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Nutrients
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Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health
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Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 June 2024) | Viewed by 59660

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Filomena Mazzeo

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Guest Editor
Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity, and Sports Sciences, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
Interests: clinical toxicology in sports; doping; nutrients; exercise physiology; exercise pharmacology; drugs in sport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Stefania D'Angelo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical, Movement and Well-Being Sciences (DiSMMeB), University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
Interests: antioxidants; apoptosis; human biochemistry; Mediterranean diet; nutraceutical; nutrition; oxidative stress; polyphenols; sport performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andreina Alfieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, Parthenope University, Naples, Italy
Interests: movement and sports activity; sports performance; sport molecular biomarkers associated to health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, entitled “Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health”.

The promotion of health requires good nutrition and an adequate lifestyle; together, they contribute to the "well-being" of people. In addition, nutritional status is a major factor in the performance and endurance as well as general health of athletes and individuals interested in overall wellness. The majority of athletes use a variety of nutritional and dietary supplements. There are numerous studies highlighting how an adequate diet before, during, and after training, as well as a match, can improve performance. Moreover, the evolution of lifestyles, as well as proteins, the vegetarian and vegan diets, a culture of additives, and the pressure of sport stakeholders have led to a significant increase in the consumption of supplements, in the wrong belief that they can significantly improve their physical performance. In any case, healthy nutrition does not need to be integrated, except in particular training conditions, and the incorrect use as well as abuse of the aforementioned substances represent a serious health and sport lawfulness problem. Therefore, appropriate nutritional guidelines are an essential component of optimal training programs to aid in adaptations, peak sport performance, and injury prevention. Nutrition therefore plays a role of fundamental importance in the daily life of not only athletes; this role is certainly reflected in psychological well-being and, above all, in sport performance.

This Special Issue of Nutrients welcomes the submission of research articles, review articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and short communications. 

We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Filomena Mazzeo
Dr. Stefania D'Angelo
Dr. Andreina Alfieri
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • dietary supplements
  • minerals
  • vitamins
  • nutritional supplements
  • proteins
  • sport nutrition
  • health
  • well-being

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 186 KiB  
Editorial
Role of Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health
by Andreina Alfieri, Stefania D’Angelo and Filomena Mazzeo
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204429 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7530
Abstract
Health promotion requires good nutrition and an adequate lifestyle, which together contribute to people’s well-being [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)

