Sports performance depends on a combination of factors such as training, genetics, rest and, very importantly, nutrition.
In high performance sports such as triathlon, marathon or high impact sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis or crossfit, where energy and nutrient demand is high, supplementation is especially required, in order to maintain a good physical condition at muscular and joint level, avoiding injuries and preventing joint-related problems that can degenerate over time in arthrosis difficult to solve.
Macronutrients
Proteins: High performance athletes have higher protein needs due to the constant muscle and joint damage and repair that occurs during training. Supplementation with certain proteins can be very convenient to help joint chondroprotection.
Amino acids: Amino acids are indispensable nutrients for the joints. L-Glycine, for example, contributes to the prevention of inflammation. A correct supply of amino acids can help cartilage repair. L-Glutamine accelerates recovery and stimulates muscle growth, as well as minimizing the oxidative stress generated in the joints by the intensive practice of sport. L-Arginine helps increase ATP production and NO (Nitric Oxide) synthesis. BCCAs (branched-chain amino acids) are a great source of muscle mass protection in endurance sports.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the main source of energy during high-intensity exercise. An adequate and balanced supplementation of different carbohydrates prevents the depletion of muscle glycogen stores, delaying fatigue and optimizing performance at all times.
Fatty acids: Although fatty acids are not usually the focus of supplementation during competition or training, some such as omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) may be desirable after sports practice, for muscle recovery and for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Hyaluronic: This high-density acid, supplied in a bioabsorbable molecule size at intestinal level, helps to regenerate the synovial fluid of the joints, protecting the articular cartilage and reducing friction during movement.
Electrolytes: Athletes in general tend to lose a large amount of electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium through sweat, especially in conditions of high temperature and relative humidity. Electrolyte supplements help prevent dehydration and muscle cramps which are crucial in sports practice.
Micronutrients
Vitamins and Trace Elements: In general, a balanced diet should cover vitamin and mineral needs. In some cases, as with iron, zinc or manganese in endurance athletes, supplementation may be required because supplementation is often focused on macroelement minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, forgetting trace elements. Vitamins such as B2, B9 and B12 help to reduce tiredness and fatigue. B1 and B5 contribute to normal energy metabolism.
Special Supplements
Astaxanthin: Powerful antioxidant that offers elasticity to the articular system and protection to the connective system with a high anti-inflammatory power.
Some time ago we talked about it in detail, in our post of Innovative ingredients, about Astaxanthin and collagen peptides.
Creatine: Creatine can improve the ability to perform high-intensity exercise and promote muscle mass gain.
Choline: Choline favors the optimal functioning of nerve signals, decreasing the response time in the movement and helping the correct metabolization of nutrients.
Beta-alanine: This modified amino acid supplement can increase the concentration of carnosine in muscles, which can delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise.
Recovery
Protein and Carbohydrates: After exercise, ingestion of protein and certain carbohydrates can speed muscle recovery and replenish glycogen stores.
Electrolytes: Electrolyte replenishment is also essential for post-workout recovery and hydration.
Antioxidants: High-intensity exercise generates a large amount of free radicals that can cause free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and polyphenols, can help neutralize these free radicals.
Supplementation can be a very useful ally for high-performance athletes, as long as it is used in a proper and balanced way. The right combination of supplements can greatly improve athletic performance, accelerate recovery, and protect the joint health of athletes, allowing them to reach their maximum potential.
That is why Ünik Nutraceuticals has developed the following products ÜNIK® Sporta supplement designed to maintain a good joint fitness in professional or amateur athletes that prevents and reduces joint and bone pain increasing physical well-being and post-sport recovery, prevents your body from being an impediment in your sports practice, avoids injuries and prevents problems associated with osteoarthritis. ÜNIK® Sport is a very complete natural food supplement, with vitamins, minerals, bioactive collagen peptides, plant extracts and proteins, which contribute to toning muscle mass and keeping bones in optimal condition.
In relation to this and recalling the II Symposium Articulating Sport 2022, organized by the Osteoarthritis Foundation International - OAFI, the Fundación Atlético de Madrid and the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), we will say that one of the main doubts that arise regarding supplementation in sport is whether nutrition, in the future, will be tailored and whether medicine will be personalized. At the symposium, in which we participated, it was concluded that, indeed, nutrition will be tail or-made and that the genetic factors of each person, the chosen sports practice, the lifestyle of each athlete and the environment of the sports practice influence joint health. The use of dietary supplementation in sport is recommended to improve the standard of living of sportsmen and women as long as it is done properly and with supervision.
Other topics that came up in the symposium and to which answers were given were, for example, what is really important in food supplements, how the product shelf life is established, what kind of food supplements we can find in the market, what are adaptogens and nootropics, how can we prevent our Olympic athletes from testing positive by consuming food supplements manufactured in other countries, etc. Opting for supplementation through ÜNIK® Sport we can be reassured about all these issues.
Remember: You can improve your quality of life as an athlete with supplements - practice your favorite sport every day!
