Sports nutrition supplements target many different biological pathways to optimize athletic performance, muscle development and training results. They can also:
- Assist with building lean muscle mass.**
- Maximize workout duration & intensity.**
- Promote muscle recovery & repair.**
What are Sports Products?
Edge-driven athletes and fitness enthusiasts often support their goals with natural nutritional supplements. The market for these supplements has been projected to reach 100 million consumers, while reports suggest athletic supplement growth may reach $4.7 billion in sales. These numbers are a testament to sports supplements’ appeal across demographics, from serious athletes to casual weekend warriors. As public awareness campaigns on physical fitness continue and gym memberships rise, the sports supplements market may expand even more.**
Sports nutrition compounds address many aspects of physical performance, helping to:
- Supply building blocks for the creation of muscle mass.**
- Optimize repair, recovery and renewal of muscle tissue.**
- Promote energy and stamina for high-intensity training.**
- Support fat metabolism & healthy weight management.**
- Enhance circulation and nutrient delivery to muscles.**
- Encourage hormonal states linked with muscle growth.**
Some of the most popular Sports Nutrition products are:
- Protein: Protein powders support lean muscle mass development. Whey protein supplies all of the essential amino acids and is metabolized quickly, converting to muscle with ease. This “fast-acting” aspect has made whey a popular pre-workout or in-workout protein powder supplement. Casein protein, on the other hand, is metabolized slowly by the body, making it an ideal pre-bedtime shake for nourishing muscle development during the anabolic sleep cycle. For athletes seeking vegetarian protein sources, soy protein and pea protein are also available.**
- Amino Acids: Amino acids have far-reaching influence on overall health, but in the realm of sports nutrition, they are known as the “building blocks” of protein that contribute to muscle growth. Amino acids further support athletic goals through their influence on energy metabolism, hormones and neurotransmitters. Amino acids are naturally found in protein powders. They also appear in complex formulas or in standalone single-ingredient supplements. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), taurine, L-Arginine, L-Tyrosine and creatine are among the most popular sports aminos.**
- Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): BCAAs refer to three essential aminos: Leucine, isoleucine and valine. These three amino acids are especially prized among bodybuilders for their ability to optimize endurance and workout performance, along with their important role in muscle development and recovery. BCAAs are rapidly absorbed into muscle tissue, and appear to have a protective role that maintains muscle mass.**
- Thermogenics: These metabolic support supplements are designed to encourage the conversion of fat reserves into energy. In body building, thermogenic supplements are often taken to support “cutting” phases by optimizing the calorie burning effects of exercise while promoting fat breakdown. Popular metabolic support and thermogenesis supplements include green tea extract, guarana, caffeine, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), L-carnitine and Hoodia.**
- Nitric Oxide (NO): Nitric oxide supplements interact with the lining of blood vessels, signaling them to relax and dilate to promote robust circulation. NO boosters are valued by athletes and bodybuilders as pre-workout supplements because their circulatory benefits encourage oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, helping to enhance workout performance. In encouraging nutrient delivery, nitric oxide supplements may also optimize the effects of other sports nutrition compounds. Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) and L-Citrulline are popular nitric oxide supplements among athletes.**
- Performance Enhancers: Protein powders, amino acids, metabolic supplements and NO boosters can all contribute to peak-performing energy levels in the gym. Herbal products and adaptogens, such as ginseng, rhodiola root and maca, also have a long association with enhanced athletic endurance. Coconut oil is another popular vitality supplement; it supplies medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are metabolized easily by the body for fast energy.**
- Recovery & Repair: Amino acids, especially glutamine, L-carnitine and creatine, are believed to accelerate muscle recovery from workouts, helping sports enthusiasts get back into the gym faster. D-Ribose, whey protein and casein assist with muscle repair, maintenance and recovery. For weekend warriors, Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM formulas support post-workout recovery by soothing achy joints and connective tissues.**
- Testosterone Support: The herb tribulus is often associated with healthy testosterone production, which may contribute to a healthy hormonal state for muscle development, peak physical performance and robust vitality. Other testosterone nutrients include D-Aspartic Acid and DHEA.**
Sports Products
Sports nutrition supplements may be individual products or complex formulas that combine diverse nutrients. Capsules, tablets, softgels, liquids and powders are all popular delivery forms for these athletic performance-supportive supplements.**
Sports Directions for Use
It is important to consult with your doctor prior to starting any fitness regimen or regular supplementation program. There is no standard dosage for sports supplements; intake ranges widely depending on the exact nutrients that are taken.**
