Popular sports supplements and ergogenic aids

Junior athletes' nutritional demands: a narrative review of consumption and prevalence of eating disorders

Information regarding the dietary requirements and consumption of young athletes is limited. Hence, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive combination of research and review papers on the nutritional status of young athletes aged 5-18 years old, as well as quantitative, qualitative, wholesome foods, food choices, and eating disordered data concerning the dietary requirements for growing young athletes. This study involved systematic searches of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The specific criteria for identifying research papers published in English from July 1980 until May 2024 were included. Only 48 studies out of 1,262 were included in this narrative review. The findings of this study suggest that, compared with adults, junior athletes need a unique approach to meet their dietary needs. Growth, development, and general athletic performance depend on macronutrients, as they are vital nutrients for young active athletes. However, research on enhancing junior athletes' performance is still in progress, and studies on hydration status, and eating disorders are limited.

Effect of high-dose β-Alanine supplementation on uphill cycling performance in World Tour cyclists: A randomised controlled trial

Scientists and coaches seek effective ergogenic aids for performance improvement. Cyclists commonly use β-Alanine, which may enhance post-exercise recovery and physical performance. High-dose β-Alanine supplementation's impact on World Tour cyclists during a 7-day camp remains unstudied. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a high dose of β-alanine in World Tour cyclist during a 7-day camp. A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. 11 cyclists were included in the final analysis: β-alanine supplementation (n = 5; VO2max: 67.6±1.6 ml/kg/min) and a placebo group (n = 6; VO2max: 68.0±2.4 ml/kg/min). The duration of the supplementation protocol was seven days with four daily intakes. The subjects commenced supplementation after the physical tests (immediately following the snack) and consumed the final intake after breakfast on the day of the final test (a total of 7 days and 3 additional doses, 31 servings in total; 5g per dosage; 155g the total cumulative amount). Before and after seven days of supplementation, the cyclists performed an uphill time trial. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured during test. β-alanine supplementation improved the relative mean power attained during the time-trial compared with the control group (Z = -2.008; p = 0.045; Δ = 0.060), as well as the time needed to complete this trial (Z = -2.373; p = 0.018). As for physiological and metabolic variables, no significant change was found. In conclusion, the present study supports the effectiveness of one-week high dose of β-alanine during a cycling training in World Tour cyclists to improve their uphill time-trial performance. In addition, it is important to highlight the potential role of β-alanine in improving recovery power. This aspect is particularly relevant in the context of a training camp, where fatigue levels can increase alongside training intensity. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: (identifier: NCT04427319).

Effects of Caffeine-Taurine Co-Ingestion on Endurance Cycling Performance in High Temperature and Humidity Environments

BACKGROUND

Taurine (TAU) and caffeine (CAF), as common ergogenic aids, are known to affect exercise performance; however, the effects of their combined supplementation, particularly in high temperature and humidity environments, have not been studied.

HYPOTHESIS

The combination of TAU and CAF will have a greater effect on endurance cycle performance and improve changes in physiological indicators during exercise compared with TAU or CAF supplementation alone and placebo.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-blind crossover randomized controlled study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

METHODS

Twelve university students majoring in physical education volunteered to receive 4 different supplement ingestions: (1) placebo (maltodextrin), (2) TAU, (3) CAF, (4) TAU + CAF. After a 7-day washout period, participants completed a time to exhaustion (TTE) test in the heat (35°C, 65% relative humidity).

RESULTS

All experimental groups improved TTE compared with the placebo group. Peak and mean power of countermovement jump were significantly higher in the CAF group compared with the placebo group before the exhaustion exercise (P = 0.02, d = 1.2 and P = 0.04, d = 1.1, respectively). Blood lactate was significantly lower after the exhaustion test in the TAU group compared with the CAF (P < 0.01, d = 0.8) and TAU + CAF (P < 0.01, d = 0.7) groups. Core temperature in the TAU group was significantly reduced in the placebo group later in the exhaustion test (P < 0.01, d = 1.9).

CONCLUSION

In high temperature and humidity environments, acute TAU, CAF, and combined supplementation all improved TTE and did not affect recovery from lower limb neuromuscular fatigue compared with placebo, with TAU having the best effect. Combined supplementation failed to exhibit superimposed performance.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results provide suggestions for the effects of TAU, CAF, and their combined intake on exercise performance in high temperature and humidity environments.

