Better Dairy’s New Milk Protein Ingredient Hits US Safety Milestone

Milk Protein Ingredient Hits US Safety Milestone: What It Means for Nutrition

A new development in food biotechnology may offer another avenue for companies developing next-generation nutrition products.

British biotech company Better Dairy announced on October 19, 2026, that its precision-fermented lactopontin ingredient had achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States. The company is preparing for commercialization, with potential applications in gut health, sports recovery, nutrition and healthy aging.

The announcement is part of a broader effort to produce milk-related ingredients using biotechnology rather than relying solely on traditional dairy production.

Source: Protein Production Technology — Better Dairy

What Is Precision-Fermented Lactopontin?

Precision fermentation uses microorganisms to produce specific ingredients under controlled conditions. In food biotechnology, this approach can be used to produce proteins and other compounds without obtaining them directly from conventional animal sources.

Better Dairy is developing lactopontin for potential use in nutrition products. According to the company, possible applications include healthy aging, gut health, immunity, skin health and sports recovery.

However, these are potential applications, not proof that a finished product containing the ingredient will deliver every claimed benefit. Evidence for individual health outcomes will depend on the ingredient, its intended use and the relevant research.

What Does the US Safety Milestone Mean?

According to the company, an independent panel of experts reviewed the available evidence and concluded that the ingredient was safe under its intended conditions of use.

One important distinction: self-affirmed GRAS status is not the same as formal approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under the US regulatory framework, companies can establish a substance’s GRAS status through an appropriate scientific assessment without submitting a GRAS notification to the FDA.

Better Dairy is also pursuing regulatory pathways in Europe and Asia, meaning market access will depend on the requirements of each jurisdiction.

Could It Affect Sports Nutrition?

The development is worth watching as sports nutrition companies explore new protein ingredients and manufacturing methods.

If precision-fermented proteins become commercially viable, they could give manufacturers more options when developing nutrition powders, drinks and other functional foods.

However, commercial success will depend on several factors, including production costs, ingredient performance, consumer acceptance, regulatory requirements and the quality of supporting research.

For consumers, the announcement does not mean a new protein supplement is immediately available or that lactopontin has been proven superior to established protein sources such as whey.

What’s Next?

The next steps involve commercialization and further regulatory work. It remains to be seen which products will contain the ingredient, when they will reach consumers and what scientific evidence will support specific nutrition claims.

For now, Better Dairy’s announcement represents a development in food biotechnology rather than a new supplement recommendation.

The takeaway: Precision fermentation is creating new possibilities for protein and nutrition ingredients. Whether these innovations become meaningful options for everyday consumers will depend on the science, regulatory progress and products that follow.

Reference

Better Dairy announcement, October 19, 2026. Related report from Protein Production Technology.

October 20, 2026

Are Gummy Vitamins Effective? What OLLY’s New Mochi Bites Show

Do Gummy Vitamins and Supplements Actually Work? OLLY’s New Mochi Bites Focus on the Format

The supplement industry is transforming how it delivers everyday nutrients. Gummies, powders and ready-to-drink products are all vying for consumers’ attention, meaning pills and capsules are no longer the only options.

Wellness brand OLLY announced its new supplement range, Mochi Bites, on October 1, 2026. The launch features four formulas focused on beauty, sleep, multivitamin support and energy, all in a soft, chewy format inspired by mochi. The products were launched in the United States through Target and OLLY’s official website.

But here’s the important question: Are gummy vitamins and supplements effective, or are they just more enjoyable to take?

What Differentiates Gummy Supplements?

Conventional tablets and capsules deliver nutrients in a compact form. If you’re not a fan of swallowing pills or struggle to maintain a daily supplement routine, gummies offer another option.

OLLY’s launch is an example of how brands are exploring texture and the overall consumer experience. However, the ingredients and intended benefits still matter. A new shape or flavour does not automatically make a supplement more effective.

The industry is increasingly exploring new delivery formats, but consumers should distinguish between genuine formulation improvements and products that primarily offer a different experience.

Do Gummy Vitamins and Supplements Really Work?

