CHO Intake Research Articles

Is severe carbohydrate restriction necessary for appetite suppression? The ASKED randomized controlled trial.

This trial aimed to compare three low-energy diets (LEDs) with different amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) on ketosis and changes in hunger feelings in adults with obesity. A total of 101 adults (51 female) with obesity (BMI, mean [SEM], 34.7 [0.4] kg/m2) were randomized to follow three isocaloric LEDs (1000 kcal/day) for 8 weeks, containing either low, medium, or high CHO (70, 100, and 130 g/day, respectively), and 4 weeks of refeeding and weight stabilization. Body weight (BW) and composition, hunger and other appetite ratings, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), and appetite-related hormones were measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 8 and 12. At week 8, weight loss and βHB concentrations were significantly different among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (BW: 2.32 [0.95] kg, 95% CI: 0.44 to 4.21, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.40 [0.09] mM, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.09, p < 0.001); Low CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: 2.29 [0.96] kg, 95% CI: 0.39 to 4.19, p = 0.016; βHB: -0.644 [0.10] mM, 95% CI: -0.84 to -0.44, p < 0.001); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (BW: -0.03 [0.94] kg, 95% CI: -1.89 to 1.84, p = 0.977; βHB: -0.15 [0.08] mM, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.002, p = 0.054). No significant differences in hunger were found among groups: Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (-10.87 [5.92] mm, 95% CI: -0.82 to 22.57, p = 0.068); Low CHO group versus Medium CHO group (7.74 [7.36] mm, 95% CI: -6.77 to 22.26, p = 0.294); and Medium CHO group versus High CHO group (-3.13 [7.48] mm, 95% CI: -17.89 to 11.63, p = 0.676). Although the findings of this trial are not definitive, changes in hunger ratings with weight loss did not differ among groups. Additional studies with CHO intake of up to 130 g in 1000-kcal/day LEDs are warranted to replicate these findings.

Longitudinal comparison of the relationship of energy intake with body composition and physical performance in elite female basketball and volleyball players

Abstract Purpose To maximise sporting success, disciplines such as basketball and volleyball need to improve their methods of analysing the sporting performance and fitness of their athletes. Although energy intake quantities have been established at a theoretical level for women to perform at a sporting level, it has been found that these energy intake levels are not met or followed and that, despite this, the performance of female players is not diminished. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics of these two disciplines and to identify the differences in actual and theoretical energy intake, as well as to observe physical performance in both disciplines. Methods Anthropometric data, continuous quantitative data, training time and characteristics, and energy intake data were collected. Performance tests included upper and lower body strength, speed, agility, and endurance tests. Dietary monitoring showed lower intakes of total energy, carbohydrate and protein than theoretically recommended. However, the athletes experienced overall improvements in performance and body composition. Results The mean total energy intake was 20.2 ± 4.3 kcal·kg−1·day−1. The minimum individual mean intake was 9.8 kcal·kg−1·day−1 and the maximum was 25.95 kcal·kg−1·day−1. Carbohydrates accounted for 54.3% ± 8.8% of the energy intake; 20.3% ± 6.5% from fats; 25.4% ± 5.7% from proteins. Conclusions Current data suggest that, although a cause-effect relationship between dietary intake and BC performance cannot be determined, elite athletes in these sports disciplines may experience beneficial outcomes despite having lower total energy, CHO, protein, and fat intakes than previously recommended in the literature.

Nutritional habits of professional team sport athletes: An insight into the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine habits of English Premier League football players during match play

ABSTRACT To better understand the in-match fuelling practices of elite football players and compare against current guidelines, we quantified the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine intake of players from an English Premier League club (n = 22) during 90 min of competitive match-play. Mean carbohydrate intake across match-play was 17 ± 11 g.h−1 with players demonstrating a preference towards CHO-containing fluids (58%) when compared with semi-solids (38%) and solids (14%), respectively. CHO intake was significantly lower than reported by players (17 ± 11 vs 24.8 ± 11 g.h−1, p < 0.001) during initial consultation. Fluid was ingested at a rate of 0.45 ± 0.14 L.h−1, with 54, 40 and 6% of ingested fluid coming from water, carbohydrate, and electrolyte-only solutions, respectively. The majority of players (91%) met the UEFA guidelines for fluid consumption. Of the players who consumed caffeine across match-play (55%) the average dose was 233 ± 148 mg (2.8 ± 1.1 mg.kg−1 body mass [BM]), which meets the UEFA consensus guidelines for caffeine intake. Caffeine capsules (42%) and caffeine containing fluids (30%) were the preferred format prior to the warm-up whilst caffeine gum was exclusively used prior to kick-off and during the half-time period (100%). We conclude that 81% of the total playing squad failed to meet the current UEFA CHO intake recommendations of 30–60 g.h−1, which may be attributed to the preference towards fluid-based CHOs as the chosen format of delivery.

