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Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise
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Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2026 | Viewed by 16963

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Heather M. Logan-Sprenger

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada
Interests: physiology; exercise; metabolism; environmental physiology; performance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Endurance exercise places substantial physiological demands on the cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular, and thermoregulatory systems. As a result, athletes frequently seek evidence-based nutritional strategies to optimize performance, delay fatigue, and enhance recovery. Nutritional supplements—including carbohydrate formulations, caffeine, beta-alanine, sodium bicarbonate, nitrates, creatine, and novel ergogenic aids—have been extensively investigated for their potential to support endurance capacity across a range of training and competition scenarios. However, individual responses, sex-based differences, dosing strategies, and environmental contexts (e.g., heat, altitude) complicate their application. This Special Issue of Nutrients aims to explore the current state of evidence on nutritional supplementation for endurance athletes, with a focus on mechanistic insights, performance outcomes, safety, and personalized approaches. We welcome original research, reviews, and meta-analyses addressing acute and chronic supplementation strategies, innovations in nutrient delivery, and emerging biomarkers of efficacy and adaptation.

Dr. Heather M. Logan-Sprenger
Guest Editor

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. 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

  • endurance performance
  • nutritional supplementation
  • ergogenic aid
  • female athlete supplementation
  • personalized nutrition

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 319 KB  
Article
Feasibility of Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion in Artistic Swimming Performances
by Heather M. Logan Sprenger, Temisia van Biljouw and David J. Bentley
Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3029; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193029 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2231
Abstract
Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility of individualized sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation and its physiological effects on simulated artistic swimming duet performance, including blood buffering responses, perceived exertion, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, and performance scores. Methods: Seventeen (n = 17) [...] Read more.
Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility of individualized sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation and its physiological effects on simulated artistic swimming duet performance, including blood buffering responses, perceived exertion, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, and performance scores. Methods: Seventeen (n = 17) elite adolescent female artistic swimmers completed an initial trial to determine individual time-to-peak blood bicarbonate concentration (Part 1). Subsequently, a subset (n = 7) completed a randomized, double-blind, crossover intervention (Part 2), performing competition duet routines (4 min) after ingesting either 0.3 g/kg NaHCO3 or a placebo timed to their individual alkalosis peak. Blood gas and lactate samples were taken pre- and post-performance. Performance was scored by blinded FINA adjudicators. GI discomfort was assessed before and after each routine. Results: Peak blood bicarbonate occurred at 52 ± 9 min post-ingestion, with a mean increase of 6.7 ± 1.8 mmol/L (g = 5.03). In Part 2 (n = 7), NaHCO3 significantly elevated pre- and post-performance pH (7.46 ± 0.02 vs. 7.37 ± 0.01; 7.34 ± 0.02 vs. 7.26 ± 0.03), HCO3− (29.5 ± 0.9 vs. 22.4 ± 0.4 mmol/L; 21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 15.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L), and base excess (5.9 ± 0.6 vs. −2.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L; −4.3 ± 0.8 vs. −10.3 ± 1.1 mmol/L) compared to the placebo (all p < 0.05, g = 3.99–14.93). Post-performance lactate was higher (9.3 ± 1.0 vs. 8.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L, g = 0.89), while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower (12.9 ± 0.7 vs. 14.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.05, g = −2.14). Propulsion improved (6.66 ± 0.16 vs. 6.52 ± 0.20, g = 0.85), with no change in execution. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were transiently elevated with NaHCO3. Conclusions: Individualized NaHCO3 dosing is a feasible and effective ergogenic strategy for artistic swimmers, enhancing systemic alkalosis and perceptual tolerance while preserving technical execution. These findings support the sport-specific integration of NaHCO3 to optimize anaerobic performance elements in high-level artistic swimming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise)
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16 pages, 1594 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Green Tea Extract and Ginger Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Thermal Perception in Normothermic and Cold Environments: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Trial
by Abdullah Demirli, Süleyman Ulupınar, Merve Terzi, Serhat Özbay, Abdullah Bora Özkara, Cebrail Gençoğlu, Ibrahim Ouergui and Luca Paolo Ardigò
Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2949; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182949 - 13 Sep 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7785
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study assessed the individual and combined effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation on endurance performance, metabolic responses, perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in normothermic and cold environmental conditions. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study assessed the individual and combined effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation on endurance performance, metabolic responses, perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in normothermic and cold environmental conditions. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, sixteen recreationally active males (age: 23.4 ± 0.4 years; VO2 max: 46.8 ± 2.8 mL/kg/min) were tested in eight conditions (placebo [maltodextrin], green tea [500 mg], ginger [1000 mg], combined), all in normothermic (21–24 °C) and cold (5–7 °C) environments. All supplements and the placebo were encapsulated in identical capsules to ensure blinding. Participants completed a submaximal time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test at 70% VO2 max on a cycle ergometer. TTE, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TSS), and muscle soreness via a visual analog scale (VAS), assessed 24 h post-exercise, were measured. Results: In normothermic condition, green tea and combined supplementation significantly increased TTE and reduced RER compared to the placebo (p < 0.05), and that combined supplementation lowered RPE relative to the placebo and ginger (all p < 0.05). In cold conditions, combined supplementation significantly enhanced TTE, reduced RER, and improved TSS compared to the placebo and ginger (p < 0.05), while all supplements decreased VAS relative to the placebo (p < 0.05). Ginger alone showed no significant effect on TTE or RER but improved TSS and VAS in cold compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). Cold placebo conditions exhibited significantly higher RPE and VAS than all normothermic conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Green tea enhances endurance and fat oxidation in normothermic conditions, while its combination with ginger can optimize performance, thermal comfort, and recovery in cold environments. These findings suggest a practical nutritional strategy for mitigating environmental stress during exercise, specific to the acute supplementation in males. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07150533). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise)
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14 pages, 1567 KB  
Article
Substrate Oxidation Does Not Influence Middle Distance Running Performance: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
by Alex Buga, Jeffrey D. Buxton, Emma Plank, James D. Minor, Micah T. Sterrett, Christopher A. Brooks, Tanner R. Niemann, Margaret P. Troxel, Anthony Bryarly, Zachary Furry, Clarra Hannon, Jason Muench, Daniel Stone, Dominic P. D’Agostino, Jeff S. Volek, Andrew P. Koutnik and Philip J. Prins
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2771; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172771 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 4922
Abstract
Objective: Recent work has challenged the notion that preferred substrate oxidation is a key determinant of exercise performance. This investigation tested middle-distance running performance, in the fed state, to control for glycogen and exercise-induced hypoglycemia (EIH) confounders. Methods: In a randomized crossover fashion, [...] Read more.
Objective: Recent work has challenged the notion that preferred substrate oxidation is a key determinant of exercise performance. This investigation tested middle-distance running performance, in the fed state, to control for glycogen and exercise-induced hypoglycemia (EIH) confounders. Methods: In a randomized crossover fashion, all while controlling dietary intake, activity, and body weight, recreational distance runners completed either a 5K (n = 15; VO2max: 58.3 ± 6.2 mL/kg/min) or a 10K (n = 15; VO2max: 54.51 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min) middle-distance run after consuming isocaloric low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) and high-carbohydrate low-fat (HCLF) pre-exercise meals. Time trial (TT) performance (sec), carbohydrate/fat substrate oxidation, blood metabolites, heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and subjective fullness and thirst were measured throughout. Results: LCHF pre-exercise nutrition reliably altered substrate oxidation and metabolite profiles compared to HCLF, evidenced by significant increases in fat oxidation (77% higher) and reductions in RER (5% lower), with corresponding shifts in carbohydrate oxidation. Despite distinct preferred substrate oxidation profiles during exercise, the 5 and 10 km TT performances were similar between conditions (p = 0.646/p = 0.118). RER was significantly lower (p = 0.002) after the LCHF condition compared to HCLF. Capillary R-βHB increased modestly after LCHF, while blood glucose increased after HCLF only. The LCHF meal was 35% more filling than the HCLF meal. Preferred substrate oxidation did not significantly modulate middle-distance running performance. Conclusion: This work supports recent findings that substrate oxidation is not a primary determinant of aerobic performance, as previously conceived. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise)
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Review

