Sports Nutrition Supplements Research Articles

Research Progress of Creatine Sports Nutrition Supplements on Improving the Physical Fitness of Athletes

Research Progress of Creatine Sports Nutrition Supplements on Improving the Physical Fitness of Athletes

Rapid quantification models for assessing melamine adulteration in sport nutrition supplements via benchtop and portable NIRS instruments

Sport nutrition supplements (SNS) are vulnerable to adulteration with melamine, artificially augmenting their protein content as determined by conventional assay methodologies. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques are suitable for the detection of adulteration because they allow rapid analysis, require minimal sample preparation, and can perform numerous analyses in a short time. The aim of this study was to develop rapid quantification models for the determination of melamine adulteration in a variety of SNS matrices using NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) in combination with multivariate data processing. Moreover, a comparison of benchtop and portable NIR instruments was carried out. Employing a stepwise approach involving OPLS-DA and PLS analysis, matrix discrimination and prediction ability were investigated. The benchtop instrument effectively discriminated among matrices (R2Y = 0.964, Q2 = 0.933), while the portable device, although showing a slightly altered pattern, maintained favorable discrimination capability (R2Y = 0.966, Q2 = 0.931). The quantitative PLS models for each SNS matrix exhibited comparable statistical indicators for both instruments with reasonable errors for melamine content estimation and prediction (RMSEE: 0.3–2.4 %, RMSEP: 0.98–2.99 %). Higher estimation and prediction errors were observed for protein-containing samples in both acquisition modes, probably due to the tendency of protein agglomeration and adhesion to different surfaces, which affects the homogeneity of the powder. Despite data loss due to the narrower spectral range and lower resolution of the portable instrument, all models were found to be suitable for predicting melamine content in sport nutrition supplements.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on 12 min run performance, mood management, body composition and gut microbiota in amateur marathon runners: A double-blind controlled trial

BackgroundProbiotic supplementation has a positive effect on endurance exercise performance and body composition in athletes, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Gut microbiota can provide measurable markers of immune function in athletes, and microbial composition analysis may be sensitive enough to detect stress and metabolic disorders caused by exercise. MethodsNineteen healthy active amateur marathon runners (15 male and 4 female) with a mean age of 29.11 years volunteered to participate in this double-blind controlled study. Based on the performance of the Cooper 12-min running test (CRT), the participants were allocated into two groups to receive either a probiotic formulation comprising lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium longum (n = 10) or placebo containing maltodextrin (n = 9) for five weeks. Consistency of diet and exercise was ensured throughout the experimental period. Before and after the intervention, all participants were assessed for CRT, emotional stability and gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiota composition, body composition and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicators of skeletal muscle microcirculation. ResultsCompared to before the intervention, the probiotics group showed an increase in CRT score (2.88 ± 0.57 vs 3.01 ± 0.60 km, P＜0.05), significant improvement in GSRS and GIQLI (9.20 ± 4.64 vs 7.40 ± 3.24, 118.90 ± 12.30 vs 127.50 ± 9.85, P＜0.05), while these indicators remained unchanged in the control group, with a significant time-group interaction effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, some MRI metabolic cycling indicators of the thigh skeletal muscle also changed in the probiotics group (P＜0.05). Regarding microbiota abundance, the probiotics group exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and a significant decrease in the abundance of harmful bacteria post-intervention (P＜0.05). ConclusionAs a sports nutritional supplement, probiotics have the potential to improve athletic performance by optimizing the balance of gut microbiota, alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide Improves Exercise Performance by Reducing Oxidative Stress through Activation of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has attracted interest because of its association with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and evidence for the beneficial effects of TMAO is accumulating. This study investigates the role of TMAO in improving exercise performance and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using C2C12 cells, we established an oxidative stress model and administered TMAO treatment. Our results indicate that TMAO significantly protects myoblasts from oxidative stress-induced damage by increasing the expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NQO1), and catalase (CAT). In particular, suppression of Nrf2 resulted in a loss of the protective effects of TMAO and a significant decrease in the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1. In addition, we evaluated the effects of TMAO in an exhaustive swimming test in mice. TMAO treatment significantly prolonged swimming endurance, increased glutathione and taurine levels, enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity, and increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO1, and CAT, in skeletal muscle. These findings underscore the potential of TMAO to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress. This research provides new insights into the ability of TMAO to alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway, providing a valuable framework for the development of sports nutrition supplements aimed at mitigating oxidative stress.

