Sports nutrition

UK joins Dutch in banning Dexaprine fat burner; FSA issues DNP warning

21-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

The UK’s medicines agency has followed its Dutch counterpart in banning the fat burner Dexaprine made by Californian firm iForce Nutrition.

Fair trade, flavor keys to Garden of Life's new protein products

20-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

When Garden of Life looked at extending its protein and meal replacement lines with coffee and yerba mate flavors, the company was looking for partners that were the right fit both in terms of ingredient quality and service but also in terms of outlook,...

Dutch ban Dexaprine fat burner after hospitalisations

20-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

Dutch authorities have issued a warning against a US fat burning food supplement called Dexaprine after 11 adverse reactions including hospitalisations and severe heart problems.

MusclePharm hits $28.5 million in sales in second quarter

15-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

MusclePharm Corporation, a Denver, CO-based manufacturer of sports nutrition products, continued its meteoric rise by posting a 51% rise in net sales in the second quarter of 2013.

Caffeine cards are on table following IOM meeting, observers say

13-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A recent workshop sponsored by the Institute of Medicine on caffeine and its effect in consumer products such as energy drinks was helpful in making clear the points of view of the various stakeholders, according to observers.  What was less clear was...

Whey concentrate prices double in two years

Chinese demand drives whey above €7/kg – but is it over priced?

13-Aug-2013 By Shane STARLING

Soaring whey prices are changing the face of the protein concentrate market, but hefty Asian-driven premiums won’t signal a flood to plant proteins, says an analyst.

Solazyme algal protein debuts in Twinlab's CleanSeries powder product

12-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Algae producer Solazyme has reached a critical commercial waypoint with the launch of its algal protein ingredient in Twinlab’s new CleanSeries Veggie Protein Powder.  And Twinlab gets a vital differentiator in the increasingly competitive vegetable protein...

DOD's DMAA review: Risky? Perhaps. Deadly? No.

07-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A Department of Defense safety review of DMAA has concluded that the ingredient poses potential health risks but could not be causally linked to the deaths of four soldiers who died with the ingredient in their bloodstreams.  GNC Holdings, the last brick...

PQQ set to make splash in sports nutrition beverages

06-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Two firms have joined forces to bring the multifunctional molecule pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ, into the sports nutrition market via beverage applications.  The partnership pairs Virun’s delivery technology with Nascent Health Sciences' supply...

Post Foods moves into active nutrition, supplements, with $180m deal to buy Joint Juice and Premier Protein maker PNC

05-Aug-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Ready-to-eat cereals giant Post Holdings has moved into the active nutrition and supplements market with a $180m deal to acquire Premier Nutrition Corporation (PNC) - maker of Titan and Premier Protein bars and shakes, and Joint Juice (liquid supplements...

Herbalife clarifies position of distributors who sign up only for discounts

02-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

Herbalife moved again to respond to criticisms of its business model by renaming a category of participants in its multi level marketing organization from “distributor” to “member.”

Going big: MusclePharm announces product deal with Arnold Schwarzenegger

31-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

MusclePharm, a Denver, CO-based manufacturer of sports nutrition products, has announced a development deal with the biggest name in the muscle business—Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Watermelon juice soothes sore cycling muscles

30-Jul-2013 By Ben BOUCKLEY

Watermelon juice has ‘excellent’ potential as a functional drink to relieve sore muscles in athletes due to high levels of amino acid L-Citrulluine, a new Spanish study testing cyclists reports.

FDA has adequate enforcement authority, sources say in reaction to Driven Sports exposé

26-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration has enough tools to police the dietary supplement sector.  That was the reaction from industry in the wake of yet another negative story about the product category in a high profile publication, in this case, USA Today.

You'll sell more sports nutrition products targeting fitness walkers and yoga enthusiasts than team sports players, says Packaged Facts

25-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Sports nutrition marketers have traditionally focused on young men, sports teams and hardcore athletes. In future, however, they will need to spend more time targeting women, weekend warriors and consumers pursuing individual sports and fitness activities...

Proprietary Nutritionals applies full court press to marketing of Celadrin ingredient

15-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

Proprietary Nutritionals president Dean Mosca said the company employs a “push and pull” strategy to help whip up demand  in the consumer marketplace for the supplements that contain the company’s ingredients.  And lately, part of that strategy has included...

