The effect of carbohydrate and marine peptide hydrolysate co-ingestion on endurance exercise metabolism and performance

Antioxidative, Glucose Management, and Muscle Protein Synthesis Properties of Fish Protein Hydrolysates and Peptides

The marine environment is an excellent source for many physiologically active compounds due to its extensive biodiversity. Among these, fish proteins stand out for their unique qualities, making them valuable in a variety of applications due to their diverse compositional and functional properties. Utilizing fish and fish coproducts for the production of protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides not only enhances their economic value but also reduces their potential environmental harm, if left unutilized. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs), known for their excellent nutritional value, favorable amino acid profiles, and beneficial biological activities, have generated significant interest for their potential health benefits. These hydrolysates contain bioactive peptides which are peptide sequences known for their beneficial physiological effects. These biologically active peptides play a role in metabolic regulation/modulation and are increasingly seen as promising ingredients in functional foods, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, with potential to improve human health and prevent disease. This review aims to summarize the current in vitro, cell model (in situ) and in vivo research on the antioxidant, glycaemic management and muscle health enhancement properties of FPHs and their peptides.

Nutritional strategies for improving sarcopenia outcomes in older adults: A narrative review

Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in muscle strength, generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, and impaired physical performance, which are common outcomes used to screen, diagnose, and determine severity of sarcopenia in older adults. These outcomes are associated with poor quality of life, increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality in this population. The development of sarcopenia is underpinned by aging, but other factors can lead to sarcopenia, such as chronic diseases, physical inactivity, inadequate dietary energy intake, and reduced protein intake (nutrition-related sarcopenia), leading to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein breakdown. Protein digestion and absorption are also modified with age, as well as the reduced capacity of metabolizing protein, hindering older adults from achieving ideal protein consumption (i.e., 1-1.5 g/kg/day). Nutritional supplement strategies, like animal (i.e., whey protein) and plant-based protein, leucine, and creatine have been shown to play a significant role in improving outcomes related to sarcopenia. However, the impact of other supplements (e.g., branched-chain amino acids, isolated amino acids, and omega-3) on sarcopenia and related outcomes remain unclear. This narrative review will discuss the evidence of the impact of these nutritional strategies on sarcopenia outcomes in older adults.

The role of protein hydrolysates for exercise-induced skeletal muscle recovery and adaptation: a current perspective

The protein supplement industry is expanding rapidly and estimated to have a multi-billion market worth. Recent research has centred on understanding how the manufacturing processes of protein supplements may impact muscle recovery and remodeling. The hydrolysed forms of protein undergo a further heating extraction process during production which may contribute to amino acids (AA) appearing in circulation at a slightly quicker rate, or greater amplitude, than the intact form. Whilst the relative significance of the rate of aminoacidemia to muscle protein synthesis is debated, it has been suggested that protein hydrolysates, potentially through the more rapid delivery and higher proportion of di-, tri- and smaller oligo-peptides into circulation, are superior to intact non-hydrolysed proteins and free AAs in promoting skeletal muscle protein remodeling and recovery. However, despite these claims, there is currently insufficient evidence to support superior muscle anabolic properties compared with intact non-hydrolysed proteins and/or free AA controls. Further research is warranted with appropriate protein controls, particularly in populations consuming insufficient amounts of protein, to support and/or refute an important muscle anabolic role of protein hydrolysates. The primary purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a current perspective on the potential anabolic effects of protein hydrolysates in individuals wishing to optimise recovery from, and maximise adaptation to, exercise training.

The Potential Role of Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Metabolic Health, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing

Fish protein represents one of the most widely consumed dietary protein sources by humans. The processing of material from the fishing industry generates substantial unexploited waste products, many of which possess high biological value. Protein hydrolysates, such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), containing predominantly di- and tripeptides, are more readily absorbed than free amino acids and intact protein. Furthermore, in animal models, FPH have been shown to possess numerous beneficial properties for cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, renal, and immune health. Ageing is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as increased oxidative stress, compromised vascularisation, neurological derangements, and immunosenescence. Thus, there appears to be a potential application for FPH in older persons as a high-quality protein source that may also confer additional health benefits. Despite this, there remains a dearth of information concerning the impact of FPH on health outcomes in humans. The limited evidence from human interventional trials suggests that FPH may hold promise for supporting optimal body composition and maintaining gut integrity. FPH also provide a high-quality source of dietary protein without negatively impacting on subjective appetite perceptions or regulatory hormones. Further studies are needed to assess the impact and utility of FPH on skeletal muscle health in older persons, ideally comparing FPH to ‘established’ protein sources or a non-bioactive, nitrogen-matched control. In particular, the effects of acute and chronic FPH consumption on post-exercise aminoacidaemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and intramyocellular anabolic signalling in older adults are worthy of investigation. FPH may represent beneficial and sustainable alternative sources of high-quality protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in ageing, without compromising appetite and subsequent energy intake.

