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Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance

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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: 15 June 2026 | Viewed by 22014

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jorge Lorenzo Calvo

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Deportes, Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: sports nutrition; physical activity; training and competition outcomes; health-enhancing supplements; safety and efficacy; evidence-based intervention; hydration
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sports performance is increasingly influenced by dietary strategies and nutritional supplements, which play a crucial role in enhancing physical capabilities, recovery, competitive performance, and overall health. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest research and insights into how specific dietary patterns, macronutrient ratios, and timing of nutrient intake can optimize performance for athletes across various sports.

In addition to whole foods, the use of nutritional supplements has gained popularity among athletes seeking to improve their training outcomes and competitive results. This issue will delve into the efficacy, safety, convenience, and ethical considerations surrounding these supplements, providing a comprehensive overview of their role in sports nutrition.

We invite contributions that examine evidence-based dietary interventions, the impact of hydration strategies, and the potential benefits of emerging and new supplements. By fostering a deeper understanding of these topics, we aim to equip athletes, coaches, scientists, and sports nutritionists with the knowledge needed to make informed dietary choices that enhance performance and promote long-term health, improving the scientific knowledge behind nutrition and its transformative effects on sports achievements.

Prof. Dr. Jorge Lorenzo Calvo
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

sports nutrition
training and competitive outcomes
health-enhancing supplements
safety and efficacy
evidence-based intervention
hydration

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1479 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Acute Beetroot Juice Intake on Agility Performance Immediately Post-Repeated Maximal Sprinting in Soccer Players

by Xueheng Yang, Takehira Nakao and Atsushi Saito

Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18060897 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 700

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Acute beetroot juice (BJ) nitrate supplementation may enhance agility and change of direction performance by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and improving cognitive and skeletal muscle functions, thereby potentially attenuating post-sprint performance decrements. Methods: We investigated whether a single dose of BJ improves agility immediately after repeated maximal sprinting compared with a placebo (PL) in soccer players. Twenty-one male soccer players (competitive players: n = 8; recreational players: n = 13) completed a double-blind randomised crossover trial. Participants ingested 70 mL of BJ or PL; afterwards, they performed three sets of 6 × 20-m all-out sprints. Agility outcomes included simple response time (SRT), choice response time (CRT), and change-of-direction speed (CODS). Non-parametric analyses (Wilcoxon signed-rank test with effect size r) were applied. Results: Compared with PL, BJ improved CRT (BJ: 2.376 ± 0.255; PL: 2.534 ± 0.322; p < 0.001; r = 0.74; Z = −5.881) and CODS (BJ: 13.046 ± 1.512; PL: 13.651 ± 1.811; p < 0.001; r = 0.47; Z = −4.314). SRT was unchanged overall (BJ: 1.671 ± 0.195; PL: 1.707 ± 0.261; p = 0.185; r = 0.05; Z = −1.327). Conclusions: Under practical field-based conditions, acute BJ intake enhanced post-sprint agility and change-of-direction performance, particularly CRT and CODS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

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17 pages, 272 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Weight Reduction in Judo: Dietary Practices and Short-Term Health Effects

by Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka, Paulina Ziomek, Daria Dobkowska-Szefer, Ewa Malchrowicz-Mośko and Paweł Tomaszewski

Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3964; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243964 - 18 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1710