Research

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14 pages, 2867 KiB  
Article
Effects of β-Alanine Supplementation on Subjects Performing High-Intensity Functional Training
by Eduardo Cimadevilla-Fernández-Pola, Cristina Martínez-Roldán, Jose Luis Maté-Muñoz, Jesús Guodemar-Pérez, Maria Aránzazu Sánchez-Calabuig, Pablo García-Fernández, Juan Pablo Hervás-Pérez and Juan Hernández-Lougedo
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142340 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6672
Abstract
Background: β-alanine, a non-essential amino acid found in the diet and produced through nucleotide catabolism, is significant for muscle performance due to its role in carnosine synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of a 4-week β-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in [...] Read more.
Background: β-alanine, a non-essential amino acid found in the diet and produced through nucleotide catabolism, is significant for muscle performance due to its role in carnosine synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of a 4-week β-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in individuals engaging in High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and its subsequent effect on sports performance, distinguishing between central fatigue from the CNS and peripheral fatigue from the muscular system. Materials and methods: This study (a randomized controlled trial) comprised a total of 27 subjects, who were divided into two groups. Group A (the control group) was administered sucrose powder, while Group B (the experimental group) was given β-alanine powder. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. This study lasted four weeks, during which both groups participated in high-intensity interval training (HIFT) on the first day to induce fatigue and work close to their VO2 max. Results: Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with β-alanine. Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A four-week β-alanine intake program demonstrated an improvement in the capacity of subjects, as evidenced by enhanced vertical jump and power performance. Nevertheless, it does result in discernible alterations in performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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16 pages, 1463 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Pea Protein Supplementation in Combination with a Resistance Training Program on Muscle Performance in a Sedentary Adult Population: A Randomized, Comparator-Controlled, Parallel Clinical Trial
by Ruma G. Singh, Laetitia Guérin-Deremaux, Catherine Lefranc-Millot, Caroline Perreau, David C. Crowley, Erin D. Lewis, Malkanthi Evans and Marc Moulin
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132017 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5529
Abstract
Animal-sourced whey protein (WPr) is the most popular protein supplement among consumers and has been shown to improve muscle mass and strength. However, due to allergies, dietary restrictions/personal choices, and growing demand, alternative protein sources are warranted. Sedentary adults were randomized to pea [...] Read more.
Animal-sourced whey protein (WPr) is the most popular protein supplement among consumers and has been shown to improve muscle mass and strength. However, due to allergies, dietary restrictions/personal choices, and growing demand, alternative protein sources are warranted. Sedentary adults were randomized to pea protein (PPr) or WPr in combination with a weekly resistance training program for 84 days. Changes in whole-body muscle strength (WBMS) including handgrip, lower body, and upper body strength, body composition, and product perception were assessed. The safety outcomes included adverse events, vital signs, clinical chemistry, and hematology. There were no significant differences in the change in WBMS, muscle mass, or product perception and likability scores between the PPr and WPr groups. The participants supplemented with PPr had a 16.1% improvement in WBMS following 84 days of supplementation (p = 0.01), while those taking WPr had an improvement of 11.1% (p = 0.06). Both study products were safe and well-tolerated in the enrolled population. Eighty-four days of PPr supplementation resulted in improvements in strength and muscle mass comparable to WPr when combined with a resistance training program in a population of healthy sedentary adults. PPr may be considered as a viable alternative to animal-sourced WPr without sacrificing muscular gains and product enjoyment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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14 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
Differences in Consumption Behaviour of Dietary Supplements in Competitive Athletes Depends on Sports Discipline
by Eduard Isenmann, Pia Tolle, Stephan Geisler, Ulrich Flenker and Patrick Diel
Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030374 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
Background: The consumption of dietary supplements (DS) is widespread among the general population and competitive athletes. However, only a few competitive athletes seek information from experts about the effects and use of DS. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether certain sports have a [...] Read more.