Health Claims for Sports Drinks-Analytical Assessmentaccording to European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Opinion

In Europe, sports food supplements (SSFs) are subject to specific laws and regulations. Up to 70% of athletes are highly influenced by the information on the label or the advertisement of the SSF, which often does not correspond to the scientific evidence, such as health claims. The aim is to analyze such claims relating to sports drinks (SDs) in commercial messages. To this end, an observational and cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of the content and degree of adequacy of the health claims indicated on the labelling or technical data sheet of the SDs with those established by the European legislation in force according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The SSFs were searched for via Amazon and Google Shopping. A total of 114 health claims were evaluated. No claim fully conformed with the recommendations. A total of 14 claims (n = 13 products) almost conformed to the recommendations; they were "Maintain endurance level in exercises requiring prolonged endurance", "Improve water absorption during physical exercise", and "Improved physical performance during high intensity, high duration physical exercise in trained adults", representing 12.3% of the total (n = 114). The vast majority of the claims identified indicated an unproven cause-effect and should be modified or eliminated, which amounts to food fraud towards the consumer.

A single dose of dihydrocapsiate does not improve neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained young adults: A randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Capsinoids may exert ergogenic effects on resistance exercises. However, the acute effects of capsinoids on neuromuscular performance in humans are unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of dihydrocapsiate on lower- and upper-body neuromuscular performance parameters in resistance-trained individuals. 25 young adults (n = 6 women; age = 26 ± 3 years; body mass index = 24.3 ± 2.8 kg/m2) with ≥ 1-year resistance training experience were included in this triple-blind (participants, intervention researchers, and data analysts were blinded), placebo-controlled, crossover study. Lower- and upper-body ballistic strength (countermovement jump [CMJ] height and bench press throw [BPT] peak velocity), maximum dynamic strength (estimated 1 repetition maximum in squat and bench press [BP]), and strength-endurance (mean set velocity [squat] and number of repetitions to failure [bench press]) were assessed in 2 independent sessions (≥7 days separation). Participants ingested 12 mg of dihydrocapsiate or placebo 30 min before each trial. We found no significant differences between dihydrocapsiate and placebo conditions in ballistic strength, (CMJ height 33.20 ± 8.07 vs 33.32 ± 7.85 cm; BPT peak velocity 2.82 ± 0.77 vs 2.82 ± 0.74 m/s) maximal dynamic strength (estimated squat 1RM: 123.76 ± 40.63 vs 122.66 ± 40.97 kg; estimated BP 1RM: 99.47 ± 43.09 vs 99.60 ± 43.34 kg), and strength-endurance (squat mean set velocity 0.66 ± 0.07 vs 0.66 ± 0.05 m/s; number BP repetitions to failure 13.00 ± 3.56 vs 13.00 ± 4.78) (all P ≥ 0.703). We conclude that dihydrocapsiate does not acutely improve neuromuscular performance in trained young adults.

Type of Diet and Sports Supplements in Padel Players According to Level of Competition and Sex

Padel is the world's fastest growing racket sport. However, the analysis of the intake of sports supplements in padel players is scarce. The aim of this research was to analyse and compare the type of diet and the use of sports supplements in padel players according to their competition level and sex. A total of 123 players (94 men and 29 women) participated in the study. Subjects were divided according to their sex and competition level. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire on diet type and nutritional supplement intake. There were differences found in diet type between competition levels. Regarding players' sex, differences in the number of supplements consumed were reported (p < 0.01). Relationships were found between the number of supplements ingested and the perceived effectiveness of supplements with frequency and time of training (p < 0.05). Creatine in men (≈15%) and vitamin complexes (≈10%) in women were the most used supplements. Lower level padel players do not adapt their diet to the physical demands of padel. Male padel players use a greater number of supplements than female padel players. It is important that nutrition specialists advise players to control diets and supplement.

Practical Nutrition Strategies to Support Basketball Performance during International Short-Term Tournaments: A Narrative Review

A short-term (e.g., 6 days) basketball tournament is a shorter version of international tournaments, and qualification in it enables participation in international tournaments such as the Olympics and World championships or preparation before major tournaments. Time for recovery between matches is shorter compared with major tournaments, resulting in an accentuated load on players, which can be repeated up to four times within the 6-day competition period. Therefore, nutritional strategies need to focus on faster and adequate recovery after each match as well as optimum fuelling and hydration before and during matches. Travelling can also create additional challenges when preparing and/or applying those nutritional strategies. There are some particular evidence-based sport foods and ergogenic aids that can improve intermittent activity and/or the execution of motor skills, which may facilitate basketball players' recovery and performance. The present review provides practical nutritional strategies to support short-term basketball tournaments based on players' physiological needs and current sport nutrition guidelines.