They can. How well they work depends on the nutrient, the amount provided, product quality, stability and whether the person taking the supplement actually needs that nutrient.

A published study comparing vitamin D gummies with tablets found that the specific gummy formulation tested had greater vitamin D bioavailability than the tablet formulation. However, the research examined one nutrient and specific products. It does not establish that all gummy supplements are more effective than tablets or capsules.

Read the vitamin D bioavailability study.

This distinction is important. A gummy containing an appropriate dose of a well-studied nutrient can be useful, but the format alone does not guarantee better absorption or greater health benefits.

What Should You Check Before Buying Gummy Supplements?

1. Check the Supplement Facts label.

Look for the amount of each active ingredient in the recommended serving. Don’t judge a product by the number of gummies or the claims displayed on the front of the pack.

2. Watch the sugar content.

Some gummies contain added sugar or other sweeteners. If you take more than one supplement daily, check the serving sizes and nutrition information.

3. Check the ingredients and quality.

Look for allergens, the source of the gelling agent, and any relevant third-party testing or certification. Consumers in Pakistan looking for halal products should verify the actual ingredients and certification rather than relying solely on packaging claims.

4. Follow storage directions.

Some products can be affected by heat and improper storage. If you’re wondering whether melted gummy vitamins are still effective, their appearance alone cannot confirm that the ingredients have remained stable. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

When Should You Take Gummy Vitamins?

The answer depends on the ingredients and the product instructions. Some supplements are intended to be taken at a particular time of day or with food, while others have different directions.

Don’t take extra gummies simply because they taste like sweets. Excessive amounts of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful, and supplements can interact with medicines.

The US Food and Drug Administration’s dietary supplement safety guidance advises consumers to follow label instructions and discuss potential risks with a healthcare professional.

Keep gummy supplements out of children’s reach, too. Their candy-like appearance should never give the impression that the recommended serving is optional.

What Does This Trend Mean for Supplement Users?

The launch of OLLY’s Mochi Bites highlights how brands are making supplement routines more appealing. That may help some consumers maintain a consistent routine, but a more enjoyable format does not necessarily mean a scientifically superior formula.

The same applies to Pakistani consumers. Whether it’s a capsule, powder, tablet or gummy, check the ingredients, dosage, authenticity and available quality evidence before deciding whether it deserves a place in your routine.

The bottom line: Choose a supplement based on the nutrients it contains and the scientific evidence supporting its intended use—not simply because it looks or tastes better.

References

OLLY / PR Newswire. OLLY Unveils Mochi Bites, Pairing Science-Backed Innovation with First-of-Its-Kind Format. October 1, 2026.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/olly-unveils-mochi-bites-pairing-science-backed-innovation-with-first-of-its-kind-format-302895954.html
Nutritional Outlook. OLLY Launches Mochi Bites Supplements in Beauty, Sleep, Multi, and Energy. October 8, 2026.
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/olly-launches-mochi-bites-supplements-beauty-sleep-multi-energy
Wagner CL, et al. Bioequivalence Studies of Vitamin D Gummies and Tablets in Healthy Adults: Results of a Cross-Over Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1023.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31067745/
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA 101: Dietary Supplements.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements

October 17, 2026

Can Ice Baths After a Workout Reduce Muscle Growth?

Do Ice Baths Post-Workout Halt Muscle Growth? What the Research Tells Us

Ice baths are a common feature in fitness videos. Athletes complete a hard session, jump in icy water and discuss faster recovery. Looks hardcore but is it always the best move after lifting weights?

The answer, research shows, is what you want from your training. Cold-water immersion can help with some recovery goals, but if your primary goal is building muscle, it might not be the best strategy right after every strength workout.

What the Research Says About Ice Baths and Muscle Growth

In a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing resistance training with and without cold-water immersion immediately post-exercise, Evidence suggests that hopping into cold water soon after exercise may slightly blunt the adaptations that lead to muscle growth, researchers have found.

The important word is may. The studies had limitations, and the evidence wasn’t strong enough to say that one ice bath will negate a workout or stop your muscles from growing.

