In the dynamic world of sports nutrition, where peak performance and optimal well-being intersect, more and more athletes are choosing plant-based diets. For many, this reflects a personal commitment to ethical and environmental considerations, and it raises a practical question: how to cover every nutrient that training demands without animal foods.
The surge in popularity of veganism within athletic circles is accompanied by an escalating demand for nutrition solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of athletes adhering to plant-based lifestyles. This demand goes beyond the conventional expectations of a balanced diet, as athletes seek formulations that replace the nutrients typically derived from animal sources and go beyond to address the distinctive requirements of rigorous training, performance, and recovery.
Sanbera makes vegan food supplements that can be part of such a diet. Our Daily Essential and Nightly Reload supplements are not sports-specific products, but they can complement the diet of active people who eat plant-based.
Sanbera's commitment goes beyond merely filling nutritional gaps. Our formulations are vegan and contain no animal-derived ingredients. The Daily Essential Women and Men formulas each provide 18 vitamins and minerals: 12 vitamins and 6 minerals. Simultaneously, the Nightly Reload Women and Men complement them in the evening with vitamin C and B vitamins, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
In this article, we look at the nutrients plant-based athletes need to watch, and at what the Sanbera formulas contain.
The Unique Nutritional Needs of Athletes
Athletes, whether pursuing professional excellence or engaging in recreational sports, operate at a heightened level of physical activity, demanding a careful balance of energy and nutrients to fuel training and recovery. Considering that athletes have unique nutritional needs beyond those of the average individual, plant-based diets should be examined closely to meet these requirements.
Understanding the athletic body's requirements for energy, endurance, and recovery is essential. Athletes must be vigilant to obtain sufficient protein, essential amino acids, iron, calcium, and vitamins such as B12. While these nutrients are abundant in animal products, plant-based sources require strategic planning to ensure adequacy.
Protein, a cornerstone for muscle repair and growth, is often a focal point for athletes. Contrary to misconceptions, plant-based diets offer ample protein sources, including legumes, tofu, tempeh, and quinoa. Athletes must receive diverse ranges of these sources to ensure a spectrum of amino acids vital for optimal performance.
Vitamin B12, primarily found in animal products, is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production. All our supplements for men and women contain vitamin B12 (between 1.87 and 2.34 µg per daily dose, or 75% to 94% of the nutrient reference value). People on a vegan diet should make sure they have a reliable source of B12 and can ask a doctor or dietitian about their individual needs.
Iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood, is another critical element in athletic nutrition. While plant-based sources of iron are abundant, their bioavailability can be influenced by other dietary factors. Daily Essential Women (5.25 mg per day) and Daily Essential Men (3.5 mg per day) include iron, which contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body. The Nightly Reload formulas contain no iron.
A supplement can complement a well-planned diet, but it does not replace one. Below, we look at what each Sanbera formula contains.
Daily Essential Women and Men for Athletes
Our Daily Essential Women and Daily Essential Men supplements provide a broad range of vitamins and minerals in vegan form. With 12 vitamins and 6 minerals, these formulations are designed to complement an athlete's diet.
Vitamins B, C, D2, and E, along with Provitamin A, form the backbone of these formulations. The formulas contain all eight B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin). Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin and vitamin B12 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, and thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, biotin and vitamin B12 contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin C, recognized for its antioxidant properties, plays a multifaceted role in supporting athletes. It contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage, and to the normal function of the immune system.
Vitamin D2, a vegan-friendly form of vitamin D, contributes to the normal absorption of calcium and to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function.
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Provitamin A, a precursor to retinol, contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and to the normal function of the immune system.
The inclusion of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, selenium, magnesium, iodine, and zinc further fortifies the formulations. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones, and iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body. Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function, as well as to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Magnesium (56.2 mg per day) and zinc (1.5 mg per day) are present in smaller amounts.
In essence, the Daily Essential Women and Men supplements bring together nutrients with well-established roles in energy-yielding metabolism, the immune system, bones and muscles, as a complement to a balanced plant-based diet.
