In this episode of Sportchefstroom, host Drikus sits down with Prof. Du Toit Loots, a leading expert in sports supplements, nutrition, and weight management. Apex Sports Supplement , Prof. Loots has played a major role in scientifically formulating products that enhance athletic performance, improve health, and support long-term well-being.
This insightful discussion covered the importance of high-quality supplements, ethical sports nutrition, and how Apex Supplements grew from a small garage sized manufacturing facility into large scale production and an internationally trusted brand.
A Passion for Sports and Nutrition
Prof. Loots' passion for sports and nutrition comes from a deep belief that every child should have the opportunity to play sports. He sees sports as a tool for character building, discipline, and a way for adults to continue playing in a structured environment.
His passion for nutrition was influenced by his mother, She daily supplemented their diets with homemade health drinks, mixing unusual ingredients like brewer’s yeast, comfrey,, additional protein etc. While they didn’t always taste great, they provided noticeable benefits in energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
"The proof is in the pudding… although we weren’t allowed to eat pudding!"
Academic Journey and the Birth of Apex Supplements
Prof. Loots studied Biochemistry and Health Sciences at North-West University (Pukke) with an initial goal of better understanding human metabolism and it's applications to improving health and preventing disease. His studies and research eventually led him to sports supplementation, where he applied scientific principles used in medicine to develop safe and effective sports nutrition products.
After completing his Doctorate in Biochemistry in just one year, he received a R10,000 bursary. Instead of using it for personal needs, he invested it into launching his supplement business, working out of a rented garage.
His first product—a muscle-building supplement—was pitched to M-Chem, a supplement retailer in Cape Town. Instead of asking for direct sales, he proposed a profit-sharing model. Within a month, all stock was sold, and his investment doubled. This success led to rapid expansion and the creation of Apex Supplements.
Why Apex Supplements Stands Out
Apex Supplements is known for its scientifically backed formulations, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and long-term health benefits.
Four key principles behind Apex Supplements:
1️⃣ Scientific Validation – Every ingredient must have clinical evidence, be published in scientific journals, and be tested in human clinical trials.
2️⃣ Synergistic Combinations – Ingredients are carefully combined to enhance each other’s benefits and support the body's natural functions.
3️⃣ Exact Dosages – Products use the precise dosages tested in clinical trials.
4️⃣ Extensive Testing – Each product undergoes up to two years of internal testing before launch.
Because professional athletes—including Springboks—use Apex products, they must be free from banned substances, ensuring compliance with international drug-testing standards.
Why Integrity in Sports Supplements Matters
Since many professional athletes rely on his products, ethics and integrity are at the heart of his business.
This is why Apex only uses natural, food-based ingredients. The goal is to not only enhance performance but also improve long-term health. Apex’s approach to supplementation ensures that athletes remain healthy even as they age, making it a trusted choice worldwide.
Global Reach: From Springboks to the USA 7s, in rugby and many other sports
Apex Supplements has grown into a globally recognized brand, supplying top athletes and teams worldwide.
✔️ Many of the top rugby players and athletes in other sports, both locally and internationally, regularly request his expertise and products.
✔️ The USA 7s Rugby Team used Apex products for seven years prior to and during the Olympics.
✔️ The CEO's, team managers, coaches, administrators and players of various large sporting bodies including Springboks, Lions, Bulls, Athletics South Africa, SA ladies hockey etc. has consulted with Prof. Loots regarding sports nutrition and his supplement brand.
By focusing on scientific credibility, strict product testing, and word-of-mouth marketing, Apex has built a trusted reputation in the world of elite sports.
Expanding into Weight Loss, Women’s Health, Child Nutrition , Longevity/Anti-aging and Disease Prevention
Initially designed for professional athletes, Apex Supplements has expanded to serve everyday consumers, including:
✔️ Weight Loss – A natural approach to sustainable weight management and natural hormonal control.
✔️ Women’s Health – Supplements specifically formulated for females.
✔️ Children’s Nutrition – Providing essential nutrients for active kids.
Medical aid providers are now considering using these supplements and Apex now has registered one of the women’s weight-loss and hormone control supplements as a complementary medical product due to its effectiveness. The attraction to this product is that it contains absolutely no hormones and only natural ingredients and is yet extremely effective and safe.
A Mindset for Success: Dream Big & Be Smart with Money
Prof. Loots strongly believes in "Dreaming Big" and being financially responsible.
A great example of his financial discipline is a lesson he taught his young daughter. One day, while walking, he picked up a 10-cent coin. She asked why, and he said:
"This is your first 10 cents toward your first million."
A week later, she found another coin and excitedly told him:
"This is my second 10 cents toward my first million!"
This lesson about long-term financial planning is one of the many motivational insights he shares with others.
He also advises students and parents on career choices, emphasizing that passion leads to success, not just financial gain. If you study something just for money, you will hate your job for the rest of your life. But if you follow your passion, success and money will follow naturally.
Winning Mr. Universe: A Childhood Dream Achieved
Inspired by comic books and superheroes, Prof. Loots dreamed of becoming Mr. Universe—a drug-free bodybuilding competition.
✔️ He began training in high school (Grade 11 / Std. 9).
✔️ After ten years of dedication, he won Mr. Universe in Los Angeles.
✔️ He achieved this while completing his second post-doctorate in the Netherlands.
The competition was intensely competitive, with athletes from all over the world. Participants had to undergo strict drug testing and lie detector tests to ensure fairness. There are many ways to cheat urine testing, which is why some competitions use lie detection tests to ensure fairness. Strict competitions like Mr. Universe require drug-free athletes to undergo lie detector tests to prevent cheating. Even if a false positive occurs, the athlete is automatically disqualified.
Winning this title was not just a personal milestone, but a testament to dedication, discipline, and drug-free sports performance.
Free Daily Consultation for Over 20 Years
For the past 20 years, Prof. Loots has made himself available for free consultations every day between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Contact him directly at: 082-940-2436
Visit the Apex Supplements website: www.apexnutrition.co.za
📡 Sportchefstroom – Your Weekly Sports Update
This episode of Sportchefstroom as part of the show’s weekly livestream every Tuesday and Thursday.
For any enquiries you are more than welcome also to contact Drikus on 0632947599.
📺 Watch the full interview with Prof. Du Toit Loots here
🚀 From a humble garage startup to global success, Prof. Loots proves that science, discipline, and passion can change the game! 💪🔥
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