Search Results (869)

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in non-diet approaches to support health, well-being, and performance in different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intuitive eating (IE) intervention on participants’ body composition, body image, eating behaviors, and athletic performance. Methods: The study included both an intervention group and a control group. It was conducted between September and December 2021. Participants were recruited from a sports center in Istanbul, where they had applied for nutrition and exercise counseling. Inclusion criteria included being 18–65 years old, not having engaged in regular physical activity in the past month, having no chronic disease, and not using any regular medications. Participants were not randomly assigned to groups; allocation was based on availability and willingness to attend the intervention sessions. The study involved 57 participants who were healthy adults between 18 and 65 years old and followed a structured exercise program. At the beginning of the study, a demographic questionnaire was administered. The anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. In addition, validated performance and psychometric assessment tools were used, including the Cooper test for cardiovascular endurance, the Davies test for upper-body agility, and the 1-RM bench press for muscular strength, alongside standardized self-report questionnaires for eating attitudes (EAT-26), IE (IES-2), and body image (BCS). Results: The intervention group did not show any statistically significant changes in body composition (p > 0.05). The post-intervention means of the intervention and control groups were not statistically different (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, agility, and strength performance scores compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in body image scores (p < 0.05) and eating attitude scores (p < 0.05). The post-intervention eating attitude and body image scores of the intervention group were significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between intuitive eating and body image (r = 0.455; p < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation between IE and disordered eating attitudes (r = −0.449; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that longer-term interventions may be beneficial and warrant further investigation. IE may serve as a promising strategy to enhance psychological well-being and performance outcomes without focusing on weight control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanobubble water (NBW) is being studied increasingly for its potential benefits in sports nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate whether supplementation with ozone-enriched NBW (O₃-NBW) could improve integrated exercise capacity—encompassing endurance performance, muscle strength, and postexercise recovery as well as body composition and metabolic adaptations in mice. Methods: Male ICR mice (n = 24) were allocated into Control, Air-NBW, or O₃-NBW (0.2–1 mg/L ozone) groups for 4 weeks. Results: O₃-NBW treatment considerably enhanced forelimb grip strength and treadmill running endurance compared to the Control group (both p < 0.05). Analyses of body composition revealed a higher proportion of lean mass and muscle glycogen storage in NBW groups, notably with O₃-NBW. Serum markers gathered post-exercise demonstrated a reduction in ammonia and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), suggesting improved nitrogen metabolism. Levels of resting serum creatine kinase (CK) and uric acid were also lower in O₃-NBW mice, indicating potential benefits for muscle recovery. In addition, O₃-NBW treatment significantly enhanced oxygen consumption (VO₂) and reduced the respiratory quotient (RQ), signifying amplified fat oxidation, while also lowering total energy expenditure (all p < 0.05). Spontaneous wheel-running activity remained consistent across all the groups. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, these findings emphasize that O₃-NBW supplementation offers ergogenic and metabolic advantages by improving integrated exercise capacity and efficiency of gas exchange, without adverse effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: For runners competing abroad in sports events, the hours before a race are marked by heightened psychological tension, where even food choices can feel crucial to success. While pre-race nutrition is often addressed in terms of physiological needs, little is known about the inner psychological processes that accompany food decisions in unfamiliar cultural and environmental contexts. This study explores the inner dialogues, anxieties, and coping mechanisms of international runners facing the question of whether and what to eat before competition. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with twelve international participants (from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine) of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Participants possessed a minimum of two years’ experience competing in international events. Results: Three thematic areas were identified: (1) anticipatory anxiety and fear of making nutritional mistakes before the race, (2) internal negotiation between prior nutritional knowledge and situational trust, and (3) ritualization and individualized norms as fundamental mechanisms of psychological regulation. These themes influenced how runners experienced pre-race nutrition, shaping their emotional states, decision-making processes, and coping strategies in the context of international competition. Conclusions: Pre-race nutrition decisions are deeply embedded in emotional and cognitive landscapes shaped by stress, cultural context, and individual history. Recognizing these inner dynamics can help coaches, sports nutritionists, and event organizers better support the psychological well-being of traveling athletes. Full article

