Sandy Almendarez, VP of Content

February 24, 2012

25 Min Read
This Sporting Life

Exercise bestows many benefits from increased quality of life,1 to better sleep,2 increased cognitive function,3 better hormone regulation,4 increased bone density5 and, of course, better weight management.6 As the benefits of exercise and the disadvantages of sedentary work lives are harder to ignore, more people consider themselves to be "athletes." If not that, they at least see themselves as having active lifestyles. These now include everyone from those who participate on a professional or Olympic level to the millions of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials who participate in sports or hit the gym to maintain health. Whether it's for personal achievement or serious competition, ask anyone and he'll say he feels better when he's consistently exercisingthat is if he doesn't face injury, can sustain his energy to do the activities he prefers and isn't too sore afterwards.

Those are the three big reasons athletes, one-time gym hitters and those in between seek supplements for sports nutrition: injury prevention, energy and recovery. And, natural ingredients have been able to rise to the challenge in myriad ways. Even as FDA increases enforcement to ensure products do not contain illegal substances, the sports nutrition market is offering innovative products from chews to capsules, drinks, gels, stick packs, bars and strips. Drinks or beverage shots offer a nice vehicle for water-soluble compounds, while capsules and bulk powdered mixes may be the best solution for formulas that contain high doses of ingredients.

Athletes want results, ease of delivery and affordable price points. And they want clean products (i.e, no artificial, unpronounceable ingredients) backed by scientific research. Certainly keeping products natural can build brand loyalty, but showing documentation of efficacy can create not just loyal consumers, but product fans.

Next: Botanicals

Botanicals

Herbs and plant-based ingredients offer an abundance of antioxidants, which assist in reducing the free radical load that comes from elevated cellular respiration during exercise. Free radicals can lead to aging and degenerative health conditions, and can negatively affect muscle tissue. Antioxidants can also enhance endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression and subsequent NO release from endothelial cells. NO can increase blood flow to muscles and other organs, which can boost performance.

Beets naturally contain nitrate and may give athletes that extra edge in sports. Nitrate can widen blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and allowing more blood flow, and it can affect muscle tissue, reducing the amount of oxygen needed by muscles during activitytwo things that benefit athletes. Researchers from the University of Exeter, England, reported drinking beet juice enabled competitive-level cyclists to reduce the time it takes to ride a given distance.7 On average, riders were 11 seconds (2.8 percent) quicker over a 4-km distance and 45 seconds (2.7 percent) faster over a 16.1-km distance. In a follow-up study, many of the same researchers reported beet juice helped athletes who were exercising in a low-oxygen state by helping maintain muscle metabolic function, and restoring exercise tolerance and oxidative function.8

Pterostilbene, naturally found in small berries (blueberries, huckleberries, grapes, etc.), can act as a vasodilator by activating endothelial NO synthase. A 2005 study found pterostilbene induced NO synthase, especially in the presence of quercetin.9 As an antioxidant, pterostilbene also reduces free radical damage.10

French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) has been shown to help athletes in a number of ways. Pycnogenol® (from Horphag Research), an extract from the tree's bark, augmented endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing NO production in a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study  conducted on healthy students in Japan who consumed Pycnogenol for two weeks.11  The supplement significantly enhanced the ability of arteries to expand to facilitate better flow of blood. A review of Pycnogenol studies in 2002 reported more than 17 clinical trials described a strengthening of capillary walls after supplementation.12 That review also noted Pycnogenol strengthens veins as well as micro-vessels to prevent swellings (edema), micro-bleedings and hemorrhages. A further placebo-controlled clinical study with 66 healthy recreational sports athletes found those who took Pycnogenol experienced less muscle cramping and pain after exercise than when they weren't taking the supplement.13

The botanical bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is known for stimulating thermogenesis, increasing the percentage of lean muscle and improving athletic performance. In a three-arm, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 10 healthy adults (three women) aged 20 to 31 ingested one dose of Ripped Fuel Extreme Cut®, a dietary supplement that contains 21 mg synephrine (as AdvantraZ from Nutratech) and 304 mg caffeine under resting conditions and one hour prior to moderately intense exercise (30 minutes of cycling) with a placebo/exercise control.14 Exercise was perceived as less strenuous for those who took the supplement, and no significant adverse events occurred. And a 2011 study found ingesting a product containing bitter orange extract (as AdvantraZ), caffeine and green tea extract increased fat oxidation in certain populations, but did not lead to increased cardiovascular stress.15

