Development and Standardization of Protein Mix Products for Enhancing Nutritional Recovery and Performance

Abstract

Protein is an essential macronutrient for body function and to improve athletic performance by enhancing the right muscle mass in the athlete. Protein and amino acid supplements are popularly known for sports personalities and active individuals as muscle-boosting, performance-intensifying products, and high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are traditionally applied for weight-loss purposes. The study aimed to identify different protein sources for the mix, assess its protein content, and evaluate its acceptability and palatability. The present study aims to develop a protein mix product that provides intensified nutritional support for recovery and enhances athletic performance. The ingredients were chosen for their protein content, micronutrient profile, and potential muscle recovery and growth benefits. Two variants of the protein mix were prepared and analyzed for their macronutrient composition. Sensory evaluation of both variants was conducted using the 9-point hedonic scale, assessing parameters such as color, appearance, aroma, consistency, taste, and overall acceptability. The results showed that Variant 2 received higher mean scores in all parameters compared to Variant 1, indicating its superior acceptability among the panelists and chosen for further study. It was found that Variant 2 of the protein mix contains 22.35 kcal of energy, 2.3g of carbohydrates, 1.1g of protein, and 0.9g of fat per 5g of powder; hence, it can be recommended as a recovery drink mix for athletes,providing a balanced ratio of carbohydrates and protein.