Nutrients

Editorial

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4 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition and Muscle Recovery

by Juan Mielgo-Ayuso and Diego Fernández-Lázaro

Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020294 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7028

Abstract

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is characterized by histopathological muscle tissue changes that originate skeletal muscle damage [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

Research

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12 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quercetin Supplementation Improves Neuromuscular Function Recovery from Muscle Damage

by Ilenia Bazzucchi, Federica Patrizio, Roberta Ceci, Guglielmo Duranti, Stefania Sabatini, Paolo Sgrò, Luigi Di Luigi and Massimo Sacchetti

Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092850 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6514

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating whether quercetin (Q) may improve the recovery of neuromuscular function and biochemical parameters in the 7 days following an eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EEIMD). Sixteen men (25.9 ± 3.3 y) ingested Q (1000 mg/day) or placebo (PLA) [...] Read more.

This study was aimed at investigating whether quercetin (Q) may improve the recovery of neuromuscular function and biochemical parameters in the 7 days following an eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EEIMD). Sixteen men (25.9 ± 3.3 y) ingested Q (1000 mg/day) or placebo (PLA) for 14 days following a double-blind crossover study design. A neuromuscular (NM) test was performed pre–post, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 7 days after an intense eccentric exercise. The force–velocity relationship of the elbow flexor muscles and their maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were recorded simultaneously to the electromyographic signals (EMG). Pain, joint angle, arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) were also assessed. The results showed that Q supplementation significantly attenuated the strength loss compared to PLA. During the recovery, force–velocity relationship and mean fibers conduction velocity (MFCV) persisted significantly less when participants consumed PLA rather than Q, especially at the highest angular velocities (p < 0.02). A greater increase in biomarkers of damage was also evident in PLA with respect to Q. Q supplementation for 14 days seems able to ameliorate the recovery of eccentric exercise-induced weakness, neuromuscular function impairment and biochemical parameters increase probably due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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11 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Trainer’s Social Behaviors on the Resilience, Anxiety, Stress, Depression and Eating Habits of Athletes

by Rubén Trigueros, Isabel Mercader, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal, José M. Aguilar-Parra, Josefa González-Santos, Noelia Navarro-Gómez and Raúl Soto-Cámara

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082405 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6147

Abstract

During their sporting lives, athletes must face multiple difficulties that can have consequences for their mental health and changes in their eating patterns. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze how social skills of the trainer influence the coping capacity, psychological well-being, and [...] Read more.

During their sporting lives, athletes must face multiple difficulties that can have consequences for their mental health and changes in their eating patterns. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze how social skills of the trainer influence the coping capacity, psychological well-being, and eating habits of the athlete, elements that are key to achieving success during competition. This study involved 1547 athletes and 127 trainer. In order to achieve the objective, the mean, standard deviation, bivariate correlations, reliability analysis and a structural equation model were analysed. The results showed that prosocial behaviours were positively related to resilience, while antisocial behaviours were negatively related. Resilience was negatively related to anxiety, stress and depression. Finally, anxiety, stress and depression were negatively related to healthy eating and positively related to unhealthy eating. These results highlight the importance of creating a positive social climate to develop coping strategies that promote mental health and healthy eating habits of athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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14 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Sport Food Exchange List for Dietetic Practice in Sport Nutrition

by José Miguel Martínez-Sanz, Susana Menal-Puey, Isabel Sospedra, Giuseppe Russolillo, Aurora Norte and Iva Marques-Lopes

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082403 - 11 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9278

Abstract

Food exchange lists have been widely used in dietary practice in health and disease situations, but there are still no exchange lists for sports foods. The aim of this study was to apply a previous published methodology to design food exchange lists to [...] Read more.

