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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2018) | Viewed by 144350

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Prof. Dr. Antonio Paoli

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Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: resistance training; metabolism; fat loss; skeletal muscle physiology; fitness; muscle hypertrophy; fasting; ketogenic diet; time-restricted eating; ketones; lloe carbohydrate diet
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Dear Colleagues,

Sport nutrition is a quickly-evolving and broad research field: From hydration to meal timing, and from protein needs to recovery strategies. Athletes and coaches need science-based answers to their main question: “How can I improve my performance through nutrition?” Unfortunately social media often suggests unproven and non-science-based nutrition protocols and supplements.

The design of successful strategies to preserve health and long-term performance requires a clear understanding of the contextual influences of training and nutrition in athletes, and of the complexity of training periodization. Indeed, diet and supplementation support should be periodized, taking into account the needs of daily training sessions and the specificity of each sport and performance model. Moreover, nutrient timing, quantity, and quality, and the real effectiveness of the numerous supplements available on the market are issues that are worthy to be investigated further. In addition, the usefulness of different nutritional approaches in sport (paleodiet, ketogenic diet, fasting protocols) deserves a deeper discussion.

This Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled " Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition", welcomes the submission of manuscripts describing with either original research or systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

Protein needs in athletes
Carbohydrates for athletes
Fats for athletes
Nutrients timing for performance and recovery
Hydration for athletes
Natural products and sport
Sport Nutrition and health
Weight loss and dietary strategies in sport
Supplements for strength and muscle hypertrophy
Supplements for endurance athletes

Prof. Dr. Antonio Paoli
Guest Editor

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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

Sport Nutrition
Protein
Supplements
Hydration
Performance
Herbal supplements

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition

by Antonio Paoli

Nutrients 2019, 11(3), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030538 - 02 Mar 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6440

Abstract

This monograph “Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition” collects 12 papers from several countries, from Australia to Thailand, of which 10 are original researches and two are reviews [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition)

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14 pages, 3294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Dietary Pattern during Intensified Training on Stool Microbiota of Elite Race Walkers

by Nida Murtaza, Louise M. Burke, Nicole Vlahovich, Bronwen Charlesson, Hayley O’ Neill, Megan L. Ross, Katrina L. Campbell, Lutz Krause and Mark Morrison

Nutrients 2019, 11(2), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020261 - 24 Jan 2019

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 9121

Abstract

We investigated extreme changes in diet patterns on the gut microbiota of elite race walkers undertaking intensified training and its possible links with athlete performance. Numerous studies with sedentary subjects have shown that diet and/or exercise can exert strong selective pressures on the gut microbiota. Similar studies with elite athletes are relatively scant, despite the recognition that diet is an important contributor to sports performance. In this study, stool samples were collected from the cohort at the beginning (baseline; BL) and end (post-treatment; PT) of a three-week intensified training program during which athletes were assigned to a High Carbohydrate (HCHO), Periodised Carbohydrate (PCHO) or ketogenic Low Carbohydrate High Fat (LCHF) diet (post treatment). Microbial community profiles were determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The microbiota profiles at BL could be separated into distinct “enterotypes,” with either a Prevotella or Bacteroides dominated enterotype. While enterotypes were relatively stable and remained evident post treatment, the LCHF diet resulted in a greater relative abundance of Bacteroides and Dorea and a reduction of Faecalibacterium. Significant negative correlations were observed between Bacteroides and fat oxidation and between Dorea and economy test following LCHF intervention. Full article

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13 pages, 1154 KiB

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The Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

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

Nutrients 2019, 11(1), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010205 - 21 Jan 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 13813