Lipid Profile and Risk of Bone Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Purpose: Earlier studies have linked lipid profile to osteoporotic fractures; however, to our knowledge, no study had summarized available data on this relationship. We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the association between lipid profile and bone fractures. Material and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was done to find relevant published studies until March 2018. To combine effect sizes, we applied fixed- or random-effects analysis, where appropriate. Cochran's Q test and I² were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. Results: Overall, 11 studies (seven prospective, three cross-sectional and one case-control studies) were included in the current systematic review. Out of them, 10 studies with a total sample size of 60,484 individuals, aged 25 years or more, were used in the meta-analysis. The results showed that total cholesterol concentration was positively associated with risk of bone fracture; such that a 50-mg/dl increase in plasma level of TC was associated with 15% greater odds of bone fracture (combined effect size: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.30, P = .02). Furthermore, we found that individuals with a decreased level of HDL (<40 mg/dl) had a lower risk of bone fracture compared with those with a normal level (≥40 mg/dl) (combined effect size: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96, P = .01). No significant association was found between plasma level of TG and LDL with the risk of bone fractures either in prospective or cross-sectional studies. Conclusions: We found that plasma levels of total cholesterol were positively associated with bone fractures. In addition, decreased levels of HDL were associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. Abbreviations: TG: triglycerides, TC: total cholesterol, HDL: high-density lipoprotein, LDL: low-density lipoprotein, OR: odds ratio, RR: relative risk, HR: hazard ratio, DXA: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, ICD: International Classification of Diseases, SD: standard deviation.

The effect of low dose marine protein hydrolysates on short-term recovery after high intensity performance cycling: a double-blinded crossover study

Background

Knowledge of the effect of marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) supplementation to promote recovery after high intensity performance training is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of MPH supplementation to whey protein (WP) and carbohydrate (CHO): (CHO-WP-MPH), on short-term recovery following high intensity performance, compared to an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous supplement of WP and CHO: (CHO-WP), in male cyclists.

Methods

This was a double-blinded crossover study divided into three phases. Fourteen healthy men participated. In phase I, an incremental bicycle exercise test was performed for establishment of intensities used in phase II and III. In phase II (9–16 days after phase 1), the participants performed first one high intensity performance cycling session, followed by nutrition supplementation (CHO-WP-MPH or CHO-WP) and 4 hours of recovery, before a subsequent high intensity performance cycling session. Phase III (1 week after phase II), was similar to phase II except for the nutrition supplementation, where the participants received the opposite supplementation compared to phase II. Primary outcome was difference in time to exhaustion between the cycling sessions, after nutrition supplementations containing MPH or without MPH. Secondary outcomes were differences in heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), blood lactate concentration and glucose.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 45.6 years (range 40–58). The maximal oxygen uptake (mean ± SD) measured at baseline was 54.7 ± 4.1 ml∙min^− 1∙kg^− 1. There were no significant differences between the two nutrition supplementations measured by time to exhaustion at the cycling sessions (mean_diff = 0.85 min, p = 0.156, 95% confidence interval (CI), − 0.37, 2.06), HR (mean_diff = 0.8 beats pr.min, p = 0.331, 95% CI, − 0.9, 2.5), RER (mean_diff = − 0.05, p = 0.361, 95% CI -0.07 – 0.17), blood lactate concentration (mean_diff = − 0.24, p = 0.511, 95% CI, − 1.00, 0.53) and glucose (mean_diff = 0.23, p = 0.094, 95% CI, − 0.05, 0.51).

Conclusions

A protein supplement with MPH showed no effects on short-term recovery in middle-aged healthy male cyclists compared to a protein supplement without MPH.

Trial registration

The study was registered 02.05.2017 at ClinicalTrials.gov (Protein Supplements to Cyclists, NCT03136133, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03136133?cond=marine+peptides&rank=1.

Post-exercise Ingestion of Carbohydrate, Protein and Water: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for Effects on Subsequent Athletic Performance

BACKGROUND

Athletes may complete consecutive exercise sessions with limited recovery time between bouts (e.g. ≤ 4 h). Nutritional strategies that optimise post-exercise recovery in these situations are therefore important.

OBJECTIVE

This two-part review investigated the effect of consuming carbohydrate (CHO) and protein with water (W) following exercise on subsequent athletic (endurance/anaerobic exercise) performance.

DATA SOURCES

Studies were identified by searching the online databases SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND INTERVENTIONS

Investigations that measured endurance performance (≥ 5 min duration) ≤ 4 h after a standardised exercise bout (any type) under the following control vs. intervention conditions were included: Part 1: W vs. CHO ingested with an equal volume of W (CHO + W); and, Part 2: CHO + W vs. protein (PRO) ingested with CHO and an equal volume of W (PRO + CHO + W), where CHO or energy intake was matched.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Publications were examined for bias using the Rosendal scale. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were conducted to evaluate intervention efficacy.

RESULTS

The quality assessment yielded a Rosendal score of 63 ± 9% (mean ± standard deviation). Part 1: 45 trials (n = 486) were reviewed. Ingesting CHO + W (102 ± 50 g CHO; 0.8 ± 0.6 g CHO kg^-1 h^-1) improved exercise performance compared with W (1.6 ± 0.7 L); %_Δ mean power output = 4.0, 95% confidence interval 3.2-4.7 (I ² = 43.9). Improvement was attenuated when participants were 'Fed' (a meal 2-4 h prior to the initial bout) as opposed to 'Fasted' (p = 0.012). Part 2: 13 trials (n = 125) were reviewed. Ingesting PRO + CHO + W (35 ± 26 g PRO; 0.5 ± 0.4 g PRO kg^-1) did not affect exercise performance compared with CHO + W (115 ± 61 g CHO; 0.6 ± 0.3 g CHO·kg body mass^-1 h^-1; 1.2 ± 0.6 L); %_Δ mean power output = 0.5, 95% confidence interval - 0.5 to 1.6 (I ² = 72.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with limited time for recovery between consecutive exercise sessions should prioritise CHO and fluid ingestion to enhance subsequent athletic performance. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016046807.