Food exchange lists have been widely used in dietary practice in health and disease situations, but there are still no exchange lists for sports foods. The aim of this study was to apply a previous published methodology to design food exchange lists to the development of a sports food exchange list, with sport products available in Spain. A cross-sectional study of the nutritional composition of sports foods, regarding macronutrients and energy, was carried out. A total of 322 sports foods from 18 companies were selected, taking into account their interest in sports practice and with nutritional data provided by companies. Sports foods were divided into seven groups: sports drinks; sports gels; sports bars; sports confectionery; protein powders; protein bars; and liquid meals. A sports food composition database based on portion size usually consumed by athletes and/or recommended in commercial packaging was created. Within each sports foods group, different subgroups were defined due to differences in the main and/or secondary macronutrient. The definition of each exchange list with the amounts—in grams—of each sports food within each group and subgroup, was done using statistical criteria such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and Z value. Final exchange values for energy and macronutrient have been established for each group and subgroup using a methodology to design food exchange lists previously published by the authors. In addition, those products with high Z values that can provide greater variability in dietary planning were included. The usefulness of sport foods lists as well as the use of an exchange system in the dietary practice of sports nutrition is discussed, and examples of how to use them with athletes are presented. This first sport foods exchange list showed in this study, with commercial sports products available in Spain, can be a novel tool for dietetic practice and also can allow sport nutrition professionals to develop another sport food list using the methodology described in this paper. Its management would allow dietitians to adapt dietary plans more precisely to the training and/or competition of the athlete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

14 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Whey and Pea Protein Supplementation on Post-Eccentric Exercise Muscle Damage: A Randomized Trial

by David C. Nieman, Kevin A. Zwetsloot, Andrew J. Simonson, Andrew T. Hoyle, Xintang Wang, Heather K. Nelson, Catherine Lefranc-Millot and Laetitia Guérin-Deremaux

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082382 - 9 Aug 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 19632

Abstract

This randomized trial compared pea protein, whey protein, and water-only supplementation on muscle damage, inflammation, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), and physical fitness test performance during a 5-day period after a 90-min eccentric exercise bout in non-athletic non-obese males (n = [...] Read more.

This randomized trial compared pea protein, whey protein, and water-only supplementation on muscle damage, inflammation, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), and physical fitness test performance during a 5-day period after a 90-min eccentric exercise bout in non-athletic non-obese males (n = 92, ages 18–55 years). The two protein sources (0.9 g protein/kg divided into three doses/day) were administered under double blind procedures. The eccentric exercise protocol induced significant muscle damage and soreness, and reduced bench press and 30-s Wingate performance. Whey protein supplementation significantly attenuated post-exercise blood levels for biomarkers of muscle damage compared to water-only, with large effect sizes for creatine kinase and myoglobin during the fourth and fifth days of recovery (Cohen’s d > 0.80); pea protein versus water supplementation had an intermediate non-significant effect (Cohen’s d < 0.50); and no significant differences between whey and pea protein were found. Whey and pea protein compared to water supplementation had no significant effects on post-exercise DOMS and the fitness tests. In conclusion, high intake of whey protein for 5 days after intensive eccentric exercise mitigated the efflux of muscle damage biomarkers, with the intake of pea protein having an intermediate effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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12 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ingestion of Carbohydrate Prior to and during Maximal, Sprint Interval Cycling Has No Ergogenic Effect: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Study

by Gerard McMahon and Aaron Thornbury

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082223 - 25 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4506

Abstract

Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion may improve intermittent sprint performance in repeated sprint efforts ≤15 s. Yet, evidence for its efficacy on sprint interval durations ~30 s is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CHO ingestion on maximal sprint [...] Read more.

Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion may improve intermittent sprint performance in repeated sprint efforts ≤15 s. Yet, evidence for its efficacy on sprint interval durations ~30 s is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CHO ingestion on maximal sprint interval exercise. Fifteen (n = 15) recreational athletes (13/2 males/females, age 22 ± 2 years; height 176 ± 11 cm; mass 76.8 ± 11.3 kg) volunteered for this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Participants completed two experimental trials (performed 10-days apart) involving the ingestion of an 8% CHO solution or a flavour and appearance-matched placebo (PLA) solution (5 mL/kg/bw), immediately before exercise, and preceding the second interval of four × 30 s bouts of repeated maximal sprint efforts (separated by 3.5 min of passive recovery). Peak and mean power (W) output progressively decreased during the repeated sprints (main effect of time, p < 0.0001), but there were no differences between CHO and PLA during any of the sprints (p > 0.05 for condition main effect and condition × time interaction). Physiological responses (blood lactate, heart rate, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio and RPE) were also unaltered by CHO ingestion. In conclusion, CHO ingestion does not enhance performance or modulate physiological responses during intermittent maximal, sprint cycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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17 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 120 vs. 60 and 90 g/h Carbohydrate Intake during a Trail Marathon on Neuromuscular Function and High Intensity Run Capacity Recovery