One systematic review and network meta-analysis in 2026 examined 87 studies involving 2,313 participants. It found that the effects of cold-water immersion varied depending on the type of exercise, the temperature and the duration of the water. Passive recovery appeared to improve strength outcomes in resistance training, but certain protocols might offer benefits for other performance aims.

To summarize, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all game.

How Does Cold Water Affect Muscle Growth?

Resistance training triggers a cascade of processes that allow muscles to adapt to repeated effort. These include changes in muscle protein synthesis, cell signaling, and the body’s response to training stress.

Cold water immersion can reduce the sensation of soreness and affect inflammation, circulation and other physiological responses. Those effects can be useful if an athlete needs to feel ready for another demanding session.

However, some of the same responses involved in recovery are also involved in training adaptation. But repeatedly suppressing parts of that response right after resistance training may interfere with some of the signals involved in muscle growth.

Researchers are still investigating how much this makes a difference in real-world training. It’s not true that all inflammation is good, or that every recovery method that reduces soreness is bad.

Do Ice Baths Aid Workout Recovery?

They can be useful, particularly when the priority is recovery between competitions or hard sessions, rather than muscle size.

For example, a team-sport athlete who has another match coming up soon may value being less sore and able to play again quickly. Someone who is going to the gym and doing a progressive weight training program could have another goal: to get as strong as possible and develop muscle over the long term.

That makes a difference.

Cold water immersion research also indicates results are protocol dependent . Water temperature, immersion duration, type of exercise and timing of cold exposure can influence results. The evidence doesn’t dictate a perfect ice-bath routine for everyone.

Should You Ice Bath After Every Workout?

So, if your primary goal is muscle building, then you have no compelling reason to make an ice bath immediately after working out a mandatory part of your regimen.

Rather, focus on the basics:

Follow a structured resistance-training program Increase training demands progressively.
Eat sufficient total calories and protein to fuel your goal.
Make sure to sleep a lot and let your muscles recover between hard training sessions.
So pick recovery options that suit your training and not every fitness trend.

If you like immersion in cold water, you don’t necessarily have to give it up. You can save it for when short term recovery is more important than getting the most adaptation out of a given lifting session. The best timing and frequency is not yet known.

Cold plunges can also be dangerous, especially for those with cardiovascular or other medical conditions. A sudden change to the cold puts a lot of stress on the body and is therefore not suitable for everyone.

The Bottom Line

Ice baths aren’t magical recovery tools, but they’re not something every lifter has to avoid, either. The utility is a function of the goal.

If you have another competition coming up soon, short term recovery may be a priority. If you’re training consistently to build muscle, then daily cold-water immersion may not be the best default.

The bigger take-away? In one situation a recovery trend can be useful, in another not so useful. Before copying an athlete’s routine, ask yourself a simple question: does this actually support your training goal?

References:

Full text: Read on PubMed Central
PubMed: Read the research abstract
Full text: Read on the American Physiological Society website

October 10, 2026

Natural GLP-1 Supplements: Do They Really Work?

Natural GLP-1 Supplements: Do They Really Help Your Body’s GLP-1?

GLP-1 has transformed from a medical term to one of the hottest topics in the nutrition and weight management industry.

Now supplement companies want to be part of that conversation, too.

Lemme launched a new GLP-1 Production Support capsule on October 5, 2026, exclusively at Walmart. The formula includes Eriomin®, Chromax®, berberine, myo-inositol, bitter melon and vitamin B12 and is marketed around supporting the body’s natural GLP-1 production. PR Newswire

But then the question becomes:

Do Natural GLP-1 Supplements Actually Do What Consumers Think They Do?

The answer is a little more nuanced than the marketing suggests.

What Is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally produced in the gut when we eat.

It is involved in a number of processes including appetite regulation, digestion and blood-glucose control.

Prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists pharmacologically replicate or activate this pathway.

A supplement is something else entirely.

A capsule containing plant extracts or nutrients is not a prescription GLP-1 medication and should not be marketed as an equivalent replacement.

Lemme itself makes this distinction with its GLP-1 products, stating its supplement does not contain GLP-1 or synthetic GLP-1 and is not a GLP-1 agonist drug. Lemme

How to Naturally Boost GLP-1

And this is where the fun begins.

