Ahead of the Summer Games in Paris, ingredient supplier ADM has highlighted a number of key active nutrition concepts that are especially popular for both recreational and casual athletes.

“Weekend warriors and couch to 5k-ers are posting PRs thanks to the latest innovations in rehydration and recovery, for instance. They’re also being introduced to products that include biotics, as more are connecting gut health with overall well-being. And as more consumers consider vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian lifestyles, the sensory experiences of plant-based performance products have risen alongside demand, with bars, gummies, and protein shakes that taste or chew more pleasingly than they used to,” the company said.

The Gut-Muscle Axis

The first trend ADM highlighted is interest in the gut-muscle axis, as a growing body of research shows links between the gut microbiome and muscle health outcomes. Active nutrition consumers are more interested in gut microbiome-supporting products, like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

ADM recently launched Active Lifestyle Formulation, a blend of Bifidobacterium longum, CECT7347 (ES1), Lactobacillus casei CECT9104 (BPL4), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 (BPL15), with clinical research suggesting that the formulation supports biomarkers related to post-exercise oxidative stress.

Muscle also declines with age, particularly in women, and supporting the gut-muscle axis can help ensure an active lifestyle for the long term. ADM’s DE111 probiotic has been evidenced to support body composition in female athletes during off-season training, with results suggesting a decreased body fat percentage.

Quenching Consumer Thirst for Rapid Rehydration

Rapid rehydration is gaining popularity in the active nutrition space, the ADM reported, with many looking for electrolytes, isotonic properties, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Electrolytes are especially in favor for recovery, performance, and hydration benefits. ADM research shows that, among young adults, product labels emphasizing electrolytes rank as their most desired claim.

But consumers want more than hydration in a performance beverage, according to the company. Beta alanine and l-carnitine are being formulated into energy drinks and pre-workout products for their perceived associations with endurance, muscle building, and cognitive function. ADM offers a range of products enhanced with vitamins and minerals suitable for beverage manufacturers developing drinks that rapidly rehydrate and assist in recovery.

Tastier Plant-Based Performance

Globally, plant-forward consumers, defined as flexitarians, vegetarians, or vegans, state that improved taste and texture are motivating them to consume more plant-based products, ADM reported, and 50% of global plant-based consumers note a strong interest in plant protein sources with additional health benefits.

This enthusiasm provides the prospect for active nutrition and performance manufacturers to enhance the nutrient density of their products through plant-based protein options and functional ingredients.

ADM’s neutral-tasting soy protein isolate offers at least a 90% protein concentration, while also adding functionality and mouthfeel consistency, while its pea proteins also provide a clean taste and light color. The two proteins can be combined to create better-tasting vegan shakes, bars, and more with exceptionally high protein content, rich in essential amino acids that support recovery through the mTOR pathway.