A systematic review of sweet potato-derived nutritional products for athletes

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lamarck syn. Convolvulus batatas L.) is a perennial, herbaceous climber with tuberous edible roots, and is a major leguminous crop of global importance with widespread applicability and economic value of its products in the global market. The aim of the presented investigations was to review the experimental articles and patents referring to the application of sweet potato-based nutritional products for athletes published in the period 2000–2020. Altogether, 69 patents and 12 experimental articles were included in the analysis. The statistical analysis showed that similar number of inventions was patented in periods 2000–2005, 2006–2010, 2011–2015 and 2016–2020. Generally, the inventors patented food supplements in different forms (e.g. bars, beverages, powders, snacks, tablets). Other authors invented methods of extraction and application of sweet potato constituents such as carbohydrates (i.a. slowly digestible starch) and polyphenols (i.a. anthocyanins). The empirical articles evidenced wide acceptability of sweet potato products due to their beneficial effects on health and performance such as improvement of cardiopulmonatory functions, prolongation of physical performance and recovery from fatigue. Despite growing interest in the application of sweet potato constituents in nutritional products for athletes, further investigations are highly desirable.