular performance, compared to supplementation with
creatine monohydrate, creatine monohydrate plus magnesium oxide, creatine
monohydrate plus magnesium amino acid chelate, or placebo.47 Further study revealed creatine-magnesium chelate (as Creatine MagnaPower)
may help runners delay exhaustion, possibly due to effects on accumulated oxygen
deficit.48
Magnesium, which is commonly lost in sweat, is a team player, partially
regulating mobilization of B vitamins, which are in demand in athletes.
The B vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (pyridoxine,
pyridoxal and pyridoxamine) are particularly affected by exercise, which can
stress B vitamin metabolic pathways, decrease their absorption, increase their
turnover and increase their metabolism, as well as increase levels of
mitochondrial enzymes that require the nutrients.49 Fellow B vitamin niacin (B3)
aids in carbohydrate metabolism, as one study found niacin administration in
unconditioned women possibly improved release of energy from carbohydrates
during cycling by increasing glycogen utilization.50
Vitamin-like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is important to ATP production on a
mitochondrial level, and exercise tends to deplete blood levels of the
cardioprotective compound. Finnish researchers studying world-class cross
country skiers found CoQ10 supplementation improved all measured indexes of
physical performance, including aerobic exercise training (AET), anaerobic
exercise and VO2 max.51 And Australian scientists reviewing trials on CoQ10 and
exercise discovered six studies showing CoQ10 supplementation produced a modest improvement in exercise
capacity.52
A component of ATP, ribose, a naturallyoccurring pentose carbohydrate,
has displayed some ergogenic benefits, increasing both full workout power output
and total work performed.53 In one recent trial, college-aged males given 20 g/d
of ribose (as Bioenergy RIBOSE™, from Valen Labs Inc.) experienced a greater
increase in mean power and a greater peak power output at the last exercise
session.54 As energy is important both before and after a workout, ribose is
recommended for its reported ability to improve recovery of skeletal muscle ATP
levels following highintensity exercise, and to modulate the production of
oxygen free radicals during and following exercise.55
Enhanced endurance and speed are the benefit hallmarks of bovine colostrum,
a pre-milk product. According to a research, eight weeks of supplementation
in 35 elite field hockey players with 60 g/d of bovine colostrum (as Intact®,
from La Belle) improved sprint performance compared to placebo.56 Bovine
colostrum has also demonstrated potential benefits in improving endurance,
running performance and recovery,57 as well as increasing LBM.58
Another well-rounded sports ingredient is New Zealand red deer velvet, which
contains many minerals and trace elements, as well as numerous immune and
recovery compounds such as renewable cartilage, collagen (types 1 and 2),
linolenic acid, choline, prostaglandins, phospholipids, proteoglycans,
polysaccharides, gangliosides, peptides, nucleotides (RNA, DNA), both
chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, and six growth factors (IGF-1,
IGF-2, TGF, FGF8, BMP4, and NT3). A study presented at the 2004 Annual Meeting
of the American College of Sports Medicine concluded weight lifters taking 1,350
mg/d velvet antler (as BuckPower, from TCCD Int’l) led to increased strength
and stamina, less torso fat, less muscle damage, greater aerobic capacity and
reduced LDL.
Enhancing the Afterglow
Boosting workout, training and/or competing capabilities is one thing,
recovering from the stress and exhaustion of exercise is another feat, one that
has greatly impacted the market. “Recovery drinks are still big,” Robb said.
“And although endurance bars have peaked, they are still very popular for
energy and recovery due to their convenience factors.” Raspanti agreed, “We believe recovery is the hot area, and it is something
that we do not foresee dissipating anytime soon.”
However, Anthony Almada, president and chief scientific officer for
IMAGINutrition, countered recovery benefits have always been difficult for
consumers to quantify. “If it is couched in the language of muscle growth,
increased leanness and greater performance, it remains an attractive secondary
positioning statement,” he added.
