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Nutrients
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Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise...
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Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise and Sports

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 8012

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. David Varillas-Delgado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo, Spain
Interests: sports performance; elite athletes; nutrition; ergogenic aids; genetics; nutrigenomic; microbiome; health sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of nutrition on human physiology and physical performance during exercise is one of the most interesting research topics in the field of sport, particularly as the positive influence of ergogenic aids has been considered a prerequisite for success in sport for decades. In the 1980s, the first fundamental research that sought to determine the influence of nutritional aids, including dietary supplements such as protein, carbohydrates, creatine, vitamins, and minerals, among others, can help improve recovery, increase energy, and optimise physical performance. This research was key to confirming that ergogenic aids in nutrition are responsible for increasing physical performance and exercise capacity and protecting health in athletes.

However, current evidence shows that it is still unclear how nutrition and ergogenic aids can influence both the sports performance and health of athletes.

Prof. Dr. David Varillas-Delgado
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ergogenic aids
  • supplements
  • supplementation
  • nutritional status
  • sport performance
  • endurance performance
  • strength performance
  • sports health

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 597 KiB  
Article
Effects of Acute Citrulline Malate Supplementation on CrossFit® Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study
by Asli Devrim-Lanpir, Ferenc Ihász, Máté Demcsik, András Csaba Horváth, Pál Góczán, Péter Czepek, Johanna Takács, Rachel Kimble, Reza Zare, Fatma Esra Gunes, Beat Knechtle, Katja Weiss, Thomas Rosemann and Katie M. Heinrich
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193235 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1701
Abstract
Given the increasing popularity of CrossFit® as a high-intensity functional training program and the potential benefits of citrulline malate (CM) in enhancing exercise performance through its role as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxide production, this study aimed to investigate the [...] Read more.
Given the increasing popularity of CrossFit® as a high-intensity functional training program and the potential benefits of citrulline malate (CM) in enhancing exercise performance through its role as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxide production, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of CM supplementation on CrossFit® performance and cardiovascular function. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 21 recreationally active participants (mean age 22.2 ± 2.6 years, mean body weight 75.9 ± 10.4 kg) with CrossFit® experience completed the “Cindy” workout under CM and placebo conditions. Participants consumed 4.4 g of CM or a placebo 60 min before the workout, and the performance was measured by the number of rounds completed. Secondary outcomes included heart rate response, time spent in different heart rate intensity zones, and post-exercise recovery time. The results indicated no significant difference in the number of rounds completed between the CM and placebo conditions (13.5 ± 5.2 vs. 13.8 ± 6.7 rounds, respectively; p = 0.587). However, the time spent in zone 4 (80–90% of HR max) was significantly increased in the CM condition (527 ± 395 s vs. 453 ± 334 s; p = 0.017), suggesting a potential benefit for aerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold. No significant differences in post-exercise recovery time were observed (6.6 ± 4.7 h vs. 6.9 ± 4.7 h; p = 0.475). This study highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes, both genders, and different CM dosages to clarify these findings and better understand CM’s role in enhancing athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise and Sports)
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14 pages, 2489 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Acute Oral Lactate Supplementation on Responses to Cycle Ergometer Exercise: A Randomized, Crossover Pilot Clinical Trial
by Taylor R. Ewell, Matthew C. Bomar, David M. Brown, Reagan L. Brown, Beatrice S. Kwarteng, David P. Thomson and Christopher Bell
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162624 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1397
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential ergogenic effects of an oral lactate supplement. For this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen recreational exercisers (nine males, six females) ingested a placebo or a commercially available lactate supplement prior to cycle [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential ergogenic effects of an oral lactate supplement. For this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, fifteen recreational exercisers (nine males, six females) ingested a placebo or a commercially available lactate supplement prior to cycle ergometer exercise. Primary outcomes included peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak; via indirect calorimetry), VO2 at the ventilatory threshold, and work rate at the lactate threshold (arterialized venous blood from a heated hand) determined during incremental exercise to fatigue, and power output during a 20-min cycling time trial. Compared with placebo, the oral lactate supplement (19 ± 1 mg/kg body mass) did not influence VO2peak (placebo: 44.3 ± 7.8 vs. oral lactate: 44.3 ± 7.1 mL/kg/min (mean ± SD); p = 0.87), VO2 at the ventilatory threshold (placebo: 1.63 ± 0.25 vs. oral lactate: 1.65 ± 0.23 L/min; p = 0.82), or work rate at the lactate threshold (placebo: 179 ± 69 vs. oral lactate: 179 ± 59 W; p = 0.41). Throughout the 20-min time trial, the work rate was slightly greater (4%) with oral lactate (204 ± 41 W) compared with placebo (197 ± 41 W; main effect of treatment p = 0.02). Collectively, these data suggest that this commercially available lactate supplement did not acutely influence the physiological responses to incremental cycle ergometer exercise but elicited a modest ergogenic effect during the short-duration time trial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise and Sports)
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20 pages, 1612 KiB  
Article
Association of Genetic Profile with Muscle Mass Gain and Muscle Injury Prevention in Professional Football Players after Creatine Supplementation
by David Varillas-Delgado
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152511 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2343
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the study of creatine supplementation in professional athletes has been of great interest. However, the genetics involved in response to supplementation is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse, for the first time, the relationship between muscle [...] Read more.
Background: In recent years, the study of creatine supplementation in professional athletes has been of great interest. However, the genetics involved in response to supplementation is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse, for the first time, the relationship between muscle performance-related genes and the risk of an increased body mass index (BMI) and muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass in professional football players after creatine supplementation. Methods: For this longitudinal study, one hundred and sixty-one men’s professional football players were recruited. The polymorphisms ACE I/D, ACTN3 c.1729C>T, AMPD1 c.34C>T, CKM c.*800A>G, and MLCK (c.49C>T and c.37885C>A) were genotyped using Single-Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNPE). To assess the combined impact of these six polymorphisms, a total genotype score (TGS) was calculated. The creatine supplementation protocol consisted of 20 g/day of creatine monohydrate for 5 days (loading dose) and 3–5 g/day for 7 weeks (maintenance dose). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index (BMI), fat, and muscle mass) were recorded before and after the creatine supplementation protocol. Characteristics of non-contact muscle injuries during the 2022/2023 season were classified according to a consensus statement for injury recording. The results showed that the allelic frequencies of ACE and AMPD1 differed between responders and non-responders in muscle mass increase (all p < 0.05). Players with a TGS exceeding 54.16 a.u. had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.985 (95%CI: 1.560–5.711; p = 0.001) for muscle mass increase. By contrast, those with a TGS below 54.16 a.u. had an OR of 9.385 (95%CI: 4.535–19.425; p < 0.001) for suffering non-contact muscle injuries during the season. Conclusions: The increase in BMI and muscle mass in response to creatine supplementation in professional football players was influenced by a TGS derived from the combination of favourable genotypes linked to muscle performance. The CC genotype and C allele of AMPD1 were particularly associated with a higher likelihood of muscle mass increase under creatine supplementation in this group of professional football players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise and Sports)
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Review