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that quercetin (Q) may prevent the strength loss and neuromuscular impairment associated with eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EEIMD). Twelve young men (26.1 ± 3.1 years) ingested either Q (1000 mg/day) or placebo (PLA) for 14 days using a randomized, double-blind, crossover study design. Participants completed a comprehensive neuromuscular (NM) evaluation before, during and after an eccentric protocol able to induce a severe muscle damage (10 sets of 10 maximal lengthening contractions). The NM evaluation comprised maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and force–velocity relationship assessments with simultaneous recording of electromyographic signals (EMG) from the elbow flexor muscles. Soreness, resting arm angle, arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also assessed. Q supplementation significantly increased the isometric strength recorded during MVIC compared to baseline (+4.7%, p < 0.05). Moreover, the torque and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) decay recorded during the eccentric exercise was significant lower in Q compared to PLA. Immediately after the EEIMD, isometric strength, the force–velocity relationship and MFCV were significantly lower when participants were given PLA rather than Q. Fourteen days of Q supplementation seems able to attenuate the severity of muscle weakness caused by eccentric-induced myofibrillar disruption and sarcolemmal action potential propagation impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition)

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13 pages, 3743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of High vs. Low Glycemic Index of Post-Exercise Meals on Sleep and Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Counterbalanced Polysomnographic Study

by Angelos Vlahoyiannis, George Aphamis, Eleni Andreou, George Samoutis, Giorgos K. Sakkas and Christoforos D. Giannaki

Nutrients 2018, 10(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111795 - 18 Nov 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 18551

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of the glycemic index of post-exercise meals on sleep quality and quantity, and assess whether those changes could affect the next day’s exercise performance. Following a baseline/familiarization phase, 10 recreationally trained male volunteers (23.2 ± 1.8 years) underwent two double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover trials. In both trials, participants performed sprint interval training (SIT) in the evening. Post-exercise, participants consumed a meal with a high (HGI) or low (LGI) glycemic index. Sleep parameters were assessed by a full night polysomnography (PSG). The following morning, exercise performance was evaluated by the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a visual reaction time (VRT) test and a 5-km cycling time trial (TT). Total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency were greater in the HGI trial compared to the LGI trial (p < 0.05), while sleep onset latency was shortened by four-fold (p < 0.05) and VRT decreased by 8.9% (p < 0.05) in the HGI trial compared to the LGI trial. The performance in both 5-km TT and CMJ did not differ between trials. A moderate to strong correlation was found between the difference in TST and the VRT between the two trials (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this is the first study to show that a high glycemic index meal, following a single spring interval training session, can improve both sleep duration and sleep efficiency, while reducing in parallel sleep onset latency. Those improvements in sleep did not affect jumping ability and aerobic endurance performance. In contrast, the visual reaction time performance increased proportionally to sleep improvements. Full article

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11 pages, 627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Physiological Responses at Rest and during Brisk Walking in Southeast Asian Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

by Mark Elisabeth Theodorus Willems, Nisakorn Parktin, Waree Widjaja and Amornpan Ajjimaporn

Nutrients 2018, 10(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111732 - 12 Nov 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4799

Abstract

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract affects cardiovascular and metabolic responses during rest and exercise in Caucasian men. Ethnicity and nutritional habits may affect responses to nutritional ergogenic aids. We examined the effects of NZBC extract on cardiovascular, metabolic, and physiological responses during seated rest and moderate-intensity exercise in Southeast Asian men. Seventeen healthy Thai men (age: 22 ± 3 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.8 ± 1.1 kg·m⁻²) participated. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured (Oxycon™ mobile, Germany), and an incremental walking protocol was completed to establish the relationship between walking speed and MET. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, cardiovascular (Physioflow, n = 12) and physiological responses (Oxycon, n = 17) were measured during both seated rest and a 30-min treadmill walk at five metabolic equivalent (5-MET), with either a seven-day intake of placebo (PL) or two capsules of NZBC extract (each 300 mg capsule contains 35% blackcurrant extract) with a 14-day washout. Paired t-tests were used with significance accepted at p < 0.05 and a trend for 0.05 > p ≤ 0.10. During 30 min of treadmill walking at 5-MET, no differences were observed for heart rate and substrate oxidation. With intake of NZBC during treadmill walking, there was a trend for increased stroke volume by 12% (PL: 83.2 ± 25.1; NZBC: 93.0 ± 24.3 mL; p = 0.072) and cardiac output increased by 12% (PL: 9.2 ± 2.6; NZBC: 10.3 ± 2.8 L·min⁻¹; p = 0.057). Systemic vascular resistance decreased by 10% (PL: 779 ± 267; NZBC: 697 ± 245 dyn·s·cm⁻⁵; p = 0.048). NZBC extract had no effect on metabolic, physiological, and cardiovascular parameters during seated rest and exercise-induced fat oxidation in Thai men, in contrast to observations in Caucasian men. During treadmill walking, Thai men showed cardiovascular response, indicating vasodilatory effects during moderate-intensity exercise with the intake of NZBC extract. Our findings suggest that the ergogenic responses to anthocyanin intake from New Zealand blackcurrant may be ethnicity-dependent. Full article

