Who's on the podium? The sports nutrition finalists

NutraIngredients’ Ingredient and Product of the Year awards in the Sports Nutrition category each aim to celebrate ingredients and finished products marketed with sports nutrition applications in mind, from high-end blends aimed at elite athletes through to convenient solutions for everyday active consumers.

The finalists for the Ingredient of the Year award are AstaReal Astaxanthin, TetraSOD and PeptEndure, and finalists in the Product of the Year category are Testosterone Elite, Ringana Sport Protein and ESN Daily.

AstaReal Astaxanthin​

Backed by over 35 years of research amounting to over 150 published studies, AstaReal Astaxanthin from Swedish supplier AstaReal AB, brings this microalgae-derived carotenoid to innovators looking to create sports powders, RTDs, foods and gummies.

Proving the team is not resting on its laurels, four new human clinical trials with AstaReal Astaxanthin have been published in the last two years.

The ingredient is scientifically backed for its ability to protect mitochondria-rich muscles against oxidative, support muscle recovery in elite soccer players, improve athletic performance in elite cyclists and functional training in paramedics, as well as reduce daily levels of mental and physical fatigue.

The firm noted that growing environmental concerns and stricter EU regulations mean more formulators are looking to replace ingredients of animal origin and high carbon impact with more sustainable plant-based sources like algae-derived astaxanthin.

TetraSOD, Fitoplancton Marino​

Developed by the Spanish microalgae production experts at Fitoplancton marino, S.L., TetraSOD is backed by a number of studies showcasing its benefits in boosting performance and recovery.

Although the ingredient has been available on the European market since 2017,  the company moved a step forward in unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying its physical benefits with a new double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial using OpenArray technology.

Researchers analyzed the expression of more than 100 genes in muscle biopsies withdrawn from participants after two weeks of supplementation with either the placebo or TetraSOD. The team identified up-regulation of the key transcription factor Nrf2, known to play a central role in the cellular response against oxidative stress controlling the expression or more than 200 genes.

PeptEndure​

The German manufacturer of gelatin and collagen peptides Gelita, launched PeptEndure at the end of 2023, proclaiming it to be the first collagen protein on the market shown to enhance the effects of endurance training and long-term performance through adaptive muscle changes. The ingredient therefore offers a fundamental, sustainable strategy for change rather than a mere quick-fix.

In a clinical study​ involving 59 young active women, a daily supplementation of 15 grams of PeptEndure over 12 weeks, with concurrent resistance and endurance training, showed a statistically significant increase in running distance during a 60 min time trial as well as a significant increase in fat free mass.

In a comparable setup​ with 32 young active men, the time trial running distance improved by >700 m plus the lactate threshold values improved significantly.

A third clinical trial​ in 55 young men with a focus on recovery related biomechanical characteristics concluded the supplement offered significant improvements in maximum voluntary contraction, rate of force development and change in countermovement jump height.

ESN Daily​

Brought to market last year by ESN, this powdered product offers a combination of patented collagen peptides—21g Tendoforte and 21g Fortigel—to support joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, alongside 21g L-glutamine, 7.6g L-leucine and 13g creatine to promote muscle growth, energy metabolism and performance.

Energizing and refreshing flavors in the range include sour power, raspberry iced tea, pineapple coconut, apple cranberry and green apple.

The company continues go expand, supported by a team of athletes who use the product, led by two-time 3rd place Mr. Olypia Urs Kalecinski.

Ringana Sport Protein ​

Launched to market in 2019, Ringana’s Sport Protein powder combines pea and rice protein fermented with mycelia of the shitake mushroom, alongside WATTS´UP orange extract, vitamins and minerals.

Compared to non-fermented pea and rice protein mixtures, this product claims to offer faster absorption and better bioavailability of the amino acids present, while simultaneously lowering allergy potential and levels of anti-nutritive ingredients such as phytates, which can inhibit the absorption of iron and other minerals.

Each unflavored portion provides 26 g of protein with all of the amino acids to support muscle maintenance and building . It also provides riboflavin, biotin and vitamins B6 and B12 from buckwheat germ powder, which play an important role in energy metabolization; magnesium for optimal muscle function and protein synthesis; iron to reduce tiredness and fatigue; vitamin C from acerola cherry powder to boost absorption of plant-based iron; and WATTS’UP orange extract to enhance performance.

Testosterone Elite​

Launched two years ago by US-based vitamin and supplements brand Life Extension, Testosterone Elite combines a clinically studied dose of Tesnor, a proprietary blend of pomegranate peel and cacao seed extracts, with the flavone luteolin, also scientifically studied to support testosterone production and promote free testosterone levels.

Beginning around age 30, men’s testosterone levels drop by approximately 1% each year, leading to losses of muscle mass and strength, as well as mood, weight and sexual health concerns.

A pre-clinical study​ concluded that luteolin can help increase the expression of an enzyme called steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), an important enzyme required for steroid hormone production. StAR initiates testosterone production by transporting cholesterol into the mitochondria to make pregnenolone.

Tesnor is clinically studied​ to help support both free and total testosterone levels in men by up to 48% and 25%, respectively, compared to baseline after eight weeks of use.

Winner reveal ​ 

The awards will be presented at a VIP party hosted by NutraIngredients in Geneva, Switzerland on May 15, recognizing leading initiatives and products across industry categories and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards.

"With a stellar line-up of competitors in this year's finals, the team is excited to celebrate our worthy finalists and winners as well as mark a huge milestone for the brand," said Nikki Hancocks, editor of NutraIngredients.com.