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Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 July 2024) | Viewed by 52958

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Health Science and Education, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
Interests: hydration status and athletic performance; hydration status and health; ergogenic supplements and athletic performance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Numerous studies have proved that nutrition plays an important role in improving athletes’ performance during sporting activities. A balanced diet is essential not only for enhanced sports performance but for athletes’ health as well. During exercise, athletes may suffer, among others, from the depletion of glycogen stores, dehydration and excessive muscle damage. Thus, the consumption of nutrient-rich foods (e.g., lean meat, milk, fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, etc.) and water can enhance energy stores, improve thermoregulation, maximize muscle protein synthesis and provide an adequate number of vitamins and minerals, thus alleviating the effects of oxidative stress. It is also well documented that there is an urgent need for nutrition education interventions to improve athletes’ performance by promoting adequate energy intake; this creates the means of achieving an “appropriate” body composition.

This Special Issue aims to discuss the importance of nutrition interventions during sporting activities. Articles about the latest research findings and examining dietary supplements in competitive athletes are welcome. In addition, review papers providing in-depth perspectives from sports scientists in this area are also encouraged.

Dr. Giannis Arnaoutis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • athlete
  • performance
  • nutrition
  • supplements
  • sports
  • body composition

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 153 KiB  
Editorial
Navigating Nutritional Challenges on the Way to Maximum Athletic Performance
by Giannis Arnaoutis
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4385; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244385 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 843
Abstract
Nutritional interventions play a vital role in the amelioration of athletic performance, with the use of specific, safe, and ergogenic supplements, such as creatine, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, and beetroot juice, demonstrating their capacity to enhance several crucial aspects of sports performance such [...] Read more.
Nutritional interventions play a vital role in the amelioration of athletic performance, with the use of specific, safe, and ergogenic supplements, such as creatine, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, and beetroot juice, demonstrating their capacity to enhance several crucial aspects of sports performance such as strength, endurance, and recovery [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 1259 KiB  
Article
Neither an Individualised Nor a Standardised Sodium Bicarbonate Strategy Improved Performance in High-Intensity Repeated Swimming, or a Subsequent 200 m Swimming Time Trial in Highly Trained Female Swimmers
by Josh W. Newbury, Matthew Cole, Adam L. Kelly and Lewis A. Gough
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3123; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183123 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2027
Abstract
Inconsistent swimming performances are often observed following sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion, possibly because the time taken to reach peak blood buffering capacity is highly variable between individuals. Personalising NaHCO3 ingestion based on time-to-peak blood bicarbonate (HCO3) could [...] Read more.
Inconsistent swimming performances are often observed following sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion, possibly because the time taken to reach peak blood buffering capacity is highly variable between individuals. Personalising NaHCO3 ingestion based on time-to-peak blood bicarbonate (HCO3) could be a solution; however, this strategy is yet to be explored in swimming, or adequately compared to standardised NaHCO3 approaches. Therefore, six highly trained female swimmers ingested 0.3 g·kg BM−1 NaHCO3 in capsules to pre-determine their individual time-to-peak blood HCO3. They then participated in three experimental trials, consisting of a 6 × 75 m repeated sprint swimming test, followed by a 200 m maximal time trial effort after 30 min active recovery. These experiments were conducted consuming a supplement at three different timings: individualised NaHCO3 (IND: 105–195 min pre-exercise); standardised NaHCO3 (STND: 150 min pre-exercise); and placebo (PLA: 90 min pre-exercise). Both NaHCO3 strategies produced similar increases in blood HCO3 prior to exercise (IND: +6.8 vs. STND: +6.1 mmol·L−1, p < 0.05 vs. PLA) and fully recovered blood HCO3 during active recovery (IND: +6.0 vs. STND: +6.3 mmol·L−1 vs. PLA, p < 0.05). However, there were no improvements in the mean 75 m swimming time (IND: 48.2 ± 4.8 vs. STND: 48.9 ± 5.8 vs. PLA: 49.1 ± 5.1 s, p = 0.302) nor 200 m maximal swimming (IND: 133.6 ± 5.0 vs. STND: 133.6 ± 4.7 vs. PLA: 133.3 ± 4.4 s, p = 0.746). Regardless of the ingestion strategy, NaHCO3 does not appear to improve exercise performance in highly trained female swimmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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14 pages, 601 KiB  
