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Imagine you’re one of the fastest track cyclists in the world and yet suddenly have to undergo knee surgery because of cartilage damage and severe pain. That’s exactly what happened to 26-year-old German track cyclist Emma Hinze two years ago. After the operation, she had to start afresh in a bid to regain her previous form. Thankfully, her management team introduced her to GELITA and its FORTIGEL^® Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®), which had a huge impact on her recovery.

“After the surgery, Emma started taking FORTIGEL^® at the recommended dose. We were skeptical at first because there are so many so-called miracle pills on the market, but FORTIGEL^® proved its worth in a very short time,” said Emma’s coach in an exclusive interview. “We slowly started back into training, except for cycling, but after about six weeks of supplementation, Emma was back on track, much quicker than expected by the physicians. Now it’s as if she had never been injured.”

A new report sheds light on consumer preferences for branded ingredients in nutritional supplements

It stands to reason that shoppers are more likely to trust nutritional supplements made with quality ingredients. And just as is the case in most consumer markets, ‘quality’ is synonymous with ‘brand’.

The best brands invest time and money in product R&D as they have reputations to maintain. When someone purchases a Chanel fragrance or a Rolex watch, for example, they know they are buying the best of the best. We trust that the product is an embodiment of the brand’s expertise, experience and premium values. And when it comes to nutritional supplements, perceptions and desires are no different… 

According to the ITC Insights 2023 Consumer Supplement Survey, consumers around the world have a “strong appreciation” for branded ingredients and are often willing to pay a premium for them (1).

Professional triathlete Justus Nieschlag made headlines with his remarkable achievements in the world of middle-distance triathlon, including a sensational podium finish in his first appearance at the T100 Triathlon series. Competing against the best in the world, Justus demonstrated incredible endurance, skill, and determination. But behind this success lies a key element of his training and recovery routine — PeptENDURE^®, a revolutionary sports nutrition ingredient playing a critical role in elevating his performance.

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.

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)

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.