Sports Research Review - 15 Things You Need to Know

We’ve heard about Sweet Sweat, one of the leading products from Sports Research, but wanted to learn more about the product line’s benefits. On the official website, they claim products are affordably priced, offer quality ingredients backed by science.

Our research team focused on the ingredients in the supplements, both the benefits and potential side effects. We also turned our attention toward any research backing claims. Finally, we compiled our data to give you the bottom line.

Sports Research can be purchased through their Official Site.

What is Sports Research?

Sports Research is a family-owned company founded in 1980, specializing in the sale of supplements, sports apparel, and fitness gear. The company asserts its commitment to enhancing family health through the provision of top-quality, cost-effective products.

With a notable flagship product called Sweet Sweat, Sports Research gained widespread recognition. This success spurred the development of an array of health and fitness products, all purportedly backed by research and designed to cater to a diverse audience, as stated on the company’s official website.

Since its inception, Sports Research claims to prioritize both quality and affordability in its offerings, aiming to empower families in their pursuit of improved health. The product line encompasses supplements, sports apparel, and fitness gear, with an emphasis on providing accessible options for individuals seeking reliable solutions for their health and fitness goals.

Their products are meant to do everything from helping people lose weight to increase their workout’s effectiveness to simply feeling better, but what do some of the studies have to say about this kind of supplement?

• Office of Dietary Supplements: Sometimes, sports supplements can increase strength, endurance, and increased performance.
• Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology: More research needs to be done to confirm the benefits of athletes consuming dietary supplements for improved exercise benefits.
• Journal of Sports Sciences: Almost 85% of athletes use some sort of supplement as a part of their regular training, though more research is needed to determine their side effects.

How Did Sports Research Start?

Established in 1980, Sports Research has a history rooted in the vision of Jeff Pedersen, Sr., who entered the supplement industry in 1970. His journey began with the creation of Sweet Sweat, designed to enhance the workouts of members in his athletic club.

According to information available on the Sports Research Corporation’s LinkedIn page, Sweet Sweat gained popularity among club members, leading to enthusiastic recommendations to friends and family. Capitalizing on this positive response, Pedersen officially launched the marketing of the product in 1980.

Today, Sports Research asserts that its product line has expanded to include over forty stock keeping units (skus). Sweet Sweat, the flagship product, has achieved global recognition, being exported to 53 countries. It has found favor among amateur and professional athletes in various disciplines such as bodybuilding, boxing, football, mixed martial arts, track and field, purportedly contributing to improved circulation, energy, and sweating.

The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews average at 3 out of 5 stars, based on two reviews, with three complaints successfully resolved in the last three years.

For those interested in contacting Sports Research Corporation, their headquarters is located at 784 W Channel St #200, San Pedro, CA 90731. They can be reached by phone at (310) 519-1484 or via email at info@sportsresearch.com and support@sportsresearch.com.

Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.

What is Sports Research Sweet Sweat?

Sports Research’s first product, Sweet Sweat, is a gel placed on the skin before exercise. Some of its ingredients are:

• White Snow Petrolatum
• Brazilian Carnauba Wax
• Acai Pulp Oil
• Organic Coconut Oil
• Pomegranate Seed Oil

Sweet Sweat was designed for athletes and is supposed to increase blood flow to the muscles and increase the body’s metabolic rate. Some of the claimed Sweet Sweat benefits are:

• Better warm-up and recovery.
• Increased circulation, sweating, and motivation.
• Keeps muscle from getting tired.
• Lessens the chance of injuries.

Sweet Sweat is available in a jar or a stick and comes in original, unscented, tropical, citrus and coconut varieties.

Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia

Sports Research does offer a garcinia cambogia supplement, which they named Garcinia Cambogia. The supplement is supposed to aid in weight loss and appetite control.

Sports Research tries to set their product apart from others by including organic virgin coconut oil, making the supplement easier for the body to absorb.

Some other Sports Research supplements are:

Sports Research Collagen Peptides

A powdered drink mix that is supposed to aid in the health of skin, joints, cartilage, hair, bones, and tendons.

Sports Research MCT Oil

There are three varieties of this supplement, Emulsified MCT Oil, Organic MCT Oil, and Premium MCT Oil. The supplement comes in a liquid form that is mixed into drinks to increase energy.

However, according to Top Class Actions, Sports Research underwent a lawsuit for mislabeling their MCT Oil products.

Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate

This supplement supplies antioxidants and flavonoids for heart and joint health.