Use of metabolites, metabolithotropic agents and nutritional supplements in sports and sports medicine: a modern view on the problem

Aim. The purpose of this study was to conduct an up-to-date semantic analysis of the results of our own research and literature data on the medical and pharmacological characteristics of metabolites, metabolitotropic agents and nutritional supplements, the peculiarities of their use in sports practice and sports medicine.
 Materials and methods. This study used bibliosemantic, analytical, logical, and generalization methods. The life sciences and biomedical information bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched to find publications in English that matched the research keywords. The authors carried out an independent search and selection of articles, assessment of the quality of the data, compliance of the presentation and interpretation with the main idea of the study, with the formation of the final list of references.
 Results. Based on the analysis of modern literature data and the results of our own studies, a generalized medical and pharmacological characteristic of metabolite agents, metabolitotropic drugs and nutritional supplements that can influence the main and compensatory mechanisms of macroergic phosphates production under the influence of physical activity is presented. The mechanisms of action, indications for use and main side effects of drugs and food additives based on ATP, malate, succinate, citrate, pyruvate, carnitine, carnosine, etc. are presented.
 Conclusions. Semantic analysis data indicate that an urgent problem for sports medicine physicians and pharmacologists is the development and use of metabolites, metabolitotropic agents and nutritional supplements, as well as approaches to their rational combination to improve energy metabolism, replenish ATP reserves in the body that will help ensure the intensity muscular activity and simultaneously protect target organs.

What if gastrointestinal complications in endurance athletes were gut injuries in response to a high consumption of ultra-processed foods? Please take care of your bugs if you want to improve endurance performance: a narrative review.

To improve performance and recovery faster, athletes are advised to eat more often than usual and consume higher doses of simple carbohydrates, during and after exercise. Sports energetic supplements contain food additives, such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, preservatives, and salts, which could be harmful to the gut microbiota and impair the intestinal barrier function. The intestinal barrier plays a critical function in bidirectionally regulation of the selective transfer of nutrients, water, and electrolytes, while preventing at the same time, the entrance of harmful substances (selective permeability). The gut microbiota helps to the host to regulate intestinal homeostasis through metabolic, protective, and immune functions. Globally, the gut health is essential to maintain systemic homeostasis in athletes, and to ensure proper digestion, metabolization, and substrate absorption. Gastrointestinal complaints are an important cause of underperformance and dropout during endurance events. These complications are directly related to the loss of gut equilibrium, mainly linked to microbiota dysbiosis and leaky gut. In summary, athletes must be cautious with the elevated intake of ultra-processed foods and specifically those contained on sports nutrition supplements. This review points out the specific nutritional interventions that should be implemented and/or discontinued depending on individual gut functionality.

P22-10: Quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation of adrenergic potencies of phenethylamines detected in sport nutrition supplements using physiologically based kinetic modeling-based reverse dosimetry

P22-10: Quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation of adrenergic potencies of phenethylamines detected in sport nutrition supplements using physiologically based kinetic modeling-based reverse dosimetry

How to Choose Right Dietary Supplement Brand among all Available Options

The world of dietary supplements is expansive, offering consumers a plethora of options to support their health and wellness goals. In this comprehensive whitepaper, we look into the particulars of the dietary supplement industry, providing insights and guidance to allow consumers to make informed decisions. From vitamins and minerals to herbal remedies and sports nutrition supplements, we explore the diverse market of dietary supplements and popular brands.

