Protein supplements for sports performance

Whey proteins are popular ingredients in sports nutrition. Their high quality, rapid absorption and superior amino acid content have made them well known and sought after.

Our premium whey proteins meet a wide range of needs. Spanning isolates, concentrates, hydrolysates and beta-lactoglobulin, they are proteins of choice for sports people seeking better endurance, greater muscle protein synthesis and faster recovery.

At Arla Foods Ingredients, we’re all about quality, science and innovation. Through our investments in pre-clinical and clinical studies, we develop first-hand evidence of how our whey proteins contribute to better sports performance.

This science-based documentation drives our continuous development of new ingredients and solutions.

All our sports nutrition ingredients are kosher and halal certified.

Protein supplements for sports performance

Applications & Concepts

Applications & Concepts

Consumer Insights

Consumer Insights

Get in touch with one of our experts

Sarah Meyer
Sarah Meyer Head of sales development
Health and Sports Nutrition
Mads Sørensen Larsen
Mads Sørensen Larsen Nutrition Scientist, PhD
Health, Sports and Medical Nutrition
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Nutrition Science

Clinically documented ingredients

Whey protein offers a wide array of benefits for athletes and mainstream consumers alike. From accelerating muscle recovery to enhancing endurance performance and promoting muscle growth, whey protein has proven to be a valuable asset in achieving fitness goals. Whether it’s athletes looking to improve their performance or individuals interested in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, incorporating whey protein into their routine can help to unlock their full potential.

Arla Foods ingredients is dedicated to developing science-backed premium protein ingredients to support athletic performance. We collaborate with leading universities and customers within the sports nutrition industry to document the efficiency of our protein ingredients. Our innovation, scientific documentation and industry insights make us the ideal partner for your sports nutrition brand. 

Clinically documented ingredients
Muscle Recovery
Muscle Recovery

One of the key benefits of whey protein is its ability to support muscle recovery. After intense workouts or physical activities, our muscles undergo stress. Whey protein, with its amino acid profile rich in essential amino acids, provides the necessary building blocks for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissues [1, 2]. By consuming whey protein post-workout, athletes and individuals can accelerate the recovery process and promote muscle building [3-5]. This allows for more frequent and intense training sessions, leading to improved athletic performance.

Endurance Performance
Endurance Performance

Whey protein also plays a vital role in enhancing endurance performance. During prolonged exercise, the body primarily relies on carbohydrates for energy. However, when these glycogen stores become depleted, the body may begin to break down muscle tissue for fuel [6, 7]. By incorporating whey protein into their diet, athletes can help preserve their muscle mass and potentially delay this muscle breakdown [8]. The consumption of whey protein after a workout not only accelerates the recovery process but also supports muscle development [3-6].

Muscle Growth
Muscle Growth

For those seeking to build lean muscle mass, whey protein is an excellent choice. With its high biological value and rapid absorption rate, whey protein rapidly delivers essential amino acids to the muscles, promoting protein synthesis, thus stimulating muscle growth [9]. In particular, the amino acid leucine plays a crucial role in triggering muscle protein synthesis [10]. Whey protein contains a high concentration of leucine, making it an ideal supplement for those aiming to maximize muscle development [9]. By incorporating whey protein into their diet and combining it with regular resistance training, athletes and mainstream consumers can optimize their muscle growth potential.

  1. Volpi, E., et al., Essential amino acids are primarily responsible for the amino acid stimulation of muscle protein anabolism in healthy elderly adults, in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003. p. 250-258.
  2. Gorissen, S.H.M., et al., Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids, 2018. 50(12): p. 1685-1695.
  3. Hansen, M., et al., Effect of whey protein hydrolysate on performance and recovery of top-class orienteering runners, in Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2015: Dept. of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. p. 97-109.
  4. Sollie, O., et al., Protein intake in the early recovery period after exhaustive exercise improves performance the following day. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2018. 125(6): p. 1731-1742.
  5. Rustad, P.I., et al., Intake of protein plus carbohydrate during the first two hours after exhaustive cycling improves performance the following day. PLoS ONE, 2016. 11(4): p. 1-25.
  6. Moore, D.R., et al., Beyond muscle hypertrophy: why dietary protein is important for endurance athletes, in Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014: a Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 2W6, Canada. p. 987-997.
  7. Gillen, J.B., et al., Low-Carbohydrate Training Increases Protein Requirements of Endurance Athletes, in Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  8. Impey, S.G., et al., Fuel for the work required: A practical approach to amalgamating train-low paradigms for endurance athletes. Physiological Reports, 2016. 4(10): p. 1-15.
  9. Devries, M.C. and S.M. Phillips, Supplemental Protein in Support of Muscle Mass and Health: Advantage Whey. Journal of Food Science, 2015. 80: p. A8-A15.
  10. Norton, L.E. and D.K. Layman, Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. J Nutr, 2006. 136(2): p. 533s-537s.
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Our website contains information on different approvals of Kosher. Only products from our plants in Europe have the approval to use this logo. Please ask us for specific information on your product in regards to the Kosher approval.
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Our website contains information on different approvals of Halal. Our products certified from different halal agencies depend on location of the production site and the target market. Please ask for the specific information on your products in regards to the Halal approval.
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