Sports Research Claims

Sports Research makes three main claims about the products that they sell:

• The products are all backed by science.
• The ingredients are all high quality and tested for purity. Organic ingredients are sustainably sourced or certified.
• Their products are priced to be affordable for families.
• In addition to the general claims made, the company makes more specific claims about its products. For example, they say Garcinia Cambogia will “decrease body fat and curb appetite.”
• They say Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract “provides proven effectiveness for slimming and beauty.”

Sports Research Ingredients

Because Sports Research makes such a wide variety of supplements for different purposes, they naturally use different ingredients. Some of the ingredients found in Sports Research products are:

• Garcinia Cambogia
• Green Coffee Bean Extract
• Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raise, Bovine Hide Collagen Peptides
• Curcumin C3 Complex Turmeric
• Organic Tart Cherry Whole Fruit

Does Sports Research Work?

We want to take the word of a company that professes to be family-owned and have families’ health and well-being in mind.

However, we base our reviews on science. We spent some time researching some of the ingredients used in Sports Research products to see if there is any scientific basis for the claims they make about their products.

Here’s what we learned about just a few of the Sports Research ingredients.

Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is the common name of a tropical plant called garcinia gumma-gutta. The plant grows a fruit similar to a pumpkin, but its color is green or yellow.

Garcinia cambogia is used as a food substance. But, as of late, it has gotten increasing attention for use in weight loss supplements.

Although it’s gotten a lot of attention as having the potential for impressive weight loss results, the truth is that there isn’t a whole lot of scientific evidence suggesting the results are worth talking about.

The active ingredient in garcinia cambogia is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). It’s supposed to help with weight loss in a couple of different ways.

First, it supposedly prevents the body from making fat by interfering with an enzyme called citrate lyase. It is also reported to have appetite suppressing properties.

According to NCBI, studies don’t support the effectiveness of garcinia cambogia for weight loss, though. In one study, participants lost only an average of 2 pounds more than the control group.

The researchers couldn’t say for sure if that tiny weight loss were even due to the supplement. A reduced-calorie diet and exercise could have caused it.

Another study published in the Nutrition Journal also did not find garcinia cambogia effective. The study involved 86 participants who were all overweight.

After 10 weeks of taking a garcinia cambogia supplement while eating their regular diet, the subjects hadn’t lost any weight.

In a study published in JAMA, 135 participants were divided into two groups. One group took a garcinia cambogia, and the other took a placebo.

All of the subjects were overweight, but otherwise in good health. All of the subjects were asked to follow a low in calories diet but high in fiber.

After 12 weeks, the researchers looked for changes in body fat and weight. They observed no differences between the placebo group and those who took garcinia cambogia.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee bean extract is used in Sports Research’s Svetol Green Coffee Bean. This is a supplement that they claim helps with “slimming,” but science suggests that green coffee beans may not help you lose weight.

According to MedicalNewsToday, there has been other research into the benefits of green coffee. Scientists believe that green coffee may have some health benefits that roasted coffee does not because of chlorogenic acid.

The roasting process takes some of the chlorogenic acids out of coffee. There is some evidence that green coffee may help regulate blood sugar levels by absorbing carbohydrates while they are in the digestive tract.

This prevents the carbs from causing sugar spikes.

However, according to MedlinePlus, there has not been enough scientific evidence to prove that it works, so it is still classified as having “insufficient evidence” for effectiveness.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues. Because it is found in all connective tissues throughout the body, it is the most abundant protein in your body.

Collagen is also the substance used to make gelatin and is a component in glue.

Can powdered collagen improve your skin? According to Medical News Today, collagen molecules are too large for the skin to absorb.

Ingesting collagen doesn’t appear to increase collagen levels in the body, either.

How to Use Sports Research

Sports Research products are used according to product type. There isn’t much information on the official website about how each of the products is used, but you may find more through retailers like Amazon and GNC.

The product labels appear to have clear instructions about usage. For example, to use Collagen Peptides, you add a scoop of the powder to a beverage or meal up to twice daily. The label even offers helpful tips about adding ice to the drink after mixing the powder with room temperature liquid to prevent clumping.

Where You Can Buy Sports Research Products

Sports Research supplements and products can be purchased on the official website or through retailers, including:

• Amazon
• GNC
• The Vitamin Shoppe

How Much Does Sports Research Cost?