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12 pages, 1653 KiB

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Chronic Ingestion of Sodium and Potassium Bicarbonate, with Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium Citrate Improves Anaerobic Performance in Elite Soccer Players

by Jakub Chycki, Artur Golas, Mateusz Halz, Adam Maszczyk, Michal Toborek and Adam Zajac

Nutrients 2018, 10(11), 1610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111610 - 01 Nov 2018

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 9288

Abstract

Anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity significantly influence performance in many sport disciplines. These include prolonged sprints in athletics, swimming, or cycling, and other high intensity intermittent sports, such as soccer or basketball. Considering the association of exercise-induced acidosis and fatigue, the ingestion of potential buffering agents such as sodium bicarbonate, has been suggested to attenuate metabolic acidosis and improve anaerobic performance. Since elite soccer players cover from 200 to 350 m while sprinting, performing 40–60 all out sprints during a game, it seems that repeated sprint ability in soccer players is among the key components of success. In our experiment, we evaluated the effectiveness of chronic supplementation with sodium and potassium bicarbonate, fortified with minerals, on speed and speed endurance in elite soccer players. Twenty-six soccer players participated in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was supplemented with sodium bi-carbonate and potassium di-carbonate fortified with minerals, while the control group received a placebo. The athletes were tested at baseline and after nine days of supplementation. Anaerobic performance was evaluated by the Repeated Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) protocol which involved 6 × 30 m max sprints, separated by 10 s of active recovery. Resting, post ingestion and post exercise concentrations of HCO₃⁻ and blood pH were measured as well as lactate concentration. The current investigation demonstrated a significant increase in RAST performance of elite soccer players supplemented with sodium and potassium bicarbonate along with calcium phosphate, potassium citrate, and magnesium citrate ingested twice a day over a nine-day training period. The improvements in anaerobic performance were caused by increased resting blood pH and bicarbonate levels. Full article

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16 pages, 1138 KiB

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The Effect of a New Sodium Bicarbonate Loading Regimen on Anaerobic Capacity and Wrestling Performance

by Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski, Emilia Ewa Zawieja, Tomasz Podgórski, Bogna Ewa Zawieja, Patrycja Michałowska, Igor Łoniewski and Jan Jeszka

Nutrients 2018, 10(6), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060697 - 30 May 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8899

Abstract

Gastrointestinal side effects are the main problem with sodium bicarbonate (SB) use in sports. Therefore, our study assessed the effect of a new SB loading regimen on anaerobic capacity and wrestling performance. Fifty-eight wrestlers were randomized to either a progressive-dose regimen of up to 100 mg∙kg⁻¹ of SB or a placebo for 10 days. Before and after treatment, athletes completed an exercise protocol that comprised, in sequence, the first Wingate, dummy throw, and second Wingate tests. Blood samples were taken pre- and post-exercise. No gastrointestinal side effects were reported during the study. After SB treatment, there were no significant improvements in the outcomes of the Wingate and dummy throw tests. The only index that significantly improved with SB, compared to the placebo (p = 0.0142), was the time-to-peak power in the second Wingate test, which decreased from 3.44 ± 1.98 to 2.35 ± 1.17 s. There were also no differences in blood lactate or glucose concentrations. In conclusion, although the new loading regimen eliminated gastrointestinal symptoms, the doses could have been too small to elicit additional improvements in anaerobic power and wrestling performance. However, shortening the time-to-peak power during fatigue may be particularly valuable and is one of the variables contributing to the final success of a combat sports athlete. Full article

