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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 (5 November 2024) | Viewed by 50212

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Zvonimir Šatalić

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: sports nutrition; vegetarian diets; dietary assessment methods; chrono-nutrition
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

‘’Food first’’ is a priority that is endorsed by nutrition professionals in general, and also by sports nutritionists. Although this approach has been utilized for many years, there is no reason to miss the opportunity of taking advantage of dietary supplements, in a broad sense, and of specific ergogenic aids. That being said, another potentially missed opportunity is whole foods. With this paradigm shift occurring, structured (defined aim, dose, detailed source, and consumption frequency) supplementation with whole foods can now be regarded as a justified sports nutrition strategy (beetroot juice as a ‘’new creatine’’ is a great example). However, there is a lack of data regarding evidence-based ‘’food first’’ approach in sports nutrition, which is needed as a base for establishing practical recommendations. Therefore, we invite authors willing to share their work with athletes showing the pros and cons of a ‘’food first’’ approach to sports nutrition.

This Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled “A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition”, welcomes original research and reviews of the literature concerning this important topic.

Prof. Dr. Zvonimir Šatalić
Guest Editor

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Keywords

sports nutrition
food first
whole foods
supplementation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Assessment, Body Composition, and Low Energy Availability in Sport Climbing Athletes of Different Genders and Categories: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Agustin Mora-Fernandez, Andrea Argüello-Arbe, Andrea Tojeiro-Iglesias, Jose Antonio Latorre, Javier Conde-Pipó and Miguel Mariscal-Arcas

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172974 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2607

Abstract

Climbing is an Olympic discipline in full development and multidisciplinary in nature, where the influences of body composition and nutritional status on performance have not yet been clarified despite the quest for a low weight in anti-gravity disciplines such as climbing. The present cross-sectional study aimed to conduct nutritional (3-day dietary diaries) and body composition (ISAK profile) assessments on sport climbing athletes by gender and climbing level during the months of February and March 2024. The t-test for independent samples and the Mann–Whitney U-test, as well as an ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis H-test, were used to compare the distributions of two or more groups, respectively, and Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to estimate the correlations between the different variables. The mean age of the 46 Spanish climbers (22 men and 24 women) was 30 years (SD: 9) with 7.66 years of experience (SD: 6.63). The mean somatotype of the athletes was classified as balanced mesomorph. Negative correlations were observed between fat mass variables and climbing level (p < 0.010), and positive correlations were observed with forearm circumference (p < 0.050). The mean energy availability (EA) was 33.01 kcal-kg FFM⁻¹d⁻¹ (SD: 9.02), with 55.6% of athletes having a suboptimal EA status and 35.6% having low energy availability (LEA). The carbohydrate and protein intakes were below the recommendations in 57.8% and 31.1% of athletes, respectively. There were deficient intakes of all micronutrients except phosphorus in males. These findings suggest that climbing athletes are at a high risk of developing low energy availability states and concomitant problems. Optimal nutritional monitoring may be advisable in this type of athlete to try to reduce the risk of LEA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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16 pages, 1195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Nitrate Supplementation on Performance as a Function of Habitual Dietary Intake of Nitrates: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Elite Football Players

by Matjaž Macuh, Nenad Kojić and Bojan Knap

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3721; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173721 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6287

Abstract

Nitrates are an effective ergogenic supplement; however, the effects of nitrate supplements based on habitual dietary nitrate intake through diet alone are not well understood. We aimed to assess this in a group of 15 highly trained football players from Slovenian football’s First Division. Participants underwent two separate Cooper performance tests either with nitrate supplementation (400 mg nitrates) or placebo while having their nutrition assessed for nitrate intake, as well as energy and macronutrient intake. Nitrate supplementation had a statistically significant positive effect on performance if baseline dietary nitrate intake was below 300 mg (p = 0.0104) in both the placebo and intervention groups. No effects of nitrate supplementation when baseline dietary nitrate intake was higher than 300 mg in the placebo group could be concluded due to the small sample size. Nitrate supplementation did not have a significant effect on perceived exertion. The daily nitrate intake of the participants was measured at 165 mg, with the majority of nitrates coming from nitrate-rich vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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Review

