Fitness industry growth drives interest in protein supplement research and alternatives

The fitness industry in Taiwan is experiencing significant growth, with total sales from fitness centers reaching 21.25 billion TWD in 2025. As interest in sports nutrition rises, a recent study published in the journal ‘Nutrients’ examined the effects of combining yeast with whey protein on muscle recovery.

The study, which tracked 48 trained athletes, found that male participants consuming the yeast-whey blend showed lower creatine kinase levels and reported less muscle soreness 48 hours after high-intensity exercise compared to a water control group. However, researchers noted that the data was insufficient to prove the blend is superior to pure whey protein alone, and larger studies are required to confirm these findings.

In a separate trend related to protein supplementation, reports have emerged regarding the use of American cockroach powder as a low-cost alternative to traditional protein powders. While American cockroaches are used in traditional Chinese medicine for specific therapeutic purposes, medical professionals warn against self-consumption. Experts state that medicinal cockroach extracts are produced in sterile environments and differ significantly from common household pests, which carry pathogens. Furthermore, consuming cockroach powder for fitness purposes carries risks of contamination, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal distress.