Background: The consumption of dietary supplements (DS) is widespread among the general population and competitive athletes. However, only a few competitive athletes seek information from experts about the effects and use of DS. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether certain sports have a higher affinity for DS than others. Methods: This study aimed to identify differences between different sports categories and subgroups that may have a very high affinity for DS. For this purpose, competitive athletes were surveyed. The survey included the type of sport, the training frequency, the number of competitions, the consumption behaviour of five DS categories (general health, regeneration promotion, performance enhancement, booster, and weight loss) as well as personal data such as biological sex and age. Subsequently, correlations, configural frequencies (CFA), and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA) were used to identify subgroups with a high affinity of consumption behaviour. Results: A total of 409 questionnaires could be evaluated. It was found that all DS categories except weight loss were related. In addition, it was observed that in sports from the power category and from the endurance category, there was even higher consumption behaviour than in other sports categories. Male power athletes in particular have a higher affinity for consuming DS than other subgroups. Conclusions: This study shows that there is a clear different consumption behaviour depending on the type of sport. Male power athletes in particular are the subgroup with the greatest consumption behaviour and therefore require special education on the effects and use of DS. This subgroup in particular should receive increased attention in counselling on DS to minimise the possible risks of DS use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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16 pages, 1924 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Protein Supplement Source on Body Composition in Women Practicing Anaerobic Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study
by Juan Manuel Ballesteros-Torres, Anayansi Escalante-Aburto, María Elena Villarreal-Arce and Cindy Joanna Caballero-Prado
Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020321 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 4958
Abstract
Supplements based on protein hydrolysates have been used as an effective source to access amino acids with greater bioavailability, promoting absorption to improve body composition. Five groups of young women were randomly selected. They followed a personalized eating plan that included different protein [...] Read more.
Supplements based on protein hydrolysates have been used as an effective source to access amino acids with greater bioavailability, promoting absorption to improve body composition. Five groups of young women were randomly selected. They followed a personalized eating plan that included different protein supplements (meat, vegan, branched-chain amino acids [BCAAs], whey, and control group), combined with an exercise plan, for eight weeks, aiming to assess their consumption effects combined with resistance exercise on body composition. Bioelectrical impedance before and after the treatment was conducted. The results showed that the supplementation with BCAAs presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on the BMI in this group (initial BMI = 19.7 kg/m2; final BMI = 19.4 kg/m2). When comparing the final measures among the groups, the BCAAs and vegan supplements caused a significant decrease in body weight (50.24 kg and 51.34 kg, respectively). The BMI of the group supplemented with meat proteins was statistically higher (22.06 kg/m2) than that the group supplemented with BCAAs (19.4 kg/m2) (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the type of protein consumed to produce muscle mass in the participants after eight weeks of study under a controlled diet and anaerobic resistance exercise. Participants exhibited energy deficiencies, but their macronutrient distribution appeared normal. Following an 8-week intervention, meat and BCAAs reduced weight and BMI, although no statistical differences were observed. It is recommended to extend the treatment for a more comprehensive understanding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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11 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Are the Dietary–Nutritional Recommendations Met? Analysis of Intake in Endurance Competitions
by Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme, Javier Álvarez, Arkaitz Garbisu-Hualde, David Romero-García, Daniel Giménez-Monzó, Isabel Sospedra, Eva Ausó and José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020189 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5085
Abstract
Background: In recent decades the number of endurance events has increased, as well as the number of athletes participating in them. Adequate nutritional and water planning is essential to maintain optimal sports performance and to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal problems. The main [...] Read more.
Background: In recent decades the number of endurance events has increased, as well as the number of athletes participating in them. Adequate nutritional and water planning is essential to maintain optimal sports performance and to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal problems. The main objective of this study is to determine the dietary intake and compliance with nutritional recommendations of athletes in two endurance competitions, as well as to assess the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on the consumption of liquids, food, and supplements in 42 triathletes and mountain runners (MRs) participating in a Vi-Half-Gasteiz triathlon and the Ultra Sierra de Cazorla trail run. At the completion of the trials, participants completed a validated questionnaire (NIQEC). Results: The mean caloric intake during the test of the participants in this study was 192.17 kcal/h, while the mean carbohydrate intake was 43.67 g/h, the mean sodium intake was 267.43 mg/h, and the mean caffeine intake was 15.53 mg/h, with no significant differences between the two sports. The amount of liquids consumed by the participants was 421.21 mL/h, with no significant differences between the triathletes and MRs. As for gastrointestinal problems, it was observed that the participants presented gastrointestinal discomfort in 61.9% of the cases. Conclusions: The intakes of energy, carbohydrates, water, sodium, and caffeine were lower than the current recommendations. There were no differences in the energy, carbohydrate, water, sodium, and caffeine intakes between the triathletes and mountain runners. Gastrointestinal problems showed a high prevalence in these athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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Review