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17 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Diet Quality of Athletes as Measured by Diet Quality Indices: A Scoping Review

by Stella Dion, Gabriel Walker, Kelly Lambert, Anita Stefoska-Needham and Joel C. Craddock

Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010089 - 29 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2607

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The goals of sports nutrition are to support athletic performance. However, the diet quality of athletes remains poorly understood. This scoping review aims to synthesise the existing body of literature, evaluating the diet quality of adult athletes. Methods: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Database searches were conducted in Medline, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Eligible studies were observational, utilised a validated dietary quality assessment tool (diet quality index), and assessed athletes aged 18 to 65 years. Screening was performed independently by two researchers, with any conflicts resolved by a third researcher. Results: The search yielded 1142 articles, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. Basketball athletes and gymnasts were the most frequently examined groups. Studies were dominated by one gender (n = 7 all males studies, n = 4 only female). Eleven diet quality tools were used, including variations of the Healthy Eating Index (n = 7). Overall diet quality was rated as poor (n = 3 studies), needs improvement (n = 12), or adequate (n = 3). Food groups where intake was suboptimal included wholegrains (n = 8), fruit (n = 5), and dairy intake (n = 3). The intake of protein-rich foods was adequate in n = 9 studies, whilst fat intake was excessive in 4 studies. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the diet quality of athletes is suboptimal and needs improvement in the areas of wholegrain, fruit, and dairy/alternatives intake. The inadequate intake of these food groups and the consumption of excessive fat intake may increase the long-term risk of developing non-communicable diseases and impair short-term performance and recovery. Further exploration is warranted to develop targeted nutrition education and interventions that address these inadequacies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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34 pages, 955 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant-Based Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids in Food Products Dedicated for Sportspeople—A Narrative Review of the Literature

by Kinga Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111706 - 30 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3363

Abstract

Plant proteins are increasingly seen as critical nutrient sources for both amateur and professional athletes. The aim of the presented study was to review the inventions and experimental articles referring to the application of plant-based proteins, peptides and amino acids in food products dedicated to sportspeople and published in the period 2014–2023. The literature search was conducted according to PRISMA statementsacross several key databases, including Scopus and ISI Web of Science. Altogether, 106 patents and 35 original articles were found. The survey of patents and inventions described in the articles showed the use of 52 taxa (mainly annual herbaceous plants), creating edible seeds and representing mainly the families Fabaceae and Poaceae. The majority of inventions were developed by research teams numbering from two to five scientists, affiliated in China, The United States of America and Japan. The greatest number of inventions applied plant-based proteins (especially protein isolates), declared the nutritional activity and were prepared in liquid or solid consistency. According to the reviewed studies, the intake of soybean and potato proteins might provide better results than animal-based protein (excluding resistance training), whereas the consumption of pea and rice protein does not possess any unique anabolic properties over whey protein. The analysis of other investigations demonstrated the varied acceptability and consumption of food products, while the high rating of the tested food products presented in four articles seems to be an effect of their sensual values, as well as other elements, such as production method, health benefits and cost-effectiveness. Considering the great potential of useful plant species, it might be concluded that future investigations focusing on searching for novel plant protein sources, suitable for the preparation of food products dedicated to amateur and professional sportspeople, remain of interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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Other

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14 pages, 1113 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, and Antioxidant Markers in Both Athletes and Non-Professional Athletes: A Systematic Review of Intervention Trials

by Ellis Bianchi, Hilal Erbasan, Patrizia Riso and Simone Perna

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3454; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203454 - 11 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6369

