Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 20902

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sang-Rok Lee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Kinesiology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
Interests: exercise; aging; skeletal muscle; dietary supplements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yong Woo An

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Health and Human Sciences, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
Interests: exercise; rehabilitation; brain function; musculoskeletal injury; neuromechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The synergistic relationship between nutrition and exercise is pivotal for optimizing skeletal muscle health and overall well-being. We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives to our upcoming issue exploring this dynamic interplay between nutritional supplements, exercise, skeletal muscle health, and performance. This Special Issue aims at highlighting recent advancements in nutritional and/or dietary strategies and training interventions, emphasizing their combined effects on metabolism, muscle adaptation, physical function, and overall health.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

The influence of nutritional supplements on exercise performance, recovery, and muscle function.
The role of resistance and endurance training in nutrient utilization and skeletal muscle adaptation.
The impact of dietary patterns on metabolic health, inflammation, and musculoskeletal integrity.
Mechanisms underlying exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy, muscle preservation, and recovery through nutritional interventions.
The effects of combined dietary and exercise strategies in aging populations, athletes, and individuals with chronic conditions.

This Special Issue serves as a platform to showcase cutting-edge research bridging nutrition and exercise science to enhance physical performance and overall health. We welcome interdisciplinary submissions from the fields of exercise physiology, sports nutrition, kinesiology, and metabolic health, particularly studies that investigate the association between nutrition, exercise training, and holistic well-being.

Dr. Sang-Rok Lee
Guest Editor

Dr. Yong Woo An
Guest Editor Assistant

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

nutritional supplements
exercise training
exercise intervention
skeletal muscle function
dietary patterns
physical performance
metabolomics
well-being

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 1727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unintentional Underfuelling and Protein Prioritisation: A Multi-Methods Exploration of Nutrition Practices and Behaviours in Female Endurance Athletes

by Harvey O. Fortis, Colum J. Cronin, Kelsie O. Johnson, Sam O. Shepherd, Anthony C. Hackney and Juliette A. Strauss

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233773 - 30 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1008

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Despite increasing awareness of best sports nutrition practices, discrepancies persist between knowledge and behaviour amongst female endurance athletes. Methods: To understand this discrepancy study investigated dietary practices, macronutrient intakes, and influ-encing factors using a multi-method approach. Seventy-two female endurance athletes (42 ± 9 y) completed four-day weighed food diaries, and a subset of twenty athletes (40 ± 10 y) then participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis revealed that athletes met the lower end of carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines on rest days (3.0 g·kg⁻¹), but intake fell short on training days, with deficits increasing as training volume rose (moderate: −1.4 g·kg⁻¹, high: −3.5 g·kg⁻¹, very high: −5.5 g·kg⁻¹). Despite awareness of CHO’s role in performance, athletes unintentionally underfuelled, leading to a cumu-lative energy deficit. Energy intake increased by 473 kcal·day⁻¹ per 1000 kcal·day⁻¹ of exercise energy expenditure. In contrast, protein intake was prioritised, with mean in-takes of 1.7 ± 0.7 g·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ aligning with recommendations. Results: Qualitative findings iden-tified barriers to CHO intake, including time constraints, diet culture influences and body image concerns. Social and environmental factors, such as household environments and professional nutrition guidance, played a critical role in behaviours. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for practical, evidence-based nutrition interventions to support fe-male endurance athletes. Personalised education addressing CHO requirements, the psychology/emotions around nutrition, and the influence of social environments may bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, optimising both performance and long-term health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Eating Attitudes and Body Image Among 17–20-Year-Olds Engaged in Regular Sports Activity

by Martyna Biedroń, Sylwia Jaruga-Sękowska, Martyna Kłoda, Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka and Joanna Woźniak-Holecka

Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3482; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213482 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 854