Energy depletion following exercise may be obvious, whereas the effects of
oxidative stress may be more covert. Extended exercise and high-intensity bursts
of activity can overwhelm the body’s ability to detoxify reactive oxygen
species (ROS), which can be damaging on a cellular level. Supplemental
antioxidants can help replenish body stores of certain endogenous antioxidants,
as well as inhibit oxidative stress in many areas of the body, including organs, muscles and
blood.59
There are countless antioxidants used in natural medicine and found in
dietary supplements, but vitamins lead the team in slugging percentage. Vitamin
E can address muscular oxidative damage resulting from intense exercise and
can inhibit build-up of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase following
endurance training.60 In addition to conveying immune health benefits to
athletes by increasing neutrophil activity following exercise-induced oxidative
damage,61 this antioxidant power hitter can also limit LDL oxidation associated
with endurance exercise.62
A bona fide starter, vitamin C plays a number of important roles in
exercise,63 including limiting oxidative stress and increasing erythrocyte antioxidant
enzymes and plasma antioxidant levels during athletic competition and short-term
recovery.64 In one trial, vitamin C supplementation promoted recovery in men
following an unaccustomed bout of exercise, improving muscle soreness and
function, and plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde.65
The body utilizes its endogenous antioxidants when it needs them the most. During episodes of oxidative response to exercise, the body increases its
levels of antioxidant enzyme super oxide dismutase (SOD), an endogenous
free radical scavenger of super oxide.66 SOD levels deplete with age, but
supplemental SOD (as GliSODin®, from P.L. Thomas & Co.) has been shown to
benefit the distribution and mobilization of human antioxidant enzymes and to
reduce lactic acid build-up in research involving strenuous exercise.67
Additional study has revealed SOD (as GliSODin) administered days before intense
exercise in healthy people may help inhibit the increased glucose consumption
that is common during strenuous physical activity and is directly related to the
accumulation of lactate in the blood.68
As a vegetarian and cardio-friendly source of muscle protein, soy might be
second string, but it does have some usefulness as an antioxidant. In a
comparison study on soy and whey proteins in recreationally trained young women,
soy consumption, but not whey intake, increased pre-exercise serum antioxidant
status while decreasing postexercise blood levels of peroxides and creatine
kinase—toxins produced through oxidative stress.69 A similar comparison trial,
this time in college-aged males, found soy supplementation (as Supro®, from The
Solae Co.), in conjunction with a strenuous training program, increased total
antioxidant status and reduced serum oxidative stress marker myloperoxidase.70
Unlike whey, soy also has the bonus benefit of improved cholesterol and cardiovascular
health.71
Making additional sports nutrition impact is supplemental arginine, which
recently was found to reduce oxidative damage and myocardial inflammation caused
by exhaustive exercise, in an animal study.72 The adaptogenic herb ginseng also
takes aim at exercise-induced oxidative damage,73 as well as inflammation caused
by eccentric contraction during exertion.74 The herb specifically reduces lipid
peroxidation, reduces inflammatory makers, and addresses creatine kinase, a marker of oxidative
stress.75
In fact, researchers at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona,
reported young adults taking 1,350 mg/d of ginseng for 30 days displayed
improved endurance time to exhaustion and improved oxygen uptake during endurance
exercise.76
Additional antioxidant support can be gained via supplementation with phosphatidylserine
(PS), a phospholipid involved in the production of cellular membranes
throughout the body. In one study, 12 trained runners who took PS supplements
had reduced levels of oxidative creatine kinase 12 hours after exercise.77
However, related research concluded PS given to male soccer players failed to
impact markers of muscle damage and lipid peroxidation following exhaustive
running, although there was some trend toward increased running time to
exhaustion.78
Health and recovery from athletic activity can also mean attention to injury,
before and after it occurs. When it comes to the penalties of repeated, rigorous
exercise and competition, there are soft tissue injuries and there are bone and
joints injuries.
A favorite among athletes whose knees and other joints are at risk of malady
are glucosamine and chondroitin. In Australian research involving
exercise-induced knee cartilage injuries, about 88 percent of subjects taking
glucosamine experienced some degree of pain relief and improved joint mobility.79 In similar research, subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
who were given chondroitin sulfate reported a decrease in joint pain and an increase in range of
motion;80 radiological progression revealed significantly decreased width in the medial
femoro-tibial joint space on weight-bearing X-rays of both knees. Studied in
combination as a part of the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention
Trial (GAIT), glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation was more effective in
relieving severe knee pain to some degree in almost 80 percent of subjects with knee
pain.81 Meanwhile, the Glucosamine Unum In Die Efficacy (GUIDE), which compared
glucosamine to acetaminophen, revealed glucosamine sulfate helped reduce scores
on various osteoarthritis symptom indices.82
On the heels of these powerful joint health ingredients is collagen, a
structural protein providing strength and flexibility to the joints, muscles and
tendons. Collagen may protect articular cartilage from degradation and boost
collagen synthesis,83 and it has been shown to relieve pain associated with
osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip.84 Sports nutrition consumers have
different scientifically-backed forms of collagen from which to choose.
