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West S, Monteyne AJ, van der Heijden I, Stephens FB, Wall BT. Nutritional Considerations for the Vegan Athlete. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:774-795. [PMID: 37127187 PMCID: PMC10334161 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Accepting a continued rise in the prevalence of vegan-type diets in the general population is also likely to occur in athletic populations, it is of importance to assess the potential impact on athletic performance, adaptation, and recovery. Nutritional consideration for the athlete requires optimization of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes, and potentially the judicious selection of dietary supplements, all specified to meet the individual athlete's training and performance goals. The purpose of this review is to assess whether adopting a vegan diet is likely to impinge on such optimal nutrition and, where so, consider evidence based yet practical and pragmatic nutritional recommendations. Current evidence does not support that a vegan-type diet will enhance performance, adaptation, or recovery in athletes, but equally suggests that an athlete can follow a (more) vegan diet without detriment. A clear caveat, however, is that vegan diets consumed spontaneously may induce suboptimal intakes of key nutrients, most notably quantity and/or quality of dietary protein and specific micronutrients (eg, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D). As such, optimal vegan sports nutrition requires (more) careful consideration, evaluation, and planning. Individual/seasonal goals, training modalities, athlete type, and sensory/cultural/ethical preferences, among other factors, should all be considered when planning and adopting a vegan diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam West
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J Monteyne
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ino van der Heijden
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Francis B Stephens
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin T Wall
- Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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Nutritional Habits of Professional Cyclists during Pre-Season. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183695. [PMID: 36145071 PMCID: PMC9505832 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The first aim of the present study was to assess the dietary intake of professional cyclists during pre-season. The second aim was to assess the dietary habits of this population during a complete season. Fifteen elite male (age: 23.2 ± 5.4 years) and twenty-three elite female (age: 20.1 ± 7.0 years) cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. Dietary nutrient intake during pre-season was assessed using a 72 h dietary recall interview, and a 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits during the year. Protein intake exceeded the PRI’s recommendation of 0.83 g/kg/day for all cycling groups. Fat exceeded RI recommendations in females in both road (43.3%) and CXO (39.8%) cycling groups, whilst males were found to follow recommendations for fat intake. CHO intake was below recommendations in all groups. Intake of all vitamins exceeded recommendations, with the exception of B9 in female road cyclists (77.8% RDA) and vitamin D in all groups. With regards to mineral intake, consumption exceeded RDA/AI recommendations in all groups except for iodine in male XCO cyclists (61.6%), female road cyclists (61.6%), and female XCO cyclists (58%) and potassium in female road cyclists (74.6%). Males consumed greater amounts of eggs and non-processed foods than females. Road cyclists consumed greater amounts of fish and seafood and had a lower intake of coffee and tea than XCO cyclists. Better knowledge of food guidelines in terms of serving and food variety is important for professional cyclists at may impact health and performance.
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Essential Amino Acid Ingestion Facilitates Leucine Retention and Attenuates Myofibrillar Protein Breakdown following Bodyweight Resistance Exercise in Young Adults in a Home-Based Setting. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173532. [PMID: 36079790 PMCID: PMC9460609 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Home-based resistance exercise (RE) has become increasingly prevalent, but its effects on protein metabolism are understudied. We tested the effect of an essential amino acid formulation (EAA+: 9 g EAAs, 3 g leucine) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: 6 g BCAAs, 3 g leucine), relative to a carbohydrate (CHO) placebo, on exogenous leucine retention and myofibrillar protein breakdown following dynamic bodyweight RE in a home-based setting. Twelve recreationally active adults (nine male, three female) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with four trial conditions: (i) RE and EAA+ (EX-EAA+); (ii) RE and BCAAs (EX-BCAA); (iii) RE and CHO placebo (EX-CHO); and (iv) rest and CHO placebo (REST-CHO). Total exogenous leucine oxidation and retention (estimates of whole-body anabolism) and urinary 3-methylhistidine:creatinine ratio (3MH:Cr; estimate of muscle catabolism) were assessed over 5 h post-supplement. Total exogenous leucine oxidation and retention in EX-EAA+ and EX-BCAA did not significantly differ (p = 0.116) but were greater than EX-CHO (p < 0.01). There was a main effect of condition on urinary 3MH:Cr (p = 0.034), with post hoc analysis revealing a trend (p = 0.096) for reduced urinary 3MH:Cr with EX-EAA+ (32%) compared to EX-CHO. By direct comparison, urinary 3MH:Cr was significantly lower (23%) in EX-EAA+ than EX-BCAA (p = 0.026). In summary, the ingestion of EAA+ or BCAA provided leucine that was ~60% retained for protein synthesis following home-based bodyweight RE, but EAA+ most effectively attenuated myofibrillar protein breakdown.