Colorimetric Aptasensor for Testosterone Detection Based on Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles Induced by Cationic Surfactant

This paper proposes a colorimetric aptasensor for the detection of testosterone (TES) in environmental water, using TES-specific aptamer (apT5) as a sensing probe, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as indicator, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as inducer, respectively. Based on competition between TES and CTAB for apT5, the aptamer can form an aptamer–TES complex, leaving CTAB free to aggregate AuNPs in the presence of TES. Dispersed and aggregated AuNPs have different absorption wavelengths and the signal of absorption intensity is associated with the concentration of TES, so TES can be detected quantitatively based on the signal absorption intensity. This sensitive aptasensor for TES detection has a wide linear range (R=0.998) from 1.91–800nM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.91nM. In addition, this aptasensor has high selectivity over some interferents. The method detects TES in tap water samples with recoveries in the range of 98.9–102.6% (RSD ≤ 7.35%). This biosensor presents a good and potential application to rapidly detect TES in actual environmental water samples.

Stanazolol derived ELISA as a sensitive forensic tool for the detection of multiple 17α-methylated anabolics

Two valuable forensic tools based on enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) for the analysis of 17α-methylated steroids were developed using haptens of stanazolol and its conjugates with biotin. Haptens containing terminal carboxylic group were conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA), rabbit serum albumin (RSA) or ovalbumin (OVA). Eight batches of antisera (RAbs) obtained by immunization of rabbits were tested in an indirect competitive ELISA system using immobilization of RSA conjugate (RSA/hapten) and competitor immobilization of the biotinylated conjugate (AB-ELISA) to avidin (avidin/hapten). The best results were achieved with the RAb 212 antibodies in RSA/ST-3 and avidin/ST-10 assembled variants. For the RSA/ST-3 system, an IC₅₀ of 0.3 ng/mL and a detection limit of 0.02 ng/mL were measured. In case of avidin/ST-10 variant, IC₅₀ was of 3.9 ng/mL and a detection limit of 0.57 ng/mL were obtained. The effect of solvent was tested as well as the stability of coated microtiter plates over four-month period. The cross-reactivity of the developed assays with other anabolic steroids was tested and high sensitivity towards 17α-methylated steroids was observed. RSA/ST-3 assay showed significant cross-reactivity with 17α-methyltestosterone (81.2%), oxymetholone (30.4%), methandienone (10.0%) and methyl dihydrotestosterone (7.7%). Similarly, in the avidin/ST-10 assay, 17α-methyltestosterone (34.5%), mestanolone (32.1%), oxymetholone (22.7%), methandienone (14.2%), 9-dehydromethyltestosterone (12.5%) and oxandrolone (1.2%) exhibited high cross-reactivity. The functionality of the developed systems was verified by the successful identification of a series of 17α-methylated anabolic steroids in a set of real samples including pharmaceutical preparations seized by the Police of the Czech Republic on the black market.

An Investigation of Habitual Dietary Supplement Use Among 557 NCAA Division I Athletes

Background: Supplements may expose athletes to dangerous ingredients, banned substances, toxins or contaminants; however, few investigations assess use among collegiate athletes in the U.S.Objective: This cross-sectional study evaluated habitual dietary supplement intake, defined use ≥2 days/week over the past year, in NCAA Division I athletes.Methods: Male and female members of a NCAA Division I team, at two universities in southern California completed a 13-item survey. Among 705 eligible participants, 596 submitted surveys (84.5% response rate), 557 surveys included complete data. Chi-square (χ²) analyses evaluated differences among athletes based on sex, weight status, year in college, and sport-type. Independent t-test or ANOVA evaluated mean differences for continuous variables.Results: A total of 45.2% athletes (n = 252) reported taking supplements (≥2 days/week over the past year). Vitamin/minerals (25.5%, n = 142), protein/amino acids (24.6%, n = 137) were used most frequently. Male, vs female athletes, took more supplements overall (1.2 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.1, p = 0.004) and indicated higher use of protein/amino acid products (34.2% vs 13.5%, p < 0.005), whereas, females reported higher use of vitamin/minerals (30.5% vs 21.1%, p < 0.05). Higher supplement use was also reported by athletes with BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m² (vs <30 kg/m², 1.9 ± 0.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.1, p = 0.02), and athletes in ≥ third college year (vs first or second year, 1.2 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1, p = 0.03).Conclusions: Nearly half of NCAA athletes reported habitual supplements use, with significant variation in patterns based on sex, sport-type, year in college, and weight status.