Furostanol glycosides isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) have been shown to increase muscle mass, even in situations where subjects had decreased testosterone production. A study in castrated rats showed Testofen® (from Gencor Nutrients), at a dose of 35 mg/kg/d, significantly increased the weight of the levator ani (pelvic) muscle without increasing the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) similar to exogenous testosterone (10 mg/kg) treatment, indicating anabolic activity.16  A 2009 randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study on Testofen found the proprietary extract produced a positive effect on quality of life in self‐reported satisfaction with muscle strength, energy and well‐being.17 Additionally, an eight-week prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled, unpublished study showed those in the Testofen group experienced a significant reduction in serum creatinine levels (signifying creatine uptake and recycle in muscle cell) and better maintained muscle size compared to placebo. The study also showed those who took Testofen experienced a significant decrease in body fat compared to baseline.

Capsicum, also known as red hot pepper, can aid athletes in pain management and metabolic boosting. A 1994 quantitative overview of trials of topical capsaicin reported capsaicin cream was better than placebo in providing pain relief.18 The proprietary hot red pepper extract Capsimax from OmniActive Health Technologies promoted a lipolytic effect as measured by an increase in free fatty acids and glycerol in blood compared to placebo in a 2010 study.19 Researchers found plasma free-fatty acids increased after ingestion two hours before exercise and one minute post-exercise compared to placebo, and plasma glycerol concentrations increased significantly four hours after ingestion. Numerous other studies have shown the ingestion of red pepper decreases appetite and subsequent protein and fat intakes.20, 21

Next Page: Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals

Niacin (vitamin B3) is converted to nicotinamide in the body for use in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) pathway. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) can help adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Muscles use the chemical ATP as an energy supply, but one of the key requirements for ATP production is a steady supply of NAD. NAD production has its own rate-limiting steps, typically in the conversion of niacin to NAD; niacin flush can also limit consumer interest in supplementing with vitamin B3 even though it can produce increased energy. One way around this is to supplement with NR, which uses a back door, so to speak, to NAD production because it can insert itself in to the NAD recycling pathway. Along with increasing the longevity sirtuin genes, NR is theorized to increase ATP production.22

The mineral potassium can play a major role in hydration, especially for those who are sweating on the field or in the gym. Local muscle fatigue may be related to potassium efflux from the muscle cell and/or lactate accumulation within the muscle.23 A 2010 study reported the consistent relationship of ventilation and blood potassium levels during exercise suggests a role for this ion in the control of ventilation during physical activity.24 A 2010 Brazilian study reported potassium chloride supplementation reduced the nociceptive (a type of pain) threshold in spontaneous hypertensive rats that exercised; the lack or delay of pain perception may impede detection of angina and myocardial infarction.25

While many are warned too much salt in the diet can harm heart health, athletes can often be depleted of this essential electrolyte. A study conducted at the HEAT Institute, West Chester University, PA, examined sweat sodium losses in a large cohort of American football players.26 While the researchers noted sweat sodium concentration and daily sodium losses ranged considerably, they said heavy, salty sweaters require increased dietary consumption of sodium during preseason. And a 2009 study reported sodium intake during prolonged exercise in the heat played a significant role in preventing sodium losses that may lead to hyponatremia, a metabolic condition where not enough sodium is in the body fluids.27

Next: Protein and Amino Acids

Protein and Amino Acids

Protein is made up of amino acids, and athletes who supplement with protein can increase energy, muscle building and recovery.  Protein can come in plant and animal forms, but research has shown dairy protein (whey and casein) are better for building muscles than soy.28 Other studies report soy does stimulate muscle synthesis, just not to the extent of other protein.29

Similarly to protein, peptides are molecules formed by joining two or more amino acids. When the number of amino acids is fewer than about 50, these molecules are named peptides, while larger sequences are referred to as proteins. Exercisers can benefit from peptide supplementation; for instance, PepForm (from Glanbia) is a platform of peptides designed for improved bioavailability and functionality of amino acids, as well as other functional ingredients such as herbals. PepForm Leucine Peptides is a patent-pending high-leucine (more than 40 percent) peptide product that uses PepForm technology to bind L-leucine and other amino acids. An unpublished study from Glanbia Nutritionals reported PepForm Leucine Peptides delivered the amino acid L-leucine in a soluble and bioavailability form, which allowed muscle growth at a higher rate than free-form amino acids.

