Sports nutrition

Sports Nutrition

Your Sports Nutrition – Your Next Level

Powerful. Scientifically Proven. For Real Athletes.

Sports Nutrition and Supplements – Why They’re Important and Often Essential for Athletes and Everyday Life

Dietary Supplements – Why They’re Important for Athletes and in Everyday Life

Dietary supplements are playing an increasingly important role not only in competitive sports but also in the daily lives of many people. They are designed to specifically complement nutrition and provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other functional substances that are often not sufficiently obtained through regular diet alone.

Why Are Supplements Important for Athletes?

Increased Demand Due to Physical Stress
Athletes have higher nutritional needs due to intense training and frequent physical exertion—especially for proteins, electrolytes, vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D, B12), and minerals such as magnesium or zinc. Supplements help meet this increased demand in a targeted and efficient way.

Faster Recovery and Performance Boost
By strategically using supplements such as protein (e.g., whey), creatine, BCAAs, or omega-3 fatty acids, athletes can support faster recovery, promote muscle growth, and improve athletic performance.

Practical for Everyday Use
For athletes with tight schedules, supplements offer a convenient way to quickly and easily provide the body with essential nutrients—whether through shakes, bars, or capsules.


Why Are Supplements Also Important in General?

Nutrient Gaps Caused by Modern Diets
Many people follow unbalanced diets or rely heavily on processed foods that are low in micronutrients. Supplements can help bridge these nutritional gaps—for example, with multivitamins or omega-3 capsules.

Specific Life Phases or Lifestyles
Pregnant women, vegans, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses often have increased or special nutritional needs. Supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B12, or calcium can help maintain good health in these situations.

Prevention of Deficiencies
Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D or iron often go unnoticed but can have long-term negative effects on health. Supplements can play a crucial role in preventing these deficiencies.

Protein and Proteins – Importance, Effects, and Benefits for the Body

Protein, also known as protein, is an essential nutrient that plays a central role in the human body. It is involved in almost all vital processes – from building body tissues to supporting the function of enzymes, hormones, and the immune system. Protein is especially important in the context of physical activity and exercise. When we train, we put strain on our muscles, causing tiny tears in the muscle fibers. To repair and strengthen these fibers, the body needs a sufficient supply of protein. Only with enough protein can it build new muscle tissue – which is particularly important for people engaging in strength or endurance training.

But it’s not just athletes who benefit. Even those who don’t exercise regularly depend on an adequate protein intake. The body is constantly renewing cells, hair, skin, and organs – all processes in which protein plays a fundamental role. The need for protein increases with age, illness, or injury, as the body requires more support for regeneration. Additionally, protein helps preserve muscle mass, which is crucial for posture, strength, mobility, and general health in everyday life. Protein-rich foods also promote a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, which can support weight loss efforts.

In summary, protein is essential not only for active individuals but for everyone – whether young or old, athletic or not. A balanced diet with sufficient protein intake is one of the most important foundations for long-term health, performance, and overall well-being.

Whey Protein (Milk Protein)

Source: Milk

Absorption: Very quickly digestible (within approximately 30–60 minutes)

Benefits: High content of essential amino acids and BCAAs (especially leucine), ideal after training

Suitable for: Muscle building, recovery, rapid supply

Types: Whey concentrate, whey isolate (higher protein content, lower lactose), whey hydrolysate (pre-digested, absorbed especially quickly)

Casein (Milk Protein)

Source: Milk (the slowly digestible portion)

Absorption: Slowly digestible (up to 7 hours)

Benefits: Long-term supply of amino acids, supports muscle recovery overnight

Suitable for: Intake before bedtime, muscle preservation during extended fasting periods

Soy Protein

Source: Soybeans

Absorption: Medium speed

Benefits: High protein content, contains all essential amino acids

Suitable for: Vegans, muscle building (controversial due to phytoestrogens)

Multi-Component Protein – The Smart Combination for Optimal Nutrition


Multi-component protein (also known as a "protein blend") is a mix of different protein sources, strategically combined to unite the benefits of various protein types in one product. The goal is to supply the body with amino acids both quickly and over the long term – ideal for muscle building, recovery, and satiety.

