Plant-Based Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids in Food Products Dedicated for Sportspeople—A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

Plant proteins are increasingly seen as critical nutrient sources for both amateur and professional athletes. The aim of the presented study was to review the inventions and experimental articles referring to the application of plant-based proteins, peptides and amino acids in food products dedicated to sportspeople and published in the period 2014–2023. The literature search was conducted according to PRISMA statementsacross several key databases, including Scopus and ISI Web of Science. Altogether, 106 patents and 35 original articles were found. The survey of patents and inventions described in the articles showed the use of 52 taxa (mainly annual herbaceous plants), creating edible seeds and representing mainly the families Fabaceae and Poaceae. The majority of inventions were developed by research teams numbering from two to five scientists, affiliated in China, The United States of America and Japan. The greatest number of inventions applied plant-based proteins (especially protein isolates), declared the nutritional activity and were prepared in liquid or solid consistency. According to the reviewed studies, the intake of soybean and potato proteins might provide better results than animal-based protein (excluding resistance training), whereas the consumption of pea and rice protein does not possess any unique anabolic properties over whey protein. The analysis of other investigations demonstrated the varied acceptability and consumption of food products, while the high rating of the tested food products presented in four articles seems to be an effect of their sensual values, as well as other elements, such as production method, health benefits and cost-effectiveness. Considering the great potential of useful plant species, it might be concluded that future investigations focusing on searching for novel plant protein sources, suitable for the preparation of food products dedicated to amateur and professional sportspeople, remain of interest.