Future protein sources in sports nutrition🥤
What protein source will you be consuming?
Future Protein Sources in Sports Nutrition: Sustainable Solutions
Study Details
Meat and dairy products are exceptional protein sources for athletes 💪
However, alternative protein sources may provide significant environmental benefits 🌎
This new review outlined potential alternative protein sources and their benefits / drawbacks within a sports nutrition context 🔍
Here are the key takeaways ⬇️
Key Findings
INSECTS 🐜
Advantages ✅
• High quality protein
• Low cost
• Small footprint
• Rapid production cycle
Disadvantages ⚠️
• Low consumer perception
• Allergen risk
MICROALGAE 🧫
Advantages ✅
• High protein content
• High omega-3 content
• Rapid growth and sustainability
Disadvantages ⚠️
• High costs
• Difficulty of consumption
MYCOPROTEIN 🍄🟫
Advantages ✅
• Versatile, neutral taste
• Adaptable and ideal for product innovation
• High quality protein
• Cost-effective
Disadvantages ⚠️
• Taste and texture concerns
• Presence of artificial additives
• Perceived as unnatural or lacking “clean label”
PLANT-BASED 🌱
Advantages ✅
• High acceptability and demand
• Versatile taste
• Minimal environmental footprint
• Affordable and widely available
• Rich in dietary fibre and phytochemicals
Disadvantages ⚠️
• Risk of allergens and limited availability
• Amino acid imbalance
• Overprocessing concerns affecting “naturalness”
CULTURED MEAT 🥩
Advantages ✅
• Produced anywhere with minimal space
• Mimics meat taste, texture and protein content
• Supports ethical and sustainable practices
Disadvantages ⚠️
• High production costs
• Technical complexity
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41697563/
Performance Nutrition Digest is powered by Healthspan Elite ⚡️
Healthspan Elite is a science-led sports nutrition range developed in collaboration with leading experts to support athletic performance, recovery, and health.
Use code: TCDIGEST25 for 25% off at https://www.healthspanelite.co.uk/ 💪