Some choose to supplement with specific amino  acids to achieve athletic results. A 2011 review from ConsumerLab.com noted supplements with the amino acid L-arginine increased intense exercise endurance in older and recreational athletes. L-arginine can, in some people, increase NO, according to the review. In a 2009 study, dietary L-arginine supplementation promoted muscle over fat gain, improved the metabolic profile and reduced body white fat in diet-induced obese rats.30 And a 2006 French study found heart failure patients who supplemented with L-arginine enhanced exercise endurance, improving physical fitness.31

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), when administered before exercise, affect the response of some anabolic hormones, mainly human growth hormone and testosterone, which helps boost performance.32 BCAA supplementation before and after exercise also has beneficial effects for decreasing exercise-induced muscle damage and promoting muscle-protein synthesis.33

L-carnitine, biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine, is required for the break down of fats into energy. An increasing body of scientific evidence illustrates the favorable effects of L-carnitine for athletes and physically active people in regard to performance, fatigue and recovery.34 In a 2004 review, Austrian researchers said evidence supports a beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplementation in training, competition and recovery from strenuous exercise and in regenerative athletics.35 And a 2008 review from the University of Connecticut noted L-carnitine demonstrated promising findings for cardiovascular diseases, which shows it might allow for enhanced physical activity.36

Carnipure, a branded L-carnitine tartrate ingredient from Lonza, has been studied for its role in the exercise recovery process. Most studies were conducted at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. In the early 2000s, this team found evidence that elemental L-carnitine provided by Carnipure reduced the effect of hypoxia (when the body is deprived of adequate oxygen) after resistance exercise, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced muscle soreness and quicker recovery.37 Later, they reported this effect is probably due to Carnipure's ability to increase oxygen uptake.38 The University of Connecticut team found another use for Carnipure in exercise recovery in 2006: 2 g/d of elemental L-carnitine provided by Carnipure increased androgen receptor content at rest and enhanced testosterone levels after resistance exercise.39 A year later, they found 1 g of elemental L-carnitine was as effective as 2 g in mediating various markers of metabolic stress and muscle soreness.40 Carnipure supplementation in healthy individuals also improved postprandial blood flow in a study that used a high-fat meal as a model to slow blood flow.

An unpublished study provides evidence to support use of Carnipure in exercise recovery in Baby Boomers, according to Lonza. The data showed 2 g of elemental L-carnitine reduced chemical damage to tissues after exercise and optimized muscle repair and remodeling.

Creatine, a molecule derived from the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine, is effective for activities that involve repeated short bouts of high-intensity physical activity.41 According to a review from the University of Oklahoma, creatine significantly increased force production regardless of sport, sex or age.42 The review also reported activities involving jumping, sprinting or cycling generally showed improved sport performance following creatine ingestion.

Kre-Celazine® (from All American Pharmaceutical), a combination of esterified fatty acid carbons and creatine, can reduce inflammation and pain, thus improving sports performance. A 2009 study reported Kre-Celazine exerted its greatest impact on areas of inflammation/pain in the extremities, as well as in the neck and shoulder region.43 An additional unpublished study from 2007 performed by BioCeutical Research and Development Laboratory, Billings, MT, reported 12 out of 12 subjects who had arthritis, joint pain and inflammation said they experienced some to significant benefits from taking Kre-Celazine  for four weeks over conventional prescription and OTC arthritic and pain drugs. All American Pharmaceutical also offers Kre-Alkalyn®, a buffered creatine, which was found to decrease joint pain in professional football players due to inflammation and direct bruising, while increasing endurance and stamina in an unpublished study.

