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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: 25 June 2026 | Viewed by 10697

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Prof. Dr. Márta Wilhelm

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Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pecs, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
Interests: health related fitness (exercise physiology, molecular biology, body composition); health related lifestyle, including nutrition, recreation; dietary habits and health, physical activity/health/diet and age groups
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Dear Colleagues,

In societies, which are changing almost daily, wellbeing, health, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial. Wellbeing is correlated to many positive changes in the economic status of populations, which then lead to an increase in food consumption as well. To counteract the negative effects from increased food consumption, education is more important than ever. How should we lead our lives, what is healthy for consumption, and how much should one exercise? How can we change our lifestyle from a sedentary one into a more physically active one, thus increasing our health? Physical activity and a well-balanced diet are very important health strategies, but they are only effective in a combined, complex manner. Much scientific data have been presented already, but there is a need to collate them, and this Special Issue is one such avenue for this purpose. This issue seeks to increase individuals’ motivation to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, while showing the latest data from interventions and professional programs.

Prof. Dr. Márta Wilhelm
Guest Editor

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Keywords

physical activity
healthy diet
metabolism
adaptation
education

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 712 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Habits in Early Pregnancy in a Multi-Ethnic Population: Results from the PROMOTE Cohort Study

by Ania (Lucewicz) Samarawickrama, James Elhindi, Yoon Ji Jina Rhou, Sarah J. Melov, Justin McNab, Mark McLean, Ngai Wah Cheung, Ben J. Smith, Tim Usherwood, Victoria M. Flood, Dharmintra Pasupathy and on behalf of the PROMOTE Cohort Study Team

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3729; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233729 - 27 Nov 2025

Viewed by 268

Abstract

Introduction: The PROMOTE cohort study is a prospective pregnancy cohort study that seeks to improve the understanding of cardiometabolic risk and determinants, such as diet, during pregnancy in a multi-ethnic population. Increasing age and obesity has resulted in an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes. Trials of lifestyle interventions have so far produced mixed results, partly due to a wide variation in the methods, duration, adherence and type of dietary intervention. There is a need for high quality data about dietary habits in pregnancy, particularly in multi-ethnic populations. Objectives: In this study, we report the dietary habits of women in early pregnancy in the population of interest. We report early data seeking to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and risks of gestational diabetes. Methods and analysis: The PROMOTE cohort study is a prospective pregnancy cohort study recruiting pregnant participants with <16 weeks gestation in an area of high social and cultural diversity in western Sydney, Australia. The participants are surveyed about their physical activity levels, diet quality, emotional wellbeing and sociodemographic status using validated tools. Participants have consented to the use of routinely collected clinical and social data, including medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and glycaemia. The follow-up is from routinely collected data. This paper presents dietary data. Results: A total of 459 participants were recruited (n = 459), including 416 with GDM data available, at the conclusion of the first 2 years of recruitment. No participants met national dietary guideline recommendations. Fifty-six participants (n = 56, 13%) met a pragmatic composite standard of favourable diet, defined as two servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day, with a maximum of one discretionary serving per day. Over half the participants (n = 215, 51%) reported an adequate daily fruit intake. In total, 7 participants ate at least five servings of vegetables per day (n = 7, 1.7%), 61 participants (14.7%) ate three or more servings of vegetables per day and 212 (51.2%) participants reported one discretionary item per day. The data suggest that few women meet dietary recommendations in pregnancy. The association between dietary habits and GDM was unable to be assessed. The study was underpowered to detect an association due to the highly skewed distribution of dietary patterns in our population. Conclusions: The uptake of dietary recommendations was very low in our sample. This represents a major population health concern. Multi-level approaches are urgently needed to address poor dietary habits in pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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21 pages, 1373 KB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Exercise Nutrition Knowledge and Adherence to Recommendations Among Amateur Endurance Athletes

by Lilla Csanaky, Ágnes Czeglédiné Asztalos, Dorottya Tóth, Éva Polyák and Mária Figler