The food you consume can affect GLP-1 secretion.

A 2026 scoping review of 52 studies with more than 1,000 participants found that different dietary fibers can affect endogenous GLP-1 secretion and satiety. But the researchers also point out major limitations: many of the studies were small, short-term and yielded inconsistent results. PubMed

So if you’re asking what foods support natural GLP-1, fiber-rich foods are one area worth paying attention to.

Think about it:

Vegetables
Beans
Oats, whole grains
Fruit
Other foods that are naturally high in fiber

There is no single ‘GLP-1 food’ to find.

It is about the diet in general.

What About Natural GLP-1 Supplements?

This is where the new Lemme launch comes in.

One of its main ingredients is Eriomin, a lemon-flavonoid extract that includes eriocitrin.

There’s some human research behind the ingredient. In a randomized controlled trial in people with high blood glucose, 200 mg/day of Eriomin increased GLP-1 by 17% over 12 weeks. PubMed

Another study of people with prediabetes found 22% more GLP-1. PubMed

Interesting.

But look at what those studies actually measured.

Levels of GLP-1.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredient has the same weight-loss effects as a prescription GLP-1 drug.

This difference is major.

Are Natural GLP-1 Supplements Effective?

There is not enough evidence to give a simple yes.

Some individual ingredients have human studies demonstrating changes in GLP-1, appetite or metabolic markers.

But that is different than showing a finished supplement leads to clinically meaningful weight loss.

The 2026 fiber review also found evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short interventions and considerable variation between studies. PubMed

And a six ingredient supplement isn’t necessarily supported by six similar clinical trials on the final formula.

Something for consumers to bear in mind.

Why the Newfound Industry Interest?

Since, GLP-1 has become a massive consumer conversation.

Now the supplement industry is looking at how to position ingredients around appetite, metabolic health and natural GLP-1 support.

Lemme is one example, but not the only one.

The larger trend is “GLP-1 adjacent” nutrition, which are products that don’t contain prescription GLP-1 drugs but aim to support related pathways through ingredients, fiber, nutrition or lifestyle.

That opens up avenues for useful innovation.

And there’s plenty of room for over-the-top marketing.

The Bottom Line

Natural GLP-1 supplements are an interesting new category, but they are not the same as prescription GLP-1 medications.

There is real research that shows certain nutrients, fibers and botanical compounds can impact GLP-1 or related metabolic markers.

But the evidence is still coming in.

To naturally boost GLP-1, begin with the boring-but-effective stuff: a diet high in fiber, regular physical activity, adequate protein, good sleep and an overall balanced eating pattern.

The new supplement drops are worth watching.

But don’t be misled by the words “GLP-1 support” on a bottle that you’re getting the same thing as a GLP-1 drug.

The ingredient list is only the beginning of the story for supplements.

October 10, 2026

Abbott’s New Formula: Protein, Creatine and HMB Combo | What It Means

For a long time, protein powder was mainly about helping people get the protein they needed every day. Creatine usually came in a separate tub, while HMB was another supplement some people added to their stack.

Now, companies are combining these ingredients.

On October 7, 2026, nutrition company Abbott announced Ensure Max Protein 3-in-1 Muscle Support, a powder that combines protein, creatine monohydrate and HMB in one serving.

Each serving contains:

30 g protein
5 g creatine monohydrate
3 g calcium HMB

The product is NSF-certified and was announced for sale through major US retailers.

The interesting part isn’t just the new product itself. It’s what this protein, creatine and HMB combo tells us about the changing sports nutrition market.

What Is a Protein, Creatine and HMB Mix?

The concept is simple: instead of buying three products, you get three muscle-support ingredients in one formula.

Here’s what each ingredient is supposed to do:

Protein: Provides the amino acids needed to build and repair muscle tissue, especially when combined with resistance training.
Creatine monohydrate: Supports performance during repeated high-intensity exercise and can improve training adaptations.
HMB: Short for beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, a compound produced when the body breaks down the amino acid leucine. It has been researched for its potential role in reducing muscle protein breakdown.