Next: Specialty Nutrients

Specialty Nutrients

PhosphatidylSerine (PS), a phospholipid component, can prevent the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol, which can inhibit sports performance. A 2008 study reported a moderate dose of PS (600 mg/d) reduced plasma concentrations of cortisol and increased the testosterone to cortisol ratio in healthy males who were following a weight-training program.44 Another randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study concluded six weeks of PS supplementation reduced perceived stress levels in golfers and significantly improved the number of good ball flights during tee-off for healthy young golfers with handicaps of 15 to 40.45

PS is also known for its cognitive health-boosting properties, and making quick decisions and reducing the amount of errors during a competition can be crucial to success. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study found 400 mg/d PS (as SerinAid®, from Chemi Nutra) reduced the time needed for a correct calculation by 19.8 percent and reduced the total amount of errors by 33 percent in males, aged 18 to 30, who consumed the supplement before acute bout of resistance training.46

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (A-GPC), an acetylcholine precursor, can increase neuromuscular communication within the body and brain, which leads to heightened mental focus and sports performance. A-GPC promotes the secretion of growth hormone, which regulates metabolism and body composition. A 2010 study reported acute and prolonged (four weeks) ingestion of a supplement containing A-GPC; choline bitartrate; PS; vitamins B3, B6 and B12; folic acid; L-tyrosine; caffeine; acetyl-L-carnitine; and naringin helped subjects maintained better reaction time and subjective feelings of focus and alertness to both visual and auditory stimuli compared to placebo.47 Another study showed a single 600-mg dose of A-GPC (as AlphaSize, from Chemi Nutra), when administered 90 minutes prior to resistance exercise, increased post-exercise serum growth hormone and peak bench press force.48

Phosphatidic Acids (PA) are a part of phospholipids that are essential for lipid synthesis and cell survival. According to Chemi Nutra, a study on branded Mediator® PA (expected to be published in 2012) exhibited noticeable effects on muscle mass and strength in male subjects engaged in weight lifting exercise.

Ribose, a kind of sugar produced by the body, has been used as a supplement to accentuate the bodys natural process of energy synthesis. Ribose is a five-carbon sugar; however, unlike other sugars, it is not burned for fuel; instead, its absorbed into cells for ATP production. Ribose may help muscles regenerate lost energy and potentially minimizes physiological consequences of exercise. Ribose also plays a role in the synthesis of coenzyme-A, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), NAD, riboflavin (vitamin B2), DNA and RNA, all which promote a healthy metabolism. A 2004 Danish study found 200 mg/kg body weight of ribose restored muscle ATP faster than placebo 72 hours after cycle training.49 The researchers said results supported the hypothesis that the availability of ribose in the muscle is a limiting factor for the rate of resynthesis of ATP. In a 1991 study, ribose served as an energy source and enhanced the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides.50 Nucleotides are molecules that, when joined together, make up the structural units of RNA and DNA, and purine nucleotides form hydrogen molecules in DNA. In this study, post-exertional muscle stiffness and cramps disappeared almost completely in two of the three subjects. Still, other studies have found oral ribose supplementation (10 g/d for five days) did not affect anaerobic exercise capacity or metabolic markers in trained subjects,51 and oral ribose supplementation (4-g doses four times a day) did not beneficially impact post-exercise muscle ATP recovery and maximal intermittent exercise performance.52

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organosulfur compound, can benefit athletes by cushioning joints, especially when it's used in combination with glucosamine. MSM (3 g twice/d) improved symptoms of pain and physical function in patients with knee pain without major adverse events in a study from Southwest College Research Institute, Tempe, AZ.53 Compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in pain and physical function impairment. And a 2004 study from India found adding MSM and glucosamine produced an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis (OA) patients.54 OptiMSM® (from Bergstrom Nutrition), at 3g tid, produced significant decreases in pain and physical function impairment scores in OA patients.55 Another study showed it decreased inflammation markers in an animal model.56

Natural eggshell membrane is another specialty ingredient marketed for joint health that can help keep athletes flexible. NEM® (from ESM Technologies) naturally contains glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen, all of which support joint health. A 2009 study found a 500-mg/d dose of NEM reduced pain and stiffness and increased flexibility in seven to 10 days.57 Researchers believe its efficacy is the result of its anti-inflammatory properties. A 2011 in vitro study reported NEM has the ability to reduce the inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).58

Consumers want to be the best they can beon the field, in the gym and in a swimsuitand exercise can get them there while adding mental and stress-relieving benefits. Natural ingredients formulated in supplements, gels, beverages, etc., can help everyonefrom the mom on the Stairmaster to the Ironman triathlete competing at the World Championship in Hawaiiprevent injury, recover and sustain energy while they are sweating to whichever activity they love.