Undenatured collagen type II (as UC-II®, from InterHealth), combined with
glucosamine and chondroitin, better improved pain and lameness than did
glucosamine-chondroitin alone.85 In other research, patients with OA of the
knees, hips or hands reported reduced joint pain and stiffness after taking
collagen hydrosylate (as BioCell Collagen II™, from BioCell Technologies),
which is formulated with chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid.86
And results from recently completed, longterm micro-research on canine joints
showed six years of supplementation with a product (ArthroPet™, from NeoCell)
containing collagen type II (as Kolla®, from Collagen Nutraceuticals) led to
cartilage growth in bilateral femoral necks, as well as improved clinical
mobility. Supported by research findings, two additional specialty supplements have
been growing in popularity in the sports category for bone and joint injury
relief. Cetylated fatty acid esters (as Celadrin®, from Imaginetix) have
improved chronic knee OA symptoms, including range of motion and overall
function.87 Further scientific inquiry has discovered one month of topical
Celadrin use can not only improve quality of life and mobility,88 but it can
also improve static postural stability and exercise trainability in OA of the knee and other
sites.89
Concentrated milk proteins (as MicroLactin®, from Humanetics Corp.) have
also demonstrated the ability to temper joint pain, joint stiffness and immobility in
OA,90 with added benefits to exercise recovery, LBM and muscle
damage.91 Scott
Steil, vice president of sales and marketing for Humanetics, explained
MicroLactin works by reducing the build-up of neutrophils (inflammatory cells)
in areas of soreness.
One way to lower the chances of injury while improving the chances of
recovery is to maintain a strong immune system. One of many benefits of proteins
and amino acids to sports nutrition programs is their positive effects on immune
health, which can be compromised by strenuous, prolonged exercise. In athletes
suffering such exercise-related immunity lapse, whey protein has boosted immune
response.92,93 Similarly, Brazilian researchers reported triathletes and long
distance runners taking supplemental branched chain amino acids, which are
abundant in whey, restored peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation in
response to mitogens and modified the pattern of cytokine production,
encouraging a “Th1 type” immune response following a prolonged, intense bout of
exercise.94
The most abundant amino acid in the body, glutamine is converted to
glucose during exertion, providing fuel for the musculoskeletal and immune
systems. According to trials, glutamine supplementation may reduce the incidence
of illness in endurance athletes at high risk of infection due to rigorous, prolonged
exercise.95,96
Among the numerous immune boosting nutrients, a pair of minerals has emerged
as particularly beneficial for athletes and active lifestyle. Iron can
help modulate exercise-related immunosuppression via stimulation of natural
killer (NK) cells, T- and B-cells, and cytokines.97 Runners are especially prone
to iron deficiency, as German researchers concluded high-impact motions of
running might trigger the destruction of red blood cells ferritin (iron/anemia
indicator) levels were particularly low in runners.98 Certain menstruating
female athletes are also especially prone to anemia and resulting iron
deficiency.99
Zinc, a component of more than 300 enzymes, is important for bone
synthesis,100 and can help correct exercise-induced immunosuppression101 as well as
discourage increased exercise-related free ROS activity.102 A trial conducted in
Turkey reported zinc supplementation in wrestlers increased erythrocyte,
leukocyte and thrombocyte counts, as well as hemoglobin values, suggesting an immune
benefit.103
Most recently, a 2006 study found bovine colostrum supplementation in middle
age distance runners improved parameters of mucosal immunity, including
immunoglobulin levels, suggesting a possible ability to inhibit upper respiratory infections in
athletes.104
A Quality Product Roster
The answer to which sports nutrition products to stock is an elusive one. In
some cases, it is a question of law. In recent years, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has banned a few popular, best-selling sports supplements,
including ephedra and steroid precursors, such as androstenedione—excusing
DHEA for the time being. In amateur and professional sports on both global and
local levels, each sport’s governing body, as well as assigned doping
agencies, is the law.
Under such jurisdictions, athletes are tested for banned drugs and
performance-enhancing substances. The tougher doping agencies, including the
Olympic regulators, prohibit some otherwise legal ingredients found in
over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, supplements and functional foods, including some
herbal stimulants. However, the average supplement retailer need not worry so
much about such lists of banned substances as much as they should be concerned
about the impact failed doping tests can have on athletic and active consumers—who
are more apt to walk through your doors.
The issue is two-fold. On one hand, the recreational athletes, especially
young people, keep a keen eye on the supplement and nutrition regimens of their
favorite pro and Olympic athletes. However, these idolized athletes, who depend on their
performances to make a living and solidify their athletic reputation, often take
risks for performance rewards. The Mayo Clinic reported young athletes often
choose to take drugs or supplements to feel good and invincible, as well as to
gain a competitive edge.
