A growing number of scientific studies confirm that collagen peptides can stimulate the body’s own collagen production and help to keep our connective tissues healthy. Proven to be safe and effective, GELITA Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) can be incorporated into a wide range of applications, from bars and fortified gummies to capsules and beverages.

The sports drink market is the best example of a popular, booming and ripe beverage market, still offering opportunities for innovative concepts. Collagen sports drinks are bang on trend, because they provide an enhanced solution for athletes, are easily integrated into training routines and can be enjoyed on-the-go or during a workout.

Traditionally, sports drinks offer an energy boost and, at the same time, replace the water and electrolytes lost through sweat. Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) can add a number of different benefits to these drinks, thanks to their positive effects on performance and exercise capacity.

During intense sporting activity, the musculoskeletal system of both amateur and professional sportspeople is susceptible to connective tissue overuse and damage. This is because every force generated by the contracting muscles recruits a network of connective tissue – which includes the muscle fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone – collectively known as the “white tissue”. The white tissue is constantly being built up, thanks to its highly specialized cells, and it is mainly formed by the body’s most abundant protein: collagen. Which is why GELITA offers various types of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) with specific health-related benefits.

A tremendous amount of physical power stems from strong tendons and ligaments, thanks to the mechanical strength of their collagen fibers. TENDOFORTE^® is the first nutritional solution for the white tissue, specifically designed for the sports nutrition market. TENDOFORTE^â protects against overuse injuries of tendons and ligaments and accelerates return-to-play, as it stimulates the structure-forming cells of tendons and ligaments to produce more collagen and extracellular matrix proteins, thus helping to preserve the white tissue strength and flexibility.

Meanwhile, the unique Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) in FORTIBONE^® stimulate osteoblast cells activity, which helps to increase the collagen matrix that forms new bone mass. FORTIBONE^® also stimulates osteoclasts, the bone cells that mediate bone collagen matrix degradation for bone renewal and remodeling. This may contribute to a reduced incidence of fractures caused by intense training or competition.

Furthermore, GELITA’s FORTIGEL^® has a stimulating effect on the biosynthesis of cartilage, the connective tissue that surrounds joints. This means that it tackles the cause of joint problems, as well as the symptoms. The use of FORTIGEL^â has been shown in a number of studies to significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility.

For athletes wishing to optimize their body composition, BODYBALANCE^® is backed-up by a growing number of product-specific studies that consistently show significant changes to body composition, when combined with a resistance training programme. Supplementation with BODYBALANCE^® increases muscle mass and reduces body fat, and these effects are related to the multifactorial impact of BODYBALANCE^® on the various metabolic processes of contractile muscle proteins and fat cells.

Of course, when it comes to sports drinks with functional ingredients, drink developers must pay maximum attention to the technological aspects of the formulation and the ingredients they want to incorporate into their products, such as solubility, texture and mouthfeel. Fortunately, GELITA’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides(BCP^®s) tick all of those boxes. GELITA’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides produce clear solutions, that are neutral in taste and can easily be used in combination with vitamins, minerals and other common nutrients found in sports drinks.

Additionally, they have high heat and acid stability, low viscosity and demonstrate minimal precipitation or clumping. They also offer fast absorption, good bioavailability and are free from fat and cholesterol. This allows for the development of drinks with specific properties that can be tailored to individual needs and population groups.

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