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18 pages, 2117 KB  
Article
Creatine Use Among Women Across Reported Duration-of-Use Groups: A Platform-Based Cross-Sectional Survey of Supplementation Behaviors, Motivations, Knowledge, and Experiences
by Jocelyn Burridge, Ziyang Zhang, Ali Boolani, Cory Ambrose, Daniel K. Sodickson and Jordan M. Glenn
Nutrients 2026, 18(18), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18182960 - 9 Sep 2026
Abstract
Background: Creatine is now discussed beyond sports performance and within women’s health, cognition, fatigue, and healthy-aging contexts. However, little is known about the characteristics of women who use creatine or whether these characteristics differ across durations of use. This study characterized women reporting [...] Read more.
Background: Creatine is now discussed beyond sports performance and within women’s health, cognition, fatigue, and healthy-aging contexts. However, little is known about the characteristics of women who use creatine or whether these characteristics differ across durations of use. This study characterized women reporting current or past-12-month creatine use in a large cross-sectional sample and benchmarked findings against men. Methods: In a cross-sectional, supplement-platform convenience survey (approximately 2.0% response rate; a secondary analysis of a previously reported cohort), 2094 current or recent creatine users (1055 women, 1039 men; mean age 53 years [54.0 in women and 52.5 in men]) reported duration of use, supplementation goals, information sources, creatine knowledge alignment using a five-item battery, self-rated confidence, satisfaction, and intent to continue supplementation for another six months. Representation of women across six ordered duration bands was evaluated using an age-adjusted logistic model with duration as a categorical factor, with a Cochran–Armitage trend test reported alongside it. Among women, goals and information sources were compared across duration-of-use bands using unadjusted tests of homogeneity, and knowledge alignment was evaluated using an ordered trend test. Gender differences were estimated in age- and duration-adjusted models, pooled across duration groups, with Benjamini–Hochberg correction within domain; gender × duration interactions were tested for the goal and information-source outcomes. Self-rated confidence was modeled as a function of knowledge, gender, and their interaction. Results: Women comprised 50.0–63.9% of respondents across each reported duration category below three years but only 19.7% of those reporting 3+ years of use. In the primary age-adjusted analysis, gender composition differed strongly across duration categories (global p < 0.001); relative to the 3+ year group, the odds of identifying as a woman were 3.9- to 7.5-fold higher in every shorter-duration category. Among women, knowledge alignment was higher at longer reported durations in the unadjusted analysis and remained associated with duration after adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity (global categorical test, p < 0.001). Lower knowledge alignment among shorter-duration women reflected greater uncertainty rather than greater myth endorsement, which remained rare across duration groups. Compared with men, women were less likely to report athletic performance as a goal (adjusted 37.5% vs. 50.2%) and more likely to report healthy aging, while six of seven information sources differed by gender. Women also had lower knowledge-alignment scores overall, yet the largest gender difference emerged in confidence: at equivalent observed knowledge alignment, women reported progressively lower self-rated confidence than men as scores increased (interaction p = 0.012), with an adjusted difference of −0.38 points at the highest observed knowledge score. Conclusions: Among current and recent SuppCo users who responded to this survey, women showed a pattern of creatine use that differed from the historically performance-focused populations underlying much of the evidence base. Women were disproportionately represented in shorter reported duration-of-use categories, more often endorsed healthy aging and less often athletic performance, and reported different information sources than men. Lower knowledge alignment among shorter-duration women reflected greater uncertainty rather than greater endorsement of misconceptions, while women reported lower confidence than men at the highest observed knowledge levels. These findings suggest future research and education should go beyond efficacy trials in women to address who is using creatine, the outcomes they expect, where they obtain information, and how knowledge and confidence shape decision-making. Prospective studies are needed to determine what underlies the difference in women’s representation across reported duration-of-use groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
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26 pages, 24753 KB  
Article
Optimization of In Vitro Rapid Propagation for Rhododendron decorum Winter-Flowering Mutant Stem Segments and Leaf Explant Regeneration Induction
by Hongling Li, Changchun He, Yefang Li and Wenling Guan
Horticulturae 2026, 12(9), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12091143 - 8 Sep 2026
Abstract
Rhododendron decorum Franch. has high ornamental value and emerging edible potential, but conventional propagation cannot meet the demand for high-quality, genetically uniform planting stock. This study optimized explant disinfection, adventitious bud induction, shoot proliferation, and rooting culture using stem segments and leaves from [...] Read more.
Rhododendron decorum Franch. has high ornamental value and emerging edible potential, but conventional propagation cannot meet the demand for high-quality, genetically uniform planting stock. This study optimized explant disinfection, adventitious bud induction, shoot proliferation, and rooting culture using stem segments and leaves from a winter-flowering naturally mutated individual of Rhododendron decorum, aiming to minimize contamination and browning. Results demonstrated that combined disinfection with 1% KMnO4 (10 min) and 10% H2O2 (4 min) outperformed single-treatment with 0.1% HgCl2. For primary culture, the optimal medium for adventitious bud induction was WPM + 30 g·L−1 sucrose + 7.5 g·L−1 agar + 0.56 g·L−1 Ca(NO3)2 + 100 mg·L−1 VC + 3 mg·L−1 TDZ + 0.1 mg·L−1 NAA, achieving an induction rate of 66.67%. During subculture, when the concentrations of TDZ and NAA were adjusted to 0.6 mg·L−1 and 0.05 mg·L−1, respectively, and 2 mg·L−1 GA3 was supplemented, stem nodes exhibited slight thickening but no significant shoot elongation. For rooting, the basal medium WPM + 20 g·L−1 sucrose + 7.5 g·L−1 agar + 0.56 g·L−1 Ca(NO3)2 + 100 mg·L−1 VC + 1 g·L−1 activated charcoal supplemented with 0.8 mg·L−1 NAA yielded superior rooting performance. Adding 2 mg·L−1 2iP tended to enhance rooting rate relative to the NAA-only treatment from an independent rooting experiment. For callus-mediated bud induction from leaves, 0.1 mg·L−1 TDZ + 0.01 mg·L−1 NAA was optimal. Notched fully expanded apical leaves from tissue-cultured plantlets showed highest adventitious bud induction under 0.3 mg·L−1 TDZ + 0.01 mg·L−1 NAA. The established micropropagation system supports bud sport variety selection, mass seedling production, and genetic transformation research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell and Tissue Culture: A Tool in Biotechnology)
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30 pages, 640 KB  
Review
Functional Impairments and Adverse Outcomes Associated with ADHD: A Literature Review
by Farzad Salehpour and Francisco Gonzalez-Lima
Medicina 2026, 62(9), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62091661 - 29 Aug 2026
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a lifespan neurodevelopmental condition with far-reaching consequences for functioning and health that extend well beyond its core signs and symptoms. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the real-world impact of ADHD across the [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a lifespan neurodevelopmental condition with far-reaching consequences for functioning and health that extend well beyond its core signs and symptoms. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the real-world impact of ADHD across the lifespan, with a focus on academic and occupational outcomes, interpersonal and family functioning, risk-taking and behavioral outcomes, accidental and sport-related injuries, physical and medical health burdens, substance use disorders, sexual health risks, and mortality. Materials and Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science supplemented by reference-list screening was conducted to identify relevant clinical studies, epidemiological studies, longitudinal investigations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2025. Evidence was synthesized narratively, with greater interpretive weight given to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, large epidemiological datasets, longitudinal studies, and investigations accounting for important potential confounding factors. Results: Findings indicate that ADHD is associated with substantial impairments across functional, behavioral, and health domains. However, the strength and magnitude of these associations vary and may be influenced by symptom presentation, neurocognitive characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, lifestyle behaviors, and broader clinical and contextual factors, with evidence of bidirectional relationships for some outcomes. These findings caution against uniformly interpreting adverse outcomes as direct causal consequences of ADHD and support interconnected neurocognitive, reward/motivational, emotional, and environmental pathways linking ADHD features with downstream impairment. Clinically, the evidence underscores the importance of assessing functional impairment alongside ADHD signs and symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, ADHD is associated with substantial and heterogeneous burdens across the lifespan, highlighting the need for multidimensional assessment, further longitudinal and mechanistic research, and timely access to evidence-based interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Neurodevelopmental Biology and Disorders)
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30 pages, 3442 KB  
Review
The Effects of Dietary Fiber and High-Dietary-Fiber Diets on Body Weight Regulation and Lipid Metabolism in Athletes: A Narrative Review
by Fantao Fang, Tingting Hou, Yonglin Chen, Manjiang Hu, Boling Gu, Zhenwei Li, Zhuixin Wang and Yu-Heng Mao
Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2832; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172832 - 28 Aug 2026
Viewed by 368
Abstract
The beneficial effects of dietary fiber (DF) and high-dietary-fiber diets (high-DF diets) on body weight (BW) regulation and lipid metabolism have been extensively investigated in the general population. However, due to the unique metabolic adaptations of athletes, exercise-specific nutritional requirements, and enhanced gastrointestinal [...] Read more.
The beneficial effects of dietary fiber (DF) and high-dietary-fiber diets (high-DF diets) on body weight (BW) regulation and lipid metabolism have been extensively investigated in the general population. However, due to the unique metabolic adaptations of athletes, exercise-specific nutritional requirements, and enhanced gastrointestinal sensitivity caused by intensive training and competition, the evidence for their application and in-depth mechanism remains limited. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of DF and high-DF diets on BW regulation and lipid metabolism in athletic populations. Emerging data indicate that athletes exhibit unique lipid metabolic phenotypes and gut microbial compositions relative to non-athletic individuals—factors that may modulate their physiological responses to DF interventions. Studies conducted specifically in athletes suggest that DF supplementation and high-DF diets—including the vegetarian diet and the Mediterranean diet—may support favorable changes in body composition and lipid-related biomarkers. Nevertheless, these benefits appear to be moderated by sport discipline, biological sex, and interindividual variability in metabolic and gastrointestinal physiology. Critically, excessive or poorly timed DF intake—particularly during intense training blocks or immediately before or during competition—may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort and impair energy availability, thereby potentially compromising performance. Consequently, the integration of DF into athletic nutrition strategies necessitates individualized consideration of fiber type, dosage, timing of ingestion, fermentability, and gastrointestinal tolerance. Future research should prioritize rigorously designed longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials employing standardized DF interventions and outcome assessments. Comprehensive evaluation—including metabolic parameters, markers of energy availability, gastrointestinal symptomatology, and microbiome profiling—will be essential to inform evidence-based, personalized DF recommendations aligned with athletes’ training phases and metabolic profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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20 pages, 1498 KB  
Systematic Review
Adjunctive Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation and Resistance-Training Adaptations in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Random-Effects Meta-Analysis of Muscular Strength, Chest Circumference, and Body Composition
by Jung-Chul Lee and An-Sik Heo
Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172815 - 27 Aug 2026
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is increasingly marketed as an adjunct that amplifies the strength and muscle-size gains produced by resistance training. Prior meta-analyses pooled trials across mixed exercise contexts rather than trials confined to structured resistance training. We therefore quantified adjunctive [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is increasingly marketed as an adjunct that amplifies the strength and muscle-size gains produced by resistance training. Prior meta-analyses pooled trials across mixed exercise contexts rather than trials confined to structured resistance training. We therefore quantified adjunctive ashwagandha effects on muscular strength, chest circumference and body composition within such trials. Methods: We searched twelve bibliographic sources (including PubMed/MEDLINE, Europe PMC, OpenAlex and Cochrane CENTRAL) and two trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP) without date restriction to 23 August 2026, with reference-list, included-study-list and forward-citation screening, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) combining a standardized ashwagandha extract (root or root-and-leaf) with structured resistance training in healthy adults (PRISMA 2020). Screening, extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were duplicated independently. Change-from-baseline standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedges g) were pooled with restricted maximum-likelihood random-effects models, with RoB 2, leave-one-out and Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman (HKSJ) sensitivity analyses, and GRADE. Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL were unavailable to us, but Embase- and CINAHL-derived records were retrieved indirectly through CENTRAL. Results: Four RCTs were eligible; three (n = 161) provided poolable data, and one preprint was reported narratively because its bench-press values were not interpretable as absolute loads. Ashwagandha was associated with greater gains than placebo in 1-RM bench press (SMD 0.60, 95% CI 0.20–1.01), lower-body 1-RM (0.52, 0.19–0.86) and chest circumference (0.86, 0.41–1.31), but not body fat (−0.32, −0.72–0.08). Heterogeneity was low to moderate (I2 = 7–34%); all three pooled trials raised at least some concerns on RoB 2. Under HKSJ adjustment both strength estimates lost statistical significance and each depended on one influential trial; for chest circumference (k = 2), the HKSJ interval was too imprecise to be informative. GRADE certainty was Low for both strength outcomes and body fat, and Very Low for chest circumference. Conclusions: Current evidence does not establish that adjunctive ashwagandha meaningfully enhances resistance-training adaptations; it indicates possible benefits for maximal strength and, indirectly, upper-body girth, but the evidence base is small, statistically fragile and of low to very low certainty, with no dependable effect on adiposity. Adequately powered, independently funded RCTs using direct measures of hypertrophy are required. This review received no external funding and was not registered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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20 pages, 1564 KB  
Review
Wearable Technology in Winter Sports: A Cross-Domain Synthesis and a Conceptual Framework for the Cold-Context Translational Gap
by Zbigniew Waśkiewicz
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8471; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178471 - 25 Aug 2026
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Winter-sport wearable technology spans motion and force sensing, physiological monitoring, thermal intervention, flexible bioelectronics, equipment-integrated systems, and safety technologies. This structured critical review synthesizes an evidence base of 80 unique scholarly records identified through a systematic Boolean search executed on 15 August 2026 [...] Read more.
Winter-sport wearable technology spans motion and force sensing, physiological monitoring, thermal intervention, flexible bioelectronics, equipment-integrated systems, and safety technologies. This structured critical review synthesizes an evidence base of 80 unique scholarly records identified through a systematic Boolean search executed on 15 August 2026 in four standard academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore), which retrieved 1466 records (808 unique after cross-database deduplication), supplemented by backward/forward citation chasing for eligible records not indexed in these databases. The corpus comprises 32 direct winter-sport records, 15 cold-context translational records, 14 contextual validation records, and 19 secondary/background records. For empirical records containing sufficient information, validation maturity was additionally coded on a seven-stage ordinal scale; 54/80 records could be staged without inference, whereas 26/80 were retained as ‘not staged’. The corpus shows that translational maturity is strongly domain dependent. Motion and kinematic sensing frequently reaches real winter-sport training or field settings, whereas antifreezing hydrogels and flexible bioelectronics have advanced substantially in conductivity, adhesion, self-healing, conformability, and low-temperature operation but remain concentrated at material, integrated-device, and human-demonstration stages. The five recurring constraints—thermodynamic, interface, ecological, connectivity, and equity—are therefore reframed as non-equivalent, context-dependent dimensions rather than universal burdens. The revised architecture also distinguishes digitally mediated sense–decide–actuate loops from material-native stimulus–response and hybrid pathways, while continuous remote monitoring is treated as one option within an energy–communication trade-space. The resulting framework links evidence type, validation depth, system interface, and deployment context without equating commercial availability with scientific validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomechanics and Sports Medicine)
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24 pages, 2184 KB  
Review
Creatine Monohydrate in Adolescent Athletes: A Critical Narrative Review of Performance, Safety, and Considerations for Responsible Use
by Álvaro Farfán-Díaz, Camila Fuentes-Hinojosa, Marcelo Andrade-Oyarzun, Exal Garcia-Carrillo, Iván Molina-Márquez, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Antonio Castillo-Paredes, Dario Barrera-González and Felipe Montalva-Valenzuela
Adolescents 2026, 6(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents6040059 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 2707
Abstract
Creatine monohydrate is well supported as an ergogenic aid in adults, but age-specific evidence in adolescent athletes remains limited. This critical narrative review examined performance, safety, dosing, and responsible-use considerations. PubMed/MEDLINE was the primary source; citation tracking, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, [...] Read more.
Creatine monohydrate is well supported as an ergogenic aid in adults, but age-specific evidence in adolescent athletes remains limited. This critical narrative review examined performance, safety, dosing, and responsible-use considerations. PubMed/MEDLINE was the primary source; citation tracking, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar were used through 19 June 2026. The core athletic synthesis included 17 primary studies: five Tier 1 studies with direct adolescent samples, eleven Tier 2 age-adjacent or mixed-age studies, and one Tier 4 adult study retained for contextual interpretation. Across soccer, swimming, basketball, rehabilitation, and resistance-training settings, controlled studies reported possible task-specific improvements in selected power, repeated-sprint, jumping, technical, and rehabilitation outcomes, whereas other outcomes were unchanged and some favorable findings were limited to within-group analyses. Short-term controlled studies and a 32-week mixed-age cohort did not identify a consistent clinically important safety signal within the protocols studied; however, safety monitoring was often secondary and the evidence remains underpowered for uncommon or long-term events. Creatine monohydrate should therefore be neither routinely recommended nor categorically prohibited in adolescent athletes. Any consideration represents a precautionary, individualized risk-management approach—not a validated adolescent protocol—and should be food-first, family-involved, professionally supervised, and accompanied by product-quality control and planned reassessment. Full article
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20 pages, 1683 KB  
Review
Reliance Management in Healthcare for Professional and Elite Athletes: Ethics, Patient-Centered Care, and Governance
by Zbigniew Waśkiewicz
Healthcare 2026, 14(16), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14162473 - 10 Aug 2026
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Professional and elite sport represents a high-pressure healthcare environment in which standard principles of patient-centered care, confidentiality, informed consent, shared decision-making, and clinical independence are tested by organizational and performance-related pressures. This narrative review examines reliance management in athlete–physician relationships. Reliance is conceptually [...] Read more.
Professional and elite sport represents a high-pressure healthcare environment in which standard principles of patient-centered care, confidentiality, informed consent, shared decision-making, and clinical independence are tested by organizational and performance-related pressures. This narrative review examines reliance management in athlete–physician relationships. Reliance is conceptually distinguished from trust: whereas trust is an interpersonal attitude that can be betrayed, reliance denotes the broader dependence of the athlete-patient on the physician, the care process, and the surrounding governance system—a dependence that may persist even where trust is absent. Reliance management is conceptualized as the deliberate, multi-level design and maintenance of communicative, ethical, and governance conditions under which such reliance is well-placed. A structured, non-systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar, supplemented by backward citation tracking, informed a thematic synthesis organized around three dimensions: clinical ethics, patient-centered care, and governance. The synthesis distinguishes empirical findings, professional consensus guidance, ethical and legal analysis, and illustrative cases, and identifies domains in which evidence remains weak. An integrative conceptual model is proposed that links governance antecedents at the dyadic, clinical, organizational, and system levels to mechanisms of well-placed reliance and to outcomes that require empirical evaluation. Proposed safeguards—independent medical oversight, documented return-to-play pathways, formal data-sharing rules, second-opinion access, and contractual protection of physician autonomy—are intended to protect patient-centered care and patient safety; their effectiveness has, however, rarely been evaluated and should be the object of future intervention research. Full article
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22 pages, 702 KB  
Systematic Review
Self-Efficacy and Performance in Artistic Gymnastics: A Systematic Review
by Federica Marzoli, Gianluca di Pinto, Matteo Campanella, Selenia di Fronso, Maurizio Bertollo and Davide Curzi
Sports 2026, 14(8), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14080343 - 7 Aug 2026
Viewed by 304
Abstract
Self-efficacy is relevant to sport performance, but its role in artistic gymnastics is unclear because studies vary in construct definition, timing, and outcomes. This PRISMA 2020- and PERSIST 2021-informed systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251266838). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and [...] Read more.
Self-efficacy is relevant to sport performance, but its role in artistic gymnastics is unclear because studies vary in construct definition, timing, and outcomes. This PRISMA 2020- and PERSIST 2021-informed systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251266838). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus and APA PsycInfo) were searched from inception to 18 December 2025, supplemented by backward reference-list checking and forward citation searching. Eligible quantitative studies assessed self-efficacy or task- or apparatus-specific efficacy expectations, or used performance predictions or an adapted gymnastics-task confidence measure as efficacy-related proxies and reported a performance outcome; qualitative evidence was contextual only. Nine studies were included (eight quantitative; one qualitative). Competitive studies using direct task- or event-specific efficacy measures or efficacy-related proxies and judged outcomes generally reported positive associations, but correlations and predictive patterns varied across apparatus, samples, and measures. Educational findings and broader confidence constructs were treated as indirect evidence. Meta-analysis was inappropriate because constructs, samples, apparatus, timing, outcomes, and reporting were heterogeneous. The evidence therefore indicates a possible positive but inconsistent, low-certainty association between task- or apparatus-specific efficacy-related beliefs and performance. Contemporary longitudinal studies and standardized gymnastics-specific measures are needed. Full article
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27 pages, 7684 KB  
Article
Predicting ACI Outcomes with GMP In-Process Control Kinetic Metrics: Initial Chondrocyte Yield and Population Doubling Time as Prognostic Clinical Biomarkers
by Virginie Philippe, Alexis E. Laurent, André Berchtold, Nathalie Hirt-Burri, Lee Ann Applegate and Robin Martin
Life 2026, 16(8), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16081297 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether specific in vitro biologic characteristics and manufacturing kinetics of cultured human articular chondrocytes (HACs) can serve as predictive biomarkers for patient-reported and structural outcomes following second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the knee. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort [...] Read more.
Purpose: To determine whether specific in vitro biologic characteristics and manufacturing kinetics of cultured human articular chondrocytes (HACs) can serve as predictive biomarkers for patient-reported and structural outcomes following second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the knee. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated 67 patients (mean age 25.1 ± 8.3 years) treated with second-generation ACI for large focal cartilage defects (mean size 5.4 ± 2.5 cm2) between 2017 and 2024. HACs were expanded under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions using human platelet lysate-supplemented media. Four biological determinants were analyzed: (1) initial chondrocyte yield (ICY) isolated from the cartilage biopsy; (2) chondrogenic activity (relative ACAN and COL2A1 expression); (3) final culture confluence level; and (4) HAC population doubling time (PDT) pre- and post-cryopreservation. Clinical outcomes (KOOS and IKDC) and MRI outcomes (MOCART) were assessed at 2 years (T1) and at a mean final follow-up of 4.2 ± 1.7 years (T2) via univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results: Static biosynthetic markers (ACAN/COL2A1 expression) and final culture confluence did not significantly correlate with longitudinal clinical (KOOS/IKDC) or structural (MOCART) outcomes. Conversely, the retained kinetic parameters served as strong prognostic indicators. Multiple regression revealed that higher ICY values significantly predicted improvements across most KOOS subscales from baseline to T2, including KOOS Symptoms (β = 63.56; p < 0.01), KOOS Pain (β = 88.83; p < 0.001), KOOS ADL (β = 107.84; p < 0.001), and KOOS Sport and Recreation Function (β = 92.3; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a prolonged PDT, indicative of diminished in vitro proliferative vigor, inversely correlated with functional recovery in IKDC (β = −26.12; p < 0.01), KOOS Pain (β = −23.09; p < 0.05), and KOOS ADL (β = −21.71; p < 0.05) scores. Conclusions: The intrinsic proliferative vigor of the HAC cellular payload (shorter PDT) and higher initial cell yields are robust kinetic biomarkers associated with markedly superior mid-term clinical outcomes following second-generation ACI for large focal chondral defects in the knee. In contrast, standard morphological and gene expression metrics failed to predict in vivo functional success. These findings advocate for a risk-based paradigm shift in GMP quality control methodologies, emphasizing dynamic HAC growth kinetics over static cellular features to optimize patient-specific regenerative potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
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20 pages, 974 KB  
Review
Current Evidence and Practical Considerations for Adaptogen Use in Exercise Recovery, Training Adaptation, and Exercise Performance in Athletes: A Narrative Review
by Anna Książek
Nutrients 2026, 18(15), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18152552 - 4 Aug 2026
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Exercise-induced muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and accumulated fatigue affect post-exercise recovery and long-term training adaptations in athletes. Consequently, nutritional strategies supporting recovery have gained attention in sports nutrition. Among emerging compounds, adaptogens have attracted particular interest due to their potential anti-fatigue, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Exercise-induced muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and accumulated fatigue affect post-exercise recovery and long-term training adaptations in athletes. Consequently, nutritional strategies supporting recovery have gained attention in sports nutrition. Among emerging compounds, adaptogens have attracted particular interest due to their potential anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and sleep-enhancing properties. However, evidence in trained athletes remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the use of selected adaptogens in sport and to evaluate their potential roles in exercise recovery, training adaptation and exercise performance. Particular attention is given to Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Panax species, Rhodiola rosea and Cordyceps species. Furthermore, this review discusses the practical implications and current limitations of the available evidence for athletes and sports practitioners. Conclusions: Current evidence from a limited number of heterogeneous studies suggests that selected standardized adaptogen preparations may provide beneficial effects on specific exercise-recovery-related outcomes and selected aspects of exercise performance in trained athletes. Among the adaptogens discussed, most consistent evidence concerns Withania somnifera, whereas the evidence for Panax species, Rhodiola rosea and Cordyceps species remains limited and should be considered preliminary. Furthermore, the available literature is characterized by a limited number of studies conducted in trained athletes, the underrepresentation of female athletes, and considerable heterogeneity in extract composition and supplementation protocols. Consequently, the current evidence is insufficient to formulate definitive recommendations regarding the efficacy, optimal dosage, or long-term safety of adaptogen supplementation. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to establish evidence-based recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Muscle Recovery and Exercise Adaptations)
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24 pages, 839 KB  
Review
Effects of Beetroot-Derived Nitrate Supplementation in Highly Trained and Elite Athletes: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Performance, Recovery, and Physiological Outcomes
by Nafih Cherappurath, Muhammed Navaf, Mevlüt Yıldız, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Muhammed Ali Thoompenthodi, Masilamani Elayaraja, Raul Ioan Muntean, Valentina Stefanica, Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal Sunooj and Muneer Pelasseri
Nutrients 2026, 18(15), 2551; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18152551 - 4 Aug 2026
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Background: Beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation is a widely studied nutritional strategy to enhance athletic performance. Although ergogenic benefits have been reported in recreational and moderately trained individuals, evidence for highly trained and elite athletes remains inconsistent. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map and [...] Read more.
Background: Beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation is a widely studied nutritional strategy to enhance athletic performance. Although ergogenic benefits have been reported in recreational and moderately trained individuals, evidence for highly trained and elite athletes remains inconsistent. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation on performance, recovery, and physiological outcomes in highly trained and elite athletes. Methods: The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included RCTs involving McKay Tier 3–5 athletes and evaluating beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation as a standalone intervention. Results: Thirty-one RCTs met the inclusion criteria, representing athletes from a wide range of sports. Supplementation protocols varied substantially, with nitrate doses ranging from 4 to 19.5 mmol·day−1 (248–1209 mg·day−1) and durations from acute administration to 15 days. Positive effects were most frequently reported for cycling time-trial performance, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery performance, anaerobic power, neuromuscular performance, exercise tolerance, and recovery. In contrast, findings for endurance performance, sport-specific skills, oxygen consumption, and perceptual responses were inconsistent despite marked increases in nitrate and nitrite bioavailability. The outcomes seemed to depend on dosage, duration, sport type, and athletes’ training status. Conclusions: Beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation may enhance performance in highly trained and elite athletes, particularly during high-intensity and anaerobic activities. However, the effects are inconsistent, underscoring the need for further research to establish optimal supplementation strategies and evaluate long-term efficacy in elite sporting populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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39 pages, 13612 KB  
Review
Potential Health Risks Associated with Sports Supplementation Use in Athletes
by Jiaqin Cai, Tutu Wang and Shunchang Li
Nutrients 2026, 18(15), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18152490 - 2 Aug 2026
Viewed by 871
Abstract
As modern competitive sports continue to evolve, athletes are under increasing pressure to optimize both performance and recovery. Sports supplements have therefore become widely used among athletes because of their purported benefits in enhancing athletic performance, delaying fatigue, and accelerating physiological recovery. However, [...] Read more.
As modern competitive sports continue to evolve, athletes are under increasing pressure to optimize both performance and recovery. Sports supplements have therefore become widely used among athletes because of their purported benefits in enhancing athletic performance, delaying fatigue, and accelerating physiological recovery. However, misuse, excessive intake, and other inappropriate patterns of supplement use remain common in some athletes and may impair performance, compromise health, and increase the risk of anti-doping rule violations. Although existing research has largely focused on the ergogenic benefits of sports supplements, their potential health risks in athletes remain insufficiently characterized. This review summarizes the potential adverse effects of sports supplements on the endocrine, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems, with an emphasis on the underlying pathological mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the evidence-based selection and responsible use of sports supplements in athletic populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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11 pages, 255 KB  
Article
Mercury Content and Screening Exposure Assessment in Sports Food Supplements
by Anna Puścion-Jakubik, Dominika Jabłonka, Daria Wojciuk, Renata Markiewicz-Żukowska and Katarzyna Socha
Toxics 2026, 14(8), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14080680 - 1 Aug 2026
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Sport-related food supplements are widely used by physically active individuals and athletes, but their chemical safety may vary with formulation, raw-material origin, and manufacturing practices. This study determined the mercury (Hg) content in 50 selected sports-related food supplements available on the Polish market [...] Read more.
Sport-related food supplements are widely used by physically active individuals and athletes, but their chemical safety may vary with formulation, raw-material origin, and manufacturing practices. This study determined the mercury (Hg) content in 50 selected sports-related food supplements available on the Polish market and performed a screening exposure assessment based on the maximum manufacturer-recommended daily portion. Total Hg content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry using an Advanced Mercury Analyzer AMA-254. The median Hg content was 9.008 µg/kg (interquartile range: 5.287–21.938 µg/kg; range: 0.395–51.694 µg/kg), and no statistically significant differences were found among supplement categories. All concentrations were below the European Union maximum level of 0.1 mg/kg for food supplements. For a 100 kg adult, all product-specific Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were below 1 in the hypothetical 100% inorganic Hg scenario. In the conservative 100% methylmercury scenario, three gel products with maximum recommended intakes of 300 g/day yielded THQ values of 1.040–1.551, although their contributions to the tolerable weekly intake remained below 100% (55.98–83.51%). Because only total Hg was determined, these calculations represent bounding screening scenarios rather than species-specific risk estimates. The findings demonstrate that regulatory compliance based on Hg concentration should be complemented by serving-size-based exposure assessment and support continued monitoring and direct Hg speciation in high-consumption sports supplements. Full article
12 pages, 741 KB  
Article
A Theory of Planned Behaviour-Based Intervention on Dietary Supplement Use Among Varsity Athletes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jana Daher, Jess Haines, Margo Mountjoy and Dalia El Khoury
Sports 2026, 14(8), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14080321 - 1 Aug 2026
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of dietary supplement use among athletes raises concerns, given the risks associated with unnecessary or excessive use. This study evaluated the impact of a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based online educational intervention, “Nutrition for Athletes”, on dietary supplement use [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of dietary supplement use among athletes raises concerns, given the risks associated with unnecessary or excessive use. This study evaluated the impact of a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based online educational intervention, “Nutrition for Athletes”, on dietary supplement use among varsity athletes at a Canadian university. Methods: Thirty varsity athletes were randomized into intervention (n = 18) and control (n = 12) groups. The intervention was delivered online over four weeks and consisted of four units that covered topics related to sports nutrition, hydration in sports, dietary supplements, and risks associated with dietary supplement use. Dietary supplement use was measured at baseline and post-intervention using self-reported questionnaires. Results: The most commonly used supplements at baseline were vitamin D (57%), vitamin C (53%), sports drinks (50%), protein bars, powders, and shakes (43%), and whey protein (40%). Binary logistic regression revealed a reduced likelihood of dietary supplement use in the experimental group compared to the control group post intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.76, p = 0.14). There was also no significant change in the behaviour of dietary supplement use within the experimental group, when comparing baseline to post-intervention (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.11, p = 0.06). Conclusions: These findings reflect the potential existence of an intention-behaviour gap. Future interventions may benefit from incorporating strategies that address control-related barriers. Full article
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