Nutrition knowledge levels and nutritional supplement beliefs of professional karate athletes

Aim
 The fact that sportspeople gain adequate, balanced and correct dietary habits improve their athletic performance and helps them prevent injuries by contributing to more appropriate body composition. Adequate and balanced nutrition is only possible if the sportsperson has sufficient nutrition knowledge. 
 Material and Methods
 Professional karate athletes (1st Dan and above) attending various karate schools in the province of Ankara, Turkey, and volunteering to participate in the study were included in the study. A total of 106 sportspeople, 52 male and 54 female, with an age average of 24.08±6.54 years, participated in the study. The participants answered the Nutrition for Sports Knowledge Questionnaire and the Sports Supplements Belief Scale questions after the questionnaire in which their demographic and anthropometric characteristics were questioned. 
 Results
 When the sportspeople’s average nutrition knowledge level was examined, it was determined that they are at a weak level of knowledge (34.18±13.84) and that they are less prone to using doping and similar banned nutritional supplements (17.79±9.01) in terms of their approach to sports nutritional supplements. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of the sports supplements belief scale and the nutrition for sports knowledge questionnaire based on the sportspeople’s sex, age, karate categories, training duration, and BMI (p>0.05).
 Conclusion
 Adequate and balanced nutrition habits are very important for sportspeople to have good physical performance as well as health. Clubs, coaches and sportspeople seeking success in national and international fields should cooperate with a nutrition expert.

Sports nutrition supplements: Current dental perspective

Introduction: Despite their frequent consumption, studies on oral cavity effects of sports supplements that have shown a positive effect on health or performance are scarce. Methodology: Current literature review in the dental, medical and public health fields was carried out using the following databases: Pubmed, MedLine and Biblioteca UANL. Whey protein, creatine, magnesium and beta alanine were used from which those framed in the dates 2017-2022 were selected. Results: Whey protein: When interacting with salivary proteins, they remove the lubricating saliva layer of the mouth and can directly influence the epithelial tissue; in acidic conditions they exhibit astringency which is perceived as increased oral friction or roughness. Creatine: Exhibits non-energy related properties, contributing as a possible direct and indirect antioxidant and eliciting anti-inflammatory effects. Magnesium: In the oral cavity, low dietary intake of magnesium or deficiency is associated with the prevalence of periodontitis. Beta Alanine: The only reported side effect is paresthesia, this can be attenuated by using lower divided doses (1.6 g) or by using a sustained release formulation. Conclusion: It is important to investigate in the initial questioning of patients in the dental office about the possible use of sports nutrition supplements, since some of them could have repercussions on systemic and oral health. Its use should be taken hand in hand with a specialist since the recommended doses could vary depending on age, gender, requirement and general condition.

A Review on Plant-based Proteins

There has been observed an increasing popularity around the globe in plant-based protein and plant derived alternatives to meat and animal-based products both online and when one visits the supermarkets and grocery stores. The aim of this review is to better understand what impacts this new revolution can have on us and the environment as we know it right now. From the standpoint of global sustainability, plant-based foods are proposed to be advantageous over animal-based foods. It has been suggested that the production of plant-based foods requires less water, land, and energy. This may ultimately pose less environmental burden and lower the financial cost of food production. These notions likely explain the increasing interest in the potential of using plant-based protein sources in clinical feeding formulas and sports nutrition supplements. In terms of overall health, it has shown to significantly aid in lowering cholesterol levels in people and therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Some studies have shown that it helps in controlling type 2 diabetes but the research on that is very little. In terms of menopausal symptoms, studies showed that it was beneficial for those women to have certain plant-based proteins. Understanding the role of plant protein in cancer prevention is discussed. Other aspects such as muscle growth and its effects on strength are also discussed.

How Sports Health Professionals Perceive and Prescribe Nutritional Supplements to Olympic and Non-Olympic Athletes.

Background: A wide range of sports health professionals provide nutritional supplement advice. We aimed to better understand the expertise, knowledge, and attitudes of sports health professionals toward nutritional supplements and third-party supplement testing. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was used to ask questions about nutritional supplement knowledge and attitudes toward the Dutch third-party supplement testing system (NZVT), about supplement efficacy, and if professionals advise these supplements, as well as which profession can be deemed the expert on nutritional supplements. Results: A total of n = 320 sports health professionals delivered input, of which 45% worked with Olympic athletes and 18% were sports dietitians. Sports dietitians were ranked as the most knowledgeable professionals about sports nutrition (80%) and nutritional supplements (74%), and a literature-based comparison showed the most favorable knowledge, attitudes, and ergogenic classifications of supplement scores for sports dietitians compared with other sports health professions. Sports health professionals working with Olympic athletes scored similar but slightly lower trends on self-reported knowledge, attitude and third-party supplement testing than sports dietitians but substantially better than professionals not working with Olympic athletes. Conclusion: Sports dietitians are seen as the absolute expert on supplements by other sports health professionals, with professionals working with Olympic athletes reporting similar trends, and other sports health professionals do have lower self-reported knowledge and preferred attitudes toward effective and safe use of dietary supplements.

