Analysis and Screening of Commercialized Protein Supplements for Sports Practice

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of the consumption of sports-related supplements. However, the hypothesis is raised that it is necessary to analyze the quality aspects of these supplements in relation to the information provided on the label, to avoid associated risks and obtain the greatest possible benefit from their consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to carry out an analysis or screening of the protein supplements that are currently marketed in Spain. We analyzed the labels of 52 protein sports supplements available both in physical stores and online. The analysis consisted of addressing three relevant aspects considering the labeling: (a) the legislative framework in which the supplements are marketed, (b) the quality of the protein, and (c) the presence of other ingredients according to the specifications of the label. In the legislative context, there do not seem to be any specific regulations to guarantee consumer protection, which can lead to unfair practices and misleading advertising. Most of the supplements analyzed to comply with the requirements of their current regulations. However, claims about their benefits that are not allowed under European legislation have been found in some of them. Regarding composition and according to label information, the supplements have been found to provide a sufficient dose of protein in terms of recommended protein intake per serving. Regarding the presence of other ingredients and according to the information on the label, most of them, except for egg supplements, contain other ingredients. Colostrum was also found in one of the supplements evaluated. The conclusions of the study reveal that, due to a lack of knowledge or misleading advertising practices, supplements are often not used properly. The information provided is essential for both professionals and consumers to avoid the risks associated with consumption, such as unintentional doping, interactions between ingredients that reduce the quality of the supplement, and consumption of supplements inappropriately, among others.

Sports foods are not all they shake up to be. An audit of formulated supplementary sports food products and packaging in Australian retail environments

“…This study identified a high level of variation in the dominant nutrients between each sports food category, such as protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and dietary fibre, as has been found by other analytical studies (22,40). This variation may be due to manufacturer determined serving size and recommended serves per day, as well as to the form of the product (e.g., powder, liquid, or bar).…”

“…However, the sample was smaller than in the current audit, included only protein isolate products and examined protein quality, which was not a focus of the current study. Additionally, the European Union legislative framework has no specific regulations with reference to claims for sports foods and these are categorised as foodstuffs, therefore it is difficult to establish whether these foods do in fact meet the labelling requirements (22). Claims are important to consumers and influence choice, preference, and consumption (25,(48)(49)(50)(51)(52), and are sources of information that are easily processed by consumers via heuristics (53).…”

“…Given the level of potential inaccuracies found in relation the energy and nutrients on the NIP of many of these foods, there are implications for the veracity of these claims. A very recent sports food audit conducted in Spain, found that most of the products complied with the relevant labelling standards ( 22 ). However, the sample was smaller than in the current audit, included only protein isolate products and examined protein quality, which was not a focus of the current study.…”

“…To date, there have been no product audits conducted to our knowledge which examine the number and types of sports foods being sold in mainstream retail environments. Limited research which examines packaging attributes and how these foods are being marketed via on pack attributes (22), even though they are important in influencing consumption (23)(24)(25)(26) and the nutrients/ingredient composition (22,27), however, this research examines either only protein dominant products, or is based on a chemical analysis of the composition of these foods. Other existing research focuses on patterns of consumption by non-athletes, however, were conducted over 9 years ago and are therefore now of limited relevance due to the rapid expansion in the sports food market (12, 13, 27).…”

A Study on Immersion and Intention to Pay in AR Broadcasting: Validating and Expanding the Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Mode

“…This finding clearly indicates that, in addition to the aesthetics of the interface, clearly conveying the effects of payment and consumption amount to users is necessary. This will enhance user experience and satisfaction, reduce the risk of improper operation and help reduce the loss of users due to misleading consumption caused by poor design of apps [236,237]. H12 demonstrates that a user-friendly interactive interface can reduce consumers' confusion and frustration during use, and stimulate their curiosity.…”