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3629; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223629 - 20 Nov 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Optimal post-exercise nutrition is critical for maximizing recovery and subsequent performance. However, athletes often lack knowledge of guidelines, leading to suboptimal practices, particularly inadequate carbohydrate intake for glycogen resynthesis. This study aimed to assess the adherence of Hungarian endurance athletes to nutritional recommendations, identifying deficits and guiding the development of effective educational strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 113 amateur Hungarian endurance athletes (mean age 40.04 ± 9.89 years) training ≥ 3 times/week using a self-developed online questionnaire. A ten-item composite measure, the Post-Exercise Nutrition Recommendation Adherence Score (PENRAS, max 10 points), was calculated to assess adherence. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and regression, were used to explore factors influencing PENRAS and nutritional practices. Results: The overall mean PENRAS was 5.32 ± 1.52, indicating room for improvement. The most pronounced deficit was observed in quantitative knowledge, with only 1.8% of participants correctly identifying the optimal carbohydrate content required for rapid glycogen resynthesis. Concurrently, high protein content (58.4%) was mentioned by a higher percentage than high carbohydrate content (52.2%) as an aspect of post-exercise meal planning. Triathletes had significantly higher PENRAS than runners (6.28 vs. 4.97, p = 0.001). Higher PENRAS was also significantly associated with consultation with a dietitian (p = 0.018). Reliance on professionals positively predicted knowledge, while online sources were a significant negative predictor. Higher PENRAS was associated with better meal planning and earlier post-exercise meal timing. Conclusions: Endurance athletes’ post-exercise nutritional practices are suboptimal. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions prioritizing education on carbohydrate intake and redirecting athletes towards evidence-based information to improve adherence and performance outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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14 pages, 656 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Intensity of Physical Activity in Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes in a Multi-Ethnic Population: Results from the PROMOTE Cohort Study

by Ania (Lucewicz) Samarawickrama, James Elhindi, Yoon Ji Jina Rhou, Sarah J. Melov, Vicki Flood, Justin McNab, Mark McLean, Ngai Wah Cheung, Ben J. Smith, Tim Usherwood, Dharmintra Pasupathy and on behalf of the PROMOTE Study Team

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3500; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223500 - 7 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 698

Abstract

Introduction: The demographic shift amongst pregnant women, including older age and increasing obesity, has resulted in an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes. This paper presents physical activity and gestational diabetes data in a multi-ethnic urban Australian population. Methods and analysis: The PROMOTE cohort study is an ongoing prospective pregnancy cohort study recruiting pregnant participants < 16 weeks gestation at a large urban public teaching hospital with high social and cultural diversity in Sydney, Australia. Participants are surveyed about their physical activity levels, dietary quality, emotional wellbeing and socio-demographic status using validated tools. Participants are consented for use of routinely collected clinical and social data, including medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and glycaemia. Follow-up is from routinely collected data. Results: A total of 459 participants were recruited between February 2022 and February 2024. Physical activity levels at recruitment were sufficiently active, low active and inactive in 39%, 45% and 16% of participants. Participation in moderate or vigorous physical activity was reported in 19% and 16% of participants, respectively. Participation in vigorous physical activity occurred in 10% of those with GDM vs. 17% of those without GDM (p = 0.11). Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was reported in 20% of those with GDM vs. 30% of those without GDM (p = 0.058). Compared to inactive behaviour, the unadjusted odds ratio of developing GDM amongst those participating in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was 0.58 (95% CI 0.33–0.97), p = 0.045. Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity showed an association with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.49 vs. 8.17 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Participation in any vigorous activity was associated with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.25 vs. 8.11, p = <0.001). Conclusions: Uptake of existing physical activity recommendations is low. Gestational diabetes risk showed a trend toward variation by intensity of physical activity, with a trend toward greater intensity being associated with a possible lower rate of gestational diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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22 pages, 7591 KB

