Safe gains: The truth about performance enhancers and protein supplements

Not all performance enhancers are created equal. Speaking to Nutrition Insight, Austrion and Gencor warn against synthetic boosters and stimulants and favor natural protein. They add that responsible use and balanced intake are key to athletic performance and recovery. Arla Foods Ingredients points to using trusted ingredients, while a German triathlete flags the health implications of too much protein.

We previously spoke to the companies about their products that aid athlete’s sports performance.

Safety of performance enhancers

Gabor Klauser, CEO of Austrion says that to determine long-term health risks associated with performance enhancers, it is important to distinguish between synthetic enhancers and natural protein supplements like the company’s Ayaca.

“It is a natural supplement and not a synthetic performance-enhancing drug like anabolic steroids, which are designed to artificially boost performance and carry serious health risks.”

“The natural protein concentrates derived from peas and beans are generally considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet. They provide essential nutrients without the adverse effects often associated with synthetic performance-enhancing substances. Of course, it is highly advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to one’s diet in relation to supplements,” he underscores.

Klauser of Austrion points to evidence that extruded pea protein can aid muscle growth, comparable to traditional dairy-based proteins.Maggie McNamara, VP of Global Marketing at Gencor, echoes Klauser, saying it is important to distinguish between different types of performance enhancers because there are so many. 

“For example, dietary supplement enhancers such as protein, fenugreek, curcumin, Rhodiola, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and other ingredients are well studied and have excellent safety profiles. Whereas other stimulants or performance enhancers can have adverse side effects and raise health concerns for athletes, like belly cramps and muscle cramps, to even more serious events like raised blood pressure, stroke, and even heart attacks.”

She emphasizes: “It is therefore vital to always recommend consulting with your healthcare physician before starting any performance enhancement along with athletic performance. This responsible approach is key to ensuring athletes’ safety and well-being.”

Peter Schouw Andersen, head of Performance Nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients,  adds that dairy and whey are not linked to the same health risks as other performance enhancers. 

“Research shows that almost 70% of consumers value high-quality sources of protein, such as dairy, with naturality and nutritional value being their key motivators.”

He adds: “For performance nutrition, our Lacprodan whey protein isolate range is rich in all the essential amino acids and ideal for high-protein shakes, protein bars, and clear protein-enriched ready-to-drink beverages. It delivers excellent mouthfeel without the obvious protein taste that has put off consumers in the past, and allows soft-textured bars to achieve up to 37% protein content, creating new opportunities for innovative sports nutrition products.” 

Arla Foods Ingredients’ whey proteins were proven to aid performance and recovery after exhaustive exercise and cycling.Proving protein effectiveness

According to Anderson, Arla Foods Ingredients works with top academic institutions and clients in the sports nutrition sector to document the effectiveness of its protein ingredients. For instance, research showing that protein improves recovery following endurance exercise has used the company’s whey proteins to test performance and recovery after exhaustive exercise and cycling.

Klauser of Austrion points to evidence that extruded pea protein can aid muscle growth, comparable to traditional dairy-based proteins.

“For instance, research has demonstrated that pea protein supplementation resulted in significant muscle thickness gains, similar to those observed with whey protein supplementation.”

“A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition investigated the effects of pea protein supplementation on muscle thickness during resistance training,” he details. “The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that participants consuming pea protein experienced significant gains in biceps brachii muscle thickness, comparable to those who consumed whey protein.”

Other evidence from a meta-analysis in Nutrients found improved athletic performance and muscle protein synthesis of plant-based protein on athletic abilities, including muscle strength and endurance performance. 

“However, when compared to other protein types like whey or milk protein, plant-based proteins were found to be slightly less effective,” says Klauser. 

Gencor backs the safety of fenugreek, curcumin, Rhodiola, and PEA-based sports performance enhancers.“While direct studies on combined pea and bean protein supplements are limited, existing research indicates that both pea and bean proteins individually contribute to muscle development and overall athletic performance.”

Overdosing protein risks

Hendrik Becker, a German triathlete who has been competing for 25 years, has been regularly using Austrion’s Ayaca over the past two years to meet protein intake requirements, especially in high-intensity training phases. He spotlights his success in triathlon competitions, such as the World Champion 2024 Málaga, European Champion three times, and German Champion 11 times.

“Of course, consuming too much protein is harmful, as with everything in life. Most vitamins are also harmful if taken in too high doses. That’s why there’s the saying ‘the dose makes the poison.’”

“If you consume too much protein, you’re overtaxing your kidneys. At some point, this can even lead to ammonia poisoning. That’s why bodybuilding is so unhealthy. In endurance sports, the right ratio of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is necessary, which is why I swear by a balanced diet,” says the athlete.

According to Becker, plant-based organic protein that is sustainably sourced is essential for improving the quality of diet.