Separation of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine enantiomers using a polysaccharide-based chiral column: A normal phase liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry approach

Chiral considerations are found to be very much relevant in various aspects of forensic toxicology and pharmacology. In forensics, it has become increasingly important to identify the chirality of doping agents to avoid legal arguments and challenges to the analytical findings. The scope of this study was to develop an liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) method for the enantiomeric separation of typical illicit drugs such as ephedrines (ie, 1S,2R(+)-ephedrine and 1R,2S(-)-ephedrine) and pseudoephedrine (ie, R,R(-)-pseudoephedrine and S,S(+)-pseudoephedrine) by using normal phase chiral liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry technique. Results show that the Lux i-amylose-1 stationary phase has very broad and balancing-enantio-recognition properties towards ephedrine analogues, and this immobilized chiral stationary phase may offer a powerful tool for enantio-separation of different types of pharmaceuticals in the normal phase mode. The type of mobile phase and organic modifier used appear to have dramatic influences on separation quality. Since the developed method was able to detect and separate the enantiomers at very low levels (in pico grams), this method opens easy access for the unambiguous identification of these illicit drugs and can be used for the routine screening of the biological samples in the antidoping laboratories.

Awareness of the Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Students in a University in Saudi Arabia

The dietary supplement market in Saudi Arabia is growing alongside the number of Saudis consuming dietary supplements. It is therefore increasingly important for healthcare personnel to understand the consumption rate of dietary supplements, whether they are used wisely, and the know-how concerning their use and dosage. The purpose of this study was to clarify the overall awareness of dietary supplement consumption among female students of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Using a descriptive approach, data were collected from 759 female students (mean age = 22.1 ± 1.7 years) via an electronic survey. All participants reported having consumed dietary supplements at some point, and 32.3% were taking them at the time of the survey. They took supplements primarily for aesthetic reasons (e.g., hair and skin health) and preferred purchasing supplements at pharmacies. Nearly all (89.9%) participants could define supplements correctly, and 43.6% reported that supplements improved health. More than half the sample believed that supplements are safe. While a large proportion of participants correctly identified the recommended number of daily servings of fruits and vegetables, relatively few actually consumed that recommended amount. More than one-third of participants consumed more than one type of supplement simultaneously, and more than half reported that they would use supplements when necessary in the future. The results of this study suggest a need for long-term studies on the consumption of nutritional supplements among Saudis and its impact on health.

Evaluation of anabolic steroid induced renal damage with sonography in bodybuilders

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on kidneys in bodybuilders.

METHODS

Twenty-two bodybuilders were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups according to the scheme of steroid usage: group 1 (N.=8, intramuscular 500 mg testosterone enanthate, intramuscular 400 mg nandrolone decanoate and oral 40 mg methandrostenolone for 12 weeks), group 2 (N.=7, intramuscular 500 mg testosterone enanthate, intramuscular 300 mg nandrolone decanoate and intramuscular 300 mg boldenone undecylenate for 16 weeks), and group 3 (N.=7, no steroid intake). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), urine micro-albumin and electrolyte levels were measured. Renal volume, cortical thickness and echogenicity were obtained in ultrasonographic scans.

RESULTS

Renal volume, cortical thickness, echogenicity and protein intake value were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 and 3. Plasma levels of BUN and Cr in group 2 were significantly higher than other groups (P˂0.001). Urine microalbumin and electrolyte levels were normal in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that high protein intake, steroid usage, particularly the schemes, including boldenone undecylenate increases cortical echogenicity, thickness of renal parenchyma and renal volume in bodybuilders.

Current Status of Legislation on Dietary Products for Sportspeople in a European Framework

The consumption of nutritional ergogenic aids is conditioned by laws/regulations, but standards/regulations vary between countries. The aim of this review is to explore legislative documents that regulate the use of nutritional ergogenic aids intended for sportspeople in a Spanish/European framework. A narrative review has been developed from official websites of Spanish (Spanish Agency of the Consumer, Food Safety, and Nutrition) and European (European Commission and European Food Safety Authority) bodies. A descriptive analysis of documents was performed. Eighteen legislative documents have been compiled in three sections: (1) Advertising of any type of food and/or product; (2) Composition, labeling, and advertising of foods; (3) Nutritional ergogenic aids. In spite of the existence of these legal documents, the regulation lacks guidance on the use/application of nutritional ergogenic aids for sportspeople. It is essential to prevent the introduction or dissemination of false, ambiguous, or inexact information and contents that induce an error in the receivers of the information. In this field, it is worth highlighting the roles of the European Food Safety Authority and the World Anti-Doping Agency, which provide information about consumer guidelines, prescribing practices, and recommendations for the prudent use of nutritional ergogenic aids.

