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Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights

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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 October 2024) | Viewed by 24055

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Prof. Dr. David C. Nieman

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1. Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA
2. Human Performance Laboratory, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
Interests: sports nutrition; exercise; immunology; inflammation; obesity; metabolomics; proteomics; lipid mediators
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Dear Colleagues,

Exercise performance and recovery can be enhanced through prudent training- and nutrition-based approaches. The early history of sports nutrition was based on the importance of increased intake of carbohydrates and adequate hydration. Sports nutrition has entered a new era of investigation due to advances in technology, research designs, and data computational methods. Human system biology approaches based on multi-omics outcomes have revealed the significant influences of a wide variety of specific foods and supplements on physiological responses to exercise that previously were ignored. This Special Issue invites the submission of sports nutrition-based manuscripts that advance scientific understanding and provide novel insights on all aspects of performance and recovery. These include sports nutrition subtopics such as innovative hydration strategies, the unique metabolic influence of polyphenols, macro- and micro-nutrients, unique supplements and ergogenic aids, strategies to measure and achieve energy balance and ideal body composition, and current insights to enhance metabolic recovery, maintain optimal immune function, mitigate muscle damage and soreness, and improve physiological responses. Manuscripts are also invited that illuminate how nutrition can influence exercise-induced genetic expression, protein upregulation and downregulation, and shifts in metabolites.

Prof. Dr. David C. Nieman
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

sports nutrition
recovery
performance
nutrition metabolism
hydration strategies

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Related Special Issue

Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights—2nd Edition in Nutrients

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 11315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multiomics Evaluation of the Countermeasure Influence of 4-Week Cranberry Beverage Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Changes in Innate Immunity

by David C. Nieman, Camila A. Sakaguchi, James C. Williams, Jongmin Woo, Ashraf M. Omar, Fayaj A. Mulani, Qibin Zhang, Wimal Pathmasiri, Blake R. Rushing, Susan McRitchie, Susan J. Sumner, Jackie Lawson and Kevin C. Lambirth

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3250; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193250 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1063

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the effect of a 4-week unsweetened cranberry beverage (CRAN) (317 mg polyphenols) versus placebo beverage (PLAC) ingestion (240 mL/day) on moderating exercise-induced changes in innate immunity. Methods: Participants included 25 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design was used with two 4-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by an intensive 2.25 h cycling bout. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (in an overnight fasted state) and at 0 h, 1.5 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Stool and urine samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation. Outcome measures included serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, and cortisol, complete blood counts, plasma untargeted proteomics, plasma-targeted oxylipins, untargeted urine metabolomics, and stool microbiome composition via whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing. Results: Urine CRAN-linked metabolites increased significantly after supplementation, but no trial differences in alpha or beta microbiota diversity were found in the stool samples. The 2.25 h cycling bout caused significant increases in plasma arachidonic acid (ARA) and 53 oxylipins (FDR q-value < 0.05). The patterns of increase for ARA, four oxylipins generated from ARA-cytochrome P-450 (CYP) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-diHETrEs), two oxylipins from linoleic acid (LA) and CYP (9,10-DiHOME, 12,13-DiHOME), and two oxylipins generated from LA and lipoxygenase (LOX) (9-HODE, 13-HODE) were slightly but significantly higher for the CRAN versus PLAC trial (all interaction effects, p < 0.05). The untargeted proteomics analysis showed that two protein clusters differed significantly between the CRAN and PLAC trials, with CRAN-related elevations in proteins related to innate immune activation and reduced levels of proteins related to the regulation of the complement cascade, platelet activation, and binding and uptake of ligands by scavenger receptors. No trial differences were found for cortisol and muscle damage biomarkers. Conclusions: CRAN versus PLAC juice resulted in a significant increase in CRAN-related metabolites but no differences in the gut microbiome. CRAN supplementation was associated with a transient and modest but significant post-exercise elevation in selected oxylipins and proteins associated with the innate immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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12 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Creatine Improves Total Sleep Duration Following Resistance Training Days versus Non-Resistance Training Days among Naturally Menstruating Females

by Ariel J. Aguiar Bonfim Cruz, Samantha J. Brooks, Katelyn Kleinkopf, C. J. Brush, Gena L. Irwin, Malayna G. Schwartz, Darren G. Candow and Ann F. Brown

