"Control what you can control." It’s a mantra found in elite-level locker rooms across the country. You control your training blocks, your sleep hygiene, and your recovery tactics. But when it comes to the bedrock of performance – consistent, whole-food nutrition – that control can slip through our fingers. 

The reality is that even the most disciplined athletes struggle to maintain a colorful plate every single day, and the guilt cycle that may follow only makes things worse. 

The truth is that consuming a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based superfoods can provide a dense spectrum of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats that support cellular energy production, recovery, immune health, and long-term athletic performance. 

But between a grueling travel schedule, back-to-back training sessions, or the simple fatigue of meal prep, the gap between what your body needs and what it gets is real. 

According to the CDC, only 1 in 10 U.S. adults meets the daily recommended intake for fruits and vegetables.¹

 

The Hidden Tax of High Performance 

For a young athlete who is seemingly “metabolically bulletproof,” a pre-game meal of fried chicken might not cause an immediate collapse in performance, but over time, and certainly at the higher levels of sport, nutritional neglect can tax the body. High-intensity training already places significant metabolic stress on athletes’ bodies: 

• Elevated oxidative stress from repeated high-intensity efforts 
• Increased nutrient turnover through sweat and metabolic demand 
• Heightened inflammatory responses following strenuous exercise 
• Greater reliance on recovery efficiency between sessions 
  

These stressors increase the need for antioxidants, micronutrients, phytonutrients, and digestive support. 

What Are Greens & Reds Powders and Why Do They Matter for Athletes? 

Greens and reds powders are concentrated, nutrient-dense blends of vegetables, fruits, algae, and bioactive phytonutrients. For an athlete, these aren't just "vitamins in a scoop"; they are functional tools designed to address the unique physiological stress of training. 

During and after exercise, your body produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). While ROS act as critical signaling molecules for muscle adaptation and training responsiveness, an excess, due to prolonged or strenuous exercise, can lead to oxidative stress. This imbalance can impair muscle contractility, increase fatigue, and cause transient performance declines.²˒³

Phytonutrients, like the polyphenols found in berries or the chlorophyll in spirulina, play uniquely beneficial roles across multiple physiological systems.⁴ They assist in maintaining a healthy redox balance, helping your body adapt to the stress of training without being overwhelmed by it. 

 

Introducing DFS Pro Greens + Reds 

The market is flooded with status symbol powders. Athletes and the practitioners who advise them need more: a formulation powered by science, and built for sport, and a pleasant experience for the tastebuds. 

With Designs for Sport® Pro Greens + Reds, there are no inexpensive fillers, GMO ingredients, or bulking agents. Instead, we break down our 20+ powerhouse into a precise 5-pillar performance shield: 

• 35 Calories 
• 1.5 g Greens Proprietary Blend: spirulina, barley grass juice, wheatgrass juice, chlorella, and nettle leaf 
• 1.5 g Vegetable Proprietary Blend: carrot, kale, tomato, parsley, broccoli sprout, cauliflower sprout, and kale sprout 
• 1.3 g Fruit Proprietary Blend: apple, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, and camu camu berry extract 
• 103 mg ORAC Proprietary Blend: OxyPhyte® grape seed extract, OxyPhyte® grape skin extract 
• 59 mg Enzyme/Prebiotic Blend: cellulase, protease, amylase, lipase, and organic burdock root 
  

 

Our nutrient-dense superfoods are cultivated and harvested at peak potency, then cold-processed and air-dried to help preserve enzymatic activity, phytonutrient integrity, and overall nutritional value.* 

This formula is NSF Certified for Sport®, meaning it has been tested against 280+ banned substances. Plus, it’s a low-oxalate† formula (less than 35 mg per serving), featuring fruits and vegetables without grains, legumes, alfalfa, gluten, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners. 

Key Features / How Pro Greens + Reds Powers Performance 

 

1. The Gut–Performance Axis 

We often obsess over "macros" — protein, carbs, and fats. But if your gut isn't dialed in, your macros aren't reaching their destination. The gut microbiome influences everything from nutrient absorption to inflammatory signaling. 

Read Probiotics & Performance: Why Gut Health Matters for Athletes to learn more. 

Pro Greens + Reds includes prebiotic fibers (from organic burdock root), to support digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria.⁵ When the bacteria in your gut ferment inulin-type fructans, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).⁶˒⁷

Additionally, a systematic review of the prebiotic effects of polyphenols found that their consumption promotes certain beneficial commensal species, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium and the production of SCFAs, including butyrate.⁸

SCFAs act as a bridge, offering support for efficient nutrient absorption and overall gut health, which may be particularly important for endurance athletes during long events. Thus, a performance-relevant cycle is born: Polyphenols → Gut Health → Metabolic Support. 