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23 pages, 819 KiB  
Review
Dietary Supplementation on Physical Performance and Recovery in Active-Duty Military Personnel: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Quasi-Experimental Controlled Trials
by Jacie Harlow, Kylie Blodgett, Jenna Stedman and Rachele Pojednic
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2746; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162746 - 17 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2112
Abstract
Background: Warfighters, often called tactical athletes, seek dietary supplementation to enhance training and recovery. Roughly 69% of active-duty US military personnel have reported consuming dietary supplements. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of dietary supplements on muscle-related physical [...] Read more.
Background: Warfighters, often called tactical athletes, seek dietary supplementation to enhance training and recovery. Roughly 69% of active-duty US military personnel have reported consuming dietary supplements. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of dietary supplements on muscle-related physical performance and recovery in active-duty military personnel. Methods: Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental controlled trials of oral dietary supplementation in active-duty military members were examined. A protocol was registered (PROSPERO CRD42023401472), and a systematic search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies published between 1990–2023 with outcomes of muscle performance and recovery among active-duty military populations. The risk of bias was assessed with the McMaster University Guidelines and Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Results: Sixteen studies were included. Four were conducted on protein or carbohydrate; four on beta-alanine alone, creatine alone, or in combination; two on mixed nutritional supplements; two on probiotics alone or in combination with beta hydroxy-beta methylbutyrate calcium; and four on phytonutrient extracts including oregano, beetroot juice, quercetin, and resveratrol. Ten examined outcomes related to physical performance, and six on outcomes of injury or recovery. Overall, protein, carbohydrate, beta-alanine, creatine, and beetroot juice modestly improved performance, while quercetin did not. Protein, carbohydrates, beta-alanine, probiotics, and oregano reduced markers of inflammation, while resveratrol did not. Conclusions: Nutrition supplementation may have small benefits on muscle performance and recovery in warfighters. However, there are significant limitations in interpretation due to the largely inconsistent evidence of ingredients and comparable outcomes. Thus, there is inadequate practical evidence to suggest how dietary supplementation may affect field performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status and Ergogenic Aids in the Performance of Exercise and Sports)
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