Creatine has a solid research base supporting its use in high-intensity exercise and strength training. The evidence for HMB, however, is more mixed.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 found no significant improvements in muscle mass or strength from HMB supplementation in younger adults undertaking resistance training.

So, a combination formula can definitely be convenient, but that doesn’t mean the combination is better than taking the ingredients separately.

How Does HMB Help Build Muscle?

Here, expectations need to be realistic.

HMB has been researched for muscle maintenance, strength and recovery, especially in people who may be at risk of muscle loss. However, results depend on the population being studied.

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 randomised controlled trials involving 2,137 patients. It found small effects on muscle mass and strength, but the authors also pointed out limitations in the quality of the evidence.

Research in younger adults performing resistance training has been less convincing, with a separate meta-analysis finding no consistent improvement in body composition or strength.

So, does HMB help build muscle? It could be beneficial in certain situations, but it shouldn’t be seen as a guaranteed way to gain muscle.

Your training, total daily protein intake, calorie intake and recovery still matter enormously.

If You’re Already Taking Protein and Creatine, Is HMB Worth It?

If you’re already taking protein powder and creatine, adding HMB isn’t necessarily a must.

For people who like convenience, a formula combining all three may be attractive. But the real question is whether they need all three ingredients and whether the amounts suit their routine.

Look at the launch formula: 30 g protein, 5 g creatine monohydrate and 3 g calcium HMB per serving. These are the manufacturer’s declared amounts, not a recommendation for everyone.

If you’re asking how much HMB should I take, don’t assume the amount in a new product is right for your individual needs. Consider your diet, training goals and health status, as well as any other supplements you’re using.

And remember to read labels carefully. Combining a multi-ingredient powder with separate creatine or other muscle-support products may result in unnecessary duplication.

Why Is This New Formula Important to the Supplement Industry?

The bigger story is that muscle support is moving beyond traditional bodybuilding products.

Protein, creatine and HMB are being marketed to a wider audience interested in staying strong and active. Abbott’s launch reflects that shift: its product focuses on everyday muscle health, not just the needs of serious gym-goers.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs a three-in-one powder. If you’re already taking creatine and eating enough protein, you might not have much reason to switch.

For Pakistani consumers, there’s another practical consideration: the announcement concerns the US market and doesn’t confirm local availability. Before considering an imported formula, check the actual label, ingredient quantities, authenticity and supply source.

The bottom line: Combining ingredients can make supplementation easier, but convenience isn’t evidence of better results. Understand what each ingredient does and check the research to see whether the formula fills a real gap in your routine.

October 5, 2026October 5, 2026

Pre-Workout Energy Drinks: Why Cans Are Taking Over

The Pre-Workout Energy Drinks Now Come in Ready-to-Drink Cans

For years pre-workout meant one thing: a tub of powder, a scoop, some water and a shaker.

Now, the sports nutrition industry is taking that same concept and putting it into a much more portable format.

On October 2, 2026, BODi launched P90X Energy Drinks, a zero-sugar ready-to-drink that contains 200 mg of caffeine, 200 mg of L-theanine and 150 mg of ATP-X™, as well as ingredients including taurine, L-citrulline, L-tyrosine, Alpha-GPC and electrolytes. Yahoo Finance

The interesting part is that it is not just another energy drink coming into the market. It’s the increasing crossover between energy drinks, pre-workouts and sports nutrition.

Why Do People Like to Drink Energy Drinks Before Working Out?

Convenient.

Let’s face it, not everyone wants to lug around a tub of pre workout, find a shaker and mix a drink before training.

A can is easy. Take it out of the fridge, open it and you’re ready to go. That is particularly attractive to people who train before work, at lunch or straight after work.

P90X is not the only case of this trend. The company already has a wider range of performance products, covering protein, pre-workout, hydration and creatine, and the new drink takes that portfolio into ready-to-drink energy. Yahoo Finance

What’s Really in the New P90X Energy Drink?

This formula is more complex than a traditional energy drink.