Nature's Botanicals
Many athletes are also curious about plant extracts, a topic with plenty of marketing and limited evidence. Acerola, black elderberry and guarana are featured in our Daily Essential Women and Men. No health effect of these botanicals is claimed.
Acerola Extract: A Natural Source of Vitamin C
Acerola, distinguished by its extraordinary vitamin C concentration, is a natural source of vitamin C. Sanbera incorporates acerola in all of its Daily and Nightly formulas.
All our supplements contain natural vitamin C from acerola extract, between 43.1 and 64.7 mg per daily dose.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
In addition, vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin C also contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones.
Black Elderberry Extract
Black elderberry, a distinguished ingredient within our Daily Essential Women supplement, is a dark berry naturally rich in anthocyanins and traditionally used in European cuisine. It makes up 20.4% of the formula. You can read more about our approach in supplements in modern living.
Guarana Extract: A Natural Source of Caffeine
Guarana, which makes up 27.2% of our Daily Essential Men supplement, is a plant whose seeds naturally contain caffeine, along with theobromine and theophylline.
Guarana is best known for its natural caffeine content. If you are sensitive to caffeine, or limit it around training or competition, keep in mind that Daily Essential Men contains guarana. Daily Essential Women and the Nightly Reload formulas contain no guarana, and their green tea extract is caffeine-free.
Nightly Reload Women and Men: The Evening Formula
Sanbera's Nightly Reload is designed for the evening part of your routine. Nightly Reload Women and Men combine vitamin C, the eight B vitamins and botanical extracts. They contain no vitamins A, D or E and no minerals. Let's delve into what this formula contains.
Vitamin C and B Complex: What's Inside
Nightly Reload Women and Nightly Reload Men share the same core: vitamin C and the full spectrum of B vitamins.
Let's talk about vitamin C. In these nightly gems, it contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the normal function of the immune system.
Now, let's give a shoutout to the B-complex crew—B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). These aren't just a bunch of random letters and numbers. Most of them contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, and several contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Imagine your body as a well-choreographed dance—vitamin C taking the lead by contributing to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, while the B vitamins are the backup dancers supporting normal energy-yielding metabolism.
So, as you cozy up for the night, know that Nightly Reload Women and Nightly Reload Men are part of your evening routine: three tablets in the evening.
Botanical Extracts in Nightly Reload
Besides vitamins, more than 80% of each Nightly Reload formula consists of botanical ingredients. (For broader tips on evening and morning habits, see our ten morning habits.) No health effect of these botanicals is claimed.
First, Nightly Reload Women contains cranberry fruit powder (40.9%). Cranberry is naturally rich in polyphenols.
And then there's the ever-reliable acerola, making its grand appearance in all our formulations. It's a natural source of vitamin C.
But the botanical squad doesn't stop there. Enter green tea extract, featured in both Nightly Reload Women and Men in a caffeine-free form. Green tea is naturally rich in polyphenols.
Now, let's shine the spotlight on bilberry extract, featured in Nightly Reload Women. This little berry isn't just a pretty face; it's loaded with anthocyanins.
Last but certainly not least, give a warm welcome to red grapes extract, the star of the show in Nightly Reload Men. Red grapes naturally contain polyphenols such as resveratrol.
So, as you drift off into dreamland, Nightly Reload isn't just a supplement; it's a botanical symphony that rounds off your evening routine.
Sanbera Supplements: Quality and Transparency
Sanbera supplements are Swiss-made, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free, with no added sugar. Sanbera keeps its formulations free from artificial colors and preservatives, and they are manufactured with Dixa in Switzerland.
Transparency is the name of the game for Sanbera. Ever wondered what goes into those tablets? Well, wonder no more. Sanbera lists every ingredient on the product page, including the tablet-making agents, so you know exactly what you're putting into your body.
And let's talk about those vegan-friendly formulas. Whether you're a plant-based enthusiast or a seasoned vegan, every Sanbera formulation contains no animal-derived ingredients.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.