A broken link: Knowledge of carbohydrate requirements do not predict carbohydrate intake around competition in endurance athletes.

Endurance athletes fail to meet carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines for competition, which may be due to limited knowledge. However, the relationship between knowledge and practice in this population is unknown. To investigate this, we assessed the dietary intake in 50 athletes (37 females) who completed endurance events ≥2.5h in duration and compared CHO intake against the carbohydrates for endurance athletes in competition questionnaire validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire, with specific questions related to CHO loading, pre-competition meal and during-competition intake. CHO-loading guidelines (10-12g·kg-1·day-1) were met in practice by n=5 (10%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0-12g·kg-1·day-1) and actual intake (rs=0.133, p=0.358), with the n=18 (36%) who correctly identified requirements, ingesting 6.1±1.9g·kg-1·day-1. CHO intake for pre-competition meal guidelines (1-4g·kg-1) was met in practice by n=40 (80%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0 to >4g·kg-1) and actual intake (rs=0.101, p=0.487), with n=19 (38%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 1.4±0.6g·kg-1. CHO intake during-competition guidelines (60-90g·h-1) was met in practice by n=18 (36%), but there was no relationship between the amounts of CHO required (range 30 to >90g/h) and actual intake (rs=0.028, p=0.849), with n=32 (64%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 56±20g·h-1. Results show no relationship between the knowledge of CHO recommendations and practice, suggesting that theoretical knowledge does not guarantee the achievement of best practice and other important factors may ultimately determine practice.

Effect of Low vs. High Carbohydrate Intake after Glycogen-Depleting Workout on Subsequent 1500 m Run Performance in High-Level Runners.

Carbohydrate (CHO) metabolism is crucial for short-duration, high-intensity exercise performance, but the effects of variations in glycogen availability have not been investigated in field trials of trained athletes. This study was designed to test how 1500 m time trial (TT) performance is affected by the manipulation of pre-race glycogen reserves. Competitive middle-distance runners (n = 11 (4 females)) completed a 1500 m individually paced indoor TT after abundant (high, >5 g/kg/d) or restricted (low, <1.5 g/kg/d) dietary CHO intake for 2 days after a glycogen-depleting session. Stride pattern, heart rate (HR), capillary blood lactate, and glucose and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) response were determined. The TT was slower in low vs. high condition by 4.5 (4.5) s (~2%; p < 0.01), with a tendency toward shorter stride length. Blood lactate and glucose were lower before the TT in low vs. high condition (1.8 (0.5) vs. 2.2 (0.7) mmol/L and 5.4 (0.7) vs. 5.9 (0.8) mmol/L, p = 0.022 and 0.007, respectively), and peak lactate was higher in high vs. low condition (16.8 (3.1) vs. 14.5 (4.2) mmol/L, p = 0.039). Plasma MDA was the same before the TT, and 15 min after the TT, it increased similarly by 15% in low (p = 0.032) and high (p = 0.005) conditions. The restriction of pre-test CHO intake impaired 1500 m TT performance and reduced baseline and peak blood lactate concentrations but not blood glucose or MDA response.

Contemporary educational and behavior change strategies improve dietary practices around a match in professional soccer players.