More on Joint Health:

  • Many more natural ingredients can support joint health, but it may be challenging to stay within the legal marketing bounds without making arthritis disease claims. Check out the on-demand video "The Realities of Supporting Joint Health Claims" in the SupplySide Store.

  • Or, check out INSIDER's slide show "Joint Health Ingredients," for more natural solutions for joint health. 

References listed on the next page.

References:

1.       Nicolucci A et al. "Relationship of exercise volume to improvements of quality of life with supervised exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes in a randomised controlled trial: the Italian Diabetes and Exercise Study (IDES)." Diabetologia. 2012 Jan 11.

2.       Zagaar M et al. "The beneficial effects of regular exercise on cognition in REM sleep deprivation: Behavioral, electrophysiological and molecular evidence." Neurobiol Dis. 2011 Dec 30.

3.       Vasques PE et al. " Acute exercise improves cognition in the depressed elderly: the effect of dual-tasks." Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011;66(9):1553-7.

4.       Vaamonde D et al " Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men." Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012 Jan 11.

5.       Dolbow DR et al. " The effects of spinal cord injury and exercise on bone mass: A literature review." NeuroRehabilitation. 2011 Jan 1;29(3):261-9.

6.       Andreou E, Philippou C, Papandreou D." Effects of an Intervention and Maintenance Weight Loss Diet with and without Exercise on Anthropometric Indices in Overweight and Obese Healthy Women." Ann Nutr Metab. 2011;59(2-4):187-92. Epub 2011 Dec 2.

7.       Lansley KE, et al. " Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Jun;43(6):1125-31

8.       Vanhatalo A et al. " Dietary nitrate reduces muscle metabolic perturbation and improves exercise tolerance in hypoxia. J Physiol. 2011 Nov 15;589(Pt 22):5517-28.

9.       Ferrer P et al. "Association between pterostilbene and quercetin inhibits metastatic activity of B16 melanoma." Neoplasia. 2005 Jan;7(1):37-47.

10.   Paul S et al. " Dietary intake of pterostilbene, a constituent of blueberries, inhibits the beta-catenin/p65 downstream signaling pathway and colon carcinogenesis in rats." Carcinogenesis. 2010 Jul;31(7):1272-8.

11.   Nishioka K et al."Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans." Hypertens Res. 2007 Sep;30(9):775-80.

12.   Rohdewald P. " A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Apr;40(4):158-68.

13.   Vinciguerra G et al. "Cramps and muscular pain: prevention with pycnogenol in normal subjects, venous patients, athletes, claudicants and in diabetic microangiopathy." Angiology. 2006 May-Jun;57(3):331-9.

14.   Haller CA et al. "Human pharmacology of a performance-enhancing dietary supplement under resting and exercise conditions." Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Jun;65(6):833-40.

15.   Seifert JG et al. " Effect of acute administration of an herbal preparation on blood pressure and heart rate in humans." Int J Med Sci. 2011 Mar 2;8(3):192-7.

16.   Aswar U et al., " Effect of furostanol glycosides from Trigonella foenum-graecum on the reproductive system of male albino rats." Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1482-8.

17.   Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L. " Physiological Aspects of Male Libido Enhanced by Standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum Extract and Mineral Formulation."Phytother Res. 2011 Feb 10. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3360.

18.   Zhang WY, Li Wan Po A. "The effectiveness of topically applied capsaicin. A meta-analysis." Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1994;46(6):517-22.

19.   Bloomer RJ et al. " Effect of oral intake of capsaicinoid beadlets on catecholamine secretion and blood markers of lipolysis in healthy adults: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, cross-over study." Lipids Health Dis. 2010 Jul 15;9:72.