Adolescent athletes face unique nutritional challenges due to the simultaneous demands of growth, development, and athletic performance. This review synthesizes current evidence on energy and macronutrient requirements, hydration strategies, and key micronutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for supporting health and performance in youth sport. It explores the physiological risks associated with low energy availability (LEA), while emphasizing the importance of carbohydrate and protein timing, quality, and distribution. The review also evaluates the role of dietary supplements and ergogenic aids, including creatine and energy drinks, highlighting safety concerns and advocating for a food-first approach. Practical strategies for nutrition education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and individualized care are presented to guide healthcare professionals, coaches, and caregivers in fostering sustainable, performance-supportive eating habits. By aligning intake with training demands and developmental needs, adolescent athletes can optimize performance, recovery, and long-term well-being. Full article

Background: The use of sports supplements has increased significantly in athletic contexts, raising the need to evaluate their efficacy, safety, regulatory status, and communication practices. Objective: This study aimed to describe and synthesize the ergogenic and physiological effects of Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Category A performance supplements. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was conducted, collecting and analyzing information from systematic reviews and position statements related to performance supplements, including caffeine, creatine, β-alanine, nitrate/beetroot juice, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerol. Results: Caffeine and creatine are the only supplements with authorized health claims. However, β-alanine, nitrates, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerol show positive ergogenic effects supported by strong evidence, especially in endurance, strength, high-intensity, and aquatic sports. However, these substances lack regulatory approval, and only a small proportion of commercial products comply with current legislation. Conclusions: While performance supplements may enhance athletic performance when used alongside proper nutrition and scientific guidance, their effectiveness is not always consistent or assured. This review highlights the urgent need to update regulatory frameworks, harmonize labeling standards, and promote ethical marketing to safeguard consumers and support sports and nutrition professionals. Full article

Background: Rational dietary patterns and adequate nutritional status support athlete health and performance, while unhealthy habits may impair these outcomes. This study aimed to identify dietary patterns among Polish professional athletes using a food frequency questionnaire and assess their correlations with nutritional status indicators. Methods: Participants included 226 elite Polish athletes (aged 16–39 years; 87 women, 139 men) from various sports disciplines. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified through principal component factor analysis. Nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and selected blood biochemical markers. Spearman’s rho correlations were applied to explore associations between dietary patterns and nutritional status. Results: Eight dietary patterns were identified: ‘High-fat’, ‘Sweets and beverages’, ‘Potentially rational’, ‘Vegetables and fruits’, ‘Meat and flour’, ‘Low-fat’, ‘Dairy’, and ‘Juices’. Of the two patterns considered unhealthy, ‘High-fat’ was associated with anthropometric indices—positively with the slenderness index and negatively with body mass index, particularly among men. Positive correlations with favorable nutritional indicators were observed for the ‘Vegetables and fruits’ pattern (arm muscle circumference, BMI, serum uric acid, hydration status), ‘Low-fat’ (body fat percentage), ‘Dairy’ (serum creatinine), and ‘Juices’ (serum creatinine, total protein, chlorine, uric acid). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the identified dietary patterns are original and specific to Polish professional athletes. Determining the relationships between nutritional factors and anthropometric and biochemical indices may inform dietary modifications among athletes to ensure optimal nutritional status. Full article

The application of natural juices in sports nutrition is attracting growing interest due to their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic properties. Exercise, especially when prolonged or intense, increases oxidative stress and muscle damage, leading athletes to explore dietary strategies that support recovery and enhance performance. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of five widely studied juices—beetroot, pomegranate, cherry, watermelon, and pickle juice—in the context of athletic supplementation and recovery. A thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025. Fifty peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria, examining various physiological, biochemical, and performance-related outcomes linked to juice consumption. Given the methodological diversity among studies, a qualitative synthesis was employed. The juices were compared across four key outcomes—inflammation, oxidative stress, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and exercise performance—to determine their most consistent benefits. Beetroot juice, noted for its high nitrate content, consistently enhanced oxygen efficiency and submaximal endurance, although benefits in elite or sprint athletes were less evident. Both pomegranate and cherry juices were effective in reducing muscle soreness and inflammatory markers, particularly when consumed over several days surrounding exercise. Watermelon juice, primarily through its L-citrulline content, offered antioxidant and recovery support, although performance outcomes varied. Evidence for pickle juice was limited, with no notable ergogenic effects beyond anecdotal cramp relief. Overall, natural juices can support recovery and occasionally improve performance, depending on the specific juice, dosage, and athlete characteristics. Beetroot juice stands out as the most reliable in enhancing performance, while pomegranate and cherry juices are more beneficial for recovery. Future research with standardized protocols is essential to determine optimal application across diverse athletic contexts. Full article