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9 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Caffeinated Coffee Consumption Does not Improve Time Trial Performance in an 800-m Run: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Alexandre C. Marques, Alison A. Jesus, Bruna M. Giglio, Ana C. Marini, Patrícia C. B. Lobo, João F. Mota and Gustavo D. Pimentel

Nutrients 2018, 10(6), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060657 - 23 May 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7163

Abstract

Introduction: Studies evaluating caffeinated coffee (CAF) can reveal ergogenic effects; however, studies on the effects of caffeinated coffee on running are scarce and controversial. Aim: To investigate the effects of CAF consumption compared to decaffeinated coffee (DEC) consumption on time trial performances in an 800-m run in overnight-fasting runners. Methods: A randomly counterbalanced, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 12 healthy adult males with experience in amateur endurance running. Participants conducted two trials on two different occasions, one day with either CAF or DEC, with a one-week washout. After arriving at the data collection site, participants consumed the soluble CAF (5.5 mg/kg of caffeine) or DEC and after 60 min the run was started. Before and after the 800-m race, blood pressure and lactate and glucose concentrations were measured. At the end of the run, the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was applied. Results: The runners were light consumers of habitual caffeine, with an average ingestion of 91.3 mg (range 6–420 mg/day). Time trial performances did not change between trials (DEF: 2.38 + 0.10 vs. CAF: 2.39 + 0.09 min, p = 0.336), nor did the RPE (DEC: 16.5 + 2.68 vs. CAF: 17.0 + 2.66, p = 0.326). No difference between the trials was observed for glucose and lactate concentrations, or for systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Conclusion: CAF consumption failed to enhance the time trial performance of an 800-m run in overnight-fasting runners, when compared with DEC ingestion. In addition, no change was found in RPE, blood pressure levels, or blood glucose and lactate concentrations between the two trials. Full article

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12 pages, 853 KiB

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Energy Deficit Required for Rapid Weight Loss in Elite Collegiate Wrestlers

by Emi Kondo, Hiroyuki Sagayama, Yosuke Yamada, Keisuke Shiose, Takuya Osawa, Keiko Motonaga, Shiori Ouchi, Akiko Kamei, Kohei Nakajima, Yasuki Higaki, Hiroaki Tanaka, Hideyuki Takahashi and Koji Okamura

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050536 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8846

Abstract

To determine energy density for rapid weight loss (RWL) of weight-classified sports, eight male elite wrestlers were instructed to lose 6% of body mass (BM) within 53 h. Energy deficit during the RWL was calculated by subtracting total energy expenditure (TEE) determined using the doubly labeled water method (DLW) from energy intake (EI) assessed with diet records. It was also estimated from body composition change estimated with the four-component model (4C) and other conventional methods. BM decreased significantly by 4.7 ± 0.5 kg (6.4 ± 0.5%). Total body water loss was the major component of the BM loss (71.0 ± 7.6%). TEE was 9446 ± 1422 kcal, and EI was 2366 ± 1184 kcal during the RWL of 53-h; therefore, the energy deficit was 7080 ± 1525 kcal. Thus, energy density was 1507 ± 279 kcal/kg ∆BM during the RWL, comparable with values obtained using the 4C, three-component model, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and stable isotope dilution. Energy density for RWL of wrestlers is lower than that commonly used (7400 or 7700 kcal/kg ΔBM). Although RWL is not recommended, we propose that commonly practiced extreme energy restriction such as 7400 or 7700 kcal/kg ΔBM during RWL appears to be meaningless. Full article

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11 pages, 1204 KiB

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Effects of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Ingestion on Postprandial Aminoacidemia Compared with a Free Amino Acid Mixture in Young Men

by Kyosuke Nakayama, Chiaki Sanbongi and Shuji Ikegami

Nutrients 2018, 10(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040507 - 19 Apr 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 9024