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) and body image disturbances are increasingly recognized as important health issues among young athletes. Sports participation may both support healthy development and simultaneously increase vulnerability to disordered eating due to performance pressures and cultural ideals. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of eating disorders and body image among 17–20-year-old athletes. Methods: The study included 428 participants (215 women and 213 men) actively engaged in sports. Standardized psychometric tools were applied, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). Statistical analyses examined differences across gender, BMI categories, and sports disciplines, as well as predictors of ED risk. Results: The analysis showed that 32.9% (n = 141; 95% CI: 28.3–37.8%) of respondents were at risk of developing eating disorders, with women being significantly more vulnerable than men (p < 0.001; V = 0.27). Underweight athletes demonstrated a higher risk compared with those of normal weight (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.48–5.55, p < 0.001). The type of sport was also associated with risk (p < 0.001, V = 0.323); the highest prevalence of ED risk occurred among dancers (48.1%) and swimmers (38.9%). Body esteem differed markedly between groups: participants at risk scored lower in Weight Control (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.94) and Physical Attractiveness (p = 0.072) but higher in Physical Condition (p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that gender (β = −3.35, p < 0.001) and Body Esteem—Weight Control (β = −0.45, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of EAT-26 scores. Conclusions: The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of eating disorder risk among young athletes, highlighting the role of body image imbalance and gender differences. Early screening, preventive interventions, and multidisciplinary support are essential to protect both the physical and mental health of young athletes. Future research should include objective physiological measures and broader samples to improve generalizability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1095 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Acute Fish Oil Supplementation on Muscle Function and Soreness After Eccentric Contraction-Induced Muscle Damage

by Sang-Rok Lee, Dean Directo, Yangmi Kang, Joshua Stein, Mason Calvert, Yong Woo An and Do-Houn Kim

Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3408; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213408 - 29 Oct 2025

Viewed by 4598

Abstract

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of acute fish oil (FO) supplementation on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in young healthy adults. Methods: Twenty-two healthy young male and females were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: fish oil (FO) or placebo control (CON). Participants performed a muscle damage protocol consisting of 10 sets of 10 plyometric drop jumps. Vertical jump height, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, and systemic inflammation markers were assessed at pre-exercise, immediately post (post-0), post-24, post-48, and post-72 h. Results: Vertical jump performance and quadriceps peak torque significantly decreased in the CON group at post-0, 24, and 48 h (p < 0.05), while FO group recovered to baseline levels by post 48 h. Hamstring peak torque reductions recovered in the FO group at post-48 h but remained suppressed in the CON group until post-72 h (p < 0.05). Muscle soreness was significantly higher in the CON group compared to the FO group at post-48 h (p < 0.05). Systemic TNF-α levels significantly increased from baseline to post-0, 24, and 48 h in both groups (p < 0.05), with the CON group showing a trend toward incomplete recovery (p = 0.065). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that acute FO administration may modestly aid muscle recovery and reduce muscle soreness following EIMD in healthy young adults while the overall impact may be limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 277 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intuitive Eating Intervention in Physically Active Adults: Effects on Anthropometry, Athletic Performance, Eating Attitudes, and Body Image

by Meltem Pırıl Şenol, Ece Öneş, Murat Baş and Gözde Arıtıcı Çolak

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2824; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172824 - 29 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in non-diet approaches to support health, well-being, and performance in different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intuitive eating (IE) intervention on participants’ body composition, body image, eating behaviors, and athletic performance. Methods: The study included both an intervention group and a control group. It was conducted between September and December 2021. Participants were recruited from a sports center in Istanbul, where they had applied for nutrition and exercise counseling. Inclusion criteria included being 18–65 years old, not having engaged in regular physical activity in the past month, having no chronic disease, and not using any regular medications. Participants were not randomly assigned to groups; allocation was based on availability and willingness to attend the intervention sessions. The study involved 57 participants who were healthy adults between 18 and 65 years old and followed a structured exercise program. At the beginning of the study, a demographic questionnaire was administered. The anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. In addition, validated performance and psychometric assessment tools were used, including the Cooper test for cardiovascular endurance, the Davies test for upper-body agility, and the 1-RM bench press for muscular strength, alongside standardized self-report questionnaires for eating attitudes (EAT-26), IE (IES-2), and body image (BCS). Results: The intervention group did not show any statistically significant changes in body composition (p > 0.05). The post-intervention means of the intervention and control groups were not statistically different (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, agility, and strength performance scores compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in body image scores (p < 0.05) and eating attitude scores (p < 0.05). The post-intervention eating attitude and body image scores of the intervention group were significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between intuitive eating and body image (r = 0.455; p < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation between IE and disordered eating attitudes (r = −0.449; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that longer-term interventions may be beneficial and warrant further investigation. IE may serve as a promising strategy to enhance psychological well-being and performance outcomes without focusing on weight control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