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Gwin JA, Hatch-McChesney A, Pitts KP, O'Brien RP, Karis AJ, Carrigan CT, McClung JP, Karl JP, Margolis LM. Initial military training modulates serum fatty acid and amino acid metabolites. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15385. [PMID: 35818300 PMCID: PMC9273871 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Initial military training (IMT) results in increased fat‐free mass (FFM) and decreased fat mass (FM). The underlying metabolic adaptations facilitating changes in body composition during IMT are unknown. The objective of this study was to assess changes in body composition and the serum metabolome during 22‐week US Army IMT. Fifty‐four volunteers (mean ± SD; 22 ± 3 year; 24.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) completed this longitudinal study. Body composition measurements (InBody 770) and blood samples were collected under fasting, rested conditions PRE and POST IMT. Global metabolite profiling was performed to identify metabolites involved in energy, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism (Metabolon, Inc.). There was no change in body mass (POST‐PRE; 0.4 ± 5.1 kg, p = 0.59), while FM decreased (−1.7 ± 3.5 kg, p < 0.01), and FFM increased (2.1 ± 2.8 kg, p < 0.01) POST compared to PRE IMT. Of 677 identified metabolites, 340 differed at POST compared to PRE (p < 0.05, Q < 0.10). The majority of these metabolites were related to fatty acid (73%) and amino acid (26%) metabolism. Increases were detected in 41% of branched‐chain amino acid metabolites, 53% of histidine metabolites, and 35% of urea cycle metabolites. Decreases were detected in 93% of long‐chain fatty acid metabolites, while 58% of primary bile acid metabolites increased. Increases in amino acid metabolites suggest higher rates of protein turnover, while changes in fatty acid metabolites indicate increased fat oxidation, which likely contribute changes in body composition during IMT. Overall, changes in metabolomics profiles provide insight into metabolic adaptions underlying changes in body composition during IMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess A Gwin
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Kenneth P Pitts
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Fort Benning, Georgia, USA
| | - Rory P O'Brien
- U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Georgia, USA
| | - Anthony J Karis
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - James P McClung
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Philip Karl
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee M Margolis
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
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Hartono FA, Martin-Arrowsmith PW, Peeters WM, Churchward-Venne TA. The Effects of Dietary Protein Supplementation on Acute Changes in Muscle Protein Synthesis and Longer-Term Changes in Muscle Mass, Strength, and Aerobic Capacity in Response to Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Exercise in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2022; 52:1295-1328. [PMID: 35113389 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging in both resistance and endurance exercise within the same training program, termed 'concurrent exercise training,' is common practice in many athletic disciplines that require a combination of strength and endurance and is recommended by a number of organizations to improve muscular and cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic metabolic disease. Dietary protein ingestion supports skeletal muscle remodeling after exercise by stimulating the synthesis of muscle proteins and can optimize resistance exercise-training mediated increases in skeletal muscle size and strength; however, the effects of protein supplementation on acute and longer-term adaptive responses to concurrent resistance and endurance exercise are unclear. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of dietary protein supplementation on acute changes in muscle protein synthesis and longer-term changes in muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity in responses to concurrent resistance and endurance exercise in healthy adults. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in five databases: Scopus, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science. Acute and longer-term controlled trials involving concurrent exercise and protein supplementation in healthy adults (ages 18-65 years) were included in this systematic review. Main outcomes of interest were changes in skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass, muscle strength, and whole-body aerobic capacity (i.e., maximal/peak aerobic capacity [VO2max/peak]). The quality of studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment for Controlled Intervention Studies. RESULTS Four acute studies including 84 trained young males and ten longer-term studies including 167 trained and 391 untrained participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All included acute studies demonstrated that protein ingestion enhanced myofibrillar protein synthesis rates, but not mitochondrial protein synthesis rates during post-exercise recovery after an acute bout of concurrent exercise. Of the included longer-term training studies, five out of nine reported that protein supplementation enhanced concurrent training-mediated increases in muscle mass, while five out of nine studies reported that protein supplementation enhanced concurrent training-mediated increases in muscle strength and/or power. In terms of aerobic adaptations, all six included studies reported no effect of protein supplementation on concurrent training-mediated increases in VO2max/peak. CONCLUSION Protein ingestion after an acute bout of concurrent exercise further increases myofibrillar, but not mitochondrial, protein synthesis rates during post-exercise recovery. There is some evidence that protein supplementation during longer-term training further enhances concurrent training-mediated increases in skeletal muscle mass and strength/power, but not whole-body aerobic capacity (i.e., VO2max/peak).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick W Martin-Arrowsmith
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Currie Memorial Gymnasium A205, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H2W 1S4, Canada
| | - Wouter M Peeters
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional, and Sports Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tyler A Churchward-Venne
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Currie Memorial Gymnasium A205, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H2W 1S4, Canada.