A classic example of an animal-based multi-component protein is the combination of whey protein (fast-digesting) and casein (slow-digesting). This blend offers immediate post-workout support and sustained protein release over several hours – perfect for in-between meals.

For vegan multi-component proteins, rice protein (rich in cysteine and methionine) is often combined with pea protein (rich in lysine). This results in a complete amino acid profile with high biological value, closely resembling that of animal proteins.

Creatine – For More Power and Recovery

What is Creatine?


Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily stored in the muscles, and plays a central role in supplying energy to muscle cells. It is synthesized from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine and can also be obtained through food – especially from meat and fish

Effects and Benefits of Creatine


Creatine is one of the most well-researched dietary supplements in the field of sports nutrition. Its key benefits include:

Performance Enhancement: Increases physical performance during short, high-intensity efforts such as weight training or sprints.
Muscle Growth: Supports long-term muscle development by enhancing training performance.
Faster Recovery: Aids in muscle recovery after workouts.
Cognitive Effects: Studies suggest that creatine may also support mental performance – especially in vegetarians or during sleep deprivation

Creapure – Purity and Quality

The team at Shark Fitness exclusively recommends creatine products with the Creapure® label on the packaging.
Only these products guarantee that you are getting high-purity, lab-tested creatine monohydrate made in Germany.

Creapure® is a highly pure creatine monohydrate produced in Germany by AlzChem Trostberg GmbH.
It is considered the purest and highest-quality creatine available on the global market.

Unlike many other creatine products which are often manufactured in countries like China and may contain impurities Creapure® is produced under strictly controlled conditions in Germany, using state-of-the-art technology and regular quality testing.

99.99% Purity
Creapure® contains virtually no unwanted by-products such as dicyandiamide (DCD), dihydrotriazine (DHT), thiourea, or heavy metals. These substances can occur in low-quality production processes.

Made in Germany
Production takes place exclusively in Trostberg, Bavaria – with true Made-in-Germany quality and pharmaceutical-grade standards.

Certified Quality
Creapure® is vegan, kosher, halal, and regularly tested for purity in independent laboratories.

Recognizable by the Creapure® Logo
Creapure is a registered trademark raw material used by many well-known brands You can identify it by the Creapure® logo on the packaging – your guarantee that the product contains this high-purity creatine.

Amino Acids: BCAAs & Co. and Their Importance for Sports and Health

There are many amino acids that can be beneficial for sports or strength training. It’s understandable that the variety can seem confusing at first. However, it can be worthwhile to include different amino acids in your daily supplementation to support training performance and recovery.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and essential for many processes in the body, such as muscle growth, repair, and enzyme production. There are essential amino acids (EAAs), which the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through food, and non-essential amino acids, which the body can synthesize itself.

BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)


BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three are unique because they are metabolized directly in the muscles rather than first being broken down in the liver. This makes them especially important for muscle growth and recovery after training. Leucine plays a key role by activating protein synthesis in muscle cells. BCAAs can also help prevent muscle breakdown during intense training phases and reduce fatigue during exercise by serving as an energy source. Many athletes use BCAA supplements before or during workouts to improve endurance and reduce muscle soreness.


EAA (Essential Amino Acids)


EAAs include all nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce and must be obtained through diet or supplements. Besides BCAAs, EAAs include lysine, methionine, tryptophan, threonine, phenylalanine, histidine, and others. These amino acids are crucial for building proteins in the body and form the basis for muscle repair and growth. Studies show that EAA intake stimulates muscle protein synthesis more effectively than BCAAs alone because the full spectrum of essential building blocks is provided. EAA supplements are ideal for athletes who want to ensure a balanced amino acid supply to optimally support muscle growth.


L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid usually produced sufficiently by the body. However, under intense physical stress or strain, the demand may increase so much that L-Glutamine becomes conditionally essential and should be supplemented. It plays a vital role in supporting the immune system by serving as an energy source for immune cells and helps maintain the gut barrier, improving nutrient absorption. In sports, L-Glutamine is often used to speed up recovery, reduce muscle breakdown, and restore training capacity faster. Supplementation can be especially helpful after long or very intense training sessions.


