Sponsored Content

PeptENDURE®: Groundbreaking protein solution for endurance athletes

GELITA’s new solution for endurance athletes is revolutionizing the sports nutrition market. PeptENDURE^® has been shown to support long-term improvements in endurance performance across a range of high-intensity sports.

The sports nutrition market is dominated by protein products designed to support body shaping and muscle growth, as well as carbohydrates that promise short-term energy boosts for those participating in endurance sports such as running, swimming and cycling. However, thus far, there’s been a gap in the market for long-term nutritional support for athletes partaking in such activities. That’s why collagen specialist GELITA has developed the first endurance protein: PeptENDURE^®.

New dimension

The sports nutrition market is booming, with a global value of around USD 30.6 billion in 2022, which is expected to soar to USD 64 billion by 2032. North America is leading the way, with the UK, Germany and France hot on its heels. The Asia-Pacific region is predicted to grow significantly, too, with a projected CAGR of 12.8 per cent from 2022 to 2032, driven by consumer demand for performance-based products.¹

Martin Walter, Category Manager Healthy Aging & Sports Nutrition at GELITA, explains: “While products based on protein for weight management or body composition are widely available in the sports nutrition industry, traditionally, only carbohydrate- or electrolyte-based products for endurance performance have been used by athletes for events and competitions. PeptENDURE^® is adding a new dimension to the market, as it helps athletes to achieve long-lasting improvements in endurance rather than a just short energy push during the race.”

Proven results

The effects of PeptENDURE^® are supported by two placebo-controlled studies. In Jendricke et al. (2020) young, active women took either a daily dose of PeptENDURE^® or a placebo, while doing concurrent resistance and endurance training three times a week. After 12 weeks, both groups completed a one-hour time trial (TT), where the PeptENDURE^® group ran significantly longer than the placebo group (+331m) and also had a significant increase in fat-free mass.² The second study followed the same design and included young, active men. Again, the PeptENDURE^® group ran significantly longer than the placebo group in the one-hour TT, with a longer distance of 662m. In addition, the fat mass of the Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®) group decreased and the lactate threshold improved significantly, indicating increased fat metabolism. According to the researchers, these effects could be a possible consequence of improved cardiometabolic parameters, particularly aerobic metabolism.

Martin comments: “The trials showed that participants who took PeptENDURE^® were able to run 14 per cent faster, which can basically be the difference between finishing fifth in a race or finishing first. This shows that PeptENDURE^® can make a real difference to the performance of endurance athletes.” Additional studies are now being conducted to further validate the positive effects of this new long-term performance solution.

Everyday training partner

To maximize the effects of PeptENDURE^®, consumers should take 15g daily for at least 3 months, which is why manufacturers can position their product as “daily adaptation”. As many endurance athletes train specifically for competitions and may need additional nutrients during the preparation phase, it also makes sense to market PeptENDURE^® in a competition bundle. The pure white powder has a neutral taste, can be combined with other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and provides excellent bioavailability. PeptENDURE^® can be used in a variety of applications including powders, ready-to-drink concepts, gels and sports bars. Its good solubility means it can be easily dissolved in water or added to foods such as yoghurts and smoothies. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), certified kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free and accepted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Martin continues: “Like all our BCP^®, PeptENDURE^® does not have an E-number, which makes it suitable for clean label products. With its ease of use, it can be a great training partner for athletes to help them achieve their goals.”

Conclusion

The benefits of these novel BCP^® are highly suitable for participants in any sport that requires sustained performance – from endurance sports such as long-distance running and triathlons, to team sports including football and hockey, and high-intensity gym-based activities. This makes it appealing to a wide range of consumers who will potentially become brand-loyal by taking the product on a daily basis.

References

More information