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Metabolites
Special Issues
Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism
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Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 8922

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Jacarezinho 86400-000, Paraná, Brazil
Interests: sports medicine; physical fitness; human performance; sports science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Dartagnan Pinto Guedes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center of Health Sciences, State University of Northern Paraná, Jacarezinho 86400-000, Paraná, Brazil
Interests: physical activity; sedentary behavior; diet, food, and nutrition; feeding behavior; metabolic process; metabolic syndrome
Prof. Dr. Laís Campos de Oliveira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Jacarezinho 86400-000, Paraná, Brazil
Interests: rehabilitation; kinesiology; human performance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For this Special Issue of Metabolites, we invite researchers in the field of physical exercise and nutrition to contribute papers regarding the interactions between these variables and different outcomes linked to metabolism. Physical exercise and diet are important moderators of metabolism, capable of positively impacting human health. In this sense, submissions of studies that investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise and/or the impact of diet on metabolic health are especially welcome for this Special Issue. Furthermore, works on the effects of variables related to physical exercise and diet, such as physical fitness and eating behaviors, on metabolism are also solicited for inclusion in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira
Prof. Dr. Dartagnan Pinto Guedes
Prof. Dr. Laís Campos de Oliveira
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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

  • physical exercise
  • physical fitness
  • physical activity
  • diet, food, and nutrition
  • feeding behavior
  • me-tabolism
  • metabolic process

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 1436 KB  
Article
Effects of Leucine Supplementation on Athletic Performance, Central Fatigue, and Serum Metabolism in Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Targeted Metabolomics Study
by Tieying Li, Wei Xu, Jun Chen, Zhaobo Kan, Xuemei Sui, Zhiguang Zhao and Qirong Wang
Metabolites 2026, 16(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16020094 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of leucine supplementation on athletic performance, central fatigue, and serum metabolome in endurance athletes, and to provide valuable insights into nutritional strategies for endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited [...] Read more.
Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of leucine supplementation on athletic performance, central fatigue, and serum metabolome in endurance athletes, and to provide valuable insights into nutritional strategies for endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: the placebo (PLA) group and the leucine (LEU) group. Subjects were given leucine (8.5 g) + sucrose (14 g) or only sucrose (14 g) supplements twice each day from Monday to Saturday for 6 weeks. Test parameters include body composition, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, blood biochemistry, and targeted metabolomics. Results: After intervention, compared to the PLA group (1) the ankle muscle strength (p = 0.01), VO2max (p = 0.01) and valine in serum (p = 0.03) were increased in the LEU group. (2) Targeted metabolomics results showed that the differential metabolites were enriched in the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) biosynthesis and degradation. (3) The LEU group had a significant increase in α-ketoisovaleric acid (p = 0.03), which can reduce the continuous decomposition of BCAAs. Conclusions: In conclusion, a six-week intervention of leucine supplementation significantly enhanced ankle muscle strength in endurance athletes, likely through a reduction in BCAA catabolism. Additionally, this combined supplementation strategy demonstrated potential benefits in improving aerobic endurance and may contribute to the attenuation of exercise-induced central fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism)
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Review

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19 pages, 1080 KB  
Review
Dietary and Lifestyle Interventions to Mitigate Oxidative Stress in Male and Female Fertility: Practical Insights for Infertility Management—A Narrative Review
by Efthalia Moustakli, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Periklis Katopodis, Stefanos Dafopoulos, Vasilis Sebastian Paraschos, Athanasios Zachariou and Konstantinos Dafopoulos
Metabolites 2025, 15(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060379 - 8 Jun 2025
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3570
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Infertility in both men and women can be significantly influenced by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. In women, OS disrupts oocyte maturation, implantation, and the viability of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Infertility in both men and women can be significantly influenced by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. In women, OS disrupts oocyte maturation, implantation, and the viability of the embryo; in men, it impairs sperm quality, reduces motility, and damages DNA integrity. This review explores existing research on how dietary and lifestyle interventions can reduce OS and enhance reproductive health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of clinical, translational, and molecular studies exploring the mechanisms by which OS affects fertility, as well as the efficacy of nutritional and behavioral strategies. The interventions evaluated include weight management, regular exercise, micronutrient supplementation, antioxidant-rich diets, smoking and alcohol cessation, and stress-reduction techniques. Results: Specific dietary components such as zinc, selenium, vitamins C and E, and polyphenols have been found to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhance gamete function. OS is additionally reduced through lifestyle modifications, including minimizing harmful exposures, managing stress, and participating in moderate physical activity. Biomarkers such as ROS levels, total antioxidant capacity, 8-OHdG, and DNA fragmentation index are essential for assessing the effectiveness of interventions. Conclusions: Fertility in both sexes can be improved, and oxidative stress significantly reduced, through a multimodal approach incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes. There are encouraging opportunities to improve reproductive health through customized approaches that are informed by biomarker profiles. To incorporate these treatments into regular fertility care, future studies should concentrate on standardized procedures and long-term results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

