An overview of soybean derived products for sportsmen

Abstract

Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. is a major leguminous crop of global importance with widespread applicability and economic value of its products in the national as well as the global market. The aim of the presented investigations was to review the experimental articles and patents referring to the application of soybean-based products for sportsman published in the period 1970-2019. The greatest number of papers and patents were published in the years 2010-2019 by researchers affiliated in the USA, China and Japan. Altogether, 64 patents and 39 experimental articles were recorded. The inventors patented the food supplements (in a majority), sportswear and devices enhancing protection of athletes during their sport activities. The greatest number of experimental articles was devoted to the impact of soy-based products use on athletes’ health, the evaluation of the quality of the products, as well their acceptability by sportsmen.