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Nutrients
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Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery
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Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2023) | Viewed by 6885

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Brian K. McFarlin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
Interests: nutrition; natural products; conditioning; exercise immunology; exercise physiology; muscle recovery; chronic disease risk

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic exercise training programs require careful planning to maximize recovery following training sessions. As I am sure we can all agree, incomplete recovery can reduce the effectiveness of training, increase risk of injury, and, ultimately, negatively impact exercise performance. Nutritional considerations and resultant strategies are an important component of any comprehensive training plan. Nutritional strategies may include the consideration of macro/micronutrients, dietary supplementation, pre/post exercise nutrition, hydration, etc. Each of these strategies targets a slightly different aspect of exercise training, recovery, and/or performance. A variety of experimental designs and approaches are possible to test nutritional strategies for exercise recovery and performance. In this Special Issue, we are exploring novel approaches to validate the efficacy of nutritional strategies to maximize exercise recovery and, by extension, exercise performance. New measurement techniques, or new applications of existing techniques, are of particular interest.

Prof. Dr. Brian K. McFarlin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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.

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

  • sport nutrition
  • endurance performance
  • resistance performance
  • performance loss
  • muscle injury
  • recovery
  • opportunistic infection
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • dietary supplements
  • ergogenic aids

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3657 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Alginate Encapsulated Plant-Based Carbohydrate and Protein Supplementation on Recovery and Subsequent Performance in Athletes
by Lotte L. K. Nielsen, Max Norman Tandrup Lambert, Dorte Haubek, Nasser E. Bastani, Bjørn S. Skålhegg, Kristian Overgaard, Jørgen Jensen and Per Bendix Jeppesen
Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030413 - 31 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1234
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel alginate-encapsulated carbohydrate–protein (CHO–PRO ratio 2:1) supplement (ALG) on cycling performance. The ALG, designed to control the release of nutrients, was compared to an isocaloric carbohydrate-only control (CON). Alginate encapsulation [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel alginate-encapsulated carbohydrate–protein (CHO–PRO ratio 2:1) supplement (ALG) on cycling performance. The ALG, designed to control the release of nutrients, was compared to an isocaloric carbohydrate-only control (CON). Alginate encapsulation of CHOs has the potential to reduce the risk of carious lesions. Methods: In a randomised cross-over clinical trial, 14 men completed a preliminary test over 2 experimental days separated by ~6 days. An experimental day consisted of an exercise bout (EX1) of cycling until exhaustion at W~73%, followed by 5 h of recovery and a subsequent time-to-exhaustion (TTE) performance test at W~65%. Subjects ingested either ALG (0.8 g CHO/kg/hr + 0.4 g PRO/kg/hr) or CON (1.2 g CHO/kg/hr) during the first 2 h of recovery. Results: Participants cycled on average 75.2 ± 5.9 min during EX1. Levels of plasma branched-chain amino acids decreased significantly after EX1, and increased significantly with the intake of ALG during the recovery period. During recovery, a significantly higher plasma insulin and glucose response was observed after intake of CON compared to ALG. Intake of ALG increased plasma glucagon, free fatty acids, and glycerol significantly. No differences were found in the TTE between the supplements (p = 0.13) nor in the pH of the subjects’ saliva. Conclusions: During the ALG supplement, plasma amino acids remained elevated during the recovery. Despite the 1/3 less CHO intake with ALG compared to CON, the TTE performance was similar after intake of either supplement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery)
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17 pages, 943 KiB  
Article
Naturally Bicarbonated Water Supplementation Does Not Improve Anaerobic Cycling Performance or Blood Gas Parameters in Active Men and Women
by Anthony M. Hagele, Johnathan L. Boring, Jessica M. Moon, Kyle L. Sunderland, Petey W. Mumford and Chad M. Kerksick
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5052; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245052 - 9 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1204
Abstract
The completion of high-intensity exercise results in robust perturbations to physiologic homeostasis, challenging the body’s natural buffering systems to mitigate the accumulation of metabolic by-products. Supplementation with bicarbonate has previously been used to offset metabolic acidosis, leading to improvements in anaerobic exercise performance. [...] Read more.
The completion of high-intensity exercise results in robust perturbations to physiologic homeostasis, challenging the body’s natural buffering systems to mitigate the accumulation of metabolic by-products. Supplementation with bicarbonate has previously been used to offset metabolic acidosis, leading to improvements in anaerobic exercise performance. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of ergogenic properties in naturally occurring low-dose bicarbonated water and their effects on anaerobic cycling performance and blood gas kinetics in recreationally active men and women. Methods: Thirty-nine healthy, recreationally active men and women (28.1 ± 8.0 years, 169.8 ± 11.7 cm, 68.9 ± 10.8 kg, 20.1 ± 7.9% fat, V˙O2peak: 42.8 ± 7.6 mL/kg/min) completed two separate testing sessions consisting of 15 cycling sprints (10 s sprint, 20 s active rest) against 7.5% of their body mass. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study design, study participants consumed a 10 mL/kg dose of either spring water (SW) or bicarbonated mineral water (BMW) (delivering ~3 g/day of bicarbonate) for 7 days. Venous blood was collected before, immediately after, and 5 and 10 min after the sprint protocol and was analyzed for lactate and a series of blood gas components. After the completion of 15 cycling sprints, averages of peak and mean power for bouts 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15, along with total work for the entire cycling protocol, were calculated. All performance and blood gas parameters were analyzed using a mixed-factorial ANOVA. Results: pH was found to be significantly higher in the BMW group immediately after (7.17 ± 0.09 vs. 7.20 ± 0.11; p = 0.05) and 10 min post exercise (7.21 ± 0.11 vs. 7.24 ± 0.09; p = 0.04). A similar pattern of change was observed 5 min post exercise wherein pH levels in the SW group were lower than those observed in the BMW group; however, this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). A statistical trend (p = 0.06) was observed wherein lactate in the BMW group tended to be lower than in the SW group 5 min post exercise. No significant main effect for time (p > 0.05) or group × time interactions (p > 0.05) for the total work, average values of peak power, or average values of mean power were observed, indicating performance was unchanged. Conclusion: One week of consuming water with increased bicarbonate (10 mL/kg; ~3 g/day bicarbonate) showed no effect on anaerobic cycling performance. BMW decreased blood lactate concentrations 5 min after exercise and increased blood pH immediately and 10 min after exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery)