New Insight and Future Perspectives on Nutraceuticals for Improving Sports Performance of Combat Players: Focus on Natural Supplements, Importance and Advantages over Synthetic Ones

Advanced nutritional interventions are one of the key components of elite sports performance in general. Combat sports require a high percentage of muscle mass with minimum body weight to generate the maximum power possible. An adequate level of nutrition knowledge, particularly with respect to identifying energy needs while avoiding confusion over dietary supplements and false perceptions of steroid requirement, which may compromise the health condition, is of crucial importance. In this context, the aim of our work is to highlight nutritional requirements/nutritional assessment, the importance of daily dietary intake in combat players, which increasingly includes a broad range of sports nutrition supplements, and the roles of vitamins, minerals and proteins, combined with antioxidants and strength training, in muscular performance. The main nutrients required in the daily diet of combat players, the mechanisms of action, the main outcomes and possible side effects are summarized. Special attention is paid to natural supplements and their importance and advantages over synthetic ones, along with future trends of development.

Focus on the Protein Fraction of Sports Nutrition Supplements.

Increasing awareness of balanced diet benefits is boosting the demand for high-protein food and beverages. Sports supplements are often preferred over traditional protein sources to meet the appropriate dietary intake since they are widely available on the market as stable ready-to-eat products. However, the protein components may vary depending on both sources and processing conditions. The protein fraction of five commercial sports supplements was characterized and compared with that of typical industrial ingredients, i.e., whey protein concentrates and isolates and whey powder. The capillary electrophoresis profiles and the amino acid patterns indicated that, in some cases, the protein was extensively glycosylated and the supplemented amino acids did not correspond to those declared on the label by manufacturers. The evaluation by confocal laser scanning microscopy evidenced the presence of large aggregates mainly enforced by covalent crosslinks. The obtained findings suggest that, beside composition figures, provisions regarding sports supplements should also consider quality aspects, and mandatory batch testing of these products would provide more reliable information to sport dieticians.

Effects of ergogenic supplements and dietary supplements on young athletes’ performance: A review

Physical exercise is becoming more prevalent in today’s lifestyle and makes physically fit, and promotes different types of development or skills. Athletes rely on sports nutrition supplements: ergogenic and dietary supplements; these supplements fulfill the nutritional requirements, save time and achieve health goals. Many athletes don't have sufficient knowledge related to the safety of using ergogenic supplements. There are various ergogenic supplements used by athletes but excess of these supplements has been linked to major health problems. Dietary supplements are more nutritious and safer than ergogenic supplements. They are not a prescription medicine and to cure illnesses of the athletes.

SPECIAL NUTRIONAL NEEDS FOR ATHLETES AND EXERCISERS

The main goal of this narrative review was to incorporate the recent scientific knowledge on the special nutritional needs that are necessary for specific populations of athletes and exercisers (e.g., children, females, vegans) under several training conditions and sports, in addition to proper recommendations for safe administration. The association between nutrition, exercise, and health is an essential part of athletes' and exercisers' competitive and training programs. The quality, quantity, composition, and timing of food consumption are significant to make sure that athletes could train more efficiently to decrease the risk of illness and injury. Athletes who deteriorate their energy intake or use uncontrolled weight loss practices, eliminate certain food groups from their diet, or follow other extreme nutritional philosophies, are at greater risk for micronutrient deficiencies. Fluid intake before, during, and after exercise training or/and competition is significant, particularly in specific circumstances such as hot climates, altitude, etc. Vegetarian and vegan athletes may be at higher risk for low energy, protein, fat, creatine, carnosine, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, riboflavin, zinc, and β12. Athletes should be adequately informed about the proper use of sports nutrition and ergogenic supplements. These products should only be used after careful evaluation for safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and compliance with relevant legislation. The most significant point to achieving complete and effective nutrition among travelling athletes is planning and preparation while eating properly and hydrated could decrease the potential adverse effects of jet lag and long flights. An effective, healthy, targeted, and complete diet among athletes of different sports should make available sufficient amounts of energy, protein, and carbohydrates depending on the specific sport to make certain sustained exercise training performance and to maintain and improve exercise performance.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0937/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Research Progress on Application of Sports Beverage to Post-exercise Fluid Restoration