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) athletes’ nutritional and health statuses and body composition are critical to their physical performance and overall fitness. In Lebanon, TKD is widely practiced; however, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the nutritional and health profiles of its athletes. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, anemia prevalence, body composition, and other health-related characteristics, among Lebanese TKD athletes. Additionally, it explored the determinants of normal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, blood pressure, normal muscle mass, and normal fat mass. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2023, involving 110 TKD athletes. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured to assess anemia, while body composition was evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Blood pressure was also recorded. Household dietary diversity was assessed using the Food Consumption Score, and additional data on sociodemographic factors, training frequency, and supplement or medication use were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of normal Hb levels, hypertension, and optimal muscle and fat mass. Results: Results showed that male athletes had significantly higher rates of normal Hb (p-value = 0.013) and muscle mass percentages (p-value < 0.001), while females had higher rates of normal blood pressure (p-value = 0.002) and were more likely to use iron supplements (p-value = 0.002) and painkillers (p-value = 0.041). Normal fat mass was positively associated with normal Hb levels (aOR: 11.98, p-value = 0.033). Female gender was linked to a lower likelihood of normal muscle mass (aOR: 0.13, p-value < 0.001) and hypertension (aOR: 0.19, p-value = 0.009). Higher training duration (10 h or more per week) (aOR: 3.46, p-value = 0.04) and normal BMI (aOR: 4.93, p-value = 0.003) were positively associated with normal muscle mass. Normal BMI (aOR: 14.68, p-value < 0.001) was positively associated with normal fat mass. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of individualized dietary interventions to enhance athletes’ overall health and performance, through the optimization of athletes’ body composition, and the prevention of deficiencies, especially iron deficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although nutrition is widely recognized as a key factor in post-event recovery in sports, little attention has been given to how its cultural and social dimensions—embodied in local cuisine—intersect with the needs of traveling athletes, for whom food often also serves as a medium of cultural immersion and sensory exploration. Poland, with its rich regional culinary traditions and numerous international running events, offers a compelling context in which to explore these interactions. This study aims to understand the role of local cuisine in the experiences of foreign runners participating in the Poznan Half Marathon 2025, with particular attention on cultural engagement, tourist motivations, and post-exercise recovery processes. Methods: This study was based on a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. The participants possessed a minimum of two years’ experience in traveling for sports. Results: The findings identified three main areas of the significance of food: (1) food as an element of cultural exploration, (2) local cuisine as a motivator or barrier when choosing a race, (3) food as a symbolic reward and structured recovery practice supporting nutritional and psychological processes. Approaches varied by nationality—British participants preferred spontaneous taste discovery, Ukrainians valued culinary comfort similar to home, and Germans planned their culinary experiences with greater awareness. Conclusions: Local cuisine plays a multifaceted role in international running events, serving not only nutritional needs but also emotional and cultural functions that shape the overall participant experience. Both event organizers and local restaurants should consider offering diverse and culturally sensitive food options to enhance recovery, satisfaction, and the appeal of sports tourism destinations. Full article

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition. Full article

Background: Dietary advice for Paralympic athletes (PAs) with a spinal cord injury (PAs-SCI) requires particular attention and has been widely studied. However, currently, no particular attention has been addressed to nutritional guidelines for athletes with an amputation (PAs-AMP). This study aimed at filling up this gap, at least partially, and compared veteran PAs-SCI with PAs-AMP. Methods: A sample of 25 male PAs (12 with SCI and 13 with AMP), recruited during two training camps, was submitted to the following questionnaires: allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Starvation Symptom Inventory (SSI), neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), orthorexia (ORTO-15/ORTO-7), alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and Mediterranean diet adherence (MDS). The PAs were also submitted to the following measurements: dietary Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and intakes, body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), basal energy expenditure (BEE), peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), peak power, peak heart rate (HR), post-exercise ketosis, and antioxidant response after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to voluntary fatigue. Results: Compared to PAs-AMP, PAs-SCI had higher NBD and lower VO_2peak (p < 0.05), peak power, peak HR, peak lactate, phase angle (PhA) of the dominant leg (p < 0.05), and ORTO15 (p < 0.05). The latter was related to NBD (r = −0.453), MDS (r = −0.638), and ORAC (r = −0.529), whereas ORTO7 correlated with PhA of the dominant leg (r = 0.485). Significant differences between PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI were not found in the antioxidant response, glucose, and ketone levels after CPET, nor in dietary intake, AUDIT, AQUA, NMQ, SSI, BEE, HGS, and FM%. Conclusions: The present study showed that PAs-SCI and PAs-AMP display similar characteristics in relation to lifestyle, energy intake, basal energy expenditure, and metabolic response to CPET. Based on both the similarities with PAs-SCI and the consequences of the limb deficiency impairment, PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI require personalized nutritional advice. Full article