by Aritz Urdampilleta, Soledad Arribalzaga, Aitor Viribay, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro, Jesús Seco-Calvo and Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072094 - 15 Jul 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 10313

Abstract

Background: Current carbohydrate (CHO) intake recommendations for ultra-trail activities lasting more than 2.5 h is 90 g/h. However, the benefits of ingesting 120 g/h during a mountain marathon in terms of post-exercise muscle damage have been recently demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of this [...] Read more.

Background: Current carbohydrate (CHO) intake recommendations for ultra-trail activities lasting more than 2.5 h is 90 g/h. However, the benefits of ingesting 120 g/h during a mountain marathon in terms of post-exercise muscle damage have been recently demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of 120 g/h CHO intake with the recommendations (90 g/h) and the usual intake for ultra-endurance athletes (60 g/h) during a mountain marathon on internal exercise load, and post-exercise neuromuscular function and recovery of high intensity run capacity. Methods: Twenty-six elite trail-runners were randomly distributed into three groups: LOW (60 g/h), MED (90 g/h) and HIGH (120 g/h), according to CHO intake during a 4000-m cumulative slope mountain marathon. Runners were measured using the Abalakov Jump test, a maximum a half-squat test and an aerobic power-capacity test at baseline (T1) and 24 h after completing the race (T2). Results: Changes in Abalakov jump time (ABK_JT), Abalakov jump height (ABK_H), half-squat test 1 repetition maximum (HST_1RM) between T1 and T2 showed significant differences by Wilcoxon signed rank test only in LOW and MED (p < 0.05), but not in the HIGH group (p > 0.05). Internal load was significantly lower in the HIGH group (p = 0.017) regarding LOW and MED by Mann Whitney u test. A significantly lower change during the study in ABK_JT (p = 0.038), ABK_H (p = 0.038) HST_1RM (p = 0.041) and in terms of fatigue (p = 0.018) and lactate (p = 0.012) within the aerobic power-capacity test was presented in HIGH relative to LOW and MED. Conclusions: 120 g/h CHO intake during a mountain marathon might limit neuromuscular fatigue and improve recovery of high intensity run capacity 24 h after a physiologically challenging event when compared to 90 g/h and 60 g/h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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16 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pre-Sleep Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein Consumption on Muscle Recovery Following Damaging Morning Exercise

by Patrick G. Saracino, Hannah E. Saylor, Brett R. Hanna, Robert C. Hickner, Jeong-Su Kim and Michael J. Ormsbee

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072049 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7743

Abstract

Pre-sleep whey protein intake has been shown to improve overnight muscle protein synthesis, muscle size and strength, and muscle recovery. Despite a growing interest in alternative protein sources, such as plant-based protein, there is no evidence regarding the efficacy of plant-based proteins consumed [...] Read more.

