Competitive athletes must posses not just skills but at the same time power to be able to achieve victory. They need four basic things; endurance, strength, energy and fast recovery. Although these can be developed through workouts and rigid training, the need for supplementation is a must. This is the reason why the market for sports nutrition is now gaining a strong hold of the market. Many companies engaged in developing and marketing sports supplements has recorded an increasing trend in the demand for these products. This is even in the midst of controversies that some of these products contain steroid like ingredients which should be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. In the previous years, there was a double digit increase in the demand for the sports nutrition and weight-loss products based on the research of the Nutrition Business Journal.

These products are available in the market in various forms. But the most common and still popular are supplements in the form of capsules or tablets, powders and beverages. According to Scott Steil of Nutra Bridge, there have been a few newer technologies that have evolved, such as creams, strips and effervescent or quick dissolve tablets, but they have not penetrated the market to any noticeable degree. Another form which is popular to athletes are drink sticks because these are convenient to bring. It can be used anytime and handy especially during sporting events. Energy shots are also available.

The Natural Product Insider website reported that athletes and other people who lives an active lifestyles turn to amino acids, creatine, protein powders, sports hydration drinks, sports nutrition bars and sports nutrition supplements to augment their performance. Some of these products have different combination of essential vitamins and minerals to deliver the needed effects to the user. Thermogenic products are gaining popularity because of its muscle building and weight loss effects. “This growing market of active lifestyle enthusiasts need and want more energy—not just for their workouts, but also to help them get through their busy days,” said Bob Green, president of a sports nutrition company.

According to sources from within the industry, people are now more aware of what they need. They are looking for supplements which are convenient, accessible and portable. There are times that some of them requests for specific combination of ingredients. “We always see requests for the variety of B vitamins which are critical to metabolism,” said Amy Alderton, research & development manager of Watson Inc. “Choline is popular and important in fat metabolism. Chromium is becoming more popular as it helps regulate insulin levels, speeds metabolism and helps burn fat. Zinc is a key component in metabolic enzymes. She also added that request for ingredients such as inositol and guarana is also prevalent. Inositol also plays an important role in fat metabolism together with choline. Guarana, on the other hand, contains caffeine which provides energy.

Athletes’ concern is not only about optimal performance but overall health as well. This is where thermogenic supplements comes in since it is a proven product in trimming down excess weight and providing leaner muscles. It has various effects on the body such as supporting overall health, managing weight, improving athletic performance, increasing energy and many others.

With the endless benefits of sports nutrition supplements, athletes and fitness enthusiasts should still do some research on every product they ingest. Steroid tainted supplements and unfounded claims by some manufacturers may just ruin your objectives to increase performance and attain a healthy lifestyle.

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