Background: The relationship between sports participation and food preferences in adults, as well as the influence of gender, is still unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sports participation and individual food preferences and to explore potential gender differences among sports participants in a large group of Italian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2665 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who lead normal lives and underwent a routine lifestyle and dietary assessment at a clinical centre specialising in nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle counselling in Rome. Participants completed an online questionnaire on food preferences (19 foods) and sports practice. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and smoking, were used to assess associations. Results: Sports participation was defined as engaging in structured physical activity at least once per week and was reported by 53.5% of subjects (men: 60.1%; women: 49.0%; p < 0.0001). After adjustment, active individuals were significantly more likely to prefer plant-based drinks, low-fat yoghurt, fish, cooked and raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate (all p < 0.05) and less likely to prefer cow’s milk (p = 0.018). Among sport participants, males were more likely to prefer meat (general, white, red, processed) and eggs, while females preferred plant-based drinks. No significant gender differences were observed for dairy products, legumes, or fish. Differences in food preferences were also observed according to the type of sport, with bodybuilders showing higher preference for tofu and dark chocolate. The strongest associations were found in the 25–44 age group. Conclusions: Sports participation is independently associated with specific food preferences, characterised by greater preference for plant-based and fibre-rich foods, and gender differences in food choices persist even among active adults. These findings highlight the need to consider both sports participation and gender when designing nutritional interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported that female athletes often exhibit low levels of nutritional knowledge and inadequate dietary intake to meet their nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a nutritional education intervention on nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition in female handball players (n = 45; age, 17.6 ± 2.1 years). Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention design was implemented, consisting of a 3-week educational program delivered through six in-person sessions led by a registered dietitian. Nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and anthropometric and body composition measurements were assessed. Results: Nutrition knowledge levels were significantly higher both immediately post-intervention and three months later compared to baseline (p < 0.05, ES > 0.8). A total of 36 participants completed a 3-day dietary record at baseline and at follow-up. Initial assessments revealed insufficient energy (31 kcal/kg/day) and carbohydrate intake (3.0 g/kg/day) and a high intake of total fats (1.4 g/kg/day). During follow-up, a significant decrease in the consumption of foods rich in sugar was observed (p = 0.0272). A total of 82.2% of the players needed to improve their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. No significant changes were found in Mediterranean diet adherence or body composition following the intervention. Conclusions: The nutritional education intervention significantly improved athletes’ nutritional knowledge and significantly decreased their consumption of sugary foods; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its impact on dietary intake and body composition, considering the study’s limitations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The field of dietary supplements is changing and evolving quickly. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are recognized as experts in nutrition and familiarity with the usage of dietary supplements is expected. However, education on the use of dietary supplements is not equal across accredited dietetic education programs, which can lead to disparities in dietitians’ feelings of preparedness, attitudes, and consequently experience of comfort regarding dietary supplements. The purpose of this study was to create the D-SCOPE Questionnaire (Dietitians’ Survey of Comfort, Opinions, and Preparedness in Education in Supplements) and validate it. This questionnaire assesses Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ feelings of preparedness, comfort with use, and general attitudes in the field of dietary supplements. Methods: Face and content validity was established with dietitian, nutritionist, and statistician input. For recruitment, 2000 national randomly selected emails were obtained from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (n = 248) responded to the survey email request. Descriptive statistics (reported as means ± standard deviation), principal axis factoring (exploratory factor analysis) with a direct oblimin rotation and Cronbach’s a reliability analysis were used for validation techniques. Results: Five factors were created, which explained about 63% of the variance in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was generally reliable, but the factor structure could change with a non-US population. Conclusions: As a unit, the D-SCOPE Questionnaire shows validity and reliability in assessing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ perceptions of preparedness and attitudes in the area related to dietary supplements. Full article