24 pages, 654 KB  
Systematic Review
How Emerging Digital Health Technologies Based on Dietary and Physical Activity Regulation Improve Metabolic Syndrome-Related Outcomes in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
by Ruida Yu, Angkun Li, Yufei Qi, Jianhong Hu, Fei Peng, Shengrui Cao, Siyu Rong and Hao Zhang
Metabolites 2026, 16(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16020106 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 983
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple metabolic abnormalities. The affected population is increasingly shifting toward younger age groups. Emerging digital health technologies, arising from advances in digital society, offer novel methodological tools for lifestyle-based interventions [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple metabolic abnormalities. The affected population is increasingly shifting toward younger age groups. Emerging digital health technologies, arising from advances in digital society, offer novel methodological tools for lifestyle-based interventions targeting metabolic risk. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging digital health technologies based on dietary and physical activity regulation in improving MetS-related outcomes among adolescents, including school-aged children. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus, and screened eligible studies based on the PICO framework. Results: A total of 12 randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2025 were included in the analysis. Single device interventions (5/12) and dual device combinations (5/12) were the predominant approaches used in current digital health technology applications. Intervention content primarily focused on either physical activity alone (5/12) or combined exercise and nutrition interventions (7/12), with most programs lasting 3–6 months (7/12). Across the included digital health interventions, 13 MetS-related measures were assessed, including anthropometric/body composition measures (BMI, BMI z-score, WC, WHR, WHtR, and VFA), blood pressure measures (SBP/DBP), and biochemical markers (BG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C). Conclusions: The available evidence supports the potential of digital health technologies to improve MetS-related outcomes. Although the selection of biochemical markers varied across studies, the findings highlight the importance of combined exercise and nutrition interventions or physical activity of moderate to high intensity in improving MetS. These results underscore the value of digital health technologies in elucidating the complex interactions among diet, physical activity, and metabolic responses. Overall, these findings support integrating digital health technologies into adolescent lifestyle interventions to facilitate more personalized monitoring and behavior support, and to potentially improve MetS-related outcomes. By promoting timely improvements in these outcome measures, such digital health interventions may have potential longer term implications for chronic disease prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism)
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10 pages, 849 KB  
Systematic Review
Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jonathan Cesar do Prado, Dartagnan Pinto Guedes, Pedro Henrique Garcia Dias, Antonio Stabelini Neto and Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira
Metabolites 2024, 14(11), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14110635 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1893
Abstract
Introduction: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescence. In this sense, it is important to verify the strength of this association and the certainty that this evidence can be recommended. Objective: The [...] Read more.
Introduction: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescence. In this sense, it is important to verify the strength of this association and the certainty that this evidence can be recommended. Objective: The objective of this paper is to summarize, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the evidence available to verify the association between CRF and MetS in adolescents. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched until 20 August 2024. The risk of bias in each study was assessed via the AXIS tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed via the GRADE system. For the meta-analysis, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Nine studies (7077 participants), all with a low risk of bias, were included in the systematic review. There was a high certainty of evidence that adolescents with low CRF have significantly greater odds of developing MetS (OR = 3.63 [CI 95%, 2.54 to 5.20]). The odds increase for low vs. moderate (OR = 4.23 [CI 95%, 2.64 to 6.78]) and low vs. high (OR = 8.03 [CI 95%, 3.20 to 20.18]) CRF are considered separately. The effect does not change according to the type of test used to assess CRF (p = 0.51). Conclusions: There is high certainty of evidence that adolescents with low CRF levels have significantly greater odds of developing MetS; therefore, it is essential that intervention strategies be designed to increase CRF in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions of Diet, Exercise, and Metabolism)
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