Chokeberry potential could see it rival the cranberry market: Artemis Int’l President

15-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Once used for enhancing the diets of Russian astronauts, the chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) could have a stellar future, with the US’ leading supplier predicting extracts and concentrates could one day rival the cranberry market.

Roquette to showcase algae ingredients at IFT after parting ways with Solazyme

12-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Two weeks after announcing a parting of ways with Californian joint venture (JV) partner and algae expert Solazyme, French ingredients giant Roquette says it will be showcasing two microalgae-based food ingredients at the IFT show in Chicago.

Cyvex Nutrition launches new Protomine line of clean-label hydrolyzed fish proteins from Bluewave

11-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Bluewave Marine Ingredients - which is blazing a trail in the burgeoning protein ingredients market with its ultra-digestible fish proteins - has struck a deal with Cyvex Nutrition to take a hydrolyzed fish protein called Protomine to market.

Betaine boosted sports drinks backed to enhance athletic performance: Study

10-Jul-2013 By Nathan Gray

One week of supplementation with the nutrient betaine as part of a sports drink can help to boost athletic power and performance by around six percent, according to new research in sprint cyclists.

Thorne Research teams up with Chromadex to take Niagen to healthcare-practitioner channel

10-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Thorne Research has agreed a three-year marketing deal to take Chromadex’s Niagen-branded nicotinamide riboside  into a series of first-to-market products for the healthcare-practitioner channel.

Complexity of supplements hampers adverse events reporting, experts say

09-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

The reporting of adverse events in connection with dietary supplements is woefully inadequate, according to experts who spoke Monday at a gathering of toxicologists in Aspen, CO. There are many complicating factors, the experts agreed, not the least among...

KSM-66 enters sports nutrition sector to boost focus and endurance

09-Jul-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Ixoreal Biomed’s KSM-66 Ashwagandha has entered the global sports nutrition sector with several sports supplement products to boost focus and endurance.

Europharma supplement addresses calcium's role in soft tissues

05-Jul-2013 By Hank Schultz

EuroPharma has introduced a calcium supplement that addresses the mineral’s role in the functioning of soft tissues such as muscles and nerves instead of its usual role in bone health.

Kemin targets sports nutrition products with tea polyphenols

26-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Sports nutrition formulations have a new option for products targeting exercise recovery as Kemin introduces a proprietary formula of polyphenols to help overcome soreness and fatigue.

Timing is everything: Calcium and vitamin D supplements before exercise may aid bone responses

25-Jun-2013 By Nathan Gray

When it comes to helping keep bones healthy during exercise, the timing of calcium and vitamin D supplementations may just as important as the amount taken, according to new research.

Hard physical work? Amino acid may offer relief, suggests data from Antarctica

24-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of the amino acid ornithine may improve sleep disturbances associated with hard physical work, says new data from the Japanese Antarctica Research Expedition.

FDA seizes DMAA-containing supplements from GNC warehouse

21-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration moved today to seize more than 1,500 cases of supplements that contain DMAA from a Pennsylvania warehouse belonging to GNC Holdings, Inc.

More DMAA products come off market

21-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

Beta Labs, a dietary supplements distributor and retailer, has recalled four sports supplement products that contain DMAA. The company said it initiated the recall after “a review of recent FDA communications related to 1,3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA).”

Maker of muscle supp from eggs seeks to grow market with study on women

21-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

MYOS Corporation is seeking to expand applications for its signature muscle-growth supplement from fertilized hens eggs with a new clinical trial that aims to investigate the product’s performance among women.

NAI sues GNC, others over infringement of beta-alanine patents

19-Jun-2013 By Hank Schultz

Natural Alternatives International has sued GNC and two other companies over alleged patent infringement for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a preworkout supplement featuring high levels of beta-alanine.

Soy-derived phosphatidic acid ‘best in class’ as PA source for sports nutrition

17-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A new series of studies support the bioavailability and safety of soy-derived PA, its ability to boost strength and power in highly trained athletes, and increase lean body mass.

Is ATP + HMB an ideal combination to create a ‘new and untapped category in sports’?

14-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements containing a combination of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) may boost lean body mass and strength, says a new study.