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23 pages, 4317 KiB  
Article
Chronic Thermogenic Dietary Supplement Consumption: Effects on Body Composition, Anthropometrics, and Metabolism
by Madelin R. Siedler, Christian Rodriguez, Sarah J. White, Ethan Tinoco, Brielle DeHaven, Alexandra Brojanac, Christian LaValle, Jaylynn Rasco, Lem W. Taylor and Grant M. Tinsley
Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4806; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224806 - 17 Nov 2023
Viewed by 2401
Abstract
Multi-ingredient thermogenic supplements can acutely increase resting energy expenditure (REE) and subjective energy. However, less is understood about the effects of chronic consumption on body composition, metabolism, and subjective variables such as mood, sleep quality, and eating behaviors. Fifty-two healthy, exercise-trained participants (50% [...] Read more.
Multi-ingredient thermogenic supplements can acutely increase resting energy expenditure (REE) and subjective energy. However, less is understood about the effects of chronic consumption on body composition, metabolism, and subjective variables such as mood, sleep quality, and eating behaviors. Fifty-two healthy, exercise-trained participants (50% female; mean ± SD age: 23.5 ± 3.0 years; body fat percentage: 27.3 ± 8.0%) were randomized 2:2:1 to take a whey protein supplement alone (PRO; n = 20), in combination with a thermogenic supplement (PRO + FB; n = 19), or no supplement at all (CON; n = 13) for four weeks. Body composition, anthropometric, metabolic, hemodynamic, and subjective outcomes were collected before and after the intervention. Greater changes in REE occurred in PRO + FB as compared to CON (111.2 kcal/d, 95% CI 2.4 to 219.9 kcal/d, p = 0.04), without significant differences between PRO and CON (42.7 kcal/d, 95% CI −65.0 to 150.3 kcal/d, p = 0.61) or between PRO + FB and PRO (68.5 kcal/d, 95% CI −28.3, 165.3, p = 0.21). No changes in hemodynamic outcomes (blood pressure and heart rate) were observed. In exercising adults, four weeks of supplementation with protein and a multi-ingredient thermogenic product maintained fasted REE as compared to no supplementation, for which a decrease in REE was observed, without differential effects on body composition, anthropometrics, or subjective variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery)
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18 pages, 3465 KiB  
Article
Eight Weeks of Bifidobacterium lactis BL-99 Supplementation Improves Lipid Metabolism and Sports Performance through Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Cross-Country Skiers: A Preliminary Study
by Tieying Li, Zihan Rui, Letian Mao, Yashan Chang, Jing Shao, Yue Chen, Qi Han, Xuemei Sui, Nan An, Haoqiu Li, Haotian Feng, Tao Jiang and Qirong Wang
Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4554; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214554 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1608
Abstract
(1) Background: Probiotics in the form of nutritional supplements are safe and potentially useful for strategic application among endurance athletes. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BL-99 (BL-99) was isolated from the intestines of healthy Chinese infants. We combined plasma-targeted metabolomics and fecal metagenomics to explore [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Probiotics in the form of nutritional supplements are safe and potentially useful for strategic application among endurance athletes. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BL-99 (BL-99) was isolated from the intestines of healthy Chinese infants. We combined plasma-targeted metabolomics and fecal metagenomics to explore the effect of 8 weeks of BL-99 supplementation on cross-country skiers’ metabolism and sports performance. (2) Methods: Sixteen national top-level male cross-country skiers were recruited and randomly divided into a placebo group (C) and a BL-99 group (E). The participants took the supplements four times/day (with each of three meals and at 21:00) consistently for 8 weeks. The experiment was conducted in a single-blind randomized fashion. The subject’s dietary intake and total daily energy consumption were recorded. Blood and stool samples were collected before and after the 8-week intervention, and body composition, muscle strength, blood biochemical parameters, plasma-targeted metabolomic data, and fecal metagenomic data were then analyzed. (3) Results: The following changes occurred after 8 weeks of BL-99 supplementation: (a) There was no significant difference in the average total daily energy consumption and body composition between the C and E groups. (b) The VO2max and 60°/s and 180°/s knee joint extensor strength significantly increased in both the C and E groups. By the eighth week, the VO2max and 60 s knee-joint extensor strength were significantly higher in the E group than in the C group. (c) The triglyceride levels significantly decreased in both the C and E groups. In addition, the LDL-C levels significantly decreased in the E group. (d) The abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis increased two-fold in the C group and forty-fold in the E group. (e) Plasma-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that, after eight weeks of BL-99 supplementation, the increases in DHA, adrenic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid and decreases in glycocholic acid and glycodeoxycholic acid in the E group were significantly higher than those in the C group. (f) Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between Bifidobacterium animalis’ abundance and SCFAs, PUFAs, and bile acids. (g) There was a significant correlation between the most significantly regulated metabolites and indicators related to sports performance and lipid metabolism. (4) Conclusions: Eight weeks of BL-99 supplementation combined with training may help to improve lipid metabolism and sports performance by increasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium, which can promote the generation of short-chain fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids, and inhibit the synthesis of bile acids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Exercise Performance and Recovery)
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