Nutrition has always been an important component of athletic performance, but only recently have superfoods like chia been utilized in concentrated doses to deliver targeted nutrients to athletes. Chia, known widely as the popular novelty household plant grown to resemble hair on clay heads, is now gaining momentum as a premium nutritional supplement. In fact, it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in commercial use.

“Chia seeds were a staple of the ancient Aztec diets. Now they are used in many areas of the world for general health and weight loss. As a potent source of many important nutrients, vitamins and minerals, Chia really is a one-of-a-kind superfood. Chia is great for everyone, including competitive athletes. There are many amazing health benefits of chia seeds,” says Evan DeMarco, CEO of Vitalyte Sports Nutrition.

Using an innovative blend of amino acids, beta alanine and the hydration-boosting superfood chia, professional sports nutritionists at Vitalyte Sports Nutrition have created Chia Surge, a revolutionary energy gel designed to provide maximum nutrients at critical points when athletes need them most. The first commercial chia-based energy gel in the world, it improves athletic performance by boosting energy, buffering lactic acid and speeding recovery.

Chia contains more than eight times the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, and is extremely high in protein, both essential to healthy muscle function. Rich in dietary fiber, chia also contains essential minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium. Chia seeds also slow down the rate at which carbs are digested, converted to sugar and then delivered to the body, which makes them an especially amazing nutritional addition for diabetics. Everyone though, can benefit from adding a healthy dose of chia to their diet.

Modern medical science has shown time and again that proper nutrition is a vital component of injury prevention for athletes, especially when participating in strenuous events such as marathons or triathlons. Nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods are the fastest and most effective way to deliver energy on the spot.

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this groundbreaking product,” says DeMarco. “Chia represents one of the greatest superfoods on the planet and we are very proud to be innovators in this field.”

Vitalyte’s Chia Surge delivers critical nutrients and energy in the form of an energy gel, designed for use by athletes in need of fuel at critical moments during performance. Boiling nutrition down to a science and discovering the virtues of chia has improved the safety of athletes who may risk dehydration, low salt, bloating or low blood sugar during endurance events. These serious conditions usually result from the over- or under-consumption of water which upsets the balance of electrolytes, replenishing calories with foods that are not easily digestible, or don’t replenish enough calories for sustained energy.

“Chia seeds slow down the rate at which carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body,” says DeMarco. “Because they absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, they create a time release system of steady sustained energy instead of immediate spikes in blood sugar. When you combine chia with palatinose like we did in Chia Surge, along with beta alanine and branched chain amino acids, you have an amazing gel that tastes great, buffers lactic acid to improve performance, and delivers energy to hungry muscles for extended periods of time. And at only 75 calories per pack, Chia Surge is the perfect addition to any exercise plan, regardless of duration or intensity.”

Many athletes are now using highly developed nutrition systems to improve their performance and decrease the risk of injury or dehydration during races. It is expected that with the “all-natural” movement in full swing, superfoods like chia will take center stage in the world of supplements and nutritional breakthroughs. Chia Surge is available for purchase on Vitalyte’s website, www.Vitalyte.com, and at outdoor specialty store REI.