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20 pages, 731 KiB  
Review
Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Adipose Tissue
by Marta Mallardo, Filomena Mazzeo, Giacomo Lus, Elisabetta Signoriello, Aurora Daniele and Ersilia Nigro
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183100 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2868
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting individuals globally. The pathological mechanisms underlying MS remain unclear, but current evidence suggests that inflammation and immune dysfunction play a critical role in the pathogenesis [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting individuals globally. The pathological mechanisms underlying MS remain unclear, but current evidence suggests that inflammation and immune dysfunction play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS disease. Adipose tissue (AT) is a dynamic multifunctional organ involved in various immune diseases, including MS, due to its endocrine function and the secretion of adipokines, which can influence inflammation and immune responses. Physical activity represents an efficacious non-pharmacological strategy for the management of a spectrum of conditions that not only improves inflammatory and immune functions but also directly affects the status and function of AT. Additionally, the exploration of nutritional supplementation represents an important field of MS research aimed at enhancing clinical symptoms and is closely tied to the regulation of metabolic responses, including adipokine secretion. This review, therefore, aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between lifestyle and MS by providing an overview of the latest published data about the involvement of AT and the main adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in the pathogenesis of MS. Furthermore, we explore whether physical activity and dietary management could serve as useful strategies to improve the quality of life of MS patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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29 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
Current Aspects of Selected Factors to Modulate Brain Health and Sports Performance in Athletes
by Katarzyna Przewłócka, Daria Korewo-Labelle, Paweł Berezka, Mateusz Jakub Karnia and Jan Jacek Kaczor
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121842 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2992
Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of current aspects related to nutritional strategies, brain modulation, and muscle recovery, focusing on their applications and the underlying mechanisms of physiological adaptation for promoting a healthy brain, not only in athletes but also for recreationally active [...] Read more.
This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of current aspects related to nutritional strategies, brain modulation, and muscle recovery, focusing on their applications and the underlying mechanisms of physiological adaptation for promoting a healthy brain, not only in athletes but also for recreationally active and inactive individuals. We propose that applying the rule, among others, of good sleep, regular exercise, and a properly balanced diet, defined as “SPARKS”, will have a beneficial effect on the function and regeneration processes of the gut–brain–muscle axis. However, adopting the formula, among others, of poor sleep, stress, overtraining, and dysbiosis, defined as “SMOULDER”, will have a detrimental impact on the function of this axis and consequently on human health as well as on athletes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing brain health and cognitive function. This review highlights the significance of these factors for overall well-being, suggesting that adopting the “SPARKS” approach may benefit not only athletes but also older adults and individuals with health conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 329 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Management of Athletes with Type 1 Diabetes: A Narrative Review
by Massimiliano Cavallo, Michelantonio De Fano, Luisa Barana, Ivan Dozzani, Eleonora Bianchini, Marialucia Pellegrino, Linda Cisternino, Sara Migliarelli, Cecilia Giulietti, Roberto Pippi and Carmine Giuseppe Fanelli
Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060907 - 21 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5168
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents a complex clinical challenge for health systems. The autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to a complete lack of insulin production, exposing people to a lifelong risk of acute (DKA, coma) and chronic complications (macro and [...] Read more.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents a complex clinical challenge for health systems. The autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to a complete lack of insulin production, exposing people to a lifelong risk of acute (DKA, coma) and chronic complications (macro and microvascular). Physical activity (PA) has widely demonstrated its efficacy in helping diabetes treatment. Nutritional management of people living with T1DM is particularly difficult. Balancing macronutrients, their effects on glycemic control, and insulin treatment represents a complex clinical challenge for the diabetologist. The effects of PA on glycemic control are largely unpredictable depending on many individual factors, such as intensity, nutrient co-ingestion, and many others. Due to this clinical complexity, we have reviewed the actual scientific literature in depth to help diabetologists, sport medicine doctors, nutritionists, and all the health figures involved in diabetes care to ameliorate both glycemic control and the nutritional status of T1DM people engaging in PA. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched from their inception to January 2024. The main recommendations for carbohydrate and protein ingestion before, during, and immediately after PA are explained. Glycemic management during such activity is widely reviewed. Micronutrient needs and nutritional supplement effects are also highlighted in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