One more time: US Army/ NSF analysis shows DMAA not in geranium

12-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A new analysis from US Army scientists and NSF International finds, yet again, that controversial compound DMAA (1,3 dimethylamylamine) is not found in geranium. The analysis supports FDA conclusions that the evidence is ‘insufficient’ to support the...

Bluewave targets 5-10% market penetration for ‘purist’ protein consumers with new fish powder products

11-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Fish protein producer Bluewave has announced the commercial launch of its AminoMarine brand protein powder available to retail buyers in the USA market.

Could NAC supplements be a ‘hindrance’ for sports nutrition?

06-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplements containing N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, may hinder muscle performance and recovery, says a new study.

Bergstrom Nutrition sees sports nutrition potential for MSM

04-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A growing body of science supports the potential of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to aid exercise recovery, opening the sports nutrition category for Bergstrom and its OptiMSM ingredient.

‘Vast majority’ of collegiate athletes taking energy drinks & supplements to boost performance: Survey

31-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Over 80% of US collegiate athletes are consuming energy drinks, supplements or prescription medications to enhance their athletic performance, says a new survey.

Vitamin D may ease exercise-related muscle damage: Animal data

29-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplementation with vitamin D may reduce muscle damage and inflammation linked to exercise, suggests a new study with lab rats.

CoQ10 boosts power in German athletes: Study

27-May-2013 By Shane STARLING

A study of 100 German athletes has found daily supplementation with 300mg of CoQ10 form Ubiquinol significantly boosted their power performance.

Big interview: Kevin Cleary, CEO Clif Bar & Company

Clif Bar CEO: 'The protein trend is hot for men and women right now'

21-May-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Nutrition bars enter - and exit - the snacks aisle at the speed of light these days. So how has Clif Bar managed to sustain the kind of growth rivals can only dream of, year after year? Elaine Watson caught up with CEO Kevin Cleary to find out.

PS plus caffeine ease fatigue and boost mood after exercise: Study

14-May-2013 By Stephen Daniells

A combination supplement containing phosphatidylserine (PS) and caffeine may improve mood scores and reduce the perception of fatigue after exercise, suggests new research.

Sabinsa rolls out novel Moringa and Boswellia extracts, hails ‘overwhelming response’ to Curcumin C3 Reduct

01-May-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Sabinsa Corporation is launching two novel water-soluble ingredients, one from of Boswellia serrata, called Polybos, and the other called MoringIn from Moringa oleifera.

Brushing aside market noise, Herbalife posts 17% sales increase

30-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Herbalife has suffered the slings and arrows of outraged investors recently. But you wouldn’t know it from the company’s financial statements; yesterday the company reported a 17% rise in first quarter net sales, hitting $1.1 billion.

More vitamin D may mean faster recovery from muscle injury

29-Apr-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Increased blood levels of vitamin D may increase the rate of muscle recovery after intensive exercise, says a new study from Utah-based scientists.

GNC gradually dumping DMAA but not because it's unsafe

29-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

In the wake of an FDA announcement on DMAA, GNC is moving to gradually remove all DMAA-containing products from its shelves, but not because the company believes that the ingredient is unsafe.

Letter to the editor

Nutratech: BfR report is ‘clearly at odds with the scientific literature on safety of bitter orange-caffeine combinations’

10-Apr-2013

Leading bitter orange/ p-synephrine supplier Nutratech has countered a report from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) over concerns about the ingredient’s safety, noting it is at odds with the scientific literature.

Bitter orange and caffeine combo may be unsafe, says BfR

09-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Sports supplements and weight loss products that contain a combination of caffeine and synephrine from bitter orange may not comply with current regulations and could be classified as unsafe, warns the BfR.

CRN, NPA: Exactly what problem is New York bill to regulate sports supplements trying to solve?

20-Mar-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and the Natural Products Association (NPA) say they are alarmed - and rather baffled - by a new bill proposed by New York state senator Jeff Klein targeting sports supplements.

Special edition: Protein!

08-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

From building muscle to satiety and reducing the risk of sarcopenia, protein is hot. The ingredient has been ever present in our headlines in 2013, and in this special edition we look at the key developments that are sure to influence this powerful trend.