Each 12 oz. can includes:

Caffeine 200 mg
200 mg of L-Theanine
ATP-X™ 150 mg
L-citrulline (as
Taurina
L-Tyrosine
Alpha GPC
Electrolytes
Vitamin B6 & B12

According to the company’s label, it’s 0 grams of sugar and 10 calories. BODi also claims the product is third-party tested. BODi

So it’s not just the company trying to wake you up. It’s a can of energy, focus and workout performance all in one.

Is this just an energy drink with a fancy label?

No, not quite. Traditional energy drinks are largely caffeine and flavor driven.

A modern pre-workout energy drink is increasingly being made like a powdered pre-workout. This formulation allows caffeine to sit next to ingredients associated with focus, pumps, hydration, or exercise performance.

And that’s where it can get confusing. More ingredients does not mean a better product. A formula with caffeine, amino acids and a host of performance ingredients still has to deliver meaningful amounts of those ingredients. The label is more important than the number of ingredients written on the front.

Benefits of Pre Workout Energy Drinks?

The most obvious advantage is convenience.

Caffeine itself can increase alertness and decrease perception of fatigue. But it depends a lot on the person, on the dose and what else they’ve eaten that day. The new P90X formula also pairs caffeine with L-theanine for what the company calls “focused energy.” BODi

But don’t confuse that with a promise of a better workout. Your training, sleep, nutrition, and general caffeine tolerance still matter.

When Should I Have a Pre-Workout Energy Drink?

Timing is mostly about the dose of caffeine.

A 200 mg dose is not a small amount.

EFSA guidance states that single doses of caffeine up to 200 mg do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults in normal conditions of use, including when taken less than two hours before intense exercise. It also says that 100 mg can affect sleep for some people if taken close to bedtime. European Food Safety Authority

So if you’re training at 9pm, a caffeinated drink with a bit more punch could be a bad idea just because you want more energy. And please keep in mind your total caffeine intake.

According to the FDA, most healthy adults can take up to 400 mg a day without it being typically associated with adverse effects, although this depends on the individual. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

That morning Joe counts too.

What are the side effects of energy drinks for pre workout?

This is one that consumers need to watch.

Too much caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety, fast heart rate, headaches, nausea and trouble sleeping. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

If you have a few coffees, an energy drink and a pre-workout in the same day the numbers can add up surprisingly quickly. So before you try to figure out whether a pre-workout energy drink is good, ask a simpler question:

How much caffeine do I already have?

How about a creatine pre workout energy drink?

Another direction the industry is exploring.

We’ve seen products that combine creatine with electrolytes and other performance ingredients and some newer formulas combine protein, creatine and hydration in the same drink. The attraction is plain: fewer products, fewer steps. But creatine doesn’t have to be in an energy drink to work.

If you like to keep it simple, there’s nothing wrong with keeping the plain creatine monohydrate separate.

The Last Word

The explosion of the pre-workout energy drink is not necessarily about creating an all new kind of supplement.

It is a matter of changing the format.

Cans are becoming powders. Separate supplements are evolving into combination formulas. Sports nutrition is getting closer to the lifestyle and convenience of everyday drinks.

This is a trend that Pakistan should keep an eye on too.

But whatever it is – powder, can or sachet – the rule is the same.

See the caffeine. Check out the real ingredient amounts. And, don’t be fooled by a lengthy ingredient list into thinking something is automatically better.

References

October 4, 2026

Creatine for Older Adults: Why It’s Moving Beyond Sports Nutrition

creatine outside gym. creatine for adults

Creatine Is Out of the Gym: The Next Big Trend Could Be Everyday Wellness

For years, creatine had a pretty straightforward image.

Workout guys. Body building. Strength Athletes. Put in one scoop to a shaker and you are good to go.

That picture is beginning to change.

SIRIO Europe has unveiled a new Creatine+ portfolio of eight ready-to-launch gummies, including formulas combining creatine with magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, on September 29. The company is not just positioning these products around exercise but also around the broader areas of healthy aging and everyday wellness.

Interestingly, this trend is happening at the same time as new research looking at creatine in middle-aged and older adults.

So is creatine turning into more than a sports supplement?