Article
Effects of Supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins, Combined with High-Intensity Functional Training, on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Georgios Posnakidis, Christoforos D. Giannaki, Vassilis Mougios, Marios Pantzaris, Ioannis Patrikios, Philip C. Calder, Dina K. Sari, Gregory C. Bogdanis and George Aphamis
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172914 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5684
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a supplement rich in ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidant vitamins on physical performance and body composition following a period of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Nineteen healthy young adults [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a supplement rich in ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidant vitamins on physical performance and body composition following a period of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Nineteen healthy young adults (nine males, ten females) underwent an 8-week HIFT program (3 days·week−1) where they were randomized 1:1 into either the supplement group (SG)—n = 10, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of a dietary cocktail formula (Neuroaspis™ PLP10) containing a mixture of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs (12,150 mg), vitamin A (0.6 mg), vitamin E (22 mg), and γ-tocopherol (760 mg)—or the placebo group (PG)—n = 9, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of virgin olive oil. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and muscle endurance were assessed before and after the training period. Body mass did not change, but muscle mass increased by 1.7 ± 1.9% or 0.40 ± 0.53 kg in the SG (p = 0.021) and decreased by 1.2 ± 1.6% or 0.28 ± 0.43 kg (p = 0.097) in the PG, compared with baseline. VO2max, vertical jump, squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, and muscle endurance increased similarly in both groups. The effects of HIFT on physical performance parameters, muscle damage, and inflammation indices were not affected by the supplementation. In conclusion, HIFT combined with high doses of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and antioxidant vitamins resulted in a small but significant increase in muscle mass and fat reduction compared with HIFT alone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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11 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutritional Knowledge of Elite Handball Players
by Giannis Arnaoutis, Maria Alepoudea, Konstantinos D. Tambalis and Labros S. Sidossis
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162773 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2202
Abstract
Nutrition affects both body composition and, consequently, athletic performance. Only a few studies have assessed the nutritional behavior and knowledge of elite players. The present study aimed to assess the dietary intake, body composition, and nutritional knowledge of elite handball players. Thirty-nine handball [...] Read more.
Nutrition affects both body composition and, consequently, athletic performance. Only a few studies have assessed the nutritional behavior and knowledge of elite players. The present study aimed to assess the dietary intake, body composition, and nutritional knowledge of elite handball players. Thirty-nine handball players (age: 23.2 ± 2.7 years, weight: 88.2 ± 10.1 kg, height: 1.87 ± 0.07 m, and years of training: 13 ± 2) participated in the study. The athletes completed a set of anthropometric measurements, a 24 h food recall, and a translated edition of Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ). The average body fat percentage was 16.7 ± 3.8%, while the average fat free mass was 73.9 ± 8.5 kg. The athletes’ average daily energy intake was 2606.6 ± 756 kcal, while the average daily intake for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats was 243.85 ± 107.79 g [2.8 ± 1.3 g/kg BW/d—37.2 ± 10.5% of Total Energy Intake (TEI)], 131.59 ± 53.28 g (1.51 ± 0.7 g/kg BW/d—20.3 ± 6.9% of TEI), and 117.65 ± 40.52 g (40.9 ± 9.9% of TEI), respectively. For iron, calcium, and vitamin D, the average daily intakes were 19.33 ± 10.22 mg, 1287.7 ± 676.42 mg, and 3.22 ± 3.57 mcg respectively. The average success rate on the A-NSKQ was only 38.5 ± 10.7% out of 100. Elite handball players exhibit inadequate dietary intake and sports nutrition knowledge. Nutritional education should be a primary concern towards the amelioration of their athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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11 pages, 552 KiB  
Article
Acute Dosing Strategy with Vistula Tart Cherries for Recovery of Strenuous Exercise—A Feasibility Study
by Emma Squires, Ian H. Walshe, Alex Dodd, Edward Broadbelt, Oliver Hayman, Malachy P. McHugh and Glyn Howatson
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162709 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2767
Abstract
Tart cherry (TC) consumption has become a popular nutritional strategy for recovery, particularly for the attenuation of markers associated with muscle damage. However, there are relatively few studies that have examined an acute dosing strategy. The aim of this pilot study was to [...] Read more.
