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Muscle Recovery and Nutrition

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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 (7 December 2021) | Viewed by 64903

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Prof. Dr. Alfredo Córdova

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Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, GIR Physical Exercise and Aging, University of Valladolid, Campus Duques de Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
Interests: sport medicine; athletes; sports nutrition; nutrition knowledge; trainers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Alberto Caballero

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Faculty of Health Sciences, GIR Physical Exercise and Aging, University of Valladolid, Campus Duques de Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
Interests: muscle damage; performance; personal diets; sport disciplines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Recovery strategies, both in normal people and in athletes, must be aimed at the main causes of fatigue. Any physical activity involves an increase in metabolism and the functionality of the functional systems of our body. In this sense, numerous nutritional resources have been described to promote muscle anabolism. There are many studies on proteins, amino acids, immediate principles and metabolic regulators (vitamins and minerals) that have demonstrated their importance and effectiveness in muscle recovery. But, it is key to take into account the guidelines, including quantity, time and nutritional composition required at all times to maximize their effectiveness. Therefore, having a good quality of life means following adequate nutrition and regular physical activity. This combination also reduces the risk of many disease (mainly cardiovascular and metabolic) while increasing our levels of physical performance. These aspects are also very important in the aged people and the sarcopenia syndrome. Therefore, and focusing the subject more in the field of physical activity, whether professional or recreational, the influence of nutrition on the health, performance and recovery of the subject is undoubted. Consequently, nutritional strategies, hydration, or diet or a well programmed and regulated physical activity can be effective in the systemic capacity to counteract the mechanisms and effects of fatigue, and improve the physical condition and the quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Alfredo Córdova
Prof. Dr. Alberto Caballero
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Exercise
Physical activity
nutrition
recovery
sport
skeletal muscle
performance
dietary supplements

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Muscle Recovery and Nutrition

by Alberto Caballero-García and Alfredo Córdova-Martínez

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122416 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4843

Abstract

Recovery strategies, both in the general population and in athletes, must be aimed at the main causes of fatigue [...] Full article

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

Research

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16 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Krill-Oil-Dependent Increases in HS-Omega-3 Index, Plasma Choline and Antioxidant Capacity in Well-Conditioned Power Training Athletes

by Franchek Drobnic, Andreas B. Storsve, Lena Burri, Yunpeng Ding, Montserrat Banquells, Joan Riera, Per Björk, Ventura Ferrer-Roca and Joan Carles Domingo

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124237 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4903

Abstract

There is evidence that both omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and choline can influence sports performance, but information establishing their combined effects when given in the form of krill oil during power training protocols is missing. The purpose of this study was therefore to characterize n-3 PUFA and choline profiles after a one-hour period of high-intensity physical workout after 12 weeks of supplementation. Thirty-five healthy power training athletes received either 2.5 g/day of Neptune krill oil^TM (550 mg EPA/DHA and 150 mg choline) or olive oil (placebo) in a randomized double-blind design. After 12 weeks, only the krill oil group showed a significant HS-Omega-3 Index increase from 4.82 to 6.77% and a reduction in the ARA/EPA ratio (from 50.72 to 13.61%) (p < 0.001). The krill oil group showed significantly higher recovery of choline concentrations relative to the placebo group from the end of the first to the beginning of the second exercise test (p = 0.04) and an 8% decrease in total antioxidant capacity post-exercise versus 21% in the placebo group (p = 0.35). In conclusion, krill oil can be used as a nutritional strategy for increasing the HS-Omega-3 Index, recover choline concentrations and address oxidative stress after intense power trainings. Full article

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

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13 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia

by Alberto Caballero-García, Jorge Pascual-Fernández, David César Noriega-González, Hugo J. Bello, Antoni Pons-Biescas, Enrique Roche and Alfredo Córdova-Martínez

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3133; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093133 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6926

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a process associated to aging. Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle favour muscle wasting and decreased ability to perform physical activity. Controlled exercise can optimize blood flux and moderate the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, supplements that can work as a vasodilators and control oxidative stress, might be beneficial for active elders. In this context, we have tested citrulline supplementation in a group of 44 participants aged from 60–73 years that followed a physical activity program adapted to their age and capacities. Volunteers were divided in two groups: placebo (n = 22) and citrullline supplemented (n = 22). Different physical tests and blood extractions were performed at the beginning and at the end of intervention (six weeks). Strength and endurance showed a tendency to increase in the citrulline supplemented group, with no significant differences respect to placebo. However, walking speed in the citrulline supplemented group improved significantly compared to placebo. Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo. Additional studies are necessary to confirm the effect of citrulline supplementation in sarcopenia delay. Full article

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

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13 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Crocodile Blood Supplementation on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

by Chirawat Paratthakonkun, Vipu Vimuttipong, Alisa Nana, Kornkit Chaijenkij, Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri and Dumrongkiet Arthan

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072312 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10765