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Exercise-Induced Changes in Enterohepatic Communication Are Linked to Liver Steatosis Resolution

by Yong Zou, Jie Xia, Sen Zhang, Yingjie Guo, Weina Liu and Zhengtang Qi

Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2962; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182962 - 15 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis and its underlying enterohepatic communication mechanisms. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: normal-diet with sedentary (ND-SED), normal-diet with exercise (ND-EXE), HFD with sedentary (HFD-SED), and HFD with exercise (HFD-EXE). After 16 weeks of HFD feeding, ND-EXE and HFD-EXE groups underwent an 8-week aerobic exercise intervention. Hepatic lipid accumulation was assessed via histology and triglyceride (TG) quantification. Liver function and glucose tolerance were evaluated. Gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), hepatic bile acid profiles (LC-MS metabolomics), and gene expression were analyzed. Results: HFD induced hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, and liver injury in mice, all of which were ameliorated by exercise. Compared to HFD-SED mice, which exhibited impaired gut microbiota diversity, exercise restored key genera such as Faecalibaculum, and Turicibacter. Functional analysis revealed that exercise modulated microbiota shifts in lipid metabolism and secondary bile acid biosynthesis. HFD-EXE mice displayed altered hepatic bile acid composition, characterized by increased tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and reduced taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA). Notably, TUDCA levels correlated with Turicibacter abundance, while deoxycholic acid (DCA) was associated with Faecalibaculum, independent of precursor availability. Exercise also suppressed hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and downregulated lipogenic genes via the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α)- spliced X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1s) pathway, while concurrently activating farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling to enhance fatty acid oxidation through the FXR-short heterodimer partner (SHP) related to hepatic secondary bile acid abundance change. Conclusions: The beneficial effect of long-term aerobic exercise on high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in mice is potentially mediated through structural changes in the gut microbiota, which influence the abundance of hepatic secondary bile acids (TUDCA, DCA) and subsequently regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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11 pages, 553 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gender and Age-Specific Responses to Non-Invasive Body-Contouring Interventions and Their Impact on Body Composition—Pilot Study

by Raluca Maior, Florina Ruta, Mihail-Alexandru Badea, Calin Avram and Vladimir Bacârea

Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162639 - 14 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1428

Abstract

Background: Eximia is a non-invasive body-contouring technology combining ultrasound cavitation, radiofrequency, and vacuum suction to reduce adiposity. EMS Pro Bodytech delivers biphasic electrical impulses to stimulate muscular contractions and improve muscle performance. Methods: A 6-week observational study included 77 participants (58 women aged 28–55 and 19 men aged 20–49), who received twice-weekly sessions combining Eximia and EMS training. Anthropometric and body composition measurements were recorded before and after the intervention. Results: Participants showed reductions in fat mass (mean from 19.21 kg to 18.19 kg; SD from 8.23 to 8.42), BMI (mean from 26.03 to 25.68; SD from 4.26 to 4.16), and visceral fat index (mean from 4.97 to 4.74; SD from 2.88 to 2.99), alongside an increase in skeletal muscle percentage (mean from 37.34% to 38.3%, SD from 5.09 to 5.94). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in treatment response between genders (e.g., BMI: p = 0.080; fat-free mass: p = 0.089) or age groups (all p > 0.6), suggesting that the intervention was effective across demographics. Conclusions: The combined approach of Eximia body remodeling and EMS muscle stimulation led to measurable improvements in body composition, independent of age or gender. These findings support its potential as a non-invasive, inclusive strategy for body reshaping alongside peri-procedural dietary standardization. Full article

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14 pages, 586 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eating Attitudes, Body Appreciation, Perfectionism, and the Risk of Exercise Addiction in Physically Active Adults: A Cluster Analysis

by Bettina F. Piko, Tamás L. Berki, Orsolya Kun and David Mellor

Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132063 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1606

