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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.

Talent development at GELITA: Sharing knowledge, building networks

Discovering young talents and preparing them for future roles within the organization is one of the most crucial strategic tasks for companies, especially during times of skilled labor shortages. To develop the next generation of experts and managers in production, GELITA has established the Young Professionals Network (YPN). Since 2018, more than 100 young professionals have participated in a two-year global development cycle. The focus is on imparting knowledge about the production of gelatin and collagen peptides and showcasing possible career paths.

Vaccinations are among the most successful tools at the medical profession’s disposal, helping to prevent numerous infectious diseases such as measles, hepatitis and, more recently, Covid-19. The effectiveness of vaccinations relies heavily on their stability. Depending on the type of vaccine, the inclusion of stabilizing agents can be crucial for the protection of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Many stabilizers in live, attenuated vaccines are enriched with protein excipients such as gelatin and human albumin. Gelatin is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and is generally known to have an extremely rare incidence of anaphylaxis (one per 2 million cases) and is therefore considered to be a safe stabilizer [1]. As a key component for the lyophilization process, it helps safeguard vaccines from temperature-related effects. That’s why we at GELITA have developed a unique solution: VACCIPRO^®, a gelatin hydrolysate that is used by our customers to protect and thus enhance the stability of vaccines.

Omega-3 fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation, making the use of gelatin in softgel capsules crucial for protecting the precious oils from external factors. However, this protection does not make them resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach during digestion, where oxidation is also a problem. Therefore, to ensure that this active ingredient reaches the intestine intact, enteric capsules are needed. Our tailored gelatin product GELITA^® EC for enteric release not only protects the fatty acids but also ensures a more efficient production process.

With consumers increasingly focusing on a healthy lifestyle, the popularity of health-promoting supplements is on the rise. Among these, omega-3 products, known to support heart health and brain function [1], are one of the most popular choices. Market data shows that omega-3 oils derived from sources such as krill or fish are becoming increasingly valued ingredients within the nutraceutical industry. With an expected average annual growth rate of 13.8 per cent until 2029, rising demand for omega-3 in dietary supplements shows no sign of abating [2]. Moreover, omega-3 is increasingly used in pharmaceuticals and infant formula, with forecasts suggesting that its usage in both sectors will more than double between 2023 and 2029 [3].

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.