Concern for young athletes is the banner cause of state and federal
regulators, who have sought to increase regulations for certain (or all)
supplements they deem unsafe or of questionable quality.
On the other hand is this idea of questionable quality, or contamination. Especially harmful to the industry (and retail business) are media reports
about failed drug tests, followed by the common excuse by the accused athlete
that a supposed sports supplement must have been contaminated. Many of these allegations against dietary supplements are baseless, but the
bad press causes nearly irrevocable damage. What this trend has rightfully done
is to challenge the industry to better ensure both quality and safety of its
products.
Raspanti stated these controversies have not affected the sports nutrition
industry in a negative way, but instead has had a positive effect. “Athletes
are constantly in the news testing positive for the latest steroid or banned
substance,” he said. “We feel incidents like these create more consumer
awareness.” He explained individuals are more likely to question the
ingredients of a product and ask more questions, as they do not want to harm
their bodies or test positive for chemicals that might end their careers.
Almada added, “The controversy evolves into a fear, from a product
liability position, when one begins to specify ingredients or bioactives that
have real or purported performance enhancing effects, even botanicals that are
inherently rich in caffeine.”
Robb contended all publicity about sports supplements can bring more
awareness to this form of nutritional products, even if some of the press is
negative. “I am thrilled to see ephedra yanked from the market, and I wish all
[dangerous] stimulants would be outlawed also,” Robb said.
“The slanted views of ephedra and andro type supplements have not affected
the market really at all,” said Kathy Bender, marketing manager for Integrity
Nutraceuticals. “Because of the competitive environment, the marketing
companies are forced to explain the science of products to their consumers.”
One way for retailers to quickly assess a product’s quality is to look for
certifications, such as GMPs—such as the National Nutritional Foods
Association (NNFA) GMP program—or one of the new programs designed
specifically for sports products—such as the NSF International programs for
various sports bodies, including the National Football League.
Raspanti noted Xyience products conform to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s
(WADA) code. “Each ingredient is evaluated using specific guidelines,” he
said. “We make sure that none of our products contain anabolic agents,
hormones, beta-2-agonists, anti-estrogenic agents, diuretics, masking agents,
illegal stimulants, narcotics, glucorticosteriods, alcohol or beta blockers.” In addition, his staff investigates each ingredient prior to using it in
formulation.
Robb echoed this idea of increased attention to quality on the manufacturing
end. “We have always avoided stimulants in our product line and set our sights
on producing high-quality protein powders and endurance powders,” he stated.
“We are against the addition of artificial flavors, artificial ingredients,
artificial colors and artificial sweeteners.”
According to Almada, a source of risk for “accidental contamination” with
undesirable sports ingredients, including banned stimulants, is the prevalence
of contract manufacturers that are relatively new or very small scale, as well
as finished goods marketers who also have other products that contain banned substances. “Our
manufacturing is performed by a large, best-of-class manufacturer with a legacy
of ethical practices,” he said. “And we specifically exclude any ergogenic
agents.”
For Integrity, quality is a full-spectrum enterprise. “We employ a state of
the art laboratory and testing facility, verifying the activity and potency of
our products,” she said. “Integrity also funds numerous independent studies ranging from toxicology
to efficacy.”
Kevin Mcisaac, president of 4EverFit, said his company also maintains
heightened quality assurance practices. “We have a naturopathic doctor on
staff and a pharmacist to ensure the safety and purity of all our products,”
he said. “We also work closely with Health Canada, FDA and other international
agencies to make sure we understand and follow all the proper guidelines.”
Another tool growing in usage to ensure quality is the use and marketing of
branded ingredients, which are often backed by use patents and research
findings. “We agree that a branded ingredient helps any product, as long as
the science is valid,” Raspanti offered. “Xyience chose to use the BioCell
[collagen] in its Xmotion because the components of their cartilage closely
resemble that of human cartilage; also, BioCell hydrolyzes the cartilage so that
it makes it more easily digestible, especially to seniors who inherently have
difficulties digesting foods.”
As the continually changing sports nutrition regulatory and safety landscape
impacts retailing of sports supplements, so too can the changing face of the
average sports nutrition consumer.
Robb reasoned every active American is now a sports nutrition consumer. “In
1990, [protein powder] to average active Americans by selling them in health
food stores and educating the consumer to the need for additional protein,” he
explained. “This started a trend that has caught on across the nation and reaches
those who are not just bodybuilders, but weekend warriors, casual weight lifters
or just fast walkers.”
Almada agreed. “Today’s sports nutrition consumer includes the
non-zealot, who may engage in moderate-to-intense physical activity as
infrequently as one time per week, as well as the golf enthusiast who buys an
energy bar at the 1st or 18th hole,” he said. “The quest for energy—which
translates into heightened or sustained alertness, motivation, physical/mental
focus and endurance—appears to be a unifying theme that drives most
point-of-use purchases.”
