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Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2024) | Viewed by 20993

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Prof. Dr. Raúl Domínguez

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1. Departamento de Motricidad Humana y Rendimiento Deportivo, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
2. Studies Research Group in Neuromuscular Responses (GEPREN), University of Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
Interests: sports nutrition; muscle function; cardiorespiratory responses; ergogenic aids; diet
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sports supplementation is common among athletes of different sports modalities and competitive levels. Athletes use sports supplementation mainly to enhance sports performance and/or health. Sports supplements could be useful for supporting energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient levels for athletes in training and competition or traveling. Sport supplementation could be helpful for ensuring a suitable nutritional status in athletes, preventing nutritional deficiencies or stimulating recovery after training sessions. Nevertheless, specific sports supplements could improve sports performance, either enhancing neuromuscular or psychological performance or mood before or during exercise. Using sports supplementation includes the following three principles: safety, effectiveness, and legality.

The number of sports supplements and trademarks on the market is numerous, and athletes usually an alarming selection of sports supplements with regard to safety, effectiveness, and legality. This Special Issue seeks to promote the results of all the original research studies focused on the safety, effectiveness, and legality of sports supplements with practical implications for athletes on their sports performance and health. In addition, systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on this topic will be considered as relevant in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Raúl Domínguez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

athlete
ergogenic aid
exercise
dietetic
nutrition
sport
supplement

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Caffeine Dosages on Maximal Physical Performance and Potential Side Effects in Low-Consumer Female Athletes: Morning vs. Evening Administration

by Houda Bougrine, Achraf Ammar, Atef Salem, Khaled Trabelsi, Piotr Żmijewski, Haitham Jahrami, Hamdi Chtourou and Nizar Souissi

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142223 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2578

Abstract

While previous studies have explored a range of factors governing the optimal use of caffeine (CAF) in athletes, limited research has explored how time of day (TOD) affects the ergogenic effects of various CAF dosages on physical performance. This study aimed to increase knowledge about how different recommended CAF doses (3 mg/kg vs. 6 mg/kg) ingested at different TODs affected maximal high-intensity physical performance and the perception of potential side effects in female athletes. In this double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced study, 15 low CAF consumer athletes (aged 18.3 ± 0.5 y) underwent six trials, including three testing conditions assessed across two TODs: one in the morning (08:00 a.m.) and one in the evening (06:00 p.m.). During each condition, the participants ingested either a placebo, 3 mg/kg CAF (CAF (3 mg)), or 6 mg/kg CAF (CAF (6 mg)) capsules 60 min before each test with an in-between washout period of at least 72 h. In each trial, the participants performed a countermovement jumps test (CMJ), a modified agility t test (MATT), a repeated sprint ability (RSA), a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and finally, a CAF side effects questionnaire. Our findings indicate the absence of an ergogenic effect on CMJ, MAT, and RSA performance in the evening after administering CAF (3 mg) or CAF (6 mg) compared to a placebo. Likewise, when CAF was ingested in the morning, there was an improvement in these performances with both CAF (3 mg) and CAF (6 mg), with greater improvement observed after CAF (6 mg). Additionally, neither the CAF dosage nor the TOD had a significant effect on the RPE. The occurrence of side effects increased significantly after the evening ingestion of CAF, particularly with a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg). Our findings indicate that the effectiveness of CAF depends on the TOD and CAF dosage. When ingested in the morning, a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg), rather than CAF (3 mg), is more effective in improving short-term physical performance without affecting CAF side effects in female athletes. Nevertheless, when ingested in the evening, neither dose was sufficient to enhance short-term physical performance, and both dosages increased the incidence of CAF side effects, particularly at a moderate dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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18 pages, 3341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Activation of Human Adrenergic Receptors and Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 by Phenethylamine Analogues Present in Food Supplements

by Nicole E. T. Pinckaers, W. Matthijs Blankesteijn, Anastasiya Mircheva, Xiao Shi, Antoon Opperhuizen, Frederik-Jan van Schooten and Misha F. Vrolijk