Tart cherry (TC) consumption has become a popular nutritional strategy for recovery, particularly for the attenuation of markers associated with muscle damage. However, there are relatively few studies that have examined an acute dosing strategy. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of using powdered Vistula TC for recovery following a bout of muscle-damaging exercise. Twenty-two recreationally active participants (mean ± SD age, stature, and mass were 23 ± 3 years old, 173 ± 10 cm, and 74 ± 17 kg, respectively) performed 40 (5 sets of 8 repetitions) maximal lengthening contractions of the elbow flexors. The participants were randomised to receive either a spray-dried TC extract or a calorie-matched placebo (12 TC, 10 placebo) for 4 days in total, starting on the day of exercise. Dependent measures of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle soreness (assessed via visual analogue scales; VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), and upper arm limb girth were taken at baseline (pre), 24, 48, and 72 h post damaging exercise. There were significant changes over time among all the variables (MVC, VAS, PPT, ROM, and girth, p ≤ 0.014). There were no significant differences between the conditions for any of the variables (MVC, VAS, PPT, ROM, and girth, p > 0.3). The TC group did not recover at an accelerated rate compared to the placebo. This study provides initial insights into the use of powdered Vistula TC and its effect following strenuous (damaging) exercise bouts. Vistula TC did not improve recovery when taken acutely following a bout of damaging exercise to the elbow flexors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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13 pages, 1160 KiB  
Article
Body Composition and Dietary Intake Profiles of Elite Iranian Swimmers and Water Polo Athletes
by Mohammad Hossein Samanipour, Shahzad Mohammadian, Juan Del Coso, Omid Salehian, Fatemeh Khodakhah Jeddi, Mehdi Khosravi, José M. González-Ravé, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Hongyou Liu, Sidney Abou Sawan and Ralf Jäger
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152393 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2419
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative analysis of body composition and dietary habits in elite swimming and water polo athletes. Through the examination of these key parameters, this study seeks to compare the dietary intake of these two distinct [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative analysis of body composition and dietary habits in elite swimming and water polo athletes. Through the examination of these key parameters, this study seeks to compare the dietary intake of these two distinct aquatic sports disciplines. Methods: A total of 10 top-level swimmers and 13 water polo athletes participated in anthropometric and body composition assessments, as well as a detailed analysis of nutritional intake. To compare the two groups, an independent samples t-test was used, and variance homogeneity was checked using Levene’s test. The effect size of the group differences was evaluated using Hedges’ g. Results: Water polo athletes showed significantly greater height (189.4 ± 2.9 vs. 186.5 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.013), body mass index (24.3 ± 1.4 vs. 22.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001), fat-free mass (62.9 ± 1.4 vs. 61.1 ± 1.38 kg, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (47.1 ± 1.3 vs. 43.9 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.001), and overall weight (86.9 ± 6.9 vs. 76.7 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.001) in comparison to swimmers. Swimmers consumed greater amounts of mean daily energy (60.0 ± 1.0 vs. 39.0 ± 1.0 kcal/kg, p < 0.001), carbohydrate (7.8 ± 0.3 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), protein (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), and fat (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001) compared to water polo athletes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for differentiated targeted nutritional interventions to enhance athletic performance in different types of water sports. Compared to water polo athletes, swimmers consumed significantly higher amounts of calories, matching their increased calorie demand from their specific training regime. However, this is an observational study and the differential needs of energy and macronutrients in water sports should be confirmed by studies with energy expenditure measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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15 pages, 693 KiB  
Article
Dietary Intake of Soccer Players before, during and after an Official Game: Influence of Competition Level and Playing Position
by Costas Chryssanthopoulos, Athanasios Souglis, Sofia Tsalouhidou, Andrew T. Hulton, Gregory C. Bogdanis, Anatoli Petridou, Anastassios Philippou, Maria Maridaki and Apostolos Theos
Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030337 - 23 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4427
Abstract
Physical demands in soccer differ according to league level and playing position and may influence nutritional requirements. This study examined the effect of competition level and playing position on dietary intake in male soccer players (SP). Diet was weighed and recorded by 123 [...] Read more.
