Dear Coaches,
This week we’re unpacking where protein science is headed, spotlighting the top jobs in performance nutrition, and revealing why pineapple + pickle juice could be the next big thing.
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EXPERT OPINION
Dr. Oliver Witard doesn't just study protein—he shapes where the field is heading. His recent Fast Fuel appearance revealed the hot topics that should be on every practitioner's radar.
Hot Topic #1: Sustainable protein sources
"It has to be around sustainability," Witard told Dr. James Morehen. "It's about getting that balancing act between ensuring that recommendations combine health outcomes and environmentally sustainable protein sources."
The opportunity?
Sports nutrition can lead the way.
"If we're giving those good messages, those positive messages, that's translating into sports nutrition - I think that's a strong message for the future."
Hot Topic #2: Complementary plant proteins
Here's where practitioners need to get educated: "Plant proteins are deficient in at least one of the essential amino acids," Witard explains.
"One of the things we need to do is educate athletes and practitioners as to complementary plant-based protein sources, for example... If we can educate into what constitutes a complementary plant-based protein dish that essentially meets all of the essential amino acids content, including a high leucine content, because we know that leucine is important in terms of stimulating the muscle protein synthesis response, then I think we've got a strong future in that regard."
Hot Topic #3: Food matrix effects
This is where the field is heading: "We know lots about individual isolated intact proteins. But what's quite underappreciated is we don't know how protein-rich foods behave as much."
Witard's focus: "Understanding food meals - how the muscle responds to protein-rich foods essentially."
Actionable Takeaway: Start familiarising yourself with complementary plant protein combinations. The research is moving beyond whey vs. casein toward real-world food applications.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Nottinghamshire County Cricket
Performance nutritionist role available with elite cricketers.
Last Weeks Issue
Dr. Scott Gillham's latest research reveals a critical gap in CBD safety.
PERFORMANCE TECH
We spoke to the PickleUp team about their new 60ml pineapple pickle juice shots launching this month.
The challenge every performance nutritionist faces: athletes won't consistently use solutions they can't stand drinking.
PickleUp's bet is simple. Take pickle juice science, make it taste like pineapple, package it in convenient 60ml shots.
The formulation: six ingredients including red wine vinegar for maximum acetic acid content, fresh pineapple juice for palatability, plus salts, sugar and minerals. Each 60ml shot delivers 17g carbohydrates, 288mg sodium, and 25mg magnesium.
Evidence-based recommendations mean nothing if athletes won't follow them. The team understands coaches need solutions that work both scientifically and practically.
This signals where the cramp prevention market is heading—toward solutions coaches can actually recommend with confidence that athletes will use.
The team has former Liverpool player Nat Phillips as an official ambassador.
Not Informed Sport tested yet, but they plan to pursue certification.