Abstract

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is associated with increases in acute inflammatory and biochemical markers, muscle swelling, pain, and reduced functional performance. This study aimed to investigate the preventative effects of crocodile blood supplementation on DOMS induced by eccentric exercise. Sixteen healthy males were randomly allocated to either a crocodile blood (CB, n = 8) or a placebo (PL, n = 8) treatment. Participants receiving the CB treatment consumed four capsules of freeze–dried CB powder (1 g day⁻¹) over 18 days. Participants receiving the other treatment were administered a placebo over the same period. An eccentric exercise protocol was performed, and functional performance, visual analogue scale (VAS)-measured pain, knee range of movement (ROM), thigh circumference (swelling), and cytokines, enzymes, and biochemical parameters were assessed immediately after exercise as well as after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. CB supplementation could significantly maintain maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) at 24 h (p = 0.001) and 48 h after exercise (p = 0.001) when comparing values at different times for the CB group. In the CB group, thigh circumference decreased only immediately after eccentric exercise (p = 0.031) in comparison with pre-eccentric exercise values. An 18-day supplementation (1 g day⁻¹) of crocodile blood does aid in the maintenance of functional performance and muscle swelling after eccentric exercise. Our data indicate that 1 g day⁻¹ of crocodile blood supplementation should be safe for human consumption. Full article

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

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15 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Casein and Whey Protein in the Breast Milk Ratio: Could It Promote Protein Metabolism Enhancement in Physically Active Adults?

by Bryan S. Martinez Galan, Flavia Giolo De Carvalho, Simone C. S. Carvalho, Camila F. Cunha Brandao, Sara I. Morhy Terrazas, Gabriela Ferreira Abud, Monica S. S. Meirelles, Simone Sakagute, Gabriela Ueta Ortiz, Julio S. Marchini, Juan C. Aristizabal and Ellen Cristini de Freitas

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072153 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4565

Abstract

Due to the utilization of milk proteins such as whey protein (WP) and casein as sports nutrition ergogenic aids, the present study investigated the effects of the association of WP and casein in a ratio of 80:20, a similar ratio of human breast milk, on blood branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) profiles, markers of protein metabolism and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), after a single bout of resistance exercise. A double-blind, crossover and acute study was carried out with ten men (age 29 ± 8 years; BMI: 25.4 ± 2.9 kg/m²; 77 ± 12 kg; 1.74 ± 0.09 m); each one consumed the following supplements randomly, one per session: WP, CAS (casein), WP/CAS (80% WP/20% CAS), CAS/WP (80% CAS/20% WP) and PLA (placebo). They were also subjected to the following evaluations: the one repetition maximum (1RM) test; resistance training session; blood extraction during each session to determine the BCAA profile; two food records; 3-day evaluation of DOMS (24 h, 48 h and 72 h) and nitrogen balance in each treatment. The intervention resulted in similar nitrogen urinary, creatinine and urea plasma levels and showed a positive nitrogen balance in all the trials. Regarding the BCAAs, the peak occurred at 60 min post-ingestion and remained higher until 120 min for WP, WP/CAS and CAS/WP. The DOMS was significantly lower for WP, WP/CAS and CAS/WP compared to the CAS and PLA treatments. There were no advantages in the association of WP and CAS in the BCAAs profile when compared to WP itself, but it induced a lower DOMS compared to CAS and PLA (Clinical Trial registration number: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04648384). Full article

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

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9 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Muscular Damage Biomarkers in Professional Basketball Players

by Alfredo Córdova-Martínez, Alberto Caballero-García, Hugo J Bello, Daniel Pérez-Valdecantos and Enrique Roche

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062073 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8808

Abstract

Scientific evidence supports the role of L-glutamine in improving immune function. This could suggest a possible role of L-glutamine in recovery after intense exercise. To this end, the present report aimed to study if oral L-glutamine supplementation could attenuate muscle damage in a group of players of a mainly eccentric sport discipline such as basketball. Participants (n = 12) were supplemented with 6 g/day of glutamine (G group) or placebo (P group) for 40 days in a crossover study design (20 days with glutamine + 20 days with placebo and vice versa). Blood samples were obtained at the beginning and at the end of each period and markers from exercise-induced muscle damage were determined. The glutamine supplemented group displayed significantly low values of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase and myoglobin in blood, suggesting less muscle damage compared to the placebo. In addition, adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were lower in the glutamine supplemented group than in the placebo. As a result, the circulating cortisol levels did not increase at the end of the study in the glutamine supplemented group. Altogether, the results indicate that glutamine could help attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage in sport disciplines with predominantly eccentric actions. Full article

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

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13 pages, 15868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation as an Approach for Reducing Ultramarathon-Induced Inflammation: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

by Jan Mieszkowski, Andżelika Borkowska, Błażej Stankiewicz, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Bartłomiej Niespodziński, Marcin Surmiak, Tomasz Waldziński, Rafał Rola, Miroslav Petr and Jędrzej Antosiewicz

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041280 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3574

