Spotlight on dietary nucleotides for sports nutrition as NPD fends off COVID-19 disruption

22 May 2020 --- The sports nutrition market is persevering despite the effects of COVID-19, with ingredient producer Prosol highlighting the role of dietary nucleotides in fighting fatigue, which can weaken the immune system. Meanwhile, NPD marches on, with Orgain launching a line of organic plant-based sports powders high in vitamin C and adaptogens. The range includes three products and is touted as supporting optimal performance and recovery.

Prosol notes that due to the accelerating pace of life and fierce social competition, fatigue has become a commonly occurring condition. However, fatigue is a suboptimal health status and may be associated with various illnesses. The Italy-based company details that repetitive and sustained physical labor results in fatigue, provoking systemic alterations, including endocrine, immune and metabolic dysfunctions.

It points to studies finding that immunity can be compromised in athletes, making them more susceptible to Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Last month, Lucie Lingrand, Product Manager of Marketing and Communication at Lallemand Health Solutions, told NutritionInsight that specific probiotic strains and strain combinations documented for their beneficial immune effects could help prevent URTIs. This is by boosting a lowered immune response in physically active people, who may be prone to weakened immune systems due to induced stress. 

Prosol also notes that several studies have found salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) – an antibody that plays a role in mucosal immunity – to decrease following a bout of endurance exercise, such as cycling, cross country skiing, running and swimming, and also after shorter intense exercise. 

However, Prosol states that dietary nucleotides, which are low-molecular-weight intracellular compounds, can help address many of these issues in sports nutrition by increasing salivary IgA and leading to faster recovery after performances. Additionally, the nucleotides can limit the inflammation process by lowering cortisol levels, neutrophils activation and muscle damage. An anti-fatigue effect can also be seen, with dietary nucleotides inhibiting oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. 

Nucleotides participate in various biochemical processes and are composed of a nitrogenous base (pyrimidine or purine) linked to a pentose (ribose or deoxyribose) sugar to which one, two or three phosphate groups are attached. 

According to Prosol, some cells with a high turn-over rate – such as those related to the brain, gut and immunity – are not able to produce enough nucleotides to cover their needs. Therefore, dietary nucleotides may be able to aid intestinal morphology and function, composition of intestinal microbiota, immune response, nervous system, as well as having the aforementioned anti-fatigue effect. 

Orgain's powders are touted as delivering a clean energy boost to aid workout performance and recovery.Orgain steps into the sports nutrition arena
Orgain, which specializes in clean nutrition products, is also now looking to the sports nutrition market with the launch of Orgain Organic Sport Protein Powder, Orgain Organic Sport Energy Powder and Orgain Organic Sport Recovery Powder. The powders are touted as delivering a clean energy boost to aid workout performance and recovery. In addition to containing vitamin C and adaptogens, the powders also use food-based anti-inflammatory ingredients, including fermented turmeric as well as ginger, beets, apple cider vinegar and tart cherry powder. 

“I noticed varied product offerings within the sports nutrition market and knew we could design a more elevated option with unique ingredients that would provide a clean way to aid performance,” says Dr. Andrew Abraham, Orgain Founder and CEO. 

“We began working with ingredients that were less common in sports performance products. This line incorporates intentionally selected organic ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, beets, and cordyceps mushrooms to support workout performance and recovery. We’ve also designed our energy and recovery powders so they can be enjoyed for all day energy and replenishment – perfect for professional and everyday athletes alike,” Dr. Abraham continues.

The protein powder can be taken before or after a workout and includes 5 g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle growth and reduce soreness. It also contains tart cherry powder and fermented turmeric powder to support athletes in feeling their best, before and after a workout.

The energy powder contains 80 g of caffeine naturally sourced from green coffee beans and is high in vitamin C from organic amla fruit. Orgain Sport Energy also offers ginseng and cordyceps mushrooms, two adaptogenic ingredients that offer a natural energy and vitality boost, while helping to support endurance and physical performance.

Finally, the sports recovery powder can be taken post-workout or for all-day replenishment. It uses apple cider vinegar for electrolyte replenishment, amla fruit for vitamin C, turmeric and ginger to reduce inflammation, and an adaptogenic blend of reishi mushrooms and ashwagandha to help reduce stress. Together these ingredients are touted as aiding post-workout muscle recovery and helping to reduce muscle soreness.

This launch comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to gyms around the world closing down and a widespread ban on sports events. However, NutritionInsight previously reported that this is spurring rapid personalization. Other major sports nutrition trends of the moment include plant-powder products and clean label innovations, as spotlighted by Innova Market Insights. 

By Katherine Durrell