Whether familiar (zinc, selenium) or little known (CoQ10, phosphatidyl serine, astaxanthine), emerging ingredients and botanicals are waiting for processors to discover their untapped potential.
October 1, 2013
Although most micronutrients are anything but new, some have been newly emphasized as a result of recent studies.
Three novel nutritional ingredients for enhancing and sustaining energy were described by Rodger Jonas, director of national food and beverage sales for P.L. Thomas
“Energy and/or Sports Perfor-mance” is an area of health which has seen a wide range of innovative, new product introductions recently, with some products straddling middle ground to satisfy several consumer needs.
BENEO says its slow-release carbohydrate Palatinose (isomaltulose) is the power behind Nth Degree Low GI, a new low-glycemic index performance beverage created for endurance, performance and energy. Made from sugar beets, Palatinose is a healthy, low-glycemic, functional carbohydrate that is fully digestible and provides a prolonged energy supply in the form of glucose.
Blake Rasmussen, Ph.D., and colleagues presented a clinical study at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Experimental Biology 2012 conference. The study was titled, “Effect of Protein Blend vs. Whey Protein Ingestion on Muscle Protein Synthesis Following Resistance Exercise.”
Research indicates that ß-glucans derived from oats, yeast and mushrooms play a positive role in modulating the immune system in athletes, allergy sufferers, and those who frequently contract colds and the flu. Strengthening the immune system can have significant impact on overall well-being, mood, and performance.
A recent BENEO research study about functional beverages shows that consumers, no matter their nationality, expect prolonged and balanced energy, as well as mental performance enhancement from their functional beverages.
Specialized sports nutrition products are increasingly finding their way into the hands of mainstream consumers; conversely, manufacturers are incorporating specific ingredients beneficial for sports performance into mainstream products.