Why Is Sports Nutrition Expanding Beyond Traditional Creatine?

Creatine has traditionally been linked to strength, power and muscle performance.

But now there is a much larger audience who are interested in preserving muscle as they age, staying active and maintaining physical function.

This is one reason interest in creatine for older adults is becoming more relevant beyond traditional bodybuilding.

In a recent 12-week randomized controlled trial, 64 healthy adults aged 45–65 years were studied. Some participants were assigned to an exercise and diet intervention, while others were not, and received either creatine monohydrate or placebo.

The researchers concluded that creatine supplementation was associated with increases in lean tissue mass, strength and muscular endurance. The researchers also reported that those in the creatine-plus-exercise-plus-weight-loss-diet group had greater reductions in body-fat percentage.

As more people ask whether creatine and muscle loss are connected, research like this is becoming particularly interesting for people who want to maintain muscle and physical function as they get older.

There were some changes in cognitive and health markers as well, but the researchers specifically described the individual cognitive and biomarker findings as exploratory. That doesn’t mean all of a sudden creatine becomes a brain supplement for everyone.

The Fun Bit: Creatine Gummies

And that’s where the supplement industry gets creative.

SIRIO’s new portfolio includes gummy concepts that deliver creatine and other nutrients. Its three Creatine+ concepts are designed to deliver their daily dose in three gummies, with combinations including magnesium, zinc or vitamin D.

Why Gummy Bears?

Because taking a supplement every day is not only about what is in it. Format also matters.

For a bodybuilder already making a post-workout shake, a powder makes sense. But for someone who’s taking creatine as part of a larger wellness routine, a chewable may be easier, and more familiar.

The number of creatine gummy products in Europe rose 50% in the 12 months to January 2026, while the number of brands offering them grew 48%, says SIRIO. The company says these figures are based on Nutrition Integrated data. The report also notes that gummies still make up only around 3% of creatine products in Europe versus 7% in U.S. and Canada.

That means there’s still plenty of room for new formats.

But Is Better Creatine a New Format?

Not always.

This is where consumers need to differentiate between innovation in delivery versus innovation in the ingredient itself.

Most of the research on creatine is on creatine monohydrate, not on every new gummy or combination formula that comes onto the market.

Nutritional Outlook also notes that just because there’s evidence backing the well-known benefits of creatine, doesn’t mean that all new formats or combination products are automatically validated.

And there is another interesting case.

Creatine is increasingly discussed in connection with cognition and healthy aging, but in 2024 the EFSA concluded that there was no proof of a cause-and-effect relationship between creatine supplementation and better cognitive function.

This is also why creatine for healthy aging is an area worth watching, without assuming that every new claim around the ingredient has already been proven.

So the market might be moving ahead of the evidence for some of the newer claims.

What Does This Mean for Pakistan?

It is interesting to follow this change, because creatine already became one of the most recognizable sports supplements in Pakistan.

The next stage may be to see creatine presented less as the preserve of those who lift heavy weights and more as part of a daily health and active-aging routine.

That could mean more gummies, capsules, drink mixes and combo formulas appearing next to traditional powders.

For people wondering, is creatine good for seniors, the answer still depends on the evidence and the individual rather than simply on how a product is marketed.

But the fundamental question should not change:

How much creatine are you really getting? What form is it? What evidence is there to back up the claim being made?

Packaging may vary.

It may alter the taste.

The presentation format may be changed.

But the bottom line in buying a good supplement is what’s actually in it.

Last Word

Creatine’s march into everyday wellness doesn’t mean the gym is being left behind.

It means the ingredient is being brought to a far wider audience.

And based on recent research and new products coming to market, creatine could be headed in the same direction that protein has already gone: from sports nutrition to everyday nutrition.