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Mercer D, Convit L, Condo D, Carr AJ, Hamilton DL, Slater G, Snipe RMJ. Protein Requirements of Pre-Menopausal Female Athletes: Systematic Literature Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3527. [PMID: 33207749 PMCID: PMC7696053 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic literature review aimed to determine the protein requirements of pre-menopausal (e.g., 18-45 years) female athletes and identify if the menstrual cycle phase and/or hormonal contraceptive use influence protein requirements. Four databases were searched for original research containing pre-menopausal female athletes that ingested protein alongside exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist was used to determine study quality. Fourteen studies, which included 204 recreationally active or competitive females, met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review, and all were assessed as positive quality. The estimated average requirement (EAR) for protein intake of pre-menopausal recreational and/or competitive female athletes is similar for those undertaking aerobic endurance (1.28-1.63 g/kg/day), resistance (1.49 g/kg/day) and intermittent exercise (1.41 g/kg/day) of ~60-90 min duration. The optimal acute protein intake and influence of menstrual cycle phase or hormonal contraceptive use on protein requirements could not be determined. However, pre- and post-exercise protein intakes of 0.32-0.38 g/kg have demonstrated beneficial physiological responses in recreational and competitive female athletes completing resistance and intermittent exercise. The protein requirements outlined in this review can be used for planning and assessing protein intakes of recreational and competitive pre-menopausal female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Mercer
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia; (D.M.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Lilia Convit
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia; (D.M.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Dominique Condo
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia; (D.M.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (A.J.C.)
| | - Amelia J. Carr
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia; (D.M.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (A.J.C.)
| | - D. Lee Hamilton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Victoria, Australia;
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore 4558, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Rhiannon M. J. Snipe
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia; (D.M.); (L.C.); (D.C.); (A.J.C.)
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Effects of Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Intake on Muscular and Central Fatigue During an Incremental Exercise. J Hum Kinet 2020; 72:69-78. [PMID: 32269649 PMCID: PMC7126259 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) intake on muscular (creatine kinase and myoglobin) and central (serotonin) fatigue during an incremental exercise protocol and to determine the time to exhaustion. Sixteen male long-distance runners (25.7 ± 2.0 yrs) performed two trials, 14 days apart. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover design, participants ingested either 20 g of BCAAs (BCAA trial) or a placebo 1 hour prior to performing an incremental exercise session on a treadmill. The starting speed was 8 km/h and this was increased by 1 km/h every 5 minutes until volitional exhaustion. Blood analysis indicated that plasma levels of serotonin were lower in the BCAA trial (259.3 ± 13.5 ng/ml) than the placebo trial (289.1 ± 14.5 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). There was a similar pattern of results for free fatty acid (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase level was higher in the BCAA trial (346.1 ± 33.7 U/L) than the placebo trial (307.3 ± 30.2 U/L). No significant difference between trials was observed regarding the level of myoglobin (p = 0.139). Time to exhaustion was longer in the BCAA trial (50.4 ± 2.3 min) than the placebo trial (46.6 ± 3.2 min). In conclusion, oral intake of 20 g of BCAAs 1 hour prior to an incremental treadmill exercise session increased time to exhaustion, probably due to the reduction in serotonin concentration. As myoglobin levels were within the normal range in both trials, we conclude that the participants did not reach muscular fatigue.
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Saad Al-Dhuayan I. Possible Protective Role of Whey Protein on the Rat's Liver Tissues Treated with Nandrolone decanoate. Pak J Biol Sci 2018; 21:262-274. [PMID: 30311477 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2018.262.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Nandrolone and whey protein are used as supplementary food and athletic food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible histological and ultrastructural alterations in the liver of adult rats after treatment of the anabolic androgenic steroids (Nandrolone decanoate) and whey protein. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty eight Wistar Albino male rats were used in the present study divided into 4 groups: Control group received 0.5 mL of saline solution by oral, Nandrolone group injected intramuscular (10 mg kg-1 b.wt./week for 3 months), whey protein group treated by oral (5 mg kg-1 b.wt./week for 3 months) and Nandrolone and whey protein group. At the end of the experimentation, all the rats were sacrificed and liver samples were processed for histological and ultrastructural examination. Haematoxylin and eosin stains for general histological examination and Mallory trichrome stain for collagen fibers. RESULTS Light microscopy examination of the liver of the nandrolone group showed bleeding and widening of the blood sinusoids. Degeneration, vacuolation, coagulative necrosis and pyknotic nuclei were observed. In addition, increased collagen fibers were detected. Whey protein group showed more or less normal hepatocytes, blood sinusoids and collagen fibers. The nandrolone and whey protein group illustrated normal appearance of hepatocytes with vacuolation in some of the hepatocytes and normal blood sinusoids and collagen fibers were noticed. Electron microscopic examination of the nandrolone group showed depletion of the nuclear chromatin, damaged mitochondria, increased of lysosomes, some lipid droplets, damaged blood sinusoids and space of Disse and increased of Kupffer cells, whereas the whey protein group appeared normal. The nandrolone and whey protein group showed well developed hepatocytes, regular space of Disse and normal hepatic sinusoids. CONCLUSIONS Whey protein may be ameliorate the hepatic architecture after treatment with nandrolone.
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Tipton KD, Sharp CP. The response of intracellular signaling and muscle-protein metabolism to nutrition and exercise. Eur J Sport Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/17461390500233607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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