The importance of nutrition in optimizing the health and performance of professional soccer players has been well established. Despite published practical recommendations for the dietary requirements for professional soccer players, many players fail to meet these guidelines. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to assess the impact of targeted nutritional education and behavior change interventions on dietary intake in professional football players. Additionally, previous research within this population has reported elevations in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following match-play. Therefore, a further aim of this study was to examine whether any changes in dietary intake would influence RMR following match-play. Twenty players from the professional development phase in an English Premier League club (age: 18.4 ± 1.0 years; body mass: 76.1 ± 6.0 kg; stature: 1.80 ± 0.07 m) were randomly assigned to an "Intervention" (INT) group (n = 10), who received numerous nutritional education and behavior change interventions, or a "Control" (CON) group (n = 10), who received no nutrition support. Dietary intake was assessed daily throughout the match-week (Match Day (MD)-2, MD-1, MD, MD + 1, and MD + 2), whilst RMR was assessed on MD-1, MD + 1, and MD + 2. Statistical analyses on the intervention effects on dietary intake and RMR were carried out using a two factor (group and day) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a subsequent Bonferroni post-hoc test. Mean energy (3393 ± 852 vs. 2572 ± 577 kcal · day-1) and CHO (5.36 ± 1.9 vs. 3.47 ± 1.1 g · kg-1 BW · day-1) intake was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the INT vs. CON group. Furthermore, the INT group implemented nutrition periodization practices as CHO intake was significantly increased on MD-1 (7.0 ± 1.7 g · kg-1 BM · day-1), MD (7.1 ± 1.4 g · kg-1 BM · day-1) and MD + 1 (5.1 ± 0.8 g · kg-1 BM · day-1). However, the CON group did not periodize their CHO intake and failed to meet the CHO recommendations on MD-1, MD, and MD + 1 (<4 g · kg-1 BM · day-1). Compared to MD-1, the RMR increased on MD + 1 and MD + 2 in both groups, although it was only statistically significant for the INT group (MD + 1 = +243 kcal · day-1; MD + 2 = +179 kcal · day-1). The implementation of targeted nutritional education and behavior change interventions resulted in improved dietary practices in professional football players and enabled better adherence to recommended guidelines. However, despite this, RMR was still elevated in the 24-48 h following match play. Thus, in order to optimize recovery, this finding further reinforces the need for professional football players to adopt strategies to meet energy, and particularly CHO, requirements in the acute period following a match in order to account for this increase in energy requirement.

Prevalence of reducing carbohydrate intake and fasted training in elite endurance athletes and association with bone injury.

There are conflicting reports both within the lay media and scientific literature regarding the use and benefit of dietary practices that aim to reduce CHO intake in endurance athletes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intentional reduction of CHO intake and fasted training in elite endurance-based athletes using a semi-quantitative questionnaire. Bone is a nutritionally modulated tissue; therefore, this study also aimed to explore if these dietary practices are potentially associated with bone injury incidence. The reported reduction of CHO intake was prevalent (28%) with the primary motivation being maintenance or manipulation of body composition. However, discrepancies in athletes' awareness of CHO intake were identified providing a potential avenue of intervention especially within applied practice. The use of fasted training was more prevalent (38%) with athletes using this practice for both body composition manipulation and promoting a desired adaptive response. Forty-four per cent of participants had suffered a radiographically confirmed bone injury at some point in their career. There was no association between reduction in CHO intake and bone injury incidence; however, the incidence of bone injury was 1.61 times higher in those who currently use fasted training compared to those who have never used it or who have used it in the past. Although a direct causal link between these dietary practices and the incidence of bone injury cannot be drawn, it provides robust justification for future investigations of the potential mechanisms that could explain this finding.

An examination of the associations between nutritional peaking strategies in physique sport and competitor characteristics.

Physique athletes are subjectively judged on their on-stage esthetic per their competition division criteria. To succeed, competitors look to acutely enhance their appearance by manipulating nutritional variables in the days leading up to competition, commonly referred to as peak week (PW). Despite their documented wide adoption, PW strategies lack experimental evidence. Further, the relationship between the specific strategies and the characteristics of the competitors who implement them are unknown. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of competitor characteristics on the specific nutritional peaking strategies implemented, the length of these strategies, and the range of daily carbohydrate (CHO) intakes during these strategies. A 58-item survey was developed to gather information on peak week nutrition and training practices of physique athletes. A total of 160 respondents above the age of 18 who had competed in the last 5 years completed the nutrition section. The topics analyzed for this paper included competitor demographics, peaking strategies utilized, and PW CHO intakes. Competitor demographics are presented with the use of descriptive statistics. Associations between competitor demographics and peaking strategies implemented, peaking strategy length, and daily CHO intake ranges were assessed using multiple logistic regression, multiple ordinal logistic regression, and linear mixed models, respectively. From the sampled population, ages 24-39 years (71.2%), male (68.8%), natural (65%), and amateur (90%) were the most common characteristics from their respective categories, while mean competition preparation length was 20.35 ± 8.03 weeks (Males: 19.77 ± 7.56 weeks, Females: 21.62 ± 8.93 weeks), competition preparation body mass loss was 11.5 ± 5.56 kg (M: 12.7 ± 5.76 kg, F: 7.16 ± 3.99 kg), and competition body mass was 72.09 ± 15.74 kg (M: 80.15 ± 11.33 kg, F: 54.34 ± 7.16 kg). For males, the highest and lowest daily CHO intake during PW were 489.63 ± 224.03 g (6.22 ± 2.93 g/kg body mass) and 148.64 ± 152.01 g (1.94 ± 2.17 g/kg), respectively, while for females these values were 266.73 ± 131.23 g (5.06 ± 2.67 g/kg) and 94.42 ± 80.72 g (1.81 ± 1.57 g/kg), respectively. CHO back loading (45%) and water loading (40.6%) were the most popular peaking strategies, while the most prevalent peaking strategy length was 7 days (27.2%). None of the competitor characteristics predicted the use of CHO-based peaking strategies nor peaking strategy length. For non-CHO-based strategies, drug-enhanced competitors were more likely to restrict water than non-drug enhanced, while males and professional competitors had greater odds of loading sodium than females and amateurs, respectively. Finally, when comparing the disparity in highest and lowest CHO intakes during peak week, sex was the only significant factor. The results of this survey provide further information on the nutritional peaking strategies implemented by competitors. Certain characteristics were identified as predictors of sodium loading and water restriction, and the range of daily PW CHO intake. Contrastingly, no associations were found for CHO-based peaking strategies or peaking strategy length. While our analyses may be underpowered, and thus results should be interpreted with caution, it appears the nutritional peaking strategies implemented by physique competitors are seemingly complex and highly individual.

