Sports Nutritionals: market research reports

Short-term energy products often contain caffeine, or other natural substances like Siberian ginseng and simple sugars such as glucose and fructose. They are often combined with a variety of other substances, including creatine monohydrate, phosphate, and vitamin B2.

Long-term endurance products are designed to increase endurance for events such as distance runs, long cycling events, and triathlons. Substances used in these products include complex sugars such as branching glucose polymers, medium chain triglycerides, and various complex carbohydrates. These substances are often combined with several minerals and vitamins such as vitamin E, an antioxidant, and phosphate, a lactic acid modulator.

Recovery and treatment products are targeted to the various side effects that often result from exercise, and include anti-inflammatories, electrolyte replacements, homeopathic and natural pain relievers, and antioxidants.

General wellness or energy sports nutritionals offer many of the benefits above, but are designed for use by casual athletes or even ordinary consumers. These products generally have lower concentrations of active ingredients, and are thus intended to provide much milder effects—usually a slight energy boost and low doses of essential vitamins and minerals, perhaps with additional herbs and natural additives.

Sports nutrition products are typically divided into three product categories: beverages, bars & gels, and supplements. Each category offers a unique delivery system, and is distinctive in marketing methods and distribution channels.