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111567 - 22 May 2024

Viewed by 1413

Abstract

Pre-workout supplements are popular among sport athletes and overweight individuals. Phenethylamines (PEAs) and alkylamines (AA) are widely present in these supplements. Although the health effects of these analogues are not well understood yet, they are hypothesised to be agonists of adrenergic (ADR) and trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs). Therefore, we aimed to pharmacologically characterise these compounds by investigating their activating properties of ADRs and TAAR1 in vitro. The potency and efficacy of the selected PEAs and AAs was studied by using cell lines overexpressing human ADRα_1A/α_1B/α_1D/α_2a/α_2B/β₁/β₂ or TAAR1. Concentration–response relationships are expressed as percentages of the maximal signal obtained by the full ADR agonist adrenaline or the full TAAR1 agonist phenethylamine. Multiple PEAs activated ADRs (EC₅₀ = 34 nM–690 µM; E_max = 8–105%). Almost all PEAs activated TAAR1 (EC₅₀ = 1.8–92 µM; E_max = 40–104%). Our results reveal the pharmacological profile of PEAs and AAs that are often used in food supplements. Several PEAs have strong agonistic properties on multiple receptors and resemble potencies of the endogenous ligands, indicating that they might further stimulate the already activated sympathetic nervous system in exercising athletes via multiple mechanisms. The use of supplements containing one, or a combination of, PEA(s) may pose a health risk for their consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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15 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pattern of Consumption of Sports Supplements of Spanish Handball Players: Differences According to Gender and Competitive Level

by David Romero-García, José Miguel Martínez-Sanz, Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Carmen Manchado and Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020315 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2014

Abstract

(1) Background: Given the physiological characteristics of handball, players may require the use of certain sports supplements (SS). However, very few studies have investigated the consumption of SS in handball. The aims were to determine the number of handball players who consume SS, to analyze their SS consumption pattern according to gender and competitive level, and to assess whether the SS they consume are supported by scientific evidence, and to which group they belong according to the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). (2) Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was carried out on the habitual consumption of SS in 360 federated Spanish players by using a self-administered and validated questionnaire. (3) Results: These showed 65.8% of the sample consumed SS. According to the total number of participants, the most consumed supplements were from Group A: sports drinks (30.8%) and whey protein (30.4%). When analyzing the data by gender, the men’s consumption was significantly higher for whey protein (p < 0.001), caffeine (p = 0.009), and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001). When analyzed by competitive level, the provincial category players group showed a significantly lower consumption than the rest of the groups for protein bars (p = 0.038), whey protein (p = 0.005) and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001), while the honor division group showed a significantly higher intake of creatine monohydrate than the remaining groups (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The handball players showed a moderate consumption of SS, without using substances that were not supported by scientific evidence and opting in most cases for supplements belonging to group A from the AIS classification. Men tended to consume more SS, and SS consumption increased based on competitive level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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16 pages, 1474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption in 1688 Federated Road Cyclists

by Jesús García-Durán, José Antonio González-Jurado and Antonio Jesús Sánchez-Oliver

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010123 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1632

Abstract

The widespread use of sports supplements (SS) to enhance athletic performance extends to cyclists, although little research has been conducted on this subject within this sport. This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 1688 federated road cyclists, aiming to analyse the pattern of SS consumption concerning the degree of scientific evidence and different categories. This study categorised SS based on the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence. Our results showed that 62.5% of the sample cyclists used SS, with an average of 12.2 ± 8.6 supplements consumed per participant. Health status (78.2%), pharmacies (62.5%), and medical doctors (45.7%) were the main reasons, purchase sites, and sources of information for SS consumption, respectively. The most prevalent SS consumed were Sports Gels (94%), Sports Bars (89.3%), and Sports Drinks (73.8%). Notably, 80% of the top ten most consumed SS belonged to the group with the highest level of evidence according to the AIS, with an average of 6.9 ± 3.2 supplements per participant. However, 23.3% of the total SS consumers used prohibited substances. In conclusion, while the prevalence of SS consumption among road cyclists is considerable and the primary sources for purchasing SS and obtaining advice are reliable, there is a notable prevalence of prohibited substance use within the sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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22 pages, 2302 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on Fat Oxidation Rate during Fed-State Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Javier Fernández-Sánchez, Daniel Trujillo-Colmena, Adrián Rodríguez-Castaño, Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez, Juan Del Coso, Arturo Casado and Daniel Collado-Mateo

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020207 - 8 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4388