Physical demands in soccer differ according to league level and playing position and may influence nutritional requirements. This study examined the effect of competition level and playing position on dietary intake in male soccer players (SP). Diet was weighed and recorded by 123 SP for 3 days; before, on the day, and the day after an official match. SP in the Super League (SL, n = 33) division reported higher (p < 0.05) average three-day energy (195 ± 36 kJ/kg), carbohydrate (6.0 ± 1.1 g/kg), and protein (2.2 ± 0.5 g/kg) intakes compared to the intakes reported by SP in the 2nd (n = 30) (energy: 159 ± 31 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.6 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.9 ± 0.4 g/kg), 3rd (n = 30) (energy: 153 ± 34 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.5 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg), and 4th (n = 30) (energy: 152 ± 36 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.2 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.7 ± 0.5 g/kg) national leagues (mean ± SD). Furthermore, when data were analyzed by playing position (pooled data), wide midfielders reported higher (p < 0.05) energy (183 ± 33 kJ/kg), carbohydrate (5.4 ± 1.2 g/kg), and fat (1.5 ± 0.4 g/kg) intakes compared to central defenders (energy: 147 ± 37 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.1 ± 1.1 g/kg; fat: 1.2 ± 0.4 g/kg). The dietary intake of SP may differ according to the playing position and competition level, possibly due to different metabolic demands in training and competition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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17 pages, 2499 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Football Players
by Mirosława Cieślicka, Błażej Stankiewicz, Radosław Muszkieta, Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe, Jacek Klawe, Anna Skarpańska-Stejnborn and Joanna Ostapiuk-Karolczuk
Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4779; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224779 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7295
Abstract
Physical exercise, especially of high intensity, is a significant burden on an athlete’s body. It should be emphasized that achieving high results in competitive sports requires the use of significant, sometimes extreme, exercise loads during training, which may result in homeostasis disorders, adversely [...] Read more.
Physical exercise, especially of high intensity, is a significant burden on an athlete’s body. It should be emphasized that achieving high results in competitive sports requires the use of significant, sometimes extreme, exercise loads during training, which may result in homeostasis disorders, adversely affecting the fitness of athletes. This study aims to investigate the effects of 6 months of bovine colostrum supplementation on indicators of immune system functioning, selected parameters related to iron management, and anabolic/catabolic balance in young football players. Twenty-eight male football players completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover protocol (24 weeks of colostrum/placebo). A standardized exercise test was executed at the beginning of the trial and after 3 and 6 months of supplementation. Blood samples were taken before and after the exercise test and after 3 h of recovery. Markers of iron homeostasis, pro- and anti-inflammatory balance, and hormonal responses were determined. A significant increase in immunoglobulin G concentration was observed, accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory markers in supplemented athletes. Bovine colostrum supplementation had no significant effect on athletes’ performance or on iron management and hormonal response. The use of bovine colostrum, which is characterized by a high content of immunologically active compounds, can be an element of a relatively mild and safe intervention for reducing inflammation induced by intense physical exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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11 pages, 1446 KiB  
Article
Impact of Preparticipation Hypohydration on Cognitive Performance and Concussion-like Symptoms in Recreational Athletes
by Anna Strüven, Stefan Brunner, Georges Weis, Yannick Cohrdes, Stephan Lackermair, Jenny Schlichtiger, Antonia Kellnar and Korbinian Lackermair
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204420 - 18 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2552
Abstract
Background: Sports-related concussion is a relevant risk of contact sports, with several million cases per year worldwide. Prompt identification is crucial to prevent complications and late effects but may be impeded by an overlap with dehydration-associated impairment of cognitive function. Researchers have extensively [...] Read more.