20.   Yoshioka M et al. " Effects of red pepper on appetite and energy intake." Br J Nutr. 1999 Aug;82(2):115-23.

21.   Yoshioka M et al. " Combined effects of red pepper and caffeine consumption on 24 h energy balance in subjects given free access to foods." Br J Nutr. 2001 Feb;85(2):203-11.

22.   Belenky P et al. Nicotinamide riboside promotes Sir2 silencing and extends lifespan via Nrk and Urh1/Pnp1/Meu1 pathways to NAD+." Cell. 2007 May 4;129(3):473-84.

23.   Tenan MS et al. The relationship between blood potassium, blood lactate, and electromyography signals related to fatigue in a progressive cycling exercise test."J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2011 Feb;21(1):25-32. Epub 2010 Oct 12.

24.   McMurray RG, Tenan MS." Relationship of potassium ions and blood lactate to ventilation during exercise." Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2010 Oct;35(5):691-8.

25.   Galdino GS et al. " Evaluation of exercise and potassium chloride supplementation on blood pressure and nociceptive threshold in hypertensive rats." Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2010 Apr;35(2):184-7.

26.   Godek SF et al. " Sweat rates, sweat sodium concentrations, and sodium losses in 3 groups of professional football players. J Athl Train. 2010 Jul-Aug;45(4):364-71.

27.   Anastasiou CA et al. "Sodium replacement and plasma sodium drop during exercise in the heat when fluid intake matches fluid loss."J Athl Train. 2009 Mar-Apr;44(2):117-23.

28.   Phillips SM, Tang JE, Moore DR. " The role of milk- and soy-based protein in support of muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein accretion in young and elderly persons." J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Aug;28(4):343-54.

29.   Tang JE, et al. " Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men." J Appl Physiol. 2009 Sep;107(3):987-92. Epub 2009 Jul 9.

30.   Jobgen W et al. " Dietary L-arginine supplementation reduces white fat gain and enhances skeletal muscle and brown fat masses in diet-induced obese rats." J Nutr. 2009 Feb;139(2):230-7. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

31.   Doutreleau S et al. " Chronic L-arginine supplementation enhances endurance exercise tolerance in heart failure patients." Int J Sports Med. 2006 Jul;27(7):567-72.

32.   Carli G et al.  "Changes in the exercise-induced hormone response to branched chain amino acid administration." Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1992;64(3):272-7.

33.   Shimomura Y et al. "Exercise promotes BCAA catabolism: effects of BCAA supplementation on skeletal muscle during exercise. J Nutr. 2004 Jun;134(6 Suppl):1583S-1587S.

34.   Volek JS et al. " L-Carnitine L-tartrate supplementation favorably affects markers of recovery from exercise stress." Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Feb;282(2):E474-82.

35.   Karlic H, Lohninger A." Supplementation of L-carnitine in athletes: does it make sense?" Nutrition. 2004 Jul-Aug;20(7-8):709-15.

36.   Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Dunn-Lewis C." L-carnitine supplementation: influence upon physiological function." Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008 Jul-Aug;7(4):218-23.

37.   Kraemer WJ  et al. "The effects of L-carnitine L-tartrate supplementation on hormonal responses to resistance exercise and recovery." J Strength Cond Res. 2003 Aug;17(3):455-62.

38.   Spiering BA et al. " Effects of L-carnitine L-tartrate supplementation on muscle oxygenation responses to resistance exercise." J Strength Cond Res. 2008 Jul;22(4):1130-5.

39.   Kraemer WJ et al. " Androgenic responses to resistance exercise: effects of feeding and L-carnitine." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Jul;38(7):1288-96.

40.   Spiering BA et al. " Responses of criterion variables to different supplemental doses of L-carnitine L-tartrate." J Strength Cond Res. 2007 Feb;21(1):259-64.

41.   Volek JS et al. "Effects of carnitine Supplementation on Flow-Mediated Dilation and Vascular Inflammatory Responses to a High-Fat Meal in Healthy Young Adults." Am J Cardiol 2008;102:14131417

42.   Bemben MG, Lamont HS. " Creatine supplementation and exercise performance: recent findings." Sports Med. 2005;35(2):107-25.

