Marie Spano MS, RDN

Today’s sports nutrition formulations provide sophisticated ingredients, alone and in combination, for not only athletes and weekend warriors -- but also those engaged in the grueling competition of simply getting through the stressful marathon that is modern living.

From sweetener systems to value-added proteins, energy drink and sports beverage formulations require creative solutions.

The market for prebiotics and probiotics is said to be booming. Here is a look at recent research supporting the benefits of these ingredients--benefits that range from mineral absorption to weight management.

As product developers look to better serve consumer niches with formulated sports beverages, specialty ingredients, from various whey proteins to high value nutrients to an expanding array of sweeteners, are being used by R&D.