Patterns of energy availability and carbohydrate intake differentiate between adaptable and problematic low energy availability in female athletes.

Problematic low energy availability (EA) is the underlying culprit of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and its consequences have been suggested to be exacerbated when accompanied by low carbohydrate (CHO) intakes. This study compared dietary intake, nutrition status and occurrence of REDs symptoms in groups of female athletes, displaying different patterns of EA and CHO intake. Female athletes (n = 41, median age 20.4 years) from various sports weighed and recorded their food intake and training for 7 consecutive days via a photo-assisted mobile application. Participants were divided into four groups based on patterns of EA and CHO intakes: sufficient to optimal EA and sufficient to optimal CHO intake (SEA + SCHO), SEA and low CHO intake (SEA + LCHO), low energy availability and SCHO (LEA + SCHO), and LEA and LCHO (LEA + LCHO). SEA patterns were characterised by EA ≥30 and LEA by EA <30 kcal/kg fat free mass, and SCHO patterns characterised by CHO intake ≥3.0 and LCHO <3.0 g/kg body weight for most of the registered days. Body composition was measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, resting metabolic rate with indirect calorimetry and serum blood samples were collected for evaluation of nutrition status. Behavioural risk factors and self-reported symptoms of REDs were assessed with the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS), Exercise Addiction Inventory, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory. In total, 36.6% were categorised as SEA + SCHO, of which 5/16 were ball sport, 7/10 endurance, 1/7 aesthetic, 2/5 weight-class, and 0/3 weight-class athletes. Of LEA + LCHO athletes (19.5% of all), 50% came from ball sports. Aesthetic and endurance athletes reported the greatest training demands, with weekly training hours higher for aesthetic compared to ball sports (13.1 ± 5.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.4 h, p = 0.012). Two LEA + LCHO and one SEA + LCHO athlete exceeded the EDE-QS cutoff. LEA + LCHO evaluated their sleep and energy levels as worse, and both LEA groups rated their recovery as worse compared to SEA + SCHO. Repeated exposures to LEA and LCHO are associated with a cluster of negative implications in female athletes. In terms of nutrition strategies, sufficient EA and CHO intakes appear to be pivotal in preventing REDs.

The effects of dietary macronutrient composition on resting energy expenditure following active weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relative effectiveness of different dietary macronutrient patterns on changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) in relation to weight loss, categorized as minimal (<5%) and moderate to high (>5%). Changes in REE were assessed using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects meta-analysis. A diet lower in carbohydrates (CHO) or higher in fat and protein was associated with smaller reductions in REE, with these trends being more pronounced among participants who experienced moderate to high weight loss. Adjusted meta-regression analysis indicated that, within the participants who experienced moderate to high weight loss, each 1% increase in CHO intake was associated with a reduction of 2.30 kcal/day in REE (95% CI: -4.11 to -0.47, p = 0.013). In contrast, a 1% increase in protein and fat intake was correlated with an increase in REE by 3.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02, 5.07], p = 0.003) and 0.5 (95% CI [-2.43, 3.41], p = 0.740) kcal/day, respectively. No significant associations were found among participants who experienced minimal weight loss. These findings indicate that, under a caloric deficit, the impact of dietary macronutrient composition on REE may vary depending on the degree of weight loss and individual metabolic responses.