Background: Sports-related concussion is a relevant risk of contact sports, with several million cases per year worldwide. Prompt identification is crucial to prevent complications and late effects but may be impeded by an overlap with dehydration-associated impairment of cognitive function. Researchers have extensively studied the effects of pronounced dehydration in endurance sports, especially in the heat. However, little is known about the effects of isolated and mild dehydration. Methods: Healthy recreational athletes underwent a standardized fluid deprivation test. Hypohydration was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and laboratory testing of electrolytes and retention parameters. Participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with a cycle ramp protocol. Each participant served as their own control undergoing CPET in a hypohydrated [HYH] and a euhydrated [EUH] state. Effects were assessed using a shortened version of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3). Results: Fluid deprivation caused a mild (2%) reduction in body water, resulting in a calculated body mass loss of 0.8% without alterations of electrolytes, serum-osmolality, or hematocrit. Athletes reported significantly more (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.7; p < 0.01) and more severe (4.4 ± 6.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.9; p < 0.01) concussion-like symptoms in a hypohydrated state. Balance was worse in HYH by trend with a significant difference for tandem stance (1.1 ± 1.3 vs. 0.6 ± 1.1; p = 0.02). No relevant differences were presented for items of memory and concentration. Conclusions: Mild dehydration caused relevant alterations of concussion-like symptoms and balance in healthy recreational athletes in the absence of endurance exercise or heat. Further research is needed to clarify the real-life relevance of these findings and to strengthen the differential diagnosis of concussion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 319 KiB  
Review
The Top 5 Can’t-Miss Sport Supplements
by Jose Antonio, Flavia Pereira, Jason Curtis, Jose Rojas and Cassandra Evans
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3247; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193247 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 20251
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sports supplements have become popular among fitness enthusiasts for enhancing the adaptive response to exercise. This review analyzes five of the most effective ergogenic aids: creatine, beta-alanine, nitrates, caffeine, and protein. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature with a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sports supplements have become popular among fitness enthusiasts for enhancing the adaptive response to exercise. This review analyzes five of the most effective ergogenic aids: creatine, beta-alanine, nitrates, caffeine, and protein. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature with a focus on the sport supplements with the most robust evidence for efficacy and safety. Results: Creatine, one of the most studied ergogenic aids, increases phosphocreatine stores in skeletal muscles, improving ATP production during high-intensity exercises like sprinting and weightlifting. Studies show creatine supplementation enhances skeletal muscle mass, strength/power, and muscular endurance. The typical dosage is 3–5 g per day and is safe for long-term use. Beta-alanine, when combined with the amino acid histidine, elevates intramuscular carnosine, which acts as a buffer in skeletal muscles and delays fatigue during high-intensity exercise by neutralizing hydrogen ions. Individuals usually take 2–6 g daily in divided doses to minimize paresthesia. Research shows significant performance improvements in activities lasting 1–4 min. Nitrates, found in beetroot juice, enhance aerobic performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles, enhancing endurance, and reducing oxygen cost during exercise. The recommended dosage is approximately 500 milligrams taken 2–3 h before exercise. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, reduces perceived pain while enhancing focus and alertness. Effective doses range from 3 to 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, typically consumed an hour before exercise. Protein supplementation supports muscle repair, growth, and recovery, especially after resistance training. The recommended intake for exercise-trained men and women varies depending on their specific goals. Concluions: In summary, creatine, beta-alanine, nitrates, caffeine, and protein are the best ergogenic aids, with strong evidence supporting their efficacy and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition Interventions for Athletes' Performance)
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