Pre-sleep whey protein intake has been shown to improve overnight muscle protein synthesis, muscle size and strength, and muscle recovery. Despite a growing interest in alternative protein sources, such as plant-based protein, there is no evidence regarding the efficacy of plant-based proteins consumed pre-sleep. Therefore, we aimed to compare whey vs. plant-based pre-sleep protein dietary supplementation on muscle recovery in middle-aged men. Twenty-seven recreationally active, middle-aged men performed 5 sets of 15 repetitions of maximal eccentric voluntary contractions (ECC) for the knee extensors (ext) and flexors (flex), respectively, in the morning. Participants consumed 40 g of either whey hydrolysate (WH, n = 9), whey isolate (WI, n = 6), rice and pea combination (RP, n = 6), or placebo (PL, n = 6) 30 min pre-sleep on the day of ECC and the following two nights. Catered meals (15% PRO, 55% CHO, 30% Fat) were provided to participants for 5 days to standardize nutrition. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured at pre, immediately post (+0), +4, +6, +24, +48, and +72 h post-ECC. Isometric (ISOM) and isokinetic (ISOK) maximal voluntary contraction force were measured at pre, immediately post (+0), +24, +48, and +72 h post-ECC. Muscle soreness, thigh circumference, and HOMA-IR were measured at pre, +24, +48, and +72 h post-ECC. CK was increased at +4 h post-ECC, remained elevated at all time points compared to baseline (p < 0.001), and was significantly greater at +72 h compared to all other time points (p < 0.001). IL-6 was increased at +6 h (p = 0.002) with no other time differing from baseline. ISOMext was reduced after ECC (p = 0.001) and remained reduced until returning to baseline at +72 h. ISOMflex, ISOKext, and ISOKflex were reduced after ECC and remained reduced at +72 h (p < 0.001). Muscle soreness increased post-ECC (p < 0.001) and did not return to baseline. Thigh circumference (p = 0.456) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.396) did not change post-ECC. There were no significant differences between groups for any outcome measure. These data suggest that middle-aged men consuming 1.08 ± 0.02 g/kg/day PRO did not recover from damaging eccentric exercise at +72 h and that pre-sleep protein ingestion, regardless of protein source, did not aid in muscle recovery when damaging eccentric exercise was performed in the morning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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15 pages, 2404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 120 g/h of Carbohydrates Intake during a Mountain Marathon on Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Elite Runners

by Aitor Viribay, Soledad Arribalzaga, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro, Jesús Seco-Calvo and Aritz Urdampilleta

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051367 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 24826

Abstract

Background—exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and internal exercise load are increased after competing in ultraendurance events such as mountain marathons. Adequate carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise optimizes athletic performance and could limit EIMD, reduce internal exercise load and, thus, improve recovery. Therefore, the aim [...] Read more.

Background—exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and internal exercise load are increased after competing in ultraendurance events such as mountain marathons. Adequate carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise optimizes athletic performance and could limit EIMD, reduce internal exercise load and, thus, improve recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to research into and compare the effects of high CHO intake (120 g/h) in terms of CHO intake recommendation (90 g/h) and regular CHO intake performed by ultraendurance athletes (60 g/h) during a mountain marathon, on exercise load and EIMD markers (creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), urea and creatinine). Materials and Methods—a randomized trial was carried out on 20 male elite runners who had previously undertaken nutritional and gut training, and who consumed different CHO dosages according to experimental (EXP—120 g/h), control (CON—90 g/h) and low CHO intake (LOW—60 g/h) groups during a ~4000 m cumulative slope mountain marathon. EIMD markers were analyzed before the race and 24 h afterwards. Internal exercise load was calculated based on rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during and after the marathon event. Results—internal exercise load during the mountain marathon was significantly lower (p = 0.019; η²p = 0.471) in EXP (3805 ± 281 AU) compared to LOW (4688 ± 705 AU) and CON (4692 ± 716 AU). Moreover, results revealed that the EXP group evidenced significantly lower CK (p = 0.019; η²p = 0.373), LDH (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.615) and GOT (p = 0.003; η²p = 0.500) values 24 h after the mountain marathon race compared to LOW and CON. Along these lines, EIMD and exercise load evidenced a close correlation (R = 0.742; p < 0.001). Conclusion: High CHO intake (120 g/h) during a mountain marathon could limit the EIMD observed by CK, LDH and GOT and internal exercise load compared to CHO ingestion of 60 and 90 g/h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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15 pages, 1951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation with a Mango Leaf Extract (Zynamite^®) in Combination with Quercetin Attenuates Muscle Damage and Pain and Accelerates Recovery after Strenuous Damaging Exercise

by Marcos Martin-Rincon, Miriam Gelabert-Rebato, Victor Galvan-Alvarez, Angel Gallego-Selles, Miriam Martinez-Canton, Laura Lopez-Rios, Julia C. Wiebe, Saul Martin-Rodriguez, Rafael Arteaga-Ortiz, Cecilia Dorado, Sergio Perez-Regalado, Alfredo Santana, David Morales-Alamo and Jose A L Calbet