However, there is still a sense that sports nutrition is sold most often to a
well-defined segment of the consumer population. “We feel the typical sports
nutritional consumers are adults between 18 and 34 years of age,” Raspanti said. “This includes an estimated 13 million athletes and 33
million exercise enthusiasts.” Recognizing the emergence of the extreme sports—such
as X Games and Olympic snowboarding—companies have begun pairing up with
various popular new sports stars and leagues, such as Xyience’s affiliation
with the mixed martial arts league Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). “The
[extreme sports] market is definitely growing at a fast pace and those athletes
anticipating careers in the extreme sports arena are looking to the strength,
energy and recovery products for that edge in competition.”
Retailers with a firm grasp on the research and quality behind various sports
supplements will be better prepared to advise and educate their sports-minded
clientele, which may involve more customers than before.
“The sports nutrition consumer is every one from toddlers taking
multivitamins to senor citizens trying to eat and live a healthier life style,
and everyone in between,” Mcisaac quipped. “People are striving to stay
forever fit.”
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Obesity in Mice by Reducing Cellularity of Adipose Tissue." Lipids. 39:1177-1185,
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2. Lima WP et al. "Lipid metabolism in trained rats: effect of guarana (Paullinia
cupana Mart.) supplementation." Clin Nutr. 24, 6:1019-28, 2005.
3. Hedrei P et al. "Thermogenic Effect of Beta-sympathicomimetic
Compounds Extracted From Citrus Aurantium In Humans." [Online] Available www.nutratechinc.com,
Dec. 1, 2005.
4. Gougeon R et al. "Increase in the thermic effect of food in women by
adrenergic amines extracted from citrus aurantium." Obes Res. 13,
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Magnet Therapy Sports Remedy Attracting Attention
Pain is inevitable in sports and active pursuits. According to Magnetizer
Biophysics Research Institute, bio-magnetic therapy has been studied and used
worldwide for more than 26 years, addressing such common sports ailments as
broken bones, swelling, knee and joint problems, and back/neck/sciatic pain. The
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) estimates
Americans alone spend around $500 million on magnet treatments for pain, with
global sales around $5 billion.
Carole Bergeron, R.N., the institute’s director of health and science,
explained the negative field of a bio-magnet is used often to correctly stimulate
(potentiate) the electron charge of the cells to amplify the natural healing
charge of the body, thereby supporting rapid pain relief and healing. “My
hypothesis is that the healing negative ionic stream from proper use of the
Magnetizer Biomagnets provides the exact environment for healing while at the
same time reduces free radical activity from the injury,” she said. “Since
reducing pain, along with increasing circulation (re-establishing the Zeta
Potential) to the area, supports the body’s healing ability, all these factors
together accelerate this process.” As outlined in the book “Conquering Pain:
The art of healing with bio-magnetism” by Peter Kulish, founder of the
institute, the key to magnetic therapy is the proper position of the negative
(or green) pole over the appropriate negative meridian, resulting in improved
cellular alkalinity for supportive healing. NCCAM concluded, “In the studies
that did find benefits from biomagnetic therapy, many have shown those benefits
very quickly. This suggests that if a bio-magnet does work, it should not take
very long for the user to start noticing the effect.
Among the studies, NCCAM found just under half supported their use against
pain, but further research is needed. While some clinical trials show evidence
of static magnet therapy on relief from knee and general osteroarthritis pain,1,2 the trials on electromagnetic therapy are more
consistent.3,4,5 In
fact, early review of published trials found only scant evidence for pain relief
from static magnet therapy and called for further research,6 a more recent
review concluded, “The weight of evidence from published, well-conducted
controlled trials suggests that static magnetic fields are able to induce
analgesia.”7 Other recent research on static magnets revealed improvement to
pain associated with various conditions, such as dysmenorrheal (menstrual pain),8 myofascial
pain9 and diabetic neuropathy,10 as well as recurrence of leg ulcers caused usually by poor
circulation.11
Bergeron stated bio-magnets have been used by both professional and world
class amateur athletes. NCCAM further noted: “Magnets have been used for many
centuries in attempts to treat pain. By various accounts, this use began when
people first noticed the presence of naturally magnetized stones, also called
lodestones.”
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Fat metabolism and body composition are of utmost importance to athletes and
even active consumers. It is a matter of body strength and performance
efficiency, not to mention appearance. There are two main approaches to
management of body composition—adding lean muscle mass and losing fat.