43.   Golini J et al. A single-center, double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of Kre-Celazine®, an oral buffered creatine-cetylated fatty acid compound, in its ability to reduce site-specific inflammation and pain." JANA. 2009;12(1):20-25.

44.   Fahey, TD, and Pearl, MS. "The hormonal and perceptive effects of phosphatidylserine administration during two weeks of resistive exercise-induced overtraining." Biology of Sport 15(3), 135-144, 1998.

45.   Jäger, R et al. " The effect of phosphatidylserine on golf performance." J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007; 4: 23.

46.   Parker, A et al. "The effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on cognitive functioning prior and following an acute bout of resistance training in young males." J International Soc Sports Nut 7(Supp 1): 2, 2010.

47.   Hoffman, J. et al. "The effects of acute and prolonged CRAM supplementation on reaction time and subjective measures of focus and alertness in healthy college students." J International Soc Sport Nut 7:39, 2010.

48.   Ziegenfuss, T, Landis, J, and Hofheins, J. "Acute supplementation with alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to, and peak force production during, resistance exercise." J Int Soc Sports Nut 5(Suppl 1): P15, 2008.

49.   Hellsten Y, Skadhauge L, Bangsbo J. " Effect of ribose supplementation on resynthesis of adenine nucleotides after intense intermittent training in humans." Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2004 Jan;286(1):R182-8.

50.   Wagner DR, Gresser U, Zöllner N. " Effects of oral ribose on muscle metabolism during bicycle ergometer in AMPD-deficient patients." Ann Nutr Metab. 1991;35(5):297-302.

51.   Kreider RB et al. " Effects of oral D-ribose supplementation on anaerobic capacity and selected metabolic markers in healthy males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003 Mar;13(1):76-86.

52.   Op 't Eijnde B et al. " No effects of oral ribose supplementation on repeated maximal exercise and de novo ATP resynthesis." J Appl Physiol. 2001 Nov;91(5):2275-81.

53.   Kim LS et al. "Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial." Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94.

54.   Usha PR, Naidu MU. "Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis." Clin Drug Investig. 2004;24(6):353-63.

55.   Kim LS et al. " Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial." Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. Epub 2005 Nov 23.

56.   Amiel D, Healey R and Oshima Y "Assessment of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on the development of osteoarthritis (OA): An animal study." FASEB J. 2008; 22:1094.3.

57.   Ruff KJ et al. " Eggshell membrane in the treatment of pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study." Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Aug;28(8):907-14. Epub 2009 Apr 2.

58.   Benson KF et al. " Effects of Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) on Cytokine Production in Cultures of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: Increased Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels After In Vitro Digestion." J Med Food. 2011 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print]

About the Author

Sandy Almendarez

VP of Content, Informa

Summary

• Well-known subject matter expert within the health & nutrition industry with more than 15 years’ experience reporting on natural products.

• She cares a lot about how healthy products are made, where their ingredients are sourced and how they affect human health.

• She knows that it’s the people behind the businesses — their motivations, feelings and emotions — drive industry growth, so that’s where she looks for content opportunities.

Sandy Almendarez is VP of Content for SupplySide and an award-winning journalist. She oversees the editorial and content marketing teams for the B2B media brands SupplySide Supplement Journal and SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, the education programming for the health and nutrition trade shows SupplySide Connect New Jersey and SupplySide West, the education program SupplySide Fresh for industry newcomers and community engagement across the SupplySide portfolio. She is a seasoned content strategist with a passion for health, good nutrition, sustainability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a content-focused business leader. With specialization in topics ranging from product development to content engagement, creative marketing and c-suite decision making, her work is known for its engaging style and its relevance for business leaders in the health and nutrition industry.

In her free time, Sandy loves running, drinking hot tea and watching her two kids grow up. She brews her own “Sandbucha” homemade kombucha; she’s happy to share if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Awards:

Speaker credentials

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University

Contact:

Subscribe for the latest consumer trends, trade news, nutrition science and regulatory updates in the supplement industry!
Join 37,000+ members. Yes, it's completely free.

You May Also Like