13 pages, 380 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intuitive Eating and the Female Athlete Triad in Collegiate Runners

by Janie Thomson and Hawley C. Almstedt

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142337 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1763

Abstract

Background: Female collegiate runners may be at high risk for disordered eating and poor bone health, which are characteristics of the female athlete triad. Intuitive eating can promote healthy eating behavior and adequate calorie intake, central variables in calculating energy availability, an underlying cause of low bone mass in athletes. Poor bone health can contribute to injury, preventing optimal performance for athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess intuitive eating, energy availability, and bone mineral density in female college runners with comparison to non-athletes. Methods: Female college athletes (n = 13, 19.5 ± 1.4 yrs) and non-athletes (n = 12, 19.9 ± 1.3 yrs) completed the Intuitive Eating Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and menstrual history survey. Bone mineral density and body composition were measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). A 3-day diet record and exercise log were used to assess dietary intake, estimate energy expenditure, and calculate energy availability. Results: Intuitive eating was inversely correlated with disordered eating (r = −0.596, p = 0.002). Intuitive eating scores were not correlated to calorie intake, energy availability, bone mass, or percent body fat. Runners consumed significantly more calories, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein (g/kg) than non-athletes. Energy availability and bone mineral density were not significantly different between runners and non-athletes. Conclusions: Intuitive eating is associated with healthy eating behaviors in college-age females and was not related to energy availability, bone density, or body composition in this population. Future research could explore the use of intuitive eating principles in reducing disordered eating and addressing low energy availability in female runners and non-athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1741 KB

Open AccessReview

Caffeine as an Ergogenic Aid for Neuromuscular Performance: Mechanisms of Action from Brain to Motor Units

by Paolo Amoruso, Edoardo Lecce, Alessandro Scotto di Palumbo, Massimo Sacchetti and Ilenia Bazzucchi

Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020252 - 13 Jan 2026

Viewed by 341

Abstract

Ergogenic aids have long attracted scientific interest for their potential to enhance neuromuscular performance, with caffeine being among the most extensively studied. While traditionally attributed to peripheral actions on skeletal muscle, accumulating evidence indicates that, at physiological doses, caffeine’s ergogenic effects are predominantly mediated by antagonism of central adenosine receptors. This antagonism leads to increased arousal, reduced inhibitory neuromodulation, enhanced corticospinal excitability, and altered motor unit recruitment and firing behavior. Importantly, the concentrations required to elicit direct effects on excitation–contraction coupling via ryanodine receptors exceed those compatible with human safety, rendering such mechanisms unlikely in vivo. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary neurophysiological evidence to propose that caffeine acts primarily by “tuning” motor system gain through central neurotransmitter modulation, rather than by directly augmenting muscle contractile properties. Additionally, we highlight unresolved questions regarding persistent inward currents, sex-dependent neuromodulatory influences—including the potential role of estrogen in regulating adenosine receptor expression—and the implications of repeated caffeine use during training for neural adaptation and motor control. Finally, we outline key methodological and conceptual directions for future research aimed at refining our understanding of caffeine’s neuromuscular effects in both acute and chronic contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessReview

Can Myokines Serve as Supporters of Muscle–Brain Connectivity in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes? Potential of Exercise and Nutrition Interventions

by Heaji Lee and Yunsook Lim

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3615; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223615 - 19 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1832

