Taste is often at the forefront of consumers’ minds when selecting supplements to consume, such as chewables, drink mixes and other consumable supplements. Flavorists work closely with manufacturers to produce products that satisfy this consumer demand while meeting all quality and safety regulations.
Look for supplements that have been third-party tested to verify they contain only those ingredients listed on the label, without harmful levels of contaminants such as heavy metals.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is an extensively studied, generally safe supplement designed to increase strength and exercise performance during short-duration high-intensity resistance exercises. Produced naturally from amino acids found in our bodies, most creatine ends up in our skeletal muscles where it forms into phosphocreatine or creatine phosphate and contributes to creating energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of creatine monohydrate supplements in increasing muscle power and endurance during physical activity as well as recovery time after intense sessions of physical exertion. One such research project showed how creatine monohydrate supplements improved cycling performance of triathletes as well as helping them maintain concentration and decision making during long endurance races.
Creatine comes in either powder or liquid form, and should ideally be taken alongside carb- and protein-rich meals in order to help your body absorb it better. Some athletes like to cycle it by loading up with 20 grams a day for 5-7 days then maintaining at 5 grams daily for maintenance; one form, called creatine hydrochloride dissolves easily in water making swallowing easier.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
BCAA supplements are popular among athletes and bodybuilders because they can promote muscle growth, enhance exercise performance and lessen fatigue after training. BCAAs are considered essential amino acids, meaning the body cannot produce enough of them on its own and must obtain them through diet alone.
Leucine, isoleucine and valine are three amino acids essential to protein synthesis that make up BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). Their unique molecular structures set them apart from the other 20 amino acids found within our bodies’ proteins.
Research into BCAA supplements is still in its early stages; however, studies suggest they are effective at increasing protein synthesis following resistance training and may reduce exercise-induced fatigue, as well as stimulating p70S6k phosphorylation, which controls protein synthesis (Journal of Applied Physiology 2011;114:1271-7). Please remember this copyrighted material is for general informational use only; any medical advice should be sought from your physician directly.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroids group, used to increase intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium as well as regulate cellular growth and immune function. Vitamin D’s actions are mediated through its receptors which convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to active 1,25(OH)2D; excessive doses have been linked with renal failure, soft tissue calcification in various parts of the body (such as heart valves and arteries), as well as multiple other serious health conditions. Toxic levels can result in renal failure, soft tissue calcification in soft tissues throughout, heart valve calcification in soft tissues throughout and various other health complications.
Studies of patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in randomized controlled trials have reported that increasing vitamin D intakes can decrease the need for insulin and improve glucose tolerance, while also modulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems and blood pressure, inhibit vascular cell growth, modulate inflammatory and fibrotic pathways [119]. It’s best to consume foods naturally rich in vitamin D; be sure to talk to your health care team about how much to eat each day and any herbs, nonprescription drugs, or supplements you are taking as these can interact with some medications [120].
Flavors
Addition of flavoring can help conceal off-flavors from ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, that could otherwise deter users from taking their supplements as intended – this could include bitter tastes or metallic aftertaste that deters consumers from taking the supplement as intended, thus diminishing efficacy of product.
Flavor should not be overlooked when formulating nutritional supplements; rather it should be seen as a key consideration during formulation. Selecting appropriate flavors can boost both efficacy and appeal across wider audiences.
According to research, specific aromas can suppress certain tasting stimuli like bitterness. These findings can be applied to flavor design of dietary supplements in order to limit unpleasant flavors. Furthermore, innovative formats like controlled-release, encapsulated and coated formulas may help minimize unwanted aftertaste from ingredients in supplements – this is especially important with jelly or gum-based products where high quality flavoring agents must provide consumers with a positive experience.
