E-sports emerging: IBN launches energy-boosting ingredient for healthy gaming lifestyle

21 Jan 2020 --- Ingredients by Nature (IBN), supplier of science-backed citrus-derived flavonoids and ingredients, has launched Eriomin Esport to help improve gamers’ real-time and long-term performance and recovery. Having previously received negligible attention, the gaming sector is now becoming bountiful with e-sports innovations to boost gamers’ mental efficacy, as opposed to traditional athletes’ physical endurance.

“Eriomin Esport emphasizes an opportunity for better cognitive health. It specifically provides protective support for cognitive performance by helping to manage oxidative stress and balance free radicals in the brain to help neurons communicate optimally,” IBN President Rob Brewster tells NutritionInsight.

Any supplement that includes Eriomin Esport as one of its ingredients will help to support a healthy gaming lifestyle, he affirms. It not only targets consumers who spend a large amount of time playing video games, such as e-sports athletes, but also any gamers who want to improve their health and performance.

How does it work?
The citrus flavonoids in Eriomin Esport act as potent antioxidants, helping neurons communicate optimally for quick thinking and reducing eye strain by providing support to the macula. By maintaining inflammation levels, IBN’s newest arrival helps gamers recover from long gaming sessions more quickly and minimizes ear damage from headphones. 

The video game industry has surpassed both the movie and music industries in annual revenue, says Brewster.Gamers are often confronted with a shortage of healthy performance options to integrate to their nutrition, resulting in unhealthy habits that affect their ability to compete. Sugary foods and drinks are appealing quick fixes for a burst of energy; however, the resultant sugar spikes and crashes can negatively impact performance. By managing proper glucose levels, IBN’s ingredient helps gamers sustain attention, focus and energy for better and longer gameplay.

“Steady blood sugar levels positively impact cognitive function for improved attention and focus. Greater focus, long-lasting energy and faster reaction times are imperative to a competitive gamer,” Brewster maintains. 

Evidently, a significant shift is occurring within the energy ingredient space, with NPD addressing mental agility rising in popularity – for gamers especially. “IBN is currently working on an Eriomin blend for active sports nutrition applications and preparing for a clinical trial to support it,” says Brewster. 

“Additionally, there are future plans to develop an Eriomin for joint health. Eriomin Esport is the second ingredient in what we envision to be a line of Eriomin formulations that address multiple different avenues of health,” he forecasts. Currently, the ingredient is available in the US, with plans to later expand into Europe.

Industry innovation
The gaming community has seen more and more targeted nutritional products. Start-up MASS Health showcased its Knight Energy Boost, touted as formulated with active ingredients to help enhance gamers’ ability and experience at Food Matters Live, held late last year. The company’s product intends to provide well balanced energy, increased endurance, enhanced reactions and sharper focus.

E-sports have only recently emerged as a perceived sport, Stephane Vouche, Marketing Manager, Consumer Health & Nutrition, Lonza, previously told NutritionInsight. “It requires high levels of physical and mental stamina for sustained performance over many hours of gameplay. For manufacturers, this creates an opportunity to put forward nutritional solutions that enable longer, modified release. This is an area of the market that’s still growing rapidly, with plenty of room for innovation,” he noted.

By Anni Schleicher