Abstract

Purpose: A growing number of studies indicate the importance of vitamin D supplementation for sports performance. However, the effects of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on ultramarathon-induced inflammation have not been investigated. We here analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the inflammatory marker levels in ultramarathon runners after an ultramarathon run (maximal run 240 km). Methods: In the study, 35 runners (amateurs) were assigned into two groups: single high-dose vitamin D supplementation group, administered vitamin D (150,000 IU) in vegetable oil 24 h before the start of the run (n = 16); and placebo group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly increased after the ultramarathon in both groups. The increase was greater in the vitamin D group than in the control group. Based on post-hoc and other analyses, the increase in interleukin 6 and 10, and resistin levels immediately after the run was significantly higher in runners in the control group than that in those in the supplementation group. Leptin, oncostatin M, and metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor levels were significantly decreased in both groups after the run, regardless of the supplementation. Conclusions: Ultramarathon significantly increases the serum 25(OH)D levels. Attenuation of changes in interleukin levels upon vitamin D supplementation confirmed that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effect on exercise-induced inflammation. Full article

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

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Review

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28 pages, 1053 KiB

Open AccessReview

Coenzyme Q₁₀ Supplementation and Its Impact on Exercise and Sport Performance in Humans: A Recovery or a Performance-Enhancing Molecule?

by Franchek Drobnic, Mª Antonia Lizarraga, Alberto Caballero-García and Alfredo Cordova

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091811 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7311

Abstract

Evidence exists to suggest that ROS induce muscular injury with a subsequent decrease in physical performance. Supplementation with certain antioxidants is important for physically active individuals to hasten recovery from fatigue and to prevent exercise damage. The use of nutritional supplements associated with exercise, with the aim of improving health, optimizing training or improving sports performance, is a scientific concern that not only drives many research projects but also generates great expectations in the field of their application in pathology. Since its discovery in the 1970s, coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) has been one of the most controversial molecules. The interest in determining its true value as a bioenergetic supplement in muscle contraction, antioxidant or in the inflammatory process as a muscle protector in relation to exercise has been studied at different population levels of age, level of physical fitness or sporting aptitude, using different methodologies of effort and with the contribution of data corresponding to very diverse variables. Overall, in the papers reviewed, although the data are inconclusive, they suggest that CoQ₁₀ supplementation may be an interesting molecule in health or disease in individuals without a pathological deficiency and when used for optimising exercise performance. Considering the results observed in the literature, and as a conclusion of this systematic review, we could say that it is an interesting molecule in sports performance. However, clear approaches should be considered when conducting future research. Full article

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

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13 pages, 11163 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of Vitamin D in Post-Exercise Muscle Recovery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Hugo J. Bello, Alberto Caballero-García, Daniel Pérez-Valdecantos, Enrique Roche, David C. Noriega and Alfredo Córdova-Martínez

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4013; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114013 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4039

Abstract

Vitamin D is a key micronutrient modulating function and health in skeletal muscle. Therefore, we sought to systematically review the role of vitamin D in muscle recovery. A search in different databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, WOS, Google Scholar, and Scopus) was carried out following PRISMA^® and PICOS. The search period was from inception to April 2020. Changes in post-exercise muscle damage were quantified comparing experimental group vs. placebo in each study by using number of participants, standardized mean difference (SMD), and standard error of the SMD. Hedges’s g was used to calculate the SMDs for each study group and biased by the inverse of variance that allows calculating an overall effect and the 95% confidence interval (CI). The net vitamin D supplementation effect was calculated by subtracting the placebo SMD from SMD of the experimental group. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used as a random effect model, taking into account that the effect of vitamin D on muscular damage may vary according to the dose administered and additional moderators. Six studies were selected. In conclusion, regarding circulating levels of muscle biomarkers and additional limitations of the studies, it cannot be concluded that vitamin D supplementation exerts an effect in post-exercise muscle recovery. Likely, the anti-inflammatory action of vitamin D is quicker than the recovery of tissue structure and function. This aspect is pending verification in future research. Full article

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

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11 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D, Its Role in Recovery after Muscular Damage Following Exercise

by Alberto Caballero-García, Alfredo Córdova-Martínez, Néstor Vicente-Salar, Enrique Roche and Daniel Pérez-Valdecantos

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072336 - 8 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7657

Abstract

Aside from its role in bone metabolism, vitamin D is a key immunomodulatory micronutrient. The active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)D) seems to modulate the innate immune system through different mechanisms. The vitamin is involved in the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, increasing the phagocytic and chemotactic functions of these cells. At the same time, vitamin D enables efferocytosis and prevents immunopathology. In addition, vitamin D is involved in other processes related to immune function, such as inflammation. Regarding muscle tissue, vitamin D plays an active role in muscle inflammatory response, protein synthesis, and regulation of skeletal muscle function. Two mechanisms have been proposed: A direct role of 1,25(OH)D binding to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in muscle cells and the modulation of calcium transport in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This second mechanism needs additional investigation. In conclusion, vitamin D seems to be effective in cases of deficiency and/or if there is a great muscular commitment, such as in high intensity exercises. Full article

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

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