Beyond prebiotics, we’ve integrated specific digestive enzymes: cellulase, amylase, protease, and lipase, to assist in breaking down plant fibers and macronutrients, helping to relieve occasional bloating and support mealtime comfort.⁹⁻¹¹

2. Energy Support*

As mentioned, the extent of polyphenol and the SCFA benefits do not stop at the gut. In athletes, polyphenols participate in exercise-associated physiological processes that support energy production, oxygen delivery through healthy blood flow, and, notably, redox balance during periods of elevated metabolic demand.³

The production of SCFAs via prebiotic fiber and polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables may also support energy availability during exercise.¹² SCFAs can leave the gut via the portal vein and be taken up by the liver, where they can be used for lipid or carbohydrate synthesis, supporting energy demands during exercise. 

Instead of relying on caffeine or artificial stimulants, we utilize nutrient-dense greens like spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, nettle leaf, and wheatgrass to provide the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support sustained cellular energy production.¹³⁻¹⁸

 

3. Superior Antioxidant Status with OxyPhyte®*

We include a unique grape seed and skin extract with a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) score. This measure of antioxidant capacity indicates how effective a substance is at neutralizing free radicals – unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. With greater antioxidative properties comes support for healthy cellular metabolism, aging, and recovery.* 

Foods that are typically high in ORAC include berries, grapes, dark chocolate, nuts, and certain herbs and spices. 

 

4. The Low-Oxalate† Advantage 

Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are organic compounds primarily found in plant sources, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Dietary oxalates are considered “anti-nutrients” that may hinder nutrient absorption. Reducing oxalate-rich foods, ensuring proper hydration, lowering sodium intake, increasing dietary calcium, and limiting animal protein can offer significant benefits for oxalate metabolism. 

With a low-oxalate† greens powder, the anti-nutritive compounds tied to common fruits, vegetables, and greens are reduced, helping support nutrient absorption, muscle function, and joint health.* 

 

5. Honesty in Nutrition: The Fiber Truth 

We believe in transparency. While Pro Greens + Reds provides 6 g of total fiber to support the gut, it is not a 1:1 replacement for whole fruits and vegetables. You still need the physical bulk and skins of whole foods for optimal health. Think of this as your guilt-free Nutritional Insurance Policy; it helps fill the gaps when life doesn't allow for a perfect plate.*

 

Practical Tips for Athletes (How & When to Take) 

Consistency is the key to seeing the benefits of phytonutrient accumulation. Here is how to make it part of your routine: 

• The Daily Ritual: There’s no reason your nutrition should taste like "grass." Take your Pro Greens + Reds in a shaker bottle with cold water every morning. It’s a clean, refreshing Strawberry Kiwi flavor with zero grams of added sugar. It’s not overly sweet, it’s just right, and it’s a habit you will actually look forward to. 
• Timing for Performance: While it works any time of day, taking it 1–2 hours before a workout may support vascular function and redox balance.¹⁹
• The "Travel Essential": It’s a portable size. Keep a container in your gear bag to help maintain your micronutrient baseline during away games or competitions. 
• Strategic Stacking: 
  • For Structural Support*: Pair with Collagen Complex™ to support skin health and procollagen synthesis.²⁰˒²¹
  • For Power*: Stack with Creatine Monohydrate; grape seed extracts may help attenuate post-exercise muscle soreness.²²⁻²⁶
  • For Gut Mastery: Combine with Probiotic 50 to further fuel that gut –performance axis.* 

 

Discover Pro Greens + Reds

 

Bridge the gap between your training demands and your daily diet with a formula built for everyone. 

 

Explore Pro Greens + Reds

 

 

 

References

1. Lee-Kwan SH, Moore LV, Blanck HM, Harris DM, Galuska D. Disparities in state-specific adult fruit and vegetable consumption — United States, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017;66(45):1241-1247. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6645a1 

2. Vargas-Mendoza N, Morales-González Á, Madrigal-Santillán EO, et al. Phytochemicals and modulation of exercise-induced oxidative stress: a novel overview of antioxidants. Am J Transl Res. 2022;14(11):8292-8314. 