Abstract

Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a widespread practice among judo athletes seeking to compete in lower weight categories. Restrictive nutritional and behavioral strategies used to achieve short-term reductions in body mass may impair physiological and psychological functioning. This study aimed to assess dietary behaviors, weight-cutting methods, and short-term physical and psychological effects of RWL among competitive judo athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2024 among 70 judo athletes (17 women, 53 men) competing at national and international levels. Data were collected using an author-designed questionnaire addressing anthropometric variables, training history, RWL strategies, dietary restrictions, hydration manipulation, and post-weigh-in eating behaviors. Physical and psychological symptoms were assessed using frequency-based self-report measures. Results: Most athletes (95.7%) reported engaging in RWL, typically beginning between ages 13 and 16 years (65.7%). Athletes reduced an average of 3.64 ± 1.74 kg (2–5% of body mass). Common strategies included decreasing meal frequency (74.29%), increasing training load (72.86%), restricting fluids (68.57%), and using saunas (62.86%). Reported physical symptoms included weakness (71.43%), headaches (51.43%), and dizziness (45.71%), while psychological symptoms included irritability (57.14%), reduced motivation (40%), and tension (38.57%). Post-weigh-in binge eating occurred in 65.71% of athletes and was significantly associated with higher RWL magnitude (p < 0.05). Discomfort during competition related to overeating (55.71%) or insufficient intake (41.43%) was also frequent. Conclusions: RWL is highly prevalent among judo athletes and often begins early in training history. The strategies used are associated with adverse physical and psychological symptoms and maladaptive compensatory behaviors. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based nutritional education and individualized weight-management approaches to support athlete health and performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

17 pages, 2064 KB

Open AccessArticle

l-Carnitine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Fail to Improve Anaerobic and Aerobic Performance in Trained Cyclists Despite a Reduction in Blood Lactate Concentration

by Alejandro de Rozas, Juan-José Pérez-Díaz, José Joaquín Muros, Cristóbal Sánchez-Muñoz, José-Ángel Rufían-Henares, Mikel Zabala and José-Antonio Salas-Montoro

Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132227 - 4 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7279

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four weeks of combined Acetyl-l-Carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on anaerobic and aerobic performance and fatigue resistance in trained cyclists, hypothesizing improvements in maximal aerobic power (MAP), Wingate test performance, and reduced lactate accumulation. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized trial, 41 male trained cyclists (age: 36 ± 12 years; MAP: 4.35 ± 0.60 W·kg⁻¹) were assigned to a supplement group (SUP, n = 19; 1200 mg/day Acetyl-l-Carnitine, 300 mg/day ALA, 1.1 mg Vitamin B1, 2.5 µg Vitamin B12) or placebo group (PLA, n = 22) for four weeks. Performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention via counter-movement jumps (CMJs), Wingate tests (WG₁, WG₂), and a graded exercise test (GXT). Blood lactate ([La⁻]) was measured post-Wingate. A three-way mixed ANOVA analyzed Wingate performance (session, order, and group), and a two-way ANOVA assessed MAP and fatigue effects. Results: MAP increased by 3.4% (314 ± 32 W to 324 ± 37 W; p = 0.005) with no group interaction (p = 0.457). Wingate peak power showed main effects for order (p < 0.001) and session (p = 0.011) but no group interaction (p = 0.676). SUP reduced [La⁻] by 1.5 mmol·L⁻¹ post-WG₂ in POST (p = 0.049). No significant group differences were found for CMJ or fatigue metrics. Conclusions: Four weeks of Acetyl-l-Carnitine and ALA supplementation did not enhance aerobic or anaerobic performance in trained cyclists, despite reducing blood lactate after high-intensity exercise, suggesting no ergogenic benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

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13 pages, 588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplement Use in Competitive Spanish Football Players and Differences According to Sex

by Carlos Sousa-Rufino, Helios Pareja-Galeano and María Martínez-Ferrán

Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040602 - 7 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4839

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) in semi-professional male and professional female Spanish football players. Methods: The study involved 129 football players (92 men and 37 women) who completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire on the use of DS in athletes. Results: The results indicated that 96.12% of the sample reported taking DS, with the main reason for consumption being performance enhancement. The most commonly consumed DS were creatine monohydrate (66.77%), caffeine (56.59%), whey protein (48.06%), isotonic drinks (37.21%), vitamin D (27.91%), energy bars (27.13%), magnesium (20.93%), and vitamin C (20.16%). Additionally, significant differences were found between sexes regarding vitamin D consumption (p < 0.05; OR = 3.27 [0.36–2.00]). According to the Australian Institute of Sport DS classification, group A was the most consumed, followed by group B. Significant sex differences were found in the consumption of sports foods (p = 0.034; OR = 3.25 [0.05–2.31]) and medical supplements (p < 0.001; OR = 3.75 [0.52–2.12]). Sex differences were also found in place of purchase, source of recommendation, as well as the situation and timing of consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of DS among Spanish football players was prevalent at 96.12%, with creatine monohydrate, caffeine, and whey protein being the most commonly consumed. Differences in consumption patterns were noted between sexes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