Abstract

Pre-exercise intake of caffeine (from ~3 to 9 mg/kg) has been demonstrated as an effective supplementation strategy to increase fat oxidation during fasted exercise. However, a pre-exercise meal can alter the potential effect of caffeine on fat oxidation during exercise as caffeine modifies postprandial glycaemic and insulinemic responses. Hypothetically, the effect of caffeine on fat oxidation may be reduced or even withdrawn during fed-state exercise. The present systematic review aimed to meta-analyse investigations on the effect of acute caffeine intake on the rate of fat oxidation during submaximal aerobic exercise performed in the fed state (last meal < 5 h before exercise). A total of 18 crossover trials with randomised and placebo-controlled protocols and published between 1982 and 2021 were included, with a total of 228 participants (185 males and 43 females). Data were extracted to compare rates of fat oxidation during exercise with placebo and caffeine at the same exercise intensity, which reported 20 placebo–caffeine pairwise comparisons. A meta-analysis of the studies was performed, using the standardised mean difference (SMD) estimated from Hedges’ g, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In comparison with the placebo, caffeine increased the rate of fat oxidation during fed-state exercise (number of comparisons (n) = 20; p = 0.020, SMD = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.20). Only studies with a dose < 6 mg/kg of caffeine (n = 13) increased the rate of fat oxidation during fed-state exercise (p = 0.004, SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.27 to 1.45), while no such effect was observed in studies with doses ≥6 mg/kg (n = 7; p = 0.97, SMD = −0.03, 95% CI = −1.40 to 1.35). The effect of caffeine on fat oxidation during fed-state exercise was observed in active untrained individuals (n = 13; p < 0.001, SMD = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.39 to 1.30) but not in aerobically trained participants (n = 7; p = 0.27, SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = −0.39 to 1.39). Likewise, the effect of caffeine on fat oxidation was observed in caffeine-naïve participants (n = 9; p < 0.001, SMD = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.19) but not in caffeine consumers (n = 3; p = 0.54, SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = −1.23 to 2.37). In conclusion, acute caffeine intake in combination with a meal ingested within 5 h before the onset of exercise increased the rate of fat oxidation during submaximal aerobic exercise. The magnitude of the effect of caffeine on fat oxidation during fed-state exercise may be modulated by the dose of caffeine administered (higher with <6 mg/kg than with ≥6 mg/kg), participants’ aerobic fitness level (higher in active than in aerobically trained individuals), and habituation to caffeine (higher in caffeine-naïve than in caffeine consumers). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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16 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on High-Intensity Cycling Sprint Performance in Recreationally Active Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Rachel Tan, Jordan K. Cass, Isabella G. Lincoln, Lauren E. Wideen, Madelyn J. Nicholl, Trevor J. Molnar, Lewis A. Gough, Stephen J. Bailey and Adam Pennell

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162764 - 19 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1686

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on performance metrics during cycling sprint exercise according to the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases up to September 2023. Inclusion criteria were healthy recreationally active men and women who consumed nitrate-rich and nitrate-deficient beetroot juice to assess performance outcomes of mean power, peak power, time-to-peak power, and minimum power during 30-s cycling sprints. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and TESTEX tools and funnel plots. A random effects model was performed on six studies and showed that dietary nitrate had significant effects on time-to-peak power (SMD: −0.66, 95% CI: −1.127 to −0.192, p = 0.006) but not on mean power, peak power, or minimum power. Subgroup analysis revealed that an acute low nitrate dose improved time-to-peak power (SMD: −0.977, 95% CI: −1.524 to −0.430, p < 0.001) but not after a multiday moderate nitrate dose (SMD: −0.177, 95% CI: −0.619 to −0.264, p = 0.431). These data suggest that acute nitrate supplementation can benefit time-to-peak power during 30-s cycling sprints, but due to the limited availability of data and heterogeneity in methodology, these results should be interpreted with caution. There was insufficient data on women to analyze sex-based differences. Future studies are required to provide insight on how supplementation regimen and population impact the effects of dietary nitrate for enhancing cycling sprint performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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14 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Healthy Behavior and Sports Drinks: A Systematic Review

by Nicolás Muñoz-Urtubia, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, Carla Estrada-Muñoz, Guido Salazar-Sepúlveda, Nicolás Contreras-Barraza and Dante Castillo

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132915 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6339

Abstract

This review article aims to systematically identify the relationship between sports drinks and healthy behavior. This systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline criteria, and eligibility criteria were established using the PICOS tool (population, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study) from about 1000 records of sports drinks articles identified in the various Web of Science Core Collection databases. The literature review stages determined a reduced set of 15 articles relating these drinkable supplements to healthy behavior. This study concludes that water consumption should be emphasized for non-athletes, sports drinks should be labeled to indicate water consumption and carry a warning label, and more randomized clinical trials should be considered to ensure conclusive results for health decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Supplementation for Performance and Health (Volume II))

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