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162772 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 7421

Abstract

Females historically experience sleep disturbances and overall poor sleep compared to males. Creatine has been proposed to impact sleep; however, the effects are not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on sleep among naturally menstruating females. Twenty-one participants completed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which they consumed 5 g creatine + 5 g maltodextrin or placebo, 10 g maltodextrin, daily for 6 weeks. Participants completed resistance training 2x/week using the TONAL^® (Tonal Systems Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA) at-home gym. Pre- and post-testing assessed body composition, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), dietary intake, and muscular strength. Sleep was assessed nightly using an ŌURA^® (Oulu, Finland) ring. Compared to the placebo group, those consuming creatine experienced significant increases in total sleep on training days (p = 0.013). No significant changes in chronic sleep and PSQI (pre–post) were observed. There was a significant increase in TONAL^® strength score over time (p < 0.001), with no between-group differences. Participants reduced their total calorie (kcal) (p = 0.039), protein (g/kg) (p = 0.009), carbohydrate (g/kg) (p = 0.023), and fat (g) (p = 0.036) intake over time. Creatine supplementation increases sleep duration on resistance training days in naturally menstruating females. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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15 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Elite Paracyclists

by Keely A. Shaw, Philip D. Chilibeck, Thomas D. Warkentin and Gordon A. Zello

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162712 - 15 Aug 2024

Viewed by 849

Abstract

Nutrient requirements for para-athletes will be influenced by a variety of factors secondary to their impairment and, therefore, recommendations for para-athletes cannot be drawn directly from that of able-bodied athletes. Information on the dietary intakes of para-athletes is lacking and therefore needs to be examined. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and diet quality of 31 paracyclists via food frequency questionnaires. Based on the dietary reference intakes, most paracyclists consumed intakes above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI). Recommendations were not met for iodine (males = 87% RDA; females = 62% RDA) or fibre in males (84% AI). A 26% risk of inadequacy was noted for vitamins D and E in females. A total of 42% of females and 75% of males did not meet fibre recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal), and only three athletes (all females) consumed fatty acids in the recommended omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 or less. Athletes consumed grains, fruits, and vegetables frequently, though whole grains, pulses, and oily fish were generally consumed less often. Paracyclists appear to be consuming intakes at or above recommendations for most nutrients, though several nutrients were consumed below the recommended amounts; therefore, increasing the variety of foods consumed is suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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14 pages, 1723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of 2 Weeks of Mango Ingestion on Inflammation Resolution after Vigorous Exercise

by Camila A. Sakaguchi, David C. Nieman, Ashraf M. Omar, Renee C. Strauch, James C. Williams, Mary Ann Lila and Qibin Zhang

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010036 - 21 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1999

Abstract

Mangoes have a unique nutrient profile (carotenoids, polyphenols, sugars, and vitamins) that we hypothesized would mitigate post-exercise inflammation. This study examined the effects of mango ingestion on moderating exercise-induced inflammation in a randomized crossover trial with 22 cyclists. In random order with trials separated by a 2-week washout period, the cyclists ingested 330 g mango/day with 0.5 L water or 0.5 L of water alone for 2 weeks, followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout challenge. Blood and urine samples were collected pre- and post-2 weeks of supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-exercise and 1.5-h, 3-h, and 24 h post-exercise. Urine samples were analyzed for targeted mango-related metabolites. The blood samples were analyzed for 67 oxylipins, which are upstream regulators of inflammation and other physiological processes. After 2 weeks of mango ingestion, three targeted urine mango-related phenolic metabolites were significantly elevated compared to water alone (interaction effects, p ≤ 0.003). Significant post-exercise increases were measured for 49 oxylipins, but various subgroup analyses showed no differences in the pattern of change between trials (all interaction effects, p > 0.150). The 2.25 h cycling bouts induced significant inflammation, but no countermeasure effect was found after 2 weeks of mango ingestion despite the elevation of mango gut-derived phenolic metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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14 pages, 2490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitric Oxide in the Field: Prevalence and Use of Nitrates by Dietitians and Nutritionists in Spanish Elite Soccer

by Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Daniel Cabeza-Melendre, Liam Anderson and José Miguel Martínez-Sanz

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5128; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245128 - 16 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2129

Abstract

Soccer players make frequent use of dietary supplements to improve performance. One of the most widely used strategies to optimize performance is to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide through nitrates, as it could delay fatigue during physical exertion, among other benefits. This may be positive for performance in soccer, although there is almost no research in professional soccer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of nitrates and behaviours related to their consumption in Spanish elite soccer clubs. Dietitian–nutritionist representatives from 45 teams from the most important Spanish soccer leagues completed an online survey to determine if, when, how and why nitrates are prescribed to soccer players. Of the total sample, 55.6% indicated providing nitrates, always before matches, but only 36% in training. There was a wide variation and lack of consistency in the timing, dosage and form of administration of nitrates. The use of mouthwashes or the protocol of chronic nitrate intake was not taken into account in most cases. The present study indicates a lack of interpretation between scientific knowledge and its application in practice, highlighting the need for future research to better understand how to optimize the use of nitrates in professional soccer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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19 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Short-Term Glycaemic Control, Serum Level of Key Mediator in Hypoxia and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes—An Exploratory Case Study

by Barbara Hall, Aleksandra Żebrowska, Marcin Sikora, Szymon Siatkowski and Anna Robins

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173749 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with hyperglycaemia-induced hypoxia and inflammation. This study assessed the effects of a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on glycaemia (BG) and serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and an essential mediator of adaptive response to hypoxia in T1D patients. The macronutrient intake was also evaluated. Nine patients suffering from T1D for about 12 years and nine healthy individuals (CG) were enrolled and completed one session of HIIE at the intensity of 120% lactate threshold with a duration of 4 × 5 min intermittent with 5 min rests after each bout of exercise. Capillary and venous blood were withdrawn at rest, immediately after and at 24 h post-HIIE for analysis of BG, hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pre-exercise BG was significantly higher in the T1D patients compared to the CG (p = 0.043). HIIE led to a significant decline in T1D patients’ BG (p = 0.027) and a tendency for a lower BG at 24 h post-HIIE vs. pre-HIIE. HIF-1α was significantly elevated in the T1D patients compared to CG and there was a trend for HIF-1α to decline, and for VEGF and TNF-α to increase in response to HIIE in the T1D group. Both groups consumed more and less than the recommended amounts of protein and fat, respectively. In the T1D group, a tendency for a higher digestible carbohydrate intake and more frequent hyperglycaemic episodes on the day after HIIE were observed. HIIE was effective in reducing T1D patients’ glycaemia and improving short-term glycaemic control. HIIE has the potential to improve adaptive response to hypoxia by elevating the serum level of VEGF. Patients’ diet and level of physical activity should be screened on a regular basis, and they should be educated on the glycaemic effects of digestible carbohydrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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Review

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25 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards Precision Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes: A Scoping Review of Application of Omics and Wearables Technologies

by Leon Bedrač, Leon Deutsch, Sanja Terzić, Matej Červek, Julij Šelb, Urška Ašič, Laure M. G. Verstraeten, Enej Kuščer and Filip Cvetko

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223943 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 728