3. D’Angelo S. Polyphenols: potential beneficial effects of these phytochemicals in athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2020;19(7):260-265. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000729 

4. Guan R, Van Le Q, Yang H, et al. A review of dietary phytochemicals and their relation to oxidative stress and human diseases. Chemosphere. 2021;271:129499. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129499 

5. Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013;5(4):1417-1435. doi:10.3390/nu5041417 

6. Moro TMA, T.P.S. Clerici M. Burdock (Arctium lappa L) roots as a source of inulin-type fructans and other bioactive compounds: current knowledge and future perspectives for food and non-food applications. Food Res Int. 2021;141:109889. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109889 

7. Watanabe A, Sasaki H, Miyakawa H, Nakayama Y, Lyu Y, Shibata S. Effect of dose and timing of burdock (Arctium lappa) root intake on intestinal microbiota of mice. Microorganisms. 2020;8(2):220. doi:10.3390/microorganisms8020220 

8. Alves-Santos A, Sugizaki C, Lima G, Naves M. (2020). Prebiotic effect of dietary polyphenols: a systematic review. J Funct Foods. 2020;74:104169. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2020.104169

9. Peyrot Des Gachons C, Breslin PAS. Salivary amylase: digestion and metabolic syndrome. Curr Diab Rep. 2016;16(10):102. doi:10.1007/s11892-016-0794-7 

10. López-Otín C, Bond JS. Proteases: multifunctional enzymes in life and disease. J Biol Chem. 2008;283(45):30433-30437. doi:10.1074/jbc.R800035200 

11. Zhu G, Fang Q, Zhu F, Huang D, Yang C. Structure and function of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 and its relationship with pathological states. Front Genet. 2021;12:693538. doi:10.3389/fgene.2021.693538 

12. Frampton J, Murphy KG, Frost G, Chambers ES. Short-chain fatty acids as potential regulators of skeletal muscle metabolism and function. Nat Metab. 2020;2(9):840-848. doi:10.1038/s42255-020-0188-7 

13. Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of chlorella as a dietary supplement to promote human health. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2524. doi:10.3390/nu12092524 

14. Wu Q, Liu L, Miron A, Klímová B, Wan D, Kuča K. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of spirulina: an overview. Arch Toxicol. 2016;90(8):1817-1840. doi:10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5 

15. Zeng Y, Pu X, Yang J, et al. Preventive and therapeutic role of functional ingredients of barley grass for chronic diseases in human beings. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018(1):3232080. doi:10.1155/2018/3232080 

16. Devkota HP, Paudel KR, Khanal S, et al. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and food functional properties. Molecules. 2022;27(16):5219. doi:10.3390/molecules27165219 

17. AlFadhly NKZ, Alhelfi N, Altemimi AB, Verma DK, Cacciola F, Narayanankutty A. Trends and technological advancements in the possible food applications of spirulina and their health benefits: a review. Molecules. 2022;27(17):5584. doi:10.3390/molecules27175584 

18. Mishra N, Tripathi R, Pandey D, Shah K, Chauhan NS. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum): a miraculous microgreen: an overview. J Future Foods. 2025;5(3):239-247. doi:10.1016/j.jfutfo.2024.07.003 

19. Bowtell J, Kelly V. Fruit-derived polyphenol supplementation for athlete recovery and performance. Sports Med Auckl Nz. 2019;49(Suppl 1):3-23. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0998-x 

20. Chwil M, Mihelič R, Matraszek-Gawron R, Terlecka P, Skoczylas MM, Terlecki K. Comprehensive review of the latest investigations of the health-enhancing effects of selected properties of arthrospira and spirulina microalgae on skin. Pharmaceuticals. 2024;17(10):1321. doi:10.3390/ph17101321 

21. Januszewski J, Forma A, Zembala J, et al. Nutritional supplements for skin health — a review of what should be chosen and why. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023;60(1):68. doi:10.3390/medicina60010068 

22. Nho H, Kim KA. Effects of grape seed extract supplementation on endothelial function and endurance performance in basketball players. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(21):14223. doi:10.3390/ijerph192114223 

23. Lafay S, Jan C, Nardon K, et al. Grape extract improves antioxidant status and physical performance in elite male athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2009;8(3):468-480. 

24. Deley G, Guillemet D, Allaert FA, Babault N. An acute dose of specific grape and apple polyphenols improves endurance performance: a randomized, crossover, double-blind versus placebo controlled study. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):917. doi:10.3390/nu9080917 

25. Kim J, So WY. Effects of acute grape seed extract supplementation on muscle damage after eccentric exercise: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2019;17(2):77-79. doi:10.1016/j.jesf.2019.01.001 

26. Song DS, Boyer W, Gillum T, et al. Effect of acute grape seed extract supplementation on heart rate recovery in young individuals. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis. 2025;12(10):387. doi:10.3390/jcdd12100387 

 

Warning: Contains wheat (as wheat grass juice). 

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

† Less than 35 mg per serving on average. Those following a low oxalate diet should evaluate their individual needs. 

OxyPhyte® is a registered trademark of RFI, LLC.