Carbohydrate Ingestion Increases Interstitial Glucose and Mitigates Neuromuscular Fatigue during Single-Leg Knee Extensions.

We aimed to investigate the neuromuscular contributions to enhanced fatigue resistance with carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion and to identify whether fatigue is associated with changes in interstitial glucose levels assessed using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Twelve healthy participants (six males, six females) performed isokinetic single-leg knee extensions (90°·s -1 ) at 20% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque until MVC torque reached 60% of its initial value (i.e., task failure). Central and peripheral fatigue were evaluated every 15 min during the fatigue task using the interpolated twitch technique and electrically evoked torque. Using a single-blinded crossover design, participants ingested CHO (85 g sucrose per hour), or a placebo (PLA), at regular intervals during the fatigue task. Minute-by-minute interstitial glucose levels measured via CGM and whole blood glucose readings were obtained intermittently during the fatiguing task. CHO ingestion increased time to task failure over PLA (113 ± 69 vs 81 ± 49 min, mean ± SD; P < 0.001) and was associated with higher glycemia as measured by CGM (106 ± 18 vs 88 ± 10 mg·dL -1 , P < 0.001) and whole blood glucose sampling (104 ± 17 vs 89 ± 10 mg·dL -1 , P < 0.001). When assessing the values in the CHO condition at a similar time point to those at task failure in the PLA condition (i.e., ~81 min), MVC torque, percentage voluntary activation, and 10 Hz torque were all better preserved in the CHO versus PLA condition ( P < 0.05). Exogenous CHO intake mitigates neuromuscular fatigue at both the central and peripheral levels by raising glucose concentrations rather than by preventing hypoglycemia.

Ketone Monoester Followed by Carbohydrate Ingestion after Glycogen-Lowering Exercise Does Not Improve Subsequent Endurance Cycle Time Trial Performance.

Relative to carbohydrate (CHO) alone, exogenous ketones followed by CHO supplementation during recovery from glycogen-lowering exercise have been shown to increase muscle glycogen resynthesis. However, whether this strategy improves subsequent exercise performance is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of ketone monoester (KME) followed by CHO ingestion after glycogen-lowering exercise on subsequent 20 km (TT20km) and 5 km (TT5km) best-effort time trials. Nine recreationally active men (175.6 ± 5.3 cm, 72.9 ± 7.7 kg, 28 ± 5 y, 12.2 ± 3.2% body fat, VO2max = 56.2 ± 5.8 mL· kg BM-1·min-1; mean ± SD) completed a glycogen-lowering exercise session, followed by 4 h of recovery and subsequent TT20km and TT5km. During the first 2 h of recovery, participants ingested either KME (25 g) followed by CHO at a rate of 1.2 g·kg-1·h-1 (KME + CHO) or an iso-energetic placebo (dextrose) followed by CHO (PLAC + CHO). Blood metabolites during recovery and performance during the subsequent two-time trials were measured. In comparison to PLAC + CHO, KME + CHO displayed greater (p < 0.05) blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration during the first 2 h, lower (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentrations at 30 and 60 min, as well as greater (p < 0.05) blood insulin concentration 2 h following ingestion. However, no treatment differences (p > 0.05) in power output nor time to complete either time trial were observed vs. PLAC + CHO. These data indicate that the metabolic changes induced by KME + CHO ingestion following glycogen-lowering exercise are insufficient to enhance subsequent endurance time trial performance.

Dietary composition and time in range in population with type 2 diabetes mellitus-exploring the association using continuous glucose monitoring device.

