Page 55 - FoodFocusThailand No.230 May 2025

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Emerging Trends in Functional

Protein for Regular Exercisers

The functional protein market has rapidly evolved to meet the needs of regular exercisers seeking to enhance
performance, recovery, and overall health. As of 2024–2025, several key trends have emerged, including
hybrid protein sourcing, bioactive peptides, hydrolysates, functional additives such as adaptogens and
probiotics, clean labeling, sustainability, personalized blends, and advanced delivery formats.

These innovations reflect a shift toward holistic, driving factor. Ready-to-drink protein waters, functional teas and
performance-driven nutrition. Hybrid proteins that combine coffees, and snacks such as high-protein chips and yogurts have
plant and animal sources—such as pea with whey or rice emerged, offering portable options suited to active lifestyles .
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with egg white—offer complete amino acid profiles while To reduce digestive discomfort and improve nutrient availability,
improving digestibility. This approach supports flexitarian protein products now incorporate fermentation and enzymatic
diets and reduces dependence on animal proteins, appealing treatment. Proteins treated with enzymes such as papain or
to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. 1 bromelain exhibit enhanced bioavailability and better tolerance,
making them particularly useful for athletes prone to gastrointestinal
Functional Protein: New Directions in Nutrition stress . Sleep-focused protein formulations have also emerged.
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for Health Promotion Products containing casein, magnesium, or L-theanine support
Technological advancements have also enabled the overnight recovery, recognizing rest as essential to performance
production of hydrolyzed proteins and bioactive peptides, adaptation .
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which are absorbed more rapidly than intact proteins. These Individuals who exercise regularly have increased protein
components support muscle recovery and help reduce requirements, estimated at two to three times higher than sedentary
inflammation, making them especially valuable post-exercise. individuals. This need arises from intensified muscle breakdown
Studies have demonstrated that whey hydrolysate enhances and synthesis cycles, increased energy demands, and immune
endurance and accelerates muscle repair . Additionally, system modulation. Protein supports muscle hypertrophy, protects
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adaptogens and probiotics in protein formulations introduce lean mass during caloric restriction, facilitates enzymatic activity,
a wellness-focused strategy. Adaptogens such as and aids tissue repair following physical stress. It is also necessary
ashwagandha and cordyceps may aid in stress recovery, for maintaining immune defenses and supporting mitochondrial
while probiotics support gut health—highlighting the adaptation, which underpins endurance and performance capacity.
interrelationship between digestion, mental resilience, and Thus, the increased protein needs of regular exercisers are driven
athletic performance . Growing consumer demand for by the body’s elevated demand for repair, recovery, protection,
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ingredient transparency and sustainability has influenced and adaptation in response to the physiological stress imposed
the direction of the market. Protein sources now include by exercise.
regenerative dairy or upcycled plant proteins, aligning with
the clean label movement, which promotes minimal Protein Absorption Dynamics and Their Relevance
processing and ethical sourcing . Personalized nutrition has Across Varying Levels of Exercise Intensity
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further gained momentum. Products tailored to activity type, To enhance targeted protein intake strategies, a comparative
age, or genetic profiles leverage wearable technology and analysis of protein absorption rates across various sources—
AI to create optimized protein blends that match individual including whole food proteins, protein concentrates, isolates,
fitness goals and dietary needs . Convenience is another hydrolysates, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and bioactive
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