References

SIRIO Europe — Creatine+ as creatine moves from the sports aisle into everyday wellness
https://sirio-europe.com/news/sirio-europe-launches-creatine-as-creatine-moves-from-the-sports-aisle-into-everyday-wellness/

Chun J, et al. — Effects of creatine supplementation with and without exercise and diet intervention on body composition, cognitive function, and markers of health in middle-aged and older adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42578920/

Nutritional Outlook — Creatine’s Shift From Sports Nutrition to Everyday Wellness Puts Format Innovation to the Test
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/creatine-shift-from-sports-nutrition-to-everyday-wellness

EFSA Journal — Creatine and improvement in cognitive function: Evaluation of a health claim
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.9100

October 1, 2026October 1, 2026

Protein and Fiber: The New Direction in Sports Nutrition

Protein and Fiber: Sports Nutrition Beyond Protein Alone

For years, sports nutrition was simple. Get plenty of protein, train hard, recover, and repeat.

Now the conversation is broadening a little.

Optimum Nutrition launched a new ready-to-drink shake in September 2026 that combines 30g protein with 8g prebiotic fiber. What has people excited about the launch isn’t that there’s yet another protein drink on the scene, but rather that it suggests where the supplement and functional-food industry might be headed; next—protein plus something else.

This time, that “something else” is fiber.

Why are protein and fiber being mixed?

Proteins have been the star of the show in sports nutrition due to the obvious link with muscle growth, repair and recovery.

Fiber is a different story. It’s good for digestive health, regularity and overall dietary quality, and some types of fiber can also be a food for beneficial gut bacteria.

The problem is that those who focus on protein may sometimes forget about the rest of the diet.

A gym-goer may be counting protein intake down to the last ounce but still eating very little fruit, vegetables, legumes or whole grains. In Pakistan this can happen very easily when the typical diet for fitness becomes day after day chicken, eggs, rice and protein shakes.

So the idea of combining protein and fiber in one handy food or drink product is some practical sense.

So what did Optimum Nutrition actually launch?

The new product is a 30G Ultra-Filtered Milk Protein Shake + Fiber.

According to the company’s September 24 announcement, each shake contains:

30g of protein
8g prebiotic fiber
Ultra filtered milk
No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
Vanilla and Strawberry Chocolate

Now, it’s rolling out to the United States via online retailers and select stores.

The key is, this isn’t just another protein powder with a slightly different flavor. It’s positioned as an everyday nutrition product marrying muscle-focused nutrition with fiber and gut-health interest.

That’s a change to watch out for.

Is fiber really useful for athletes?

Yes, but don’t take that to mean that more fiber means better performance.

A 2026 review in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism noted that fiber has potential benefits for gut health, immune function and body composition but added the role of fiber in athletic performance has been relatively understudied. The review also highlights that eating too much fiber too soon can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

That is significant.

A meal immediately before a long workout, competition or training session may not be a high fiber meal. On the flip side, getting enough fiber the rest of the day is part of a better overall diet.

So the goal isn’t “eat more fiber because you’re a gym-goer.”

The goal is not to view protein as the only nutrient that counts.

Why this trend is important

Timing of the launch is probably not accidental.

Optimum Nutrition says 31% of Americans are shopping for foods and beverages with more fiber than a year ago. The company also notes that nearly a third of Americans fall below the recommended daily value of 28g of fiber.

That’s an interesting opportunity for companies that make sports nutrition products.

Instead of selling one product for one single purpose, brands can now combine several nutritional benefits into one convenient product:

Protein and fiber
Protein + probiotics
Protein + water
Protein + caffeine

The industry has already taken this step with protein coffees, clear protein drinks and other functional beverages.

The next generation of sports nutrition might not be asking, “How much protein does this have?” but, “What else does this product help me fit into my day?”

What does this launch signify for Pakistan?

U.S. launch does not automatically mean a product is coming to Pakistan. Still a developing trend.

But it is something to keep an eye on.

Whey protein, creatine, mass gainers and pre-workouts have traditionally been the backbone of the supplement market in Pakistan. We may begin to see more products that are somewhere between a sports supplement and an everyday functional food as consumers move their focus to general wellness, digestion, and convenient nutrition.

Honestly, maybe that’s for the best.

Protein is awesome. But a healthy diet was never meant to be protein by itself.

Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is not add another supplement. It’s just making sure the basics are looked after too.

References

Optimum Nutrition announcement – September 24, 2026

Dietary Fiber in Sport – PubMed