To understand the association between macronutrient composition of a diet with Time in Range (TIR), Time above Range (TAR) and Time below Range (TBR) derived using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device for 14 days. An exploratory analysis on the baseline data of 50 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus participants with age 25-55 years, HbA1c upto 8% and on Metformin only) enrolled for an interventional clinical trial was performed. Participants consuming adequate carbohydrates (CHO) of 55 to 60% of total calories had better Average Blood Glucose of 142.0 ± 24.0 mg/dL with a significance of p = 0.03 and Glucose Management Indicator (GMI) of 6.6 ± 0.7% significant at p = 0.01, than those with high CHO intake >60% of the total calories, with Average Blood Glucose - 155.0 ± 13.4 mg/dL and GMI - 7.06 ± 0.4%. Similarly, TIR - 68.2 ± 5.1% and TAR - 23.0 ± 10.8% was significantly better (p = 0.00) among those consuming adequate protein (12-15%) as compared to low protein (≤ 10%) with TIR- 61.0 ± 5.1% & TAR- 32.9 ± 10.3%. A correlation (r = -0.482 & p = 0.00) and simple linear regression analysis (R² = 0.33, F = 7.72, p = 0.000) revealed that when CHO intake increases the TIR decreases whereas TAR increases (r = 0.380 & p = 0.006). We did not find any significant relation between fat intake and TIR, TAR or TBR. Our results suggest that lowering CHO, while increasing protein in the diet may help improve TIR. Further in-depth studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract P194: Consumption of Added Sugar and Added Sugar-Rich Foods and Beverages is Associated With Accelerated Epigenetic Aging in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: Added sugar (AS) and AS-rich foods and beverages have shown unfavorable associations with overall and cardiovascular health; however, their associations with epigenetic age has not been studied. Aim: To examine the associations of AS intake and AS-rich carbohydrate (CHO) food score with the pace of epigenetic aging in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Methods: There were 850 adults included in this cross-sectional study using data from Year 20 (2005-06). Trained interviewers administered a diet history, and foods were coded using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR), which outputs nutrients, including AS, and food groups. An AS-rich CHO food score was created including refined grain breads and rolls, quick breads, sweet bakery products, ready-to-eat cereals, candy, sugar products, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Year 20 epigenetic age measures were calculated from DNA methylation data, generating acceleration measures GrimAge acceleration (GrimAA) and PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAA). Multivariable linear regression evaluated the associations of GrimAA and PhenoAA across quartiles of AS and AS-rich CHO food score, adjusted for demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (see footnotes in table). Results: Participants who consumed more AS completed fewer years of education, were less likely to be current drinkers or smokers, and more likely to be ever smokers. They had lower intakes of total CHO, protein, total fat, and saturated fat, and fewer servings of vegetables, red and processed meat, eggs, and diet beverages. Consuming more AS was positively associated with PhenoAA (p trend =0.029), but not GrimAA (p trend =0.85). The AS-rich CHO food score was also positively associated with PhenoAA (p trend &lt;0.001), but not GrimAA (p trend =0.14). Conclusions: Consuming greater amounts of AS and AS-rich CHO foods and beverages were associated with an increased risk for accelerated epigenetic aging.

Substrate utilization and durability during prolonged intermittent exercise in elite road cyclists

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of prolonged intermittent cycling exercise on peak power output (PPO) and 6-min time-trial (6 min-TT) performance in elite and professional road cyclists. Moreover, the study aimed to determine whether changes in performance in the fatigued state could be predicted from substrate utilization during exercise and laboratory measures obtained in a fresh state.MethodsTwelve cyclists (age: 23 years [21;25]; body mass: 71.5 kg [66.7;76.8]; height: 181 cm [178;185]; V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2peak: 73.6 ml kg−1 min−1 [71.2;76.0]) completed a graded submaximal cycling test to determine lactate threshold (LT1), gross efficiency (GE), and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) as well as power output during a maximal 6 min-TT (MPO6 min) in a fresh condition. On a separate day, the cyclists completed a 4-h intermittent cycling protocol with a high CHO intake (100 g h−1). Substrate utilization and PPO was measured hourly during the protocol, which was followed by another 6 min-TT.ResultsMPO6 min and PPO was reduced by 10% [4;15] and 6% [0;6], respectively, after the cycling protocol. These reductions were accompanied by reductions in the anaerobic energy contribution and V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2peak, whereas the average V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2 during the 6 min-TT was unchanged. Correlation analyses showed no strong associations between reductions in MPO6 min and PPO and laboratory measures (i.e., LT1, GE, MFO, V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{V}$$\\end{document}O2peak) obtained in the fresh condition. Additionally, fat oxidation rates during the cycling protocol were not related to changes in neither PPO nor MPO6 min.ConclusionPPO and MPO6 min were reduced following prolonged intermittent cycling, but the magnitude of these reductions could not be predicted from laboratory measures obtained in the fresh condition.