15 pages, 298 KiB  
Review
Supplementation for Performance and Health in Patients with Phenylketonuria: An Exercise-Based Approach to Improving Dietary Adherence
by Domingo González-Lamuño, Carmenmelina Morencos, Francisco J. Arrieta, Eva Venegas, Germán Vicente-Rodríguez, José Antonio Casajús, Maria Luz Couce and Luís Aldámiz-Echevarría
Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050639 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2923
Abstract
Supplementation is crucial for improving performance and health in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients, who face dietary challenges. Proteins are vital for athletes, supporting muscle growth, minimizing catabolism, and aiding muscle repair and glycogen replenishment post-exercise. However, PKU individuals must limit phenylalanine (Phe) intake, requiring [...] Read more.
Supplementation is crucial for improving performance and health in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients, who face dietary challenges. Proteins are vital for athletes, supporting muscle growth, minimizing catabolism, and aiding muscle repair and glycogen replenishment post-exercise. However, PKU individuals must limit phenylalanine (Phe) intake, requiring supplementation with Phe-free amino acids or glycomacropeptides. Tailored to meet nutritional needs, these substitutes lack Phe but fulfill protein requirements. Due to limited supplement availability, athletes with PKU may need higher protein intake. Various factors affect tolerated Phe levels, including supplement quantity and age. Adhering to supplement regimens optimizes performance and addresses PKU challenges. Strategically-timed protein substitutes can safely enhance muscle synthesis and sports performance. Individualized intake is essential for optimal outcomes, recognizing proteins’ multifaceted role. Here, we explore protein substitute supplementation in PKU patients within the context of physical activity, considering limited evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
20 pages, 2357 KiB  
Review
Androgen Receptor and Cardiovascular Disease: A Potential Risk for the Abuse of Supplements Containing Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators
by Ellis Hall and Misha F. Vrolijk
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153330 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4787
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the family of ligand-activated transcription factors. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) exert their biological function through complex interactions with the AR. It has been speculated that overexertion of AR signaling cascades as a result of [...] Read more.
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the family of ligand-activated transcription factors. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) exert their biological function through complex interactions with the AR. It has been speculated that overexertion of AR signaling cascades as a result of SARM abuse can be a risk factor for the development of various cardiovascular diseases. The present literature review explores the implications of the interaction between SARMs and the AR on cardiovascular health by focusing on the AR structure, function, and mechanisms of action, as well as the current clinical literature on various SARMs. It is shown that SARMs may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases through implications on the renin–angiotensin system, smooth muscle cells, sympathetic nervous system, lipid profile, inflammation, platelet activity, and various other factors. More research on this topic is necessary as SARM abuse is becoming increasingly common. There is a noticeable lack of clinical trials and literature on the relationship between SARMs, cardiovascular diseases, and the AR. Future in vivo and in vitro studies within this field are vital to understand the mechanisms that underpin these complex interactions and risk factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements in Sport, Exercise and Health)
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Other

18 pages, 778 KiB  
Systematic Review
Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Cycling: A Systematic Review
by Alberto Valiño-Marques, Alexandre Lamas, José M. Miranda, Alberto Cepeda and Patricia Regal
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111768 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6694
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD classification by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in the context of cycling (caffeine, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, [...] Read more.
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD classification by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in the context of cycling (caffeine, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, nitrates, and glycerol). A comprehensive search was carried out using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All the databases were searched for Randomized Controlled Trials or crossover design studies assessing the effects of supplementation on cycling performance in comparison with placebos in healthy adults. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Thirty-six articles involving 701 participants were included in this review, examining supplementation with caffeine (n = 5), creatine (n = 2), sodium bicarbonate (n = 6), beta-alanine (n = 3), and nitrates (n = 8). Additionally, supplemental combinations of caffeine and creatine (n = 3), caffeine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 3), caffeine and nitrates (n = 1), creatine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 1), and sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine (n = 4) were analyzed. A benefit for cyclists’ athletic performnce was found when consuming a caffeine supplement, and a potential positive effect was noted after the consumption of sodium bicarbonate, as well as after the combination of caffeine and creatine. However, no statistically significant effects were identified for the remaining supplements, whether administered individually or in combination. Full article
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