Three Active Nutrition Trends to Know Ahead of the Summer Games
It seems like there is a little more excitement around the summer games than usual this time around. "Summer Games in Paris" just has a nice ring to it. It's not just athletes benefitting from cutting-edge R&D in their food and beverages these days. Weekend Warriors and Couch to 5K-ers are posting PRs (personal records) thanks to the latest innovations in rehydration and recovery, for instance. They're also being introduced to products that include biotics, as more are connecting gut health with overall well-being. And as more and more consumers consider vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian lifestyles, the sensory experiences of plant-based performance products have risen alongside demand, with bars, gummies and protein shakes that taste or chew more pleasingly than they used to.
What follows are three trends in active nutrition that are showing promise at helping everyday athletes improve performance and, more importantly, achieve overall well-being that results from an active lifestyle that lasts well into advanced age.
"Over the last five years, there has been a noticeable increase in the proportion of people classified as Active Nutrition consumers. This was initially due to people taking a proactive approach to health due to the pandemic. However, the proportion of people classified as this type of consumer remains high post-pandemic..." – FMCG Gurus, Active Nutrition, Global Report, 2024
Trend 1: We've Got a Gut Feeling About This One
The "gut-muscle axis" is an emerging school of thought developed from a growing body of research that shows a significant link between the gut microbiome and muscle support (not to mention bones, joints, sleep and mood help, too). It represents a modern turning point in active nutrition solutions, with consumers becoming educated on and then showing interest in gut microbiome-supporting ingredients, like prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.
One example of how this increasing demand for microbiome products is being met is ADM's new Active Lifestyle Formulation, with research demonstrating the blend's potential to support aspects of exercise recovery. It incorporates our Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1)*, Lactobacillus casei CECT9104 (BPL4) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 (BPL15), with clinical research showing that the formulation supports certain biomarkers related to post-exercise oxidative stress1. Muscle also declines with age – a concern women in particular face – and supporting the gut-muscle axis can help ensure an active lifestyle for the long term. Gut health solutions like our spore-forming probiotic DE111®** (Bacillus subtilis) may improve body composition in female athletes, as it was examined during the offseason training of collegiate female athletes, with results showing decreased body fat percentage2.
Trend 2: Quenching Consumer Thirst for Rapid Rehydration
Those living an active lifestyle are coming to understand that hydration is essential for peak performance, preventing occasional fatigue and supporting overall health. Rapid rehydration, in particular, is gaining popularity in the active nutrition space, with many looking for beverages with electrolytes, isotonic properties and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Electrolytes are especially in favor for their recovery, performance and hydration benefits. Further highlighting this desire, ADM research shows that among young adults, product labels emphasizing electrolytes rank as their most desired claim3.
But it's not just hydration that sweaty consumers are seeking in a performance beverage. Beta alanine and l-carnitine are being formulated into energy drinks and pre-workout products for their perceived associations with endurance, muscle building and even cognitive function. Luckily, ADM offers an extensive range of health and wellness products enhanced with vitamins and minerals to help beverage manufacturers develop drinks that rapidly rehydrate and assist in recovery after the workout, or to support energy levels, muscle growth and focus before or during that walk, jog or lift.
Trend 3: Tastier Plant-Based Performance
Globally, plant-forward consumers (defined as flexitarians, vegetarians or vegans) state that improved taste and texture are motivating them to consume more plant-based products4. What's more, 50% of global plant-forward consumers note a strong interest in plant protein sources with additional health benefits4. This enthusiasm for practical, plant-based holistic wellness support provides the prospect for active nutrition and performance manufacturers to enhance the nutrient density of their products through plant-based protein options and functional ingredients.
ADM's neutral-tasting soy protein isolate offers at least 90% protein concentration while also adding functionality and mouthfeel consistency. Our pea proteins supply quality nutrition, as well as market-leading clean taste and light color. These protein solutions can also combine to aid in the development of great-tasting vegan shakes, bars and more with exceptionally high protein content, providing essential amino acids that can support muscle performance and recovery through the mTOR pathway.
Taking Home the Gold
So when consumers are watching the Summer Games with a beverage next to them and a snack on their lap, more of them will be sipping on an electrolyte-enhanced sports drink to rapidly rehydrate after the long walk they just took or munching on a plant-based protein bar after being inspired to start cycling. The more research that's done, the more it becomes apparent that winning a gold medal in holistic well-being takes a lifestyle of active nutrition. Let's help consumers get to the podium and stay up there a while.
Learn more about ADM's active and specialized nutrition solutions here.
*Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) is used by ADM Biopolis under license from CSIC.
**DE111® is a trademark of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Inc. in the US and other countries.
1Macarro, MS; et al. (2021) Antioxidants. 10(2): 323
2Toohey J.C., et al. (2020) J Strength Cond Res., 34(11):3173-3181
3ADM Outside Voice℠
4ADM Outside Voice℠, Global Protein Consumer Discovery Report, 2023