The Sports Research prices vary by supplement, but they range from $20 to $50. Some of the prices for their supplements on their official website are:

• Vitamin K2: $16.15
• Collagen Peptides 16oz: $32.95
• Keto +Plus: $45.95
• Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer: $27.95
• Sweet Sweat Stick: $29.95
• MCT Oil: $16.95
• Keto Omega: $30.95

Sports Research has distinct return policies depending on the type of product purchased. For Activewear, Trimmer & Trimmer Bundles, Pre & Post Sweat Bundles, Supplements, and All other products, the return window is 45 days from the date of shipment. Sweet Sweat Gels, however, have a 90-day return period. Resistance Bands, Ab Wheel & Loop Bands come with a 365-day return policy from the date of shipment.

If you are dissatisfied with a product, you can initiate a return by placing it in a box, shipping it back to the company, and including a note requesting a refund along with the receipt. It’s important to note that the cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.

Sports Research accepts returns for products purchased on their official website. If you obtained a Sports Research product from another retailer, you must contact that specific retailer to request a refund.

It’s crucial to be aware that Sports Research does not accept returns for clothing items and performance line products, and they do not facilitate product exchanges.

Potential Sports Research Side Effects

While there are no specific side effects connected to Sports Research products, some may notice side effects from ingredients.

Side effects of garcinia cambogia may include:

• Nausea
• Digestive problems
• Headaches

Side effects of turmeric may include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Nausea

Collagen protein side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Swelling
• Itching

Sports Research Product Warnings

Sports Research lists special precautions and warnings on their product labels. Some of the warnings you’ll see are:

Garcinia Cambogia

Allergen Warning: Contains tree nuts.

Collagen Peptides

Collagen is not a complete protein. Do not use to replace dietary protein or for weight reduction.

Sweet Sweat

Topical use only. Do not ingest.

The products also contain general warnings, such as:

• Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.
• Talk to a doctor before using if you are a medical condition or are taking medications.
• Don’t take more than recommended.
• Use along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Any Sports Research Lawsuits?

Sports Research seems to have a pretty good reputation based on their BBB rating however, on April 26, 2019, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Sports Research for alleged false claims that its dietary supplement, “Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia,” is an effective aid in “weight management” and “appetite control.”

In another case, Sports Research on May 26, 2021 has reached a settlement to resolve claims that its Premium MCT Oil products and Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex products were labeled in a deceptive manner. The settlement provides $3 cash payments or $7 product vouchers to consumers who bought these items between Jan. 9, 2016 and Jan. 9, 2020.

Sports Research Alternatives

Companies are offering similar products to Sports Research. Some brands that offer alternatives to Sports Research products are:

• Activated You
• Hydroxycut
• Metagenics
• Fitteam Global
• Perfect Origins

What Users Are Saying

“I’ve been using the Sports Research Collagen Peptides for a month now and have just received my second order. It’s become an integral part of my daily routine.

One of the most appealing aspects of this product is how easily it blends into my protein shake. There’s no gritty texture or unpleasant aftertaste as one might expect from a supplement powder. Instead, it contributes a smooth, creamy consistency that complements my shake perfectly. A pinch of sea salt rounds out the flavor nicely, making my daily doses of collagen something I genuinely look forward to.

While it’s still early days, I’m optimistic about the potential benefits this collagen supplement could bring to my skin health. Many other users have reported noticeable improvements in their skin’s elasticity and hydration levels, and I’m eager to see similar results.

If you’re in search of a collagen supplement that’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine and has the potential to boost your skin health, I would highly recommend the Sports Research Collagen Peptides. It’s a product I plan on sticking with for the foreseeable future.”

“I have been using this sweet sweat product for years and I love it. It has been instrumental in my weight loss journey by helping me sweat more during my work outs and shed some extra water weight. Its comfortable, lightweight, stretchy, supportive, and most importantly durable. I replace mine once a year because I use it 5-6 times a week. Highly recommend!!”

“I’ve been using this MCT oil for about 3 years and it is the best one to emulsify well with my power coffee.”

The Bottom Line on Sports Research

We like the offerings from Sports Research. The company is a leader in their space and provide products designed to help some users reach their goals. However, there are other alternatives available.

Weight management comes in many forms, whether it’s diet, exercise, or supplementation. And, there’s a program out there offering researched methods, shown to work.

Among the best, we’ve seen one called Noom. The program was designed by doctors with permanent lifestyle changes in mind. We love the human coaching and custom meal plans, but it’s the fact that your personalized plan adjusts to your needs – so you’re always supported 100%.

Also, the company and team behind Noom are so confident in their program; they’re offering a free trial offer.