ISENC 2024: Game-changing nutrition insights await for athletes and experts

The UK’s Manchester Metropolitan University is hosting the International Sport and Exercise Nutrition Conference (ISENC) (December 16–18) and promises revelations on the nexus of nutrition, health and performance.

With speakers convening from around the world, such as professors Stuart Phillips and Louise Burke, the event will explore popular subjects like protein innovations, sports nutrition sustainability and customized tactics with wearable technology.

ISENC is a key player in the advancement of sports nutrition science and real-world applications, with representatives from more than 40 countries and a schedule of presentations and networking events.Nutrition Insight speaks to the ISENC’s conference team to learn what attendees can expect to learn.

What role do personalized nutrition and wearable tech play in the evolving field of exercise nutrition?
Conference team: This has become very much the “in” area in sports nutrition. Nutrition traditionally deals with populations — recommended daily allowances are set to meet the needs of 98% of the population. It is increasingly recognized, though, that elite athletes — and indeed anyone — may be part of the other 2% whose needs are different. A variety of ways are now available to assess individual needs, whether monitoring energy expenditure, sweat salt losses or fluctuations in tissue glucose concentration. These measures allow some degree of personalization.

What emerging trends in sports nutrition are expected to shape the industry over the next year?
Conference team: If I knew the answer to that question, I would invest accordingly and retire at the end of the year, a wealthy individual. We can be sure that the industry will grow — it has been growing exponentially and there are no real signs of it slowing down. Innovations are hard to predict — who would have said 30 years ago that creatine supplements would be a major sports nutrition product? Or beta-alanine? Innovations often come from developments in science that are not looking for new products but rather studying how different compounds affect the body’s physiology and biochemistry.ISENC will bring representatives from more than 40 countries and a schedule of presentations and networking events.

How are sustainability and ethical sourcing being incorporated into discussions on sports nutrition?
Conference team: Sustainability and environmental impact are major concerns for the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and other major sports federations, and they actively seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint at major sporting events. This concern filters down to national organizations and has certainly reached many of the big sports teams. Most Premier League football teams, for example, have taken steps to reduce food waste in all of their catering outlets, for staff and spectators alike.

How is the conference addressing the latest research on nutrition and athletic performance?
Conference team: The conference does this in several ways. The Program Committee scans new publications in the field and new practical applications. They invite speakers who are world leaders in the field. These scientists and practitioners are ahead of the game — they are doing the research and often present information at the conference that has not yet been published and really is new. 

Thirdly, we have a large database of past attendees and we ask them for suggestions for the program. This often throws up new topics. Fourth, we feature some presentations from industry sponsors who are keen to show off their new products. There will also be almost 40 original communications in oral or poster formats that will feature new research. These are not chosen by the program committee but are submitted by delegates attending from around the world.

Developments in sports nutrition

Prinova has recently developed a new pre-workout ingredient. The company’s studies show that consumers want more than just protein — they are drawn to previously unconventional athletic ingredients like botanicals. Its Workout Cookies include a mix of pomegranate, Panax ginseng root and lychee extracts to aid recovery, reduce oxidative stress and increase endurance.

Nutrition Insight also sat down with experts from Balchem Human Nutrition and Health, Gencor and HTBA to discuss ingredients and innovations that go beyond athletes. Once exclusive to athletes, sports nutrition supplements and ingredients now cater to a broader audience as busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious seniors use these products to enhance daily performance, energy management and overall well-being. The experts state that the market reflects a more inclusive consumer approach to active living and aging.