The effect of chrono-nutritional manipulation of carbohydrate intake on sleep macrostructure: A randomized controlled trial

Over the years, there is a rapid increase in the prevalence of inadequate sleep and its detrimental consequences. Yet, the impact of prolonged nutritional interventions on sleep optimization remains unexplored. To examine the effect of carbohydrate manipulation combined with exercise training on sleep macro-structure. Forty-two healthy, trained male volunteers were recruited for this study. The 4-week intervention consisted of three groups: i) Sleep Low-No Carbohydrates (SL-NCHO): participants consumed all their carbohydrate intake at regular intervals prior to evening training, ii) Sleep High-Low Glycemic Index (SH-LGI) and iii) Sleep High-High Glycemic Index (SH-HGI): Carbohydrate intake was spread throughout the day, both prior (60% of total CHO intake) and after evening training (40% of total CHO intake). The SH-LGI and SH-HGI groups differentiated by consuming either LGI or HGI foods in the evening, respectively. Alongside, participants performed a standardized exercise program combining resistance exercise and high-intensity interval training. Participants' sleep macro-structure was assessed with polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep diary, and sleep-wake questionnaires. Objective assessments revealed a substantial time-effect on sleep initiation, duration, and continuity. After the intervention, sleep onset latency decreased (p<0.001), sleep duration was prolonged (p=0.006), sleep efficiency increased (p<0.001), and wake after sleep onset decreased (p=0.035). Sleep macroarchitecture did not significantly change, while the percentage of REM sleep stage to the total sleep time increased over time (p<0.01). Consistent with the objective findings, subjects reported improved subjective sleep quality (p=0.043) and reduced daytime sleepiness (p=0.047). The combination of a personalized dietary plan with exercise training enhances sleep initiation, sleep continuity, sleep duration, REM and N1 sleep stages, independently of carbohydrate type or timing. Lifestyle interventions should be investigated further to promote sleep quality and recovery. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05464342.

Nutrition Periodization in Recreational Endurance Athletes During Training Camp – Case study

Both training and dietary practices used by athletes greatly vary. Current sports nutrition guidelines promote dietary manipulation of energy-yielding nutrients specific to the period of training. The study explores the ad libitum nutrition practices of four healthy adult recreational athletes during a 2-week cycling training camp (~100 km·d-1, ~240 min·d-1) with particular attention to the current sports nutrition recommendations. Based on evidence-based guidelines, peri-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) intake periodization cut-off levels were set for athletes. Training days were categorized as hard (HARD, two training units/day), middle (MID, one training unit/day), and easy (LOW, no training). Fourteen-day diet records were used and analyzed by nutritional software for energy intake (EI), carbohydrate (CHO), and protein (PRO) intake.&#x0D; Relative daily EI of 78.6±4.5, 73.3±6.4, 75.4±8.2 kcal·kg·d-1, and CHO 8.9±0.8, 7.8±1.0, 8.2±1.5 g·kg1 intakes were not different in HARD, MID and LOW days, respectively. The mean daily EI was 1.3× higher than the predicted total daily energy expenditure, irrespective of the training day category, resulting in ~500 kcal·d-1 energy surplus. In the 2h post-exercise period, PRO intake exceeded the current recommendations 4.6-fold, and CHO intake was significantly lower after a second training session on HARD days (0.7 g·kg·h-1) than a recommendation (1.2 g·kg·h-1). Mean in-exercise CHO intake (~11.5 g·h-1) was significantly under the moderate 30 g·h-1 recommendation.&#x0D; In conclusion, the dietary behaviours of recreational athletes are not consistent with current sports nutrition periodization guidelines. Energy intake throughout the training camp led to positive energy balance being highest on non-training days. Daily or during and post-exercise CHO and PRO intakes were not adjusted to the training sessions' volume, intensity, or duration.

A Five-Week Periodized Carbohydrate Diet Does Not Improve Maximal Lactate Steady-State Exercise Capacity and Substrate Oxidation in Well-Trained Cyclists compared to a High-Carbohydrate Diet.

There is a growing interest in studies involving carbohydrate (CHO) manipulation and subsequent adaptations to endurance training. This study aimed to analyze whether a periodized carbohydrate feeding strategy based on a daily training session has any advantages compared to a high-carbohydrate diet in well-trained cyclists. Seventeen trained cyclists (VO2peak = 70.8 ± 6.5 mL·kg-1·min-1) were divided into two groups, a periodized (PCHO) group and a high-carbohydrate (HCHO) group. Both groups performed the same training sessions for five weeks. In the PCHO group, 13 training sessions were performed with low carbohydrate availability. In the HCHO group, all sessions were completed following previous carbohydrate intake to ensure high pre-exercise glycogen levels. In both groups, there was an increase in the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) (PCHO: 244.1 ± 29.9 W to 253.2 ± 28.4 W; p = 0.008; HCHO: 235.8 ± 21.4 W to 246.9 ± 16.7 W; p = 0.012) but not in the time to exhaustion at MLSS intensity. Both groups increased the percentage of muscle mass (PCHO: p = 0.021; HCHO: p = 0.042) and decreased the percent body fat (PCHO: p = 0.021; HCHO: p = 0.012). We found no differences in carbohydrate or lipid oxidation, heart rate, and post-exercise lactate concentration. Periodizing the CHO intake in well-trained cyclists during a 5-week intervention did not elicit superior results to an energy intake-matched high-carbohydrate diet in any of the measured outcomes.