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although regular physical exercise is protective for health, excessive engagement can contribute to the development of addiction. Further, the co-occurrence of exercise addiction (EA) and disordered eating (DE) is very frequent among athletes with several common risk factors. Our study focused on the associations between exercise addiction, eating attitudes, body appreciation, and perfectionism in a sample of physically active adults. Methods: Using a sample of Hungarian adults who were regular exercisers (n = 205, aged 18–70 years, mean age = 30.59 years; 77.1% females), cluster analysis was applied to identify participants’ profile according to their level of EA, DE attitudes, body appreciation, and dimensions of perfectionism. Results: Healthy exercisers had the second lowest level of EA and highest level of body appreciation, and they were not prone to DE (31.22%). Another cluster had a relatively low risk of EA but were potentially prone to DE, with poor body appreciation and a medium level of socially prescribed and other-oriented perfectionism (29.8%). Third, a group of exercisers was characterized by the highest risk of both EA and DE, who also reported relatively high levels of personal standards and organization (25.36%). Finally, those with the second highest risk of EA with a high tendency for dieting and bulimia and poor body appreciation were prone to socially prescribed and other-related perfectionism (13.66%). Conclusions: Symptoms of exercise addiction are not necessarily pathological, but they can serve as signals for the overuse of sports and undue achievement orientation, particularly when being associated with disordered eating attitudes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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Review

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13 pages, 724 KB

Open AccessReview

The Gut–Muscle–Immune Axis in Motion: Mechanistic Synergies of SCFA Metabolism, Exercise, and Microbial Cross-Feeding

by Fritz Réka, Bere Zsófia, Bóday Ádám and Fritz Péter

Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3786; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233786 - 2 Dec 2025

Viewed by 474

Abstract

Background: The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in metabolic and immune homeostasis through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites influence mitochondrial biogenesis, muscle energetics, epithelial barrier stability, and inflammatory regulation via G-protein-coupled receptors, AMPK–PGC-1α signaling, and epigenetic remodeling. Objective: This review synthesizes current evidence on the gut–muscle–immune axis, emphasizing how dietary fermentable substrates, microbial cross-feeding interactions, and structured exercise modulate SCFA production and shape host physiological adaptation. Methods: We integrated findings from human and animal studies, multi-omic analyses, metabolomic and microbiome research, and exercise physiology to outline mechanistic links between microbial metabolism and systemic resilience. Results: Key mechanistic pathways connecting dietary fiber fermentation to mitochondrial function, redox regulation, immune homeostasis, and metabolic plasticity are summarized. We further present the Targeted Gut Protocol 2.0, a conceptual 12-week framework combining fiber-diversity targets, lactate-guided exercise periodization, biomarker monitoring, and adaptive feedback mechanisms to enhance endogenous SCFA availability. Conclusions: SCFA-driven metabolic plasticity provides an integrative model through which lifestyle behaviors can modulate host physiology. Future research should prioritize standardized sampling approaches, causal inference methods, multi-omic integration, and AI-supported personalization to refine mechanistic understanding and strengthen translational potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exercise and Diet on Health)

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21 pages, 299 KB

Open AccessReview

Ergogenic and Physiological Effects of Sports Supplements: Implications for Advertising and Consumer Information

by Pedro Estevan Navarro, Cristina González-Díaz, Rubén García Pérez, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Carlos Javier García, Daniel Giménez-Monzo, Alejandro Perales and José Miguel Martínez Sanz

Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162706 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 3125

Abstract

Background: The use of sports supplements has increased significantly in athletic contexts, raising the need to evaluate their efficacy, safety, regulatory status, and communication practices. Objective: This study aimed to describe and synthesize the ergogenic and physiological effects of Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Category A performance supplements. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was conducted, collecting and analyzing information from systematic reviews and position statements related to performance supplements, including caffeine, creatine, β-alanine, nitrate/beetroot juice, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerol. Results: Caffeine and creatine are the only supplements with authorized health claims. However, β-alanine, nitrates, sodium bicarbonate, and glycerol show positive ergogenic effects supported by strong evidence, especially in endurance, strength, high-intensity, and aquatic sports. However, these substances lack regulatory approval, and only a small proportion of commercial products comply with current legislation. Conclusions: While performance supplements may enhance athletic performance when used alongside proper nutrition and scientific guidance, their effectiveness is not always consistent or assured. This review highlights the urgent need to update regulatory frameworks, harmonize labeling standards, and promote ethical marketing to safeguard consumers and support sports and nutrition professionals. Full article

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