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030614 - 26 Feb 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7349

Abstract

Prolonged or unusual exercise may cause exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). To test whether Zynamite^®, a mango leaf extract rich in the natural polyphenol mangiferin, administered in combination with quercetin facilitates recovery after EIMD, 24 women and 33 men were randomly assigned [...] Read more.

Prolonged or unusual exercise may cause exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). To test whether Zynamite^®, a mango leaf extract rich in the natural polyphenol mangiferin, administered in combination with quercetin facilitates recovery after EIMD, 24 women and 33 men were randomly assigned to two treatment groups matched by sex and 5 km running performance, and ran a 10 km race followed by 100 drop jumps to elicit EIMD. One hour before the competition, and every 8 h thereafter for 24 h, they ingested placebo (728 mg of maltodextrin) or 140 mg of Zynamite^® combined with 140 mg of quercetin (double-blind). Although competition times were similar, polyphenol supplementation attenuated the muscle pain felt after the competition (6.8 ± 1.5 and 5.7 ± 2.2 a.u., p = 0.035) and the loss of jumping performance (9.4 ± 11.5 and 3.9 ± 5.2%, p = 0.036; p = 0.034) and mechanical impulse (p = 0.038) 24 h later. The polyphenols attenuated the increase of serum myoglobin and alanine aminotransferase in men, but not in women (interaction p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single dose of 140 mg Zynamite^® combined with 140 mg of quercetin, administered one hour before competition, followed by three additional doses every eight hours, attenuates muscle pain and damage, and accelerates the recovery of muscle performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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16 pages, 533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Cardiac Stress During a Marathon Could be Associated with Dietary Intake During the Week Before the Race

by Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, Julio Calleja-González, Ignacio Refoyo, Patxi León-Guereño, Alfredo Cordova and Juan Del Coso

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020316 - 25 Jan 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7550

Abstract

Adequate food intake is important prior to endurance running competitions to facilitate adequate exercise intensity. However, no investigations have examined whether dietary intake could prevent exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and cardiac stress (EICS). Thus, this study’s objective was to determine the associations between [...] Read more.

Adequate food intake is important prior to endurance running competitions to facilitate adequate exercise intensity. However, no investigations have examined whether dietary intake could prevent exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and cardiac stress (EICS). Thus, this study’s objective was to determine the associations between EIMD, EICS and endurance athlete diets one week before a marathon race. Sixty-nine male runners participated in this study. Food intake during the week prior to the race was collected through a seven-day weighed food record. Dietary intake on race day was also recorded. At the end of the marathon, blood samples were drawn to determine serum creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin, and muscle–brain isoform creatine kinase (CK-MB), prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin I (TNI), and cardiac troponin T (TNT) concentration as markers of EIMD and EICS, respectively. To determine the association between these variables, a stepwise regression analysis was carried out. The dependent variable was defined as EIMD or EICS and the independent variables were defined as the number of servings within each different food group. Results showed that the intake of meat during the previous week was positively associated with post-race CK (Standardized Coefficients (β) = 0.643; p < 0.01) and myoglobin (β = 0.698; p < 0.001). Vegetables were negatively associated the concentration of post-race CK (β = −0.482; p = 0.002). Butter and fatty meat were positively associated with NT-proBNP (β = 0.796; p < 0.001) and TNI (β = 0.396; p < 0.001) post-marathon values. However, fish intake was negatively associated with CK (β = −0.272; p = 0.042), TNI (β = −0.593; p < 0.001) and TNT (β = −0.640; p = 0.002) post-marathon concentration. Olive oil was negatively associated with TNI (β = −0.536; p < 0.001) and TNT (β = −0.415; p = 0.021) values. In conclusion, the consumption of meat, butter, and fatty meat might be associated with higher levels of EIMD and EICS. On the other hand, fish, vegetables, and olive oil might have a protective role against EIMD and EICS. The selection of an adequate diet before a marathon might help to reduce some of the acute burdens associated with marathon races. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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14 pages, 477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes

by Julen Fernández-Landa, Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Julio Calleja-González, Alberto Caballero-García, Alfredo Córdova Martínez, Patxi León-Guereño and Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010193 - 10 Jan 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 22716

