Balchem spots innovation opportunities in multifunctional, science-backed sports nutrition

20 Feb 2024 --- In a category that is no longer confined to pro athletes, Balchem points to manufacturers’ need to balance consumer demand for convenient products with efficacy, highlighting a growing interest in solutions that combine different ingredients for multiple health benefits. Workout recovery solutions take a prominent spot in the diversifying sports nutrition market.

Nutrition Insight sits down with Dr. Eric Ciappio, strategic development manager in Nutrition Science at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health, to discuss the company’s innovations and research in sports nutrition and workout recovery. 

“In the last few years, we’ve seen a notable shift in the sports nutrition market. While manufacturers previously focused on developing products designed to optimize performance, recovery and overall health for fitness enthusiasts and sports pros, today the market has grown significantly.” 

“We’re seeing the emergence of ‘everyday athletes’ with an increasing number of consumers incorporating exercise into their daily routines to pursue a healthier and more active way of living.” 

He adds that consumers increasingly look for convenient products that also deliver a wide variety of macro- and micronutrients and can be easily incorporated into their daily routines — such as protein powders, sports drinks, energy bars and dietary supplements. 

“The more health categories these solutions cater to, the better,” Ciappio continues. “These evolving consumer demands present brands with new opportunities to innovate with improved conventional products for fitness lovers and next-generation solutions that support post-workout recovery, rehydrate the body and replenish energy.” 

Balchem’s offering includes four core products in sports nutrition — K2Vital, AlbionMinerals, OptiMSM and VitaCholine. The company is examining synergies between these products as new opportunities for innovation. 

Post-workout soars 
Ciappio underscores that the post-workout segment is becoming increasingly popular in sports nutrition as active consumers realize the importance of balancing training days with ample recovery to perform better and support their overall well-being. 

“A challenging workout can put a lot of pressure on the body, affecting connective tissue and increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. That’s why post-workout recovery and a healthy diet are key for fitness enthusiasts to replenish their energy stores and perform at their best during the next workout.” 

“Sulfur is a key ingredient in this space, supporting critical components that make up the structure of our joints and supporting molecules involved in our antioxidant defense systems.” 

The mineral is involved in various aspects of post-workout recovery, he explains. It plays a vital role in the health and maintenance of joint and connective tissue and has been shown to improve antioxidant response after training, which helps to reduce oxidative stress. 

People can add sulfur to their diets through amino acids and dietary supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). 

Balchem’s OptiMSM helps alleviate post-exercise oxidative stress, reduce muscle soreness and damage from exercise and improve joint health and function markers. Ciappio notes these are all “key benefits which help to support your exercise performance and are important aspects of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The post-workout segment is becoming increasingly popular in sports nutrition.Proof of efficacy  
Ciappio sees enormous potential for innovation in the sports nutrition market in the coming years. “We expect key drivers to include quality, convenience and experience. Consumers are looking for multi-ingredient, premium products backed by science and seeking more assurance on the efficacy of the products they purchase.”

Across the industry, there is an increasing need to improve awareness and understanding of health claims. Moreover, he sees a need to educate consumers through transparent communication and clear front-of-pack labeling. 

Balchem explores new scientific studies on its solutions to support this consumer demand. For example, Ciappio details a recent study demonstrating the role of oral consumption of MSM in relieving mild knee joint pain in otherwise healthy people, which shows OptiMSM’s potential to be effective at two grams per day. This is the first study on healthy adults, as previous trials involved patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. 

The company’s Creatine MagnaPower helps boost sports performance by combining the benefits of creatine and magnesium. 

“Creatine MagnaPower has been shown to improve anabolic signaling, muscle power, sprinting performance and bench press work capacity,” illustrates Ciappio. “Research has demonstrated that Creatine MagnaPower can deliver muscular performance benefits that are not achievable by taking creatine monohydrate and magnesium separately.”

“Besides delivering functional benefits, products must also provide pleasant sensory experiences. With this in mind, we expect significant growth in gummies, ready-to-drink applications and other new delivery formats that provide a positive sensory experience.”

By combining function with taste, he expects that manufacturers can entice consumers to try their supplements and “keep them coming back for more.” 

Mental fitness 
Another area Balchem explores is the link between cognitive health and physical performance. 

“Good mental fitness is thought to lead to better physical status and sports performance,” says Ciappio. “Athletes, especially esports athletes, need quick, clear thinking and a solid mind-muscle connection to be at their best.” 

Consumers demand multi-ingredient, premium products backed by science, that offer convenience and quality.“Choline is an excellent ingredient to remember regarding new product development, supporting brain health and cognitive function. This nutrient supports the production of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, which helps mood, memory and muscle control.” 

VitaCholine is Balchem’s brand of choline, designed to help brands create a wide range of product applications, such as fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements, delivering multifaceted health benefits. 

Examining vitamin K2’s benefits 
In addition to mental health, Ciappio illustrates the sports nutrition potential of vitamin K2. Recent studies revealed that the ingredient’s advantages extend beyond cardiovascular and bone health benefits, which are well-established in scientific research. 

“We’re currently investigating how K2Vital, our all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 solution, can support active consumers too. Besides helping maintain a healthy bone structure and improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, vitamin K2 can support multiple health areas, which we’re still exploring.”

Balchem is involved in three randomized controlled clinical trials, such as the Takeover trial. Here, the company partnered with the University of Glasgow, UK, to determine whether supplementation with K2Vital at 240 µg daily could improve muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. The trial involved 80 healthy participants and lasted for 12 weeks. 

“A second ongoing study we’re conducting is in collaboration with the Lithuanian Sports University,” continues Ciappio. “This time, we’re examining the effects of K2Vital on muscle recovery, growth and inflammation in individuals suffering from ankle injury.”

“We’re also teaming up with the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait to investigate if and how K2Vital can enhance muscle mass and function in people suffering from sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and function. We’re looking forward to seeing the results and how they can open up new opportunities in the sports nutrition market.” 

By Jolanda van Hal