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has gained attention for its potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance and overall health. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of the MD on athletic performance, strength, body composition, and metabolic markers in both athletes and non-professional athletes. Methods: The review included seven studies with a total of 116 participants, ranging from professional handball players to non-professional strength athletes. The studies assessed various aspects of athletic performance, including strength, power, endurance, and body composition. Results: The main key findings from the review showed that MD may improve muscle endurance and power, as well as anaerobic performance in CrossFit athletes, and MD was associated with enhanced strength performance, including increased vertical jump height, hand grip strength, and shuttle run performance. The results on the impact on body composition were mixed, with some studies showing improvements in fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, while others found no significant changes. The MD also demonstrated positive effects on several markers, such as increased plasma total antioxidant activity and decreased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: In conclusion, while the MD seems to represent a viable dietary strategy for enhancing athletic performance and overall health, more rigorous studies are necessary to clarify its impact across diverse athletic populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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26 pages, 3247 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Post-Exercise Inflammation, Muscle Damage, Oxidative Response, and Sports Performance in Physically Healthy Adults—A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Soledad Arribalzaga, Eduardo Gutiérrez-Abejón, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso and Enrique Roche

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132044 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 17939

Abstract

Omega-3 is a family of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have been used to treat a wide variety of chronic diseases, due mainly to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. In this context, omega-3 could be post-exercise recovery agent and sports supplement that could improve performance by preserving and promoting skeletal muscle mass and strength. No conclusive evidence, however, exists about the potential effects of omega-3 on post-exercise biomarkers and sports performance in physically healthy adults. Based on the PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Sports Science (PERSiST) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline to assess the effects of omega-3 on post-exercise inflammation, muscle damage, oxidant response, and sports performance in physically healthy adults. The search was performed on original articles published in the last 10 years up to 5 May 2024, with a controlled trial design in which omega-3 supplementation was compared with a control group. Among 14,971 records identified in the search, 13 studies met the selection criteria. The duration of the interventions ranged from 1 day to 26 weeks of supplementation and the doses used were heterogeneous. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group in 3 of the 4 studies where these markers were analyzed. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group of 2 of the 13 studies where this marker was analyzed. The delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) gave mixed results. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) showed improvements with supplementation, but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) displayed no differences. The consumption of n-3 PUFAs improved some indicators of oxidative stress such as reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Additional evidence is needed to establish clear recommendations regarding the dose and length of n-3 PUFA supplements. These may benefit the post-exercise inflammatory response, mitigate muscle damage, and decrease oxidative stress caused by exercise. However, studies did not evaluate omega-3 status at baseline or following supplementation and therefore the observations must be treated with caution Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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32 pages, 3257 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Ana M. Celorrio San Miguel, Enrique Roche, María Herranz-López, Marta Celorrio San Miguel, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso and Diego Fernández-Lázaro

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071011 - 30 Mar 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 9346

Abstract

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is an indolic neurohormone that modulates a variety of physiological functions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically review the effects of melatonin supplementation in sports performance and circulating biomarkers related to the health status of highly trained athletes. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following three bibliography databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The terms used were “Highly Trained Athletes”, “Melatonin”, and “Sports Performance”, “Health Biomarkers” using “Humans” as a filter. The search update was carried out in February 2024 from original articles published with a controlled trial design. The PRISMA rules, the modified McMaster critical review form for quantitative studies, the PEDro scale, and the Cochrane risk of bias were applied. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected out of 294 references. The dose of melatonin supplemented in the trials ranged between 5 mg to 100 mg administered before or after exercise. The outcomes showed improvements in antioxidant status and inflammatory response and reversed liver damage and muscle damage. Moderate effects on modulating glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine were reported. Promising data were found regarding the potential benefits of melatonin in hematological biomarkers, hormonal responses, and sports performance. Therefore, the true efficiency of melatonin to directly improve sports performance remains to be assessed. Nevertheless, an indirect effect of melatonin supplementation in sports performance could be evaluated through improvements in health biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Food First Approach in Sports Nutrition)

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