Abstract

Background: Endurance athletes require tailored nutrition strategies to optimize performance, recovery, and training adaptations. While traditional sports nutrition guidelines provide a foundational framework, individual variability in metabolic responses underscores the need for precision nutrition, informed by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This scoping review evaluates the application of systems biology-driven sports nutrition for endurance athletes, focusing on ‘omics’ and wearable technologies. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Research questions, search strategies, and eligibility criteria were guided by the Population–Concept–Context framework with the following inclusion criteria: original research in English, involving endurance athletes, systems biology approaches, and nutritional interventions or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Results: Fifty-two studies were included, with distance runners as the most studied cohort. Eleven studies used metagenomics, eleven CGM, ten nutrigenetics, ten metabolomics, seven multi-omics, one proteomics, one epigenomics, and one lipidomics. Over half (n = 31; 60%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with generally high methodological quality. Conclusions: Most studies were proof-of-concept investigations aimed at assessing biomarkers; however, the evidence linking these biomarkers to performance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes in endurance athletes remains insufficient. Future research should focus on well-powered replicated crossover RCTs, multivariate N-of-1 clinical trials, 360-degree systems-wide approaches, and the validation of genetic impacts on nutritional interventions to refine dietary guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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18 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessReview

It’s Dead! Can Postbiotics Really Help Performance and Recovery? A Systematic Review

by Chad M. Kerksick, Jessica M. Moon and Ralf Jäger

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050720 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3277

Abstract

In recent years, postbiotics have increased in popularity, but the potential relevancy of postbiotics for augmenting exercise performance, recovery, and health is underexplored. A systematic literature search of Google Scholar and PubMed databases was performed with the main objective being to identify and summarize the current body of scientific literature on postbiotic supplementation and outcomes related to exercise performance and recovery. Inclusion criteria for this systematic review consisted of peer-reviewed, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials, with a population including healthy men or women >18 years of age. Studies required the incorporation of a postbiotic supplementation regimen and an outcome linked to exercise. Search terms included paraprobiotics, Tyndallized probiotics, ghost biotics, heat-killed probiotics, inactivated probiotics, nonviable probiotics, exercise, exercise performance, and recovery. Only investigations written in English were considered. Nine peer-reviewed manuscripts and two published abstracts from conference proceedings were included and reviewed. Supplementation periods ranged from 13 days to 12 weeks. A total of 477 subjects participated in the studies (n = 16–105/study) with reported results spanning a variety of exercise outcomes including exercise performance, recovery of lost strength, body composition, perceptual fatigue and soreness, daily logs of physical conditions, changes in mood states, and biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation, immune modulation, and oxidative stress. Early evidence has provided some indication that postbiotic supplementation may help to support mood, reduce fatigue, and increase the readiness of athletes across several weeks of exercise training. However, more research is needed to further understand how postbiotics may augment health, resiliency, performance, and recovery. Future investigations should include longer supplementation periods spanning a wider variety of competitive athletes and exercising populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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11 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Professional Football Player Performance: A Systematic Review

by Antonio Almendros-Ruiz, Alejandro Lopez-Moro, Javier Conde-Pipò, Alfredo Santalla, Bernardo Requena and Miguel Mariscal-Arcas

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204467 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3460

Abstract

Background: Melatonin is a hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory actions, reduced oxidative stress, and has effects on physical performance, so the aim of this study was to review the effects of melatonin supplementation on the performance of professional soccer players. Methods: Critical and systematic review. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following bibliographic databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The terms used were “Soccer Athlete”, “Melatonin”, and “Soccer Performance”, using “Humans” as a filter. The search update was in May 2023. Results: Having applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected out of 59 retrieved references. The dose of melatonin administered in the studies ranged between 5 and 8 mg. The outcomes showed a decrease in oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers in the melatonin-treated group. Conclusions: Exogenously administered melatonin seems to attenuate some of the effects derived from physical exercise, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage, in professional football players, and since it has no potential adverse effects, it could be interesting to apply it in this population. However, the direct effects of melatonin supplementation on physical performance have not been demonstrated, so more research is needed on the intervention period and effective dose and with larger participant populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Nutrition: Current and Novel Insights)

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