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Dietary Supplements’ Impact on Sport Performance and Health Outcomes

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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 (20 January 2026) | Viewed by 8183

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mon-Chien Lee

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Guest Editor

Graduate Institute of Sports Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan 333325, Taiwan
Interests: dietary supplementation; sports nutrition; ergogenic aids; exercise recovery; performance enhancement; metabolic regulation; nutritional interventions; personalized nutrition

Prof. Dr. Wen-Ching Huang

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Guest Editor

Department of Exercise and Health Science, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: exercise training protocol; exercise physiology; muscle physiology; exercise performance; sport science; health promotion; research and development of functional health foods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dietary supplementation has become essential for enhancing athletic performance and supporting overall health. Supplements such as macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, probiotics, sports drinks, and other functional ingredients have been investigated across all stages, from animal research to human studies, to evaluate their metabolic effects, impact on oxidative stress, muscle recovery, and training adaptation. Despite their widespread use, variability in formulations, dosage regimens, and individual factors, such as age, sex, training status, and genetic background, continue to challenge clear recommendations.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that span the full spectrum of experimental models, refine mechanistic insights, optimize supplementation strategies, and assess performance and health outcomes. By uniting findings from basic and applied research, we aim to establish a robust translational framework for personalized and sustainable nutritional interventions in sport and exercise science.

Dr. Mon-Chien Lee
Prof. Dr. Wen-Ching Huang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

dietary supplementation
sports nutrition
ergogenic aids
exercise recovery
performance enhancement
metabolic regulation
nutritional interventions
personalized nutrition

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acute L-Leucine Supplementation and Sprint Exercise Elicit Distinct Appetite and Inflammatory Responses in Persons with Overweight: A Randomized, Counterbalanced, and Crossover Design Study

by Elias de França, Ronaldo Vagner Thomatieli-Santos, Rita de Cássia Aquino, Mykaelen Malaquias Cavalcante, Beatriz Rugila Salvalágio, Peter Hofmann, Raul A. Martins, Liliana C. Baptista, Fabio Santos Lira and Erico das Chagas Caperuto

Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040614 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 751

Abstract

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the acute effect of L-leucine supplementation and high-intensity sprint exercise on appetite-controlling neuropeptides and their association with the subjective perception of appetite (SPA), satiety (SPS), food intake, and inflammatory response in overweight participants. Methods: In a double-masked, randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover design, 12 sedentary overweight adult men performed four experiments: (1) exercise and L-leucine (EX-Leu), (2) exercise and placebo (EX-PLA), (3) L-leucine without exercise (SED-Leu), and (4) placebo without exercise (SED-PLA). The supplementation consisted of three daily doses of 70 mg/kg body weight of L-leucine or placebo (on the day of exercise and one day after). During the experiments, we recorded the food intake, SPA, and SPS, and evaluated the neuropeptides (GLP-1, PYY, CCK, and ghrelin) and cytokines (IL1-beta, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) in peripheral blood. The acute exercise trial consisted of four sets of 30 sec cycle ergometer sprint exercises. Results: EX-Leu, EX-PLA, and SED-Leu decreased SPA, compared to SED-PLA; only EX-PLA improved SPS; EX-PLA and EX-Leu reduced food intake. GLP-1 decreased in the EX-PLA trial compared to SED-Leu. IL-6 and IL1-β levels increased in the EX-Leu trial compared to SED-PLA. An anti-inflammatory profile was identified in the EX-PLA trial compared to the other trials. Both neuropeptides (increased) and cytokines (a pro-inflammatory profile) were associated with changes in SPA, SPS, and food intake. Conclusions: The acute inflammatory balance induced by EX-Leu seems to improve appetite control. Sprint exercise had a consistent acute anorexic effect, while isolated L-leucine decreased SPA, but their impact on SPS and food intake is not clear (FAPESP grants: 2020/09936-2 and 2021/03601-1). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Impact on Sport Performance and Health Outcomes)

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11 pages, 684 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deceptive Caffeine Shows Limited Impact on Short-Term Neuromuscular Performance

by Fernando Valero, Christian José Viudez, Sergio De la Calle, Fernando González-Mohíno and Juan José Salinero

Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020295 - 17 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Background: Deceptive caffeine ingestion has shown inconsistent effects as an ergogenic aid for short-term exercises. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential placebo effect of deceptive caffeine ingestion on short-term performance during countermovement and repeated-jump tests, as well as bench press throw and bench press-to-failure assessments, and to document any associated side effects. Methods: A repeated, randomized, and counterbalanced design was implemented to compare the effects of ingesting a placebo claimed to be caffeine with a control condition in which no substance was consumed. Twenty-five physically active young adults (17 men and 8 women) completed a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a 15 s repeated-jump test, bench press throws at 25%, 50%, and 75% of 1RM, and a bench press-to-failure test at 75% of 1RM and also completed a questionnaire regarding potential side effects. Results: Performance was similar between the placebo and control in the CMJ (38.1 ± 6.8 vs. 37.5 ± 6.8 cm; p = 0.225; d = 0.25) and in the 15 s repeated-jump test (p > 0.05; trivial–small effects). In the bench press throw, propulsive mean velocity did not differ at 25% 1RM (p = 0.296; d = 0.23) or 50% 1RM (p = 0.626; d = 0.10). However, deceptive caffeine ingestion increased propulsive mean velocity at 75% 1RM (0.500 ± 0.131 vs. 0.480 ± 0.131 m/s; p = 0.024; d = 0.48) and increased repetitions to failure at the same load (11.9 ± 3.7 vs. 11.0 ± 3.1; p = 0.047; d = 0.42). Mean velocity during the first 3 repetitions tended to be higher with the placebo (p = 0.064; d = 0.39), while final repetitions were similar (p = 0.469; d = 0.15). The most common side effects were increased activeness (34.8%) and nervousness (17.4%). Conclusions: In summary, deceptive caffeine ingestion had minimal impact on jump and ballistic bench press performance in physically active individuals. However, repetitions to failure were improved by ≈1 repetition (+8.2%). These findings suggest that the placebo effect of caffeine is unlikely to serve as a reliable strategy for enhancing short-term exercise performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Impact on Sport Performance and Health Outcomes)

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17 pages, 1211 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Physical Function Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults

by Navid Bagheri, Mehdi Kargarfard, Reza Bagheri and Frédéric Dutheil

Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3959; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243959 - 18 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated whether CoQ10 supplementation enhances physical adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in muscular strength, power, and physical function in older adults. Method: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 38 adults aged 65–75 were assigned to either a CoQ10 (Females: 8; Males: 11) or placebo (Females: 8; Males: 11) group and completed an 8-week supervised HIIT program. Lower- and upper-body strength (30s 5-repetition chair stand [5XSST], chair standing [30CST], handgrip strength [HGR/L]), balance (single-leg stand [SLS], timed up and go [TUG]), mobility (25-foot walk [25FW]), and aerobic endurance (6-minute walk [6MWT]) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The CoQ10 group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in 5XSST and 30CST compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in right and left handgrip strength, SLS, 6MWT, and TUG (all p < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences observed for these outcomes (p > 0.05). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: While CoQ10 supplementation enhanced improvements in lower-body strength and power, as indicated by the greater gains in 5XSST and 30CST performance compared to the placebo, no between-group differences were observed in TUG, grip strength, or other functional outcomes. This suggests that the performance-related effects of CoQ10 may be more specific to muscular power output and fatigue resistance, rather than general mobility or balance-related tasks. These findings highlight the potential of CoQ10 as a targeted adjunct in exercise for supporting lower-body function and physical performance in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Impact on Sport Performance and Health Outcomes)

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18 pages, 3212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation with Live and Heat-Treated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NB23 Enhances Endurance and Attenuates Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Mice

by Mon-Chien Lee, Ting-Yin Cheng, Ping-Jui Lin, Ting-Chun Lin, Chia-Hsuan Chou, Chao-Yuan Chen and Chi-Chang Huang

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152568 - 7 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

Background: Exercise-induced fatigue arises primarily from energy substrate depletion and the accumulation of metabolites such as lactate and ammonia, which impair performance and delay recovery. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota modulation—particularly via probiotics—as a means to optimize host energy metabolism and accelerate clearance of fatigue-associated by-products. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether live or heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NB23 can enhance exercise endurance and attenuate fatigue biomarkers in a murine model. Methods: Forty male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomized into four groups (n = 10 each) receiving daily gavage for six weeks with vehicle, heat-killed NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ cells/human/day), low-dose live NB23 (1 × 10¹⁰ CFUs/human/day), or high-dose live NB23 (3 × 10¹⁰ CFUs/human/day). Forelimb grip strength and weight-loaded swim-to-exhaustion tests assessed performance. Blood was collected post-exercise to measure serum lactate, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK). Liver and muscle glycogen content was also quantified, and safety was confirmed by clinical-chemistry panels and histological examination. Results: NB23 treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in grip strength (p < 0.01) and swim endurance (p < 0.001). All NB23 groups exhibited significant reductions in post-exercise lactate (p < 0.0001), ammonia (p < 0.001), BUN (p < 0.001), and CK (p < 0.0001). Hepatic and muscle glycogen stores rose by 41–59% and 65–142%, respectively (p < 0.001). No changes in food or water intake, serum clinical-chemistry parameters, or tissue histology were observed. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that both live and heat-treated L. paracasei NB23 may contribute to improved endurance performance, increased energy reserves, and faster clearance of fatigue-related metabolites in our experimental model. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory nature and limitations of our study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements’ Impact on Sport Performance and Health Outcomes)

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