Phospholipids are added to energy drinks to assist in alleviating exercise fatigue

Phospholipids are applied in the development of functional beverages, playing a role in assisting in alleviating exercise fatigue. As bioactive natural components, phospholipids are incorporated into functional sports-targeted beverages to support physical recovery after intensive exercise. During strenuous physical activity, the human body suffers cell membrane damage, energy consumption and accumulation of metabolic waste, which jointly trigger exercise-induced fatigue. Supplementing phospholipids via beverage intake helps repair and stabilise cell membrane structure, supporting normal physiological function of muscle cells.

Phospholipids facilitate nutrient transportation and metabolic waste removal within the body. They assist in mitigating oxidative stress triggered by high-intensity workouts and reduce the build-up of fatigue-related metabolites, thereby helping relieve post-exercise physical exhaustion. In beverage formulations, phospholipids also exert emulsifying and solubilising properties. They improve the dispersion of liposoluble functional components in aqueous beverage systems, preventing stratification and sedimentation and enhancing the physical stability of finished drinks.

Formulation performance is affected by phospholipid dosage, pH value and sterilisation conditions. Inadequate addition limits the physiological auxiliary effect, while over‑dosage may bring oily taste and impair beverage clarity. It should be noted that phospholipids deliver auxiliary dietary effects rather than therapeutic functions. Used as clean-label raw materials, phospholipids endow functional beverages with both process stability and fatigue-relieving nutritional value for sports-consuming populations.