The effectiveness of egg supplementation on nutritional status, physical fitness and cognition of school-aged children (8–12 Years) in Ho Municipality, Ghana

BackgroundEgg is a cheap source of essential micronutrients and high-quality protein, which can contribute to the daily nutritional needs of children, support their growth and brain development. Aim: The study evaluated the effectiveness of egg supplementation on nutritional status, physical fitness, and cognition of school-aged Children (8–12 Years) in Ho Municipality, Ghana. MethodsA school-based, double-blind randomized controlled trial design was adopted. Children aged 8 to 12 years from government-run primary schools were randomly allocated to receive either egg supplementation three times a week for three months or no supplementation at all for three months. Dietary intakes using a repeated 24-h dietary recall, Raven's cognition test, fitness level, BMI-for-age, and serum levels of ferritin, zinc, and albumin were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. ResultsAt pre-intervention, mean intake of several nutrients, including energy, CHO, protein, fat, iron zinc and folate were significantly higher in the intervention group. Post-intervention, these differences significantly increased for protein, fat, and iron, and reduced for energy, carbohydrate, folate, vitamin B6 and 12. Children on egg supplementation had a much higher increase in vitamin A intake (142.0 μg) than the controls (49.8 μg) between pre-and post-intervention. Regarding the physical fitness markers, pre-intervention mean handgrip, forward jump and total fitness scores were all higher in the intervention group and similar for the 50-m run. Post-intervention, the difference was lost while the total fitness score increased rather among controls (p < 0.001). For the biochemical markers, both serum ferritin (mean difference in control = 18.2 μg/L versus intervention= 20.1 μg/L) and zinc (mean difference in control 14.4 μg/L versus intervention 69.4 μg/L) increased more in the intervention than the controls. BMI-for-age z-score did not change between the intervention and control (p = 0.894) post-intervention, while the total cognition score improves slightly more in controls (4.8 points, p < 0.001) than in the intervention group (3.3 points, p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe results indicate that school children who consumed boiled eggs three times per week for three months had a higher mean intake of energy, carbohydrate, protein, iron, zinc, folate, and vitamins A and B6. The mean serum ferritin and albumin levels improved significantly higher in the experimental group. Egg supplementation did not significantly improve physical fitness and cognitive test scores of school-aged children. From this study, egg supplementation may improve some nutrients among school children but effects on congintion and physical fitness may require further study.

Consumption of foods and beverages rich in added sugar associated with incident metabolic syndrome: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Numerous studies report positive associations between total carbohydrate (CHO) intake and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS), but few differentiate quality or type of CHO relative to MetS. We examined source of CHO intake, including added sugar (AS), AS-rich CHO foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) associated with incident MetS in adults enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Among 3154 Black American and White American women and men aged 18-30 years at baseline, dietary intake was assessed by diet history three times over 20 years. Sources of AS-rich CHO foods and beverages include sugar-rich refined grain products, candy, sugar products, and SSBs. Incident MetS was created according to standard criteria. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analysis evaluated the associations of incident MetS across quintiles of cumulative intakes of AS-rich CHO foods and beverages, AS, and SSBs adjusted for potential confounding factors over 30 years of follow-up. The associations of AS-rich CHO foods and beverages, AS, and SSB intakes with incident MetS were consistent. Compared with the lowest intake, the greatest intakes of AS-rich CHOs, AS, and SSBs were associated with 59% (Ptrend < 0.001), 44% (Ptrend = 0.01), and 34% (Ptrend = 0.03) higher risk of developing MetS, respectively. As expected, diet quality was lower across increasing quintiles of AS-rich CHO foods and beverages, AS, and SSBs (all Ptrend < 0.001). Our study findings are consistent with an elevated risk of developing MetS with greater consumption of AS, AS-rich CHO foods, and SSBs, which support consuming fewer AS-rich CHO foods and SSBs.