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19 pages, 1288 KB  
Review
The Ergogenic Potential of Succinic Acid in Exercise Performance and Post-Exercise Recovery: A Systematic Review
by Karol Jędrejko, Oliver Catlin, Maciej Jędrejko, Bożena Muszyńska, Izabela Bat, Susan M. Kleiner, Dominika Granda, Andrzej Pokrywka and Ralf Jäger
Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050870 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
Background: Succinic acid plays a central role in human energy metabolism as a key intermediate of the Krebs cycle that releases energy accumulated as guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Through its conversion via succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), succinate directly links the Krebs cycle to oxidative [...] Read more.
Background: Succinic acid plays a central role in human energy metabolism as a key intermediate of the Krebs cycle that releases energy accumulated as guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Through its conversion via succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), succinate directly links the Krebs cycle to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), contributing to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Exercise induces pronounced changes in succinate concentrations in skeletal muscle, blood, and saliva, with responses influenced by training status, exercise modality, and intensity. Objective: This systematic review evaluated the effects of succinate-containing supplements or sole-ingredient succinic acid supplementation on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery in healthy trained individuals. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched without date restrictions. Interventional studies assessing succinate-containing supplementation with outcomes related to exercise performance or recovery were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. This study was registered in advance with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD420251237042). Results: Six studies involving 153 participants (mean age: 23 years) met the inclusion criteria. Five of the six included studies were rated as having a high risk of bias, while the only study judged to be at low risk of bias reported no beneficial effects on exercise performance outcomes. Supplementation protocols included daily doses of 300–2040 mg for up to 21 days and a single acute dose of 30 mg/kg, with most interventions administering succinate as part of multi-ingredient formulations rather than as an isolated compound. Three studies reported ergogenic effects in direct performance metrics, including improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold power, and total work performed. Two additional studies demonstrated favorable physiological adaptations indirectly relevant to exercise performance, including improved acid-base regulation, hematological markers related to oxygen transport, and antioxidant status, although validated performance outcomes were not assessed. Substantial heterogeneity and overall methodological limitations precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that succinate-containing supplements or sole-ingredient succinic acid supplementation may enhance direct performance outcomes such as aerobic performance, total workload, and indirect physiological markers, e.g., acid-base balance, hematological indicators and antioxidant capacity in healthy trained individuals. However, given that the majority of included studies were at high risk of bias and the only low-risk study reported no ergogenic effects, current evidence does not provide reliable support for performance-enhancing benefits of succinate supplementation. Interpretation is further limited by the predominant use of multi-ingredient formulations, making it difficult to isolate the effects of succinic acid. While biologically plausible mechanisms exist, well-controlled trials using isolated succinic acid are required before conclusions regarding efficacy can be drawn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Supplements for Endurance Exercise)
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