Beta-Alanine


Beta-Alanine is an amino acid that increases carnosine levels in muscle cells. Carnosine acts as a buffer against muscle acidity caused by the buildup of hydrogen ions (H⁺) during intense exercise. This acidity is a major factor in muscle fatigue. By raising carnosine levels, athletes can train longer at high intensity because their muscles are better protected against acid buildup. Beta-Alanine is therefore commonly used in strength and endurance sports to boost performance and shorten recovery times. Supplementation often causes a harmless tingling sensation on the skin (paresthesia), which indicates the effect is working.


L-Arginine


L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in producing nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), improving blood flow. Better circulation means increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles during training, leading to enhanced performance and a more intense "muscle pump." For this reason, L-Arginine is often used as a pump booster in strength sports. Additionally, L-Arginine supports wound healing, strengthens the immune system, and can stimulate growth hormone production, which benefits long-term muscle growth.

L-Carnitine


L-Carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. It is often used to support fat burning and is especially beneficial for endurance and body-shaping training. By improving fat metabolism, it can help you reach your training goals more efficiently. Additionally, L-Carnitine may positively influence recovery processes after workouts.

Weight Gainer – More Calories, More Muscle! 💪

Weight gainers are specially designed supplements that help you gain weight and muscle mass healthily and effectively. They contain a combination of high-quality carbohydrates, proteins, and often extra concentrated calories—ideal for anyone who struggles to consume enough energy through regular food.

Especially hardgainers, people with very fast metabolisms, benefit from weight gainer shakes. Instead of constantly forcing yourself to eat more, often just one shake a day is enough to meet your calorie needs and support muscle growth.

Benefits at a glance:

💪 More calories, more mass – perfect for muscle-building phases
🕒 Time-saving – ideal as a quick snack or after training
⚖️ Balanced nutrient ratio of protein and carbs
✅ Often enriched with vitamins, creatine, or BCAAs

Whether you want to build mass, struggle to gain weight, or simply want to support your training: a good weight gainer can be exactly the missing element you need.

Carbohydrates – Energy That Delivers: Fast, Targeted, and Effective.

Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy for active people. Especially in sports, they play a crucial role in performance, endurance, and recovery. They replenish glycogen stores in muscles and the liver, ensuring you don’t tire prematurely during training or competition.

A particularly popular carbohydrate source in sports is maltodextrin. This is a water-soluble carbohydrate blend derived from corn or starch. Maltodextrin is tasteless, easy to digest, and quickly supplies the body with energy—without burdening the stomach. Ideal before, during, or after intense sessions.

Whether pre-workout, intra-workout, or recovery—the right carbohydrate intake is a game changer for your performance. Combined with proteins, it ensures optimal results in muscle growth and recovery.

Protein & Energy Bars – The Smart Snack Solution for Sports & Everyday Life

Whether before training, as a quick snack in between, or right after your workout—bars are the perfect companion for anyone wanting to live an active and healthy lifestyle. They provide valuable nutrients, come in convenient packaging, and fit into any bag.

Bars are much more than just a quick bite nowadays. They offer a well-balanced combination of nutrients designed to specifically support your athletic goals—whether that’s muscle building, endurance training, or simply staying active in everyday life.

💪 Protein Bars – For Muscle Building & Recovery
Protein bars provide high-quality protein from whey, casein, soy, or milk protein. They help maintain and build muscle mass—especially after training or when you can’t have a full meal on the go.

Benefits:
✅ 15–25 g of protein per bar
✅ Supports muscle growth & recovery
✅ Perfect post-workout or as a protein-rich snack
✅ Available in many delicious flavors


⚡ Energy Bars – For Endurance & Performance
Energy bars are packed with targeted carbohydrates—often from oats, dextrose, or maltodextrin—that provide the body with quick energy. Perfect for endurance athletes or as a fuel source before long sessions.

Benefits:
✅ Fast energy supply before or during training
✅ Supports performance & concentration
✅ Ideal for cycling, running, hiking, or intense workouts
✅ Easy to digest & quick to consume