Sports nutrition is one of the fastest-moving commerce, with men occupying the large percentage (aged 16 to 24) who rely on supplements to achieve their fitness goals. They can help enhance muscle growth, increase energy, speed up recovery, and heighten sports performance. Supplements also aid with diet and weight loss, decrease inflammation or soreness, and improve general wellbeing.
The global sports nutrition market and supplements had produced $13.9 billion in 2018 alone. Its value is anticipated to increase up to $35.35 billion by 2026. Aside from supplements, there’s also an increased demand for energy drinks and protein bars widely consumed by bodybuilders and athletes. Increasingly more people use nutrition supplements to strengthen immunity, particularly in today’s health crisis, which has also led to a massive spike in sales.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend lavishly on a supplement. Most are easily accessible in your kitchen, while others come at a low-cost price available at your local store. To help with your fitness journey, we compiled 5 of the popular sports nutrition supplements you should be taking right now.
Read more: 5 FACTS ABOUT DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW
Creatine
If you’re looking to make your muscles bigger and stronger, creatine powder makes an excellent addition to your diet. It fuels strength and improves lean body mass. Older adults who took creatine were able to gain extra pounds of muscle within a few months of intake. Taking it for as little as five to seven days can substantially increase lean body weight. But, of course, you need to integrate a rigid strength-training program to achieve these bountiful benefits. It is recommended to take at least 3g creatine powder or pill regularly. Although certain foods also contain an essential amount of it, including fish and meat.
Proteins
When it comes to developing and sustaining muscle mass, protein is a go-to option. It even boosts the immune system. Since protein is gender-specific, anyone can have intake irrespective of fitness level and body type. An average person needs 0.8 grams of protein for every body weight. Those who engage in endurance and strength training require a larger dose, approximately 1.2 grams to 2 grams per kilogram. If you want to do it the vegan way, there’s a vegan protein to refill your protein levels. It contains the same healthy content and performs the same job.
Vitamins
Minerals and vitamins are very important components that human bodies need to function efficiently. But with today’s hectic lifestyles, getting a daily balanced meal seems a hard thing to achieve. Enter vitamin supplements. The different vitamins usually found in food sources are combined seamlessly in a single pill to fill the required requirements for regular consumption. Not only does it curb damaging free radicals, but it improves immunity as well. It is specifically vital for athletes or weightlifters who have a competition to take care of.
BCAA
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) composes valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Together, they constitute one-third of all amino acids to help build muscle protein. Moreover, it provides added support while training and supplies your body with a generous amount of energy for long hours, even under physical workout stress. BCAA usually has no calorie amount and is easy to digest. Some studies suggest that proper supplementation can help enhance muscular recovery and curtail muscle discomfort due to postworkout routines. It is best to take five to ten grams of branch-chain amino acids before and after workout training for effective results.
Coffee and Caffeine
This one is a no-brainer. We have known coffee for providing us energy and helping us focus on becoming more productive throughout the day. Caffeine, on the other hand, cuts down exertion and pain by obstructing neuromodulator adenosine activity. If you love endurance cycling, hiking, or long-distance running, you’ll definitely need any of these beverages to refuel your energy stores. An average adult needs about 400 to 500 milligrams of caffeine regularly before taking any activity. Though, it could be most effective for morning exercises. You can start with a low dosage, let’s say 50 milligrams. Increase your way up. It is strictly advised not to exceed the suggested amount; otherwise, adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and insomnia may likely occur.
With all these benefits, a wide array of products, and an ever-growing customer base, there’s no reason not to invest in sports nutrition supplements. Business owners are guaranteed to have a higher investment return. But since this market is highly competitive than ever, you should equip yourself with in-depth knowledge and expertise to make your business goal successful.
Industry experts indicate that sports nutrition products enjoy a superior level of loyalty among sports fans and fitness buffs. They tend to stick with a certain product if it seems to be beneficial to their day-to-day physical activities. As consumer demand grows, so as the product. Nutrition supplements will no longer cater exclusively to professional athletes. They have secured a mainstream position. These days, they are advertised as a fundamental part of healthy eating and even claim to aid with some common diseases.
Other than the products mentioned above, business owners can translate other forms of supplements into sales. For instance, Omega 3, such as fish oils, helps build and maintain flexibility and promote healthy joints. Studies reveal that the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, and any oily fish help prevent the risk of heart attacks. They also tackle many other health issues. Omega 3 is estimated to reach $57 billion by 2025.