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Skeletal muscle–derived myokines have emerged as pivotal mediators of the muscle–brain axis, linking peripheral metabolic regulation with central nervous system function. These molecules may influence skeletal muscle maintenance, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, and cognitive performance, and their dysregulation is increasingly associated with metabolic and cognitive impairment. In obesity (OB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dysregulated myokine profiles characterized by reduced levels of irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cathepsin B (CTSB) have been reported and may contribute to the development of both sarcopenia and cognitive impairment. This review aims to summarize current evidence on myokine alterations in OB and T2DM and to evaluate how exercise- and nutrition-based interventions may modulate the muscle–brain axis to support metabolic and cognitive health. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes experimental, clinical, and translational studies examining (1) alterations in circulating myokines in OB and T2DM, (2) associations between myokines, skeletal muscle function, and neurocognitive outcomes, and (3) the modulatory effects of exercise and specific nutrients on myokine-mediated muscle–brain communication. Results: Available evidence indicates that OB and T2DM are frequently accompanied by reduced circulating levels of beneficial myokines such as irisin, BDNF, and CTSB, which may impair skeletal muscle integrity and contribute to cognitive decline. Restoring favorable myokine signaling through physical activity appears to enhance skeletal muscle maintenance, neuroplasticity, and metabolic homeostasis. Emerging data further suggest that selected nutrients can mimic or potentiate some exercise-induced myokine responses, thereby supporting both muscle and brain function. Collectively, these findings imply that combined exercise and nutrition strategies may exert synergistic or additive effects by reinforcing inter-organ communication along the muscle–brain axis. Conclusions: This review outlines current evidence on myokine alterations observed in OB and T2DM and discusses how exercise- and nutrition-based approaches may modulate the muscle–brain axis to mitigate metabolic dysfunction and preserve cognitive health. Targeting beneficial myokine pathways through tailored lifestyle interventions represents a promising avenue to support both skeletal muscle and neurocognitive function in individuals with metabolic disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1626 KB

Open AccessReview

From Fish Oil to Resolution: A Narrative Review on the Potential of SPM-Enriched Marine Oil for Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Recovery

by Leticia C. de Souza, Jose M. Moris, Paul M. Gordon, Jeffery L. Heileson and LesLee K. Funderburk

Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122014 - 16 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7121

Abstract

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) initiates an inflammatory response that is essential for tissue repair. However, when prolonged or excessive, this response can impair recovery and muscular performance. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), derived from the metabolism of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), facilitate the resolution of inflammation without causing immunosuppression. Evidence from preclinical studies indicates that SPM administration accelerates muscle repair and functional recovery by enhancing the clearance of apoptotic cells, suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling and modulating macrophage polarization. However, translation to human applications remains limited as commercially available SPM-enriched marine oils do not contain active SPMs but rather their monohydroxylated precursors, including 14-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (14-HDHA), 17-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (17-HDHA), and 18-Hydroxy-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (18-HEPE) in addition to low doses of the n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Furthermore, the variable increases in circulating SPM concentrations as a result of dietary intake of EPA and DHA, whether from fish or fish oil supplements, and the wide diversity of SPM molecules (many of which remain under investigation), highlight the complexity of their structural and functional networks. While advances in lipidomics have identified SPMs and their pathway intermediates in human biological samples, further research is needed to determine optimal dosing strategies, delivery mechanisms, and the real impact of SPM-enriched marine oil on athletic performance and recovery. This narrative review examines the biological rationale and current evidence surrounding SPM-enriched marine oil supplementation and its potential to enhance muscle recovery following EIMD. By synthesizing findings from preclinical and human studies, the potential of SPM-enriched supplementation as a novel tool for optimizing performance recovery in athletic populations is reviewed to inform future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrition, Exercise, and Health: Nutritional Supplements, Exercise Training, Skeletal Muscle Health, and Performance

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI