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Dobrowolski H, Kopczyńska K, Kazimierczak R, Rembiałkowska E, Włodarek D. Organic Food in Athletes Diet-Narrative Review of Alternative Products in Sports Nutrition. Nutrients 2024; 16:2347. [PMID: 39064790 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Athletes are characterized by special nutritional needs. Meeting their dietary needs associated with intensive exercise is a prerequisite for effective training and success in sports competitions. Hence, it is important to supply key performance nutrients, such as macronutrients, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin D, or iron, in adequate quantities. The increased need for these nutrients makes it necessary to look for food products on the market that more fully cover these needs. Such products may include organic foods. According to research, they have unique properties and are richer in selected nutrients, such as antioxidants. Hence, the aim of this review was to analyze the available literature as to whether organic foods have the potential to more fully cover the increased nutritional requirements of athletes for selected nutrients compared to conventionally produced foods. A narrative review of current literature was carried out. As the analysis showed, organic foods are characterized by a higher content of antioxidant bioactive compounds, a higher content of n-3 fatty acids, a better n:3/n:6 ratio, and a more optimal amino acid composition, which may result in an appropriate dietary ration design for athletes. In conclusion, organic food appears to be an interesting alternative to meet the special nutritional needs of professional and amateur athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Dobrowolski
- School of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Okopowa 59 Str., 01-043 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Kopczyńska
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159c Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Kazimierczak
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159c Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Rembiałkowska
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159c Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Włodarek
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159c Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Csulak E, Takács T, Babis B, Horváth L, Márton P, Lakatos B, Kovács A, Staub L, Szabó LE, Dohy Z, Vágó H, Merkely B, Sydó N. Iron deficiency in young basketball players: Is a 100 μg/L ferritin cut-off appropriate for iron supplementation?: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Cardiol 2023; 46:1116-1123. [PMID: 37503875 PMCID: PMC10540028 DOI: 10.1002/clc.24117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common factors that may reduce sports performance, supplementation forms and doses are still not standardized in athletes. Our aim was to assess the iron status of young male basketball players and to study the effect of iron supplementation in a randomized placebo-controlled study. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that due to the higher iron demand of athletes, the 100 μg/L ferritin cut-off may be appropriate to determine the non-anemic ID. METHODS During a sports cardiology screening, questionnaires, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiography exams, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed. Athletes with ID (ferritin <100 μg/L) were randomized into iron and placebo groups. Ferrous sulfate (containing 100 mg elemental iron [II] and 60 mg ascorbic acid) or placebo (50 mg vitamin C) was administered for 3 months. All exams were repeated after the supplementation period. RESULTS We included 65 (age 15.8 ± 1.7 years) basketball players divided into four age groups. Non-anemic ID was observed in 60 (92%) athletes. After supplementation, ferritin levels were higher in the iron group (75.5 ± 25.9 vs. 54.9 ± 10.4 μg/L, p < .01). Ferritin >100 μg/L level was achieved only in 15% of the athletes. There were no differences in performance between the groups (VO2 max: 53.6 ± 4.3 vs. 54.4 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min, p = .46; peak lactate: 9.1 ± 2.2 vs. 9.1 ± 2.6 mmol/L, p = .90). CONCLUSIONS As a result of the 3-month iron supplementation, the ferritin levels increased; however, only a small portion of the athletes achieved the target ferritin level, while performance improvement was not detectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Csulak
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Brigitta Babis
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Laura Horváth
- Department of Internal Medicine and HematologySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Bálint Lakatos
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Attila Kovács
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | | | - Zsófia Dohy
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Hajnalka Vágó
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
- Department of Sports MedicineSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
- Department of Sports MedicineSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Nóra Sydó
- Heart and Vascular CenterSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
- Department of Sports MedicineSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
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Vicente F, Holanda M, Ramalho R, Mendes J, Marques-Vidal P, Pereira P. Lower calcium and iron intake in adolescent gymnasts: A case of concern for youth sports nutrition. Nutrition 2023; 110:112020. [PMID: 36963267 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diet is important for the appropriate development and maturation of young amateur athletes. The aim of this study was to determine whether young gymnasts were consuming adequate amounts of nutrients, particularly calcium and iron. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Portugal's Almada and Lisbon regions in 2020. To determine if participants' diet was adequate, weight, height, and skinfold measurements were taken. Dietary consumption was examined using two 24-h recalls. We collected data from 66 participants (60% females, 12-18 y of age), of whom 82% had normal weight and 39% had ideal body fat. RESULTS The daily total energy intake (TEI) was1605 ± 601 kcal. Of the TEI, 19%, 31%, and 50% were comprised of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively. The most often consumed protein sources were poultry and ultra-processed meat products (52% and 45%, respectively). The average daily consumption of calcium and iron was 626 ± 293 and 9 ± 3 mg, respectively. Only 2 of the 66 participants had calcium intake within recommended levels, and 1of 5 had iron intake within recommended levels, the percentage of which was lower in girls than boys (7.5% versus 38.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Despite having a sufficient macronutrient distribution, Portuguese gymnasts consume a high amount of ultra-processed items and a low amount of calcium and iron. The low proportion of female gymnasts with adequate iron consumption is cause for worry in sports nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Vicente
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CIIEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Grupo de Estudos em Nutrição Aplicada (GENA), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Marcela Holanda
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Grupo de Estudos em Nutrição Aplicada (GENA), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Renata Ramalho
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CIIEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Grupo de Estudos em Nutrição Aplicada (GENA), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - João Mendes
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CIIEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paula Pereira
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CIIEM), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal; Grupo de Estudos em Nutrição Aplicada (GENA), Campus Universitário Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
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Nicotra D, Arieli R, Redlich N, Navot-Mintzer D, Constantini NW. Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Male and Female Adolescent Athletes Who Engage in Ball Games. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030970. [PMID: 36769618 PMCID: PMC9918288 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among male adolescent athletes who participate in non-calorie-restricting sports, and to compare the results with female athletes of the same age and sports. Data of the hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and serum ferritin (sFer) levels of male (n = 350) and female (n = 126) basketball and football players, aged 11-18, from two sport medicine centers in Israel were gathered and analyzed. Mild ID was defined as sFer ≤ 30 µg/L, moderate as sFer ≤ 20 µg/L, and severe as sFer ≤ 10 µg/L. IDA was defined as sFer ≤ 20 µg/L and Hb < 13 g/dL for males and sFer ≤ 20 µg/L and Hb < 12 g/dL for females. The prevalence of mild ID was 41.1% and 53.2%, moderate was 17.4% and 27.8%, and severe was 2% and 4.8% in males and females, respectively. The prevalence of IDA was 2.6% in males and 4% in females. Mild and moderate ID was significantly higher among females. In conclusion, non-anemic ID, which is known to be common among female athletes, especially in sports requiring leanness, is also highly prevalent among adolescent males playing ball games. Therefore, screening for hemoglobin and sFer is recommended for young athletes of both genders and in all sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nicotra
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-504558208
| | - Rakefet Arieli
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Noam Redlich
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Dalya Navot-Mintzer
- The Ribstein Center for Sports Medicine and Research, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
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Influences of Vitamin D and Iron Status on Skeletal Muscle Health: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132717. [PMID: 35807896 PMCID: PMC9268405 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There is conflicting evidence of the roles vitamin D and iron have in isolation and combined in relation to muscle health. The purpose of this narrative review was to examine the current literature on the roles that vitamin D and iron have on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and how these nutrients are associated with skeletal muscle health in specific populations. Secondary purposes include exploring if low vitamin D and iron status are interrelated with skeletal muscle health and chronic inflammation and reviewing the influence of animal-source foods rich in these nutrients on health and performance. PubMed, Scopus, SPORT Discus, EMBAE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched to determine eligible studies. There was a positive effect of vitamin D on muscle mass, particularly in older adults. There was a positive effect of iron on aerobic and anaerobic performance. Studies reported mixed results for both vitamin D and iron on muscle strength and function. While vitamin D and iron deficiency commonly occur in combination, few studies examined effects on skeletal muscle health and inflammation. Isolated nutrients such as iron and vitamin D may have positive outcomes; however, nutrients within food sources may be most effective in improving skeletal muscle health.
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Abstract
Adolescence (ages 13–18 years) is a period of significant growth and physical development that includes changes in body composition, metabolic and hormonal fluctuations, maturation of organ systems, and establishment of nutrient deposits, which all may affect future health. In terms of nutrition, adolescence is also an important time in establishing an individual’s lifelong relationship with food, which is particularly important in terms of the connection between diet, exercise, and body image. The challenges of time management (e.g., school, training, work and social commitments) and periods of fluctuating emotions are also features of this period. In addition, an adolescent’s peers become increasingly powerful moderators of all behaviours, including eating. Adolescence is also a period of natural experimentation and this can extend to food choice. Adolescent experiences are not the same and individuals vary considerably in their behaviours. To ensure an adolescent athlete fulfils his/her potential, it is important that stakeholders involved in managing youth athletes emphasize eating patterns that align with and support sound physical, physiological and psychosocial development and are consistent with proven principles of sport nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Desbrow
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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Aguilo A, Lozano L, Tauler P, Nafría M, Colom M, Martínez S. Nutritional Status and Implementation of a Nutritional Education Program in Young Female Artistic Gymnasts. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051399. [PMID: 33919356 PMCID: PMC8143314 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent high-performance gymnasts are considered to be at risk for low energy intake. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of implementing a nutritional education program during the sports season on the nutritional status and nutrition knowledge of the female artistic gymnasts from the Technification Center of the Balearic Islands (n = 24; age, 14.1 ± 2.3 years). A quasi-experimental intervention design was applied, which consisted of implementing a nutritional education program of seven sessions given during eight months. Measurements of nutritional intake, nutrition knowledge, and anthropometric parameters, as well as hematological and biochemical blood parameters, were performed. Gymnasts reported low energy and carbohydrate intakes, with significant increases during the study (energy, 28.3 ± 1.4 vs. 32.8 ± 1.4 kcal kg−1, p = 0.015, carbohydrate 3.2 ± 0.2 vs. 3.9 ± 0.2 g kg−1, p = 0.004). The average values for parameters such as hemoglobin, ferritin, lipoprotein, and vitamin C and E levels in the plasma were within normal ranges. Low intakes of most of the food groups were observed during the study, with similar initial and final values. Nutrition knowledge did not change as a result of the study (28.0 ± 1.7 vs. 31.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.185). In conclusion, gymnasts reported low energy intakes. However, blood markers and most of the anthropometrical parameters measured were within normal ranges. The nutrition education program implemented did not produce significant improvements in the dietary habits or nutritional knowledge of gymnasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Aguilo
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain; (A.A.); (L.L.); (M.N.); (M.C.); (S.M.)
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
| | - Leticia Lozano
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain; (A.A.); (L.L.); (M.N.); (M.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Pedro Tauler
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-971-172858
| | - Mar Nafría
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain; (A.A.); (L.L.); (M.N.); (M.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Miquel Colom
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain; (A.A.); (L.L.); (M.N.); (M.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Sonia Martínez
- Research Group on Evidence, Lifestyles and Health, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain; (A.A.); (L.L.); (M.N.); (M.C.); (S.M.)
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
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McKay AKA, Pyne DB, Burke LM, Peeling P. Iron Metabolism: Interactions with Energy and Carbohydrate Availability. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3692. [PMID: 33265953 PMCID: PMC7761418 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The provision or restriction of select nutrients in an athlete's diet can elicit a variety of changes in fuel utilization, training adaptation, and performance outcomes. Furthermore, nutrient availability can also influence athlete health, with one key system of interest being iron metabolism. The aim of this review was to synthesize the current evidence examining the impact of dietary manipulations on the iron regulatory response to exercise. Specifically, we assessed the impact of both acute and chronic carbohydrate (CHO) restriction on iron metabolism, with relevance to contemporary sports nutrition approaches, including models of periodized CHO availability and ketogenic low CHO high fat diets. Additionally, we reviewed the current evidence linking poor iron status and altered hepcidin activity with low energy availability in athletes. A cohesive understanding of these interactions guides nutritional recommendations for athletes struggling to maintain healthy iron stores, and highlights future directions and knowledge gaps specific to elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alannah K. A. McKay
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
| | - David B. Pyne
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia;
| | - Louise M. Burke
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
| | - Peter Peeling
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
- Western Australian Institute of Sport, Mt Claremont, WA 6010, Australia
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Nielsen P. [Not Available]. MMW Fortschr Med 2019; 161:22-24. [PMID: 31556049 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-019-0888-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nielsen
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekulare Zellbiologie (IBMZ), Interdisziplinäre Arbeitsgruppe Eisenstoffwechsel, Martinistr. 52, D-20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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