Honey recognized as a natural supplement by over 70% of athletes
Executive summary: A survey by AstraRicerche for the Miele Group and Unione Italiana Food found that 71.5% of sport participants use honey as a natural supplement. The result highlights honey's growing popularity as a perceived functional food among athletes, indicating a potential shift in sports nutrition preferences.
Who is involved: The study was conducted by AstraRicerche and commissioned by the Miele Group and Unione Italiana Food.
Likely next: The findings may prompt increased marketing of honey-based products to athletes and could stimulate further research on its performance benefits.
A survey by AstraRicerche for the Miele Group and Unione Italiana Food found that 71.5% of sport participants use honey as a natural supplement. The study highlights honey's growing popularity as a perceived functional food within the athletic community. No comparative data with other supplements were provided in the report.
Timeline
- — Miele come integratore naturale, il 71,5% di chi pratica sport lo utilizza (la Repubblica — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Growth in honey‑based sports nutrition products
- Further scientific studies on honey’s energetic properties
Sectors affected
- Food & Beverage
- Sports Nutrition
- Retail
Regulatory implications
- Need for validation of health‑claim statements
- Monitoring of food‑supplement regulations in the EU
Historical parallels
- Rise of natural energy supplements in the 2000s
- Increased consumer shift toward bee‑derived products
- Previous debates over natural stimulants in sports
Sources
Open the full interactive case file on Beyond →