A good hydration status is important to the exercise performance and cognitive function of exercisers.The effective restoration of fluid balance after exercise is helpful to prevent dehydration,maintain body fluid balance,accelerate fatigue recovery,and enhance exercise performance.As the most effective sports nutrition supplement,sports beverage has different ingredients and formulas,and also has various effects.To provide clues for the development of sports beverage,this article reviews the types,components,effects,and mechanisms of sports beverage currently used in post-exercise fluid restoration.

Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin and its Ergogenic Effects in Athletes: A Brief Review

Highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) is a relatively new carbohydrate source that has gained much popularity in sports nutrition supplements, quickly becoming one of the most popular sports and fitness supplements globally. Due to its high molecular weight and low osmolality, HBCD is thought to provide an ergogenic advantage over other carbohydrate sources via faster gastric emptying and faster absorption. The purpose of this brief review is to explore performance claims and implications of HBCD use. We provide rationale for recommended use based on results of scientific studies conducted in both animals and humans.

Prehabilitation program composed of blood flow restriction training and sports nutrition improves physical functions in abdominal cancer patients awaiting surgery

IntroductionThe impact of prehabilitation remains controversial due to a short presurgical waiting period and the diminished capacity of the patient population. A strategy to augment and optimize the effectiveness of prehabilitations for abdominal cancer patients may be found in the unlikely field of sport science. We investigated the use of blood flow restriction training and sport nutrition supplementation to augment functional capacity and increase muscle strength in twenty-four abdominal cancer patients awaiting surgery. Materials and methodsThe sport science-based program was comprised of blood flow restriction exercise 5 to 6 times per week and a daily sports nutrition supplement containing l-citrulline, creatine monohydrate, and whey protein. Results: After 4 weeks of prehabilitation, 6-min walk test, timed up and go, short physical performance battery, 5-chair stand test and physical component score of quality of life were significantly improved (all p < 0.05). Total body and appendicular lean mass as assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry increased by 0.73 ± 1.04 kg (p = 0.004) and 0.42 ± 0.64 kg (p = 0.006), respectively. Total body fat mass and trunk fat mass decreased (p = 0.004 and p = 0.021). There were no significant changes in hand grip strength, fear of falling, the mental component summary of quality of life, or fasting serum concentrations of myostatin, follistatin, and growth hormone. ConclusionA multimodal prehabilitation program, which encompasses blood flow restriction training and sports nutrition supplements, is both feasible and effective in improving lean mass and physical function in abdominal cancer patients prior to surgery.

Undeclared Doping Substances are Highly Prevalent in Commercial Sports Nutrition Supplements.

Sports nutrition supplements have previously been reported to contain undeclared doping substances. The use of such supplements can lead to general health risks and may give rise to unintentional doping violations in elite sports. To assess the prevalence of doping substances in a range of high-risk sports nutrition supplements available from Dutch web shops. A total of 66 sports nutrition supplements - identified as potentially high-risk products claiming to modulate hormone regulation, stimulate muscle mass gain, increase fat loss, and/or boost energy - were selected from 21 different brands and purchased from 17 web shops. All products were analyzed for doping substances by the UK life sciences testing company LGC, formerly known as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, using an extended version of their ISO17025 accredited nutritional supplement screen. A total of 25 out of the 66 products (38%) contained undeclared doping substances, which included high levels of the stimulants oxilofrine, β-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA) and N,β-dimethylphenethylamine (NBDMPEA), the stimulant 4-methylhexan-2-amine (methylhexaneamine, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, DMAA), the anabolic steroids boldione (1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione) and 5-androstene-3β,17α-diol (17α-AED), the beta-2 agonist higenamine and the beta-blocker bisoprolol. Based upon the recommended dose and the potential variability of analyte concentration, the ingestion of some products identified within this study could pose a significant risk of unintentional doping violations. In addition to inadvertent doping risks, the prescribed use of 3 products (4.5%) could likely impose general health risks.