Abstract

To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, it is important to increase the plasma levels of essential amino acids (EAA), especially leucine, by ingesting proteins. Protein hydrolysate ingestion can induce postprandial hyperaminoacidemia; however, it is unclear whether protein hydrolysate is associated with higher levels of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. We assessed the effects of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) ingestion on postprandial aminoacidemia, especially plasma leucine levels, compared to ingestion of a free amino acid mixture. This study was an open-label, randomized, 4 × 4 Latin square design. After 12–15 h of fasting, 11 healthy young men ingested the WPH (3.3, 5.0, or 7.5 g of protein) or the EAA mixture (2.5 g). Blood samples were collected before ingestion and at time points from 10 to 120 min after ingestion, and amino acids, insulin, glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in plasma were measured. Even though the EAA mixture and 5.0 g of the WPH contained similar amounts of EAA and leucine, the WPH was associated with significantly higher plasma EAA and leucine levels. These results suggest that the WPH can induce a higher level of aminoacidemia compared with a free amino acid mixture when both are ingested orally. Full article

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13 pages, 808 KiB

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Effects of Low Versus Moderate Glycemic Index Diets on Aerobic Capacity in Endurance Runners: Three-Week Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

by Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski, Emilia E. Zawieja, Bogna E. Zawieja, Dominika Jurkowska, Maciej S. Buchowski and Jan Jeszka

Nutrients 2018, 10(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10030370 - 17 Mar 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10499

Abstract

The glycemic index (GI) of ingested carbohydrates may influence substrate oxidation during exercise and athletic performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of low- and moderate-GI three-week diets on aerobic capacity and endurance performance in runners. We conducted a randomized crossover feeding study of matched diets differing only in GI (low vs. moderate) in 21 endurance-trained runners. Each participant consumed both, low- (LGI) and moderate-GI (MGI) high-carbohydrate (~60%) and nutrient-balanced diets for three weeks each. At the beginning and end of each diet, participants had their aerobic capacity and body composition measured and performed a 12-min running test. After LGI, time to exhaustion during incremental cycling test (ICT) and distance covered in the 12-min run were significantly increased. The MGI diet led to an increase in maximal oxygen uptake (

\dot{V}

O₂max), but no performance benefits were found after the MGI diet. The LGI and MGI diets improved time and workload at gas exchange threshold (GET) during ICT. The results indicate that a three-week high-carbohydrate LGI diet resulted in a small but significant improvement in athletic performance in endurance runners. Observed increase in

\dot{V}

O₂max on MGI diet did not affect performance. Full article

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Review

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21 pages, 318 KiB

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Role of Functional Beverages on Sport Performance and Recovery

by Stefania Orrù, Esther Imperlini, Ersilia Nigro, Andreina Alfieri, Armando Cevenini, Rita Polito, Aurora Daniele, Pasqualina Buono and Annamaria Mancini

Nutrients 2018, 10(10), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101470 - 10 Oct 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 16686

Abstract

Functional beverages represent a palatable and efficient way to hydrate and reintegrate electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients employed and/or lost during physical training and/or competitions. Bodily hydration during sporting activity is one of the best indicators of health in athletes and can be a limiting factor for sport performance. Indeed, dehydration strongly decreases athletic performance until it is a risk to health. As for other nutrients, each of them is reported to support athletes’ needs both during the physical activity and/or in the post-workout. In this study, we review the current knowledge of macronutrient-enriched functional beverages in sport taking into account the athletes’ health, sports performance, and recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport and Performance Nutrition)

13 pages, 361 KiB

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Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaneoic Acid (DHA) in Muscle Damage and Function

by Eisuke Ochi and Yosuke Tsuchiya

Nutrients 2018, 10(5), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050552 - 29 Apr 2018

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 19666

Abstract

Nutritional supplementation not only helps in improving and maintaining performance in sports and exercise, but also contributes in reducing exercise fatigue and in recovery from exhaustion. Fish oil contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3). It is widely known that omega-3 fatty acids are effective for improving cardiac function, depression, cognitive function, and blood as well as lowering blood pressure. In the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and exercise performance, previous studies have been predicted improved endurance performance, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, and effectivity against delayed-onset muscle soreness. However, the optimal dose, duration, and timing remain unclear. This review focuses on the effects of omega-3 fatty acid on muscle damage and function as evaluated by human and animal studies and summarizes its effects on muscle and nerve damage, and muscle mass and strength. Full article

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