Abstract

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) are common ergogenic aids in the field of sports and are frequently used in an isolated way. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the effect of combining both supplements on different variables related [...] Read more.

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) are common ergogenic aids in the field of sports and are frequently used in an isolated way. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the effect of combining both supplements on different variables related to performance, with controversial results. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and the degree of potentiation of 10 weeks of CrM plus HMB supplementation on sports performance, which was measured by an incremental test to exhaustion in elite male traditional rowers. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 10-week study, participants (n = 28) were randomized to a placebo group (PLG; n = 7), CrM group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM; n = 7), HMB group (3 g/day of HMB; n = 7) and CrM-HMB group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM plus 3 g/day of HMB; n = 7). Before and after 10 weeks of different treatments, an incremental test was performed on a rowing ergometer to calculate the power that each rower obtained at the anaerobic threshold (WAT), and at 4 mmol (W4) and 8 mmol (W8) of blood lactate concentration. There were no significant differences in WAT and W4 among groups or in body composition. However, it was observed that the aerobic power achieved at W8 was significantly higher in the CrM-HMB group than in the PLG, CrM and HMB groups (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.766). Likewise, a synergistic effect of combined supplementation was found for the sum of the two supplements separately at WAT (CrM-HMBG = 403.19% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 337.52%), W4 (CrM-HMBG = 2736.17% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 1705.32%) and W8 (CrM-HMBG = 1293.4% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 877.56%). In summary, CrM plus HMB supplementation over 10 weeks showed a synergistic effect on aerobic power (measured as WAT, W4, and W8) during an incremental test but had no influence muscle mass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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Review

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20 pages, 4962 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Aitor Viribay, José Burgos, Julen Fernández-Landa, Jesús Seco-Calvo and Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051300 - 2 May 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 21749

Abstract

Nitric oxide related ergogenic aids such as arginine (Arg) have shown to impact positively on sport performance through several physiological and metabolic mechanisms. However, research results have shown to be controversial. The great differences regarding required metabolic pathways and physiological demands between aerobic [...] Read more.

Nitric oxide related ergogenic aids such as arginine (Arg) have shown to impact positively on sport performance through several physiological and metabolic mechanisms. However, research results have shown to be controversial. The great differences regarding required metabolic pathways and physiological demands between aerobic and anaerobic sport disciplines could be the reasons. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Arg supplementation on aerobic (≤VO₂max) and anaerobic (>VO₂max) performance. Likewise, to show the effective dose and timing of this supplementation. A structured search was carried out in accordance with PRISMA^® (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and PICOS guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases from inception to January 2020. Eighteen studies were included which compare Arg supplementation with placebo in an identical situation and testing its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance tests. Trials analyzing supplementation with other supplements were removed and there was not athlete’s level, gender, ethnicity, or age filters. The performed meta-analysis included 15 studies and random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) were used according to Hedges’ g. Results revealed that Arg supplementation could improve aerobic (SMD, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.56; magnitude of SMD (MSMD), large; I2, 89%; p = 0.02) and anaerobic (SMD, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.43; MSMD, small; I2, 0%; p = 0.01) performance tests. In conclusion, acute Arg supplementation protocols to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance should be adjusted to 0.15 g/kg of body weight ingested between 60–90 min before. Moreover, chronic Arg supplementation should include 1.5–2 g/day for 4–7 weeks in order to improve aerobic performance, and 10–12 g/day for 8 weeks to enhance anaerobic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Muscle Recovery)

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