July
30, 2024
4 min

Protein for endurance: a white space opportunity in sports nutrition

The sports nutrition market is fast becoming a crowded place, but that doesn’t mean it is full - companies just have to look harder to spot the untapped opportunities.

One area that is woefully under-served is endurance sports nutrition. Endurance sports like triathlon or running are growing, yet specific nutritional support has still potential to be explored further.

The majority of endurance nutrition products on the market today are carbohydrate-based energy options which deliver fast-acting fuel to muscles during exercise, helping to replenish energy levels and delay fatigue. Whilst these have a short-term role to play as instant energy-givers, they don’t do anything to improve condition and performance over the longer term.

There is scientific consensus that protein requirements are elevated in endurance athletes, yet there is a huge gap in the market for products that fulfil this need. Endurance athletes wanting to up their protein intake generally have no choice but to reach for one of the many protein supplements formulated for body shaping and muscle building.

May
08, 2024
4 min

Future-proofing delicious and nutritious bars with OPTIBAR®

Bars are a globally popular format for nutrition on the go. But when it comes to satisfying key consumer trends, two major stumbling blocks are holding the market back: it’s difficult to add lots of protein without a negative impact on texture, and it’s tricky to create cereal bars that are not high in sugar.

At least that was the case until we perfected a new ingredient that makes their production (almost literally) a piece of cake. By harnessing the superior dissolution and functional properties of natural collagen peptides, OPTIBAR® is a game changer.

Key consumer demands

High protein and low sugar are two of the biggest consumer demands in sports nutrition and cereal bars.

Research shows that the top two most influential claims in the sports nutrition sector are ‘high source of protein’ and ‘low sugar’. (1) However, there is a gap in the market for low sugar products. While 26 percent of consumers are influenced by this benefit, just 11 to 16 percent of recent launches have cited it. (1)

May
06, 2024
3 min

Collagen Peptides: The Missing Link in Bone Health

Orthopedics Expert Panel recommends Specific Collagen Peptides

Bone health is crucial for menopausal women and the aging population due to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures associated with age-related bone loss. Maintaining optimal bone density is essential for reducing the likelihood of fractures and preserving overall mobility and quality of life. Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone density, increased fracture risk, and impaired quality of life. It is a global problem, affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide, with the number expected to rise to over 300 million by 2050.

In India - according to statistics - approximately 61 million people have osteoporosis, with women being disproportionately affected compared to men.

However, osteoporosis is not exclusive to women; one in eight men also experiences this condition. Fractures, particularly hip fractures, are a major concern, with over 250,000 hip fractures occurring annually in India alone, severely impacting the affected individuals’ quality of life.

April
29, 2024
5 min

Beauty: The currency of overall health and wellbeing

In a society where beauty often seems synonymous with shallowness and vanity, it's crucial to acknowledge its deeper meaning as a reflection of our overall well-being. Beauty transcends mere appearances; it's a currency that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

When we talk about beauty, we're not just talking about flawless skin or perfectly styled hair. Beauty reflects our inner vitality: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep form the basis for a glowing appearance. Nourishing our bodies with nutritious foods and staying hydrated not only promotes healthy skin and hair but also enhances our energy levels and immune system.

True beauty, therefore, involves maintaining an equilibrium in every aspect of life, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, nurturing relationships, and prioritizing self-care.

Prioritizing self-care aligns with the increasing demand over the past decade for foods and supplements aimed at enhancing skin, hair, and nail health. These products often feature ingredients such as collagen, biotin, and antioxidants.1

April
22, 2024
4 min

PETAGILE® - a holistic solution for improved joint health in dogs

A large number of dogs suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic, progressive and painful disease with a prevalence of up to 80 per cent in older canines (1). However, finding effective treatments remains a major challenge in veterinary medicine, as traditional therapies are often limited to pain management and carry the risk of side-effects. That's why an increasing number of studies are looking at nutritional supplements with no adverse effects, such as our PETAGILE® Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®).

Treatment options

Typical signs of OA include stiffness, lameness and unwillingness to exercise, jump or climb (2). The disease progresses with the loss of articular cartilage within the synovial joints, leading to subchondral sclerosis, synovitis and thickening of the capsule (3).

Non-surgical, pain management solutions can alleviate symptoms but do not treat the cause. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), meanwhile, are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but are associated with gastrointestinal problems, renal failure, anorexia, lethargy and even death (4). So, in a bid to test the efficacy of an alternative treatment, a recent study investigated the role Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®) could potentially play in the management of OA in dogs.

January
10, 2024
3 min

Apples and penguins: the pitfall of comparing collagen peptide prices

Manufacturers should consider cost-in-use and added value, rather than being seduced by per kilo prices when evaluating different collagen peptide options, says Lara Niemann, Category Management, Beauty, at GELITA. 

With high input prices and consumers stretched by the rising cost of living, manufacturers are digging deeper to find ways of protecting their margins. In this context, formulation economics are under greater pressure and scrutiny than ever before.

When reviewing costs and determining where savings can be made it is important to perform cost-in-use calculations rather than simply drawing cost per kilo comparisons. This is especially true in the realm of functional health ingredients where overly simplistic calculations can lead to misinformed decisions.