Bioactive and Sustainable Sports Nutrition*

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 229 - 240, 26.09.2025

Nezihe Şengün

Abstract

The benefits of nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle are well-established. To enhance performance across various sports disciplines, athletes often incorporate a variety of supplements into their diets. Such supplements, commonly referred to as ergogenic aids, are widely used by athletes. The most commonly used ergogenic aids include creatine, caffeine, proteins, and amino acids, among which proteins are the most prevalent. Modern industrial food production significantly contributes to environmental degradation. It is projected that global dietary protein demand will continue to rise in the coming years, requiring substantially greater planetary resources. In response, alternative supplements derived from bioactive compounds are being developed as more environmentally friendly and functional options to support both athletic performance and health. Bioactive compounds characterized by a wide range of chemical structures and functions can be classified into subgroups such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, glucosinolates, lignans, organosulfur compounds, and plant sterols. Due to their high antioxidant content and additional protein value, foods within these categories can contribute positively to athletic nutrition while also offering ecological benefits. The diverse applications of bioactive compounds support sustainable development. These compounds are believed to be effective in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, while also enhancing athletic performance. Thus, bioactive and sustainable nutrition offers an alternative approach for athletes. In this context, further research into nutritional interventions is considered essential and valuable, especially within multidisciplinary frameworks.

Keywords

Athletic performance , Bioactive compounds , Nutrition , Sustainability

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