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12 pages, 620 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Caffeine Intake on Female Basketball Players’ Performance

by Raúl Nieto-Acevedo, Carlos García-Sánchez, Alfredo Bravo-Sánchez, Javier Abián-Vicén, Pablo Abián, Javier Portillo, Carlos Martínez-Rubio, Jorge Lorenzo Calvo and Javier Diaz-Lara

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020235 - 10 Jan 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4588

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the effect of caffeine ingestion on basketball performance in semi-professional female players. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized experimental design was conducted, in two different periods separated by a week. Twelve female basketball players ingested 3 mg of caffeine/kg of body mass or a placebo. After 60 min, participants completed two repetitions of the specified sequence: Abalakov jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-0-5 (505) test, and 20 m sprint. Later, external loads and game statistics were recorded during a 30-min simulated basketball game. Results: Significant improvements were observed in CMJ height and 505 test with caffeine ingestion compared to the placebo. Significant moderate differences were evident between conditions in external load variables, specifically, an increased number of high-intensity changes of direction during simulated games with caffeine ingestion. Two-point shot efficiency significantly improved after pre-caffeine ingestion compared with placebo. Conclusions: Three mg of caffeine per kg of body mass may serve as an effective ergogenic aid to increase physical performance and some variables of performance index in highly trained basketball players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

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Review

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37 pages, 1251 KB

Open AccessReview

Thyroid–Microbiome Allostasis and Mitochondrial Performance: An Integrative Perspective in Exercise Physiology

by Adrian Odriozola, Adriana González, Iñaki Odriozola, Francesc Corbi and Jesús Álvarez-Herms

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010059 - 24 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1673

Abstract

Exercise acts as a physiological stimulus, requiring precise coordination among endocrine, microbial, and mitochondrial systems to maintain metabolic stability through allostatic regulation. The goal of the article is to integrate multidisciplinary evidence to characterize the thyroid–microbiome–mitochondrial axis as a key regulator of the allostatic state in athletic physiological response. During acute, chronic, and overload training phases, the thyroid–microbiome–mitochondrial axis operates bidirectionally, coupling microbial signaling with endocrine and mitochondrial networks to mediate metabolic response to exercise. This response shows interindividual variability driven by sex, age, genetics, and nutritional status, shaping the boundaries between adaptive efficiency and allostatic overload. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and secondary bile acids, modulate deiodinase activity, bile acid recycling, and mitochondrial biogenesis through AMPK–SIRT1–PGC1α signaling, optimizing substrate use and thermogenic capacity. Thyroid hormones reciprocally regulate gut motility, luminal pH, and bile secretion, maintaining microbial diversity and mineral absorption. Under excessive training load, caloric restriction, or inadequate recovery, this network becomes transiently unbalanced: SCFA synthesis decreases, D3 activity increases, and a reversible low-T₃/high-rT₃ pattern emerges, resembling early Hashimoto- or Graves-like responses. Selenium-, zinc-, and iron-dependent enzymes form the redox link between microbial metabolism, thyroid control, and mitochondrial defense. In conclusion, the thyroid–microbiome–mitochondrial axis provides the physiological basis for the allostatic state, a reversible phase of dynamic recalibration that integrates training, nutrition, environmental stress, and circadian cues to sustain thyroid activity, mitochondrial efficiency, and microbial balance. This integrative perspective supports precision interventions to optimize recovery and performance in athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Strategies and Nutritional Supplements to Optimize Athletic Performance)

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