Identifying and assessing views among physically-active adult gym members in Israel on dietary supplements

BACKGROUND

Sports dietary supplements are available for sale in public places including sports clubs. Although there is uncertainty regarding their safety, many gym members who regularly work out consume them. The present study aimed to identify the approaches and perspectives of the public who work out in gyms and take dietary supplements. It examined how professionals view sports dietary supplement consumption, and how they communicate this issue to gym members. The literature discusses the prevalence of SDS use among athletes, but rarely discusses or compares between the risk perceptions of gym members, trainers, and dietitians, who represent the physically-active general public, regarding SDS.

METHODS

We conducted constructivist qualitative research in semi-structured one-on-one interviews (n = 34). We held in-depth interviews (n = 20) with a heterogeneous population of adult gym members who take dietary supplements, and (n = 14) with dietitians and fitness trainers.

RESULTS

The main finding was a gap in risk perception of dietary supplement use between dietitians, gym members and fitness trainers. There was low risk perception among dietary supplements consumers. Trainers believed that benefits of supplement consumption exceeded risk, and therefore they did not convey a message to their clients about risk. In contrast, dietitians interviewed for this study renounced general use of sports dietary supplements and doubted whether trainers had proper nutritional knowledge to support it.

CONCLUSION

Lack of awareness of risks suggests that there is a need for communication on this issue. We recommend that professionals (physicians and dietitians) be present in sports clubs that sell such products in an uncontrolled way.

Prevalence of Dietary Supplements Use among Gymnasium Users

Background. Several studies showed that regular gymnasium users use various dietary supplements without comprehension of their potential risks. Objective. To determine the prevalence and dietary supplement intake and assess the awareness of supplement use among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between April 2015 and June 2015. A validated structured questionnaire was used. Results. The study included 299 participants. Of these 113 (37.8%) were dietary supplements users and this was more common among males than females (44.7% versus 16.4%). Gender based analysis showed that males were exercising more frequently than females and the type of cardiovascular exercise was more among them. The most commonly used supplements were whey protein (22.1%), amino acids (16.8%), multivitamins (16.8%), creatine (11.5%), and omega 3 (11.5%). The reasons for taking dietary supplements were to improve body shape (47.7%), increase health (44.2%), and improve performance (41.5%). Conclusion. Most of the information about supplements was obtained from unreliable sources. More studies are needed to better understand supplements use and their impact on health in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of HMB ingestion on the IGF-I and IGF binding protein response to high intensity military training

OBJECTIVE

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a metabolic and anabolic biomarker that has been proposed to reflect physiological adaptations resulting from multistressor environments. The bioactivity of IGF-I is regulated by seven different insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) which act not only as carriers of IGF-1, but also function as a modulator of IGF-I availability and activity. Supplementing with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been shown to enhance physiological outcomes associated with intense training, and has been reported to augment the IGF-1 response. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 23days of HMB supplementation on circulating levels of IGF-I and IGFBPs in combat soldiers during highly intense military training.

METHODS

Thirteen male soldiers from an elite infantry unit volunteered to participate in this double-blind, parallel design study. Soldiers were provided 3g·day^-1 of either HMB (n=6) or placebo (PL; n=7). During the study soldiers performed advanced military training with periods of restricted sleep and severe environmental stressors. Blood samples were obtained prior to (PRE) and approximately 18h following the final supplement consumption (POST).

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed for circulating IGF-1 concentrations between HMB and PL (p=0.568). In addition, no differences were seen between the groups for IGFBP-1 (p=1.000), IGFBP-2 (p=0.855), IGFBP-3 (p=0.520), IGFBP-4 (p=0.103), IGFBP-5 (p=0.886), or IGFBP-6 (p=0.775). A significant difference was noted between HMB (169.9±23.0ng·ml^-1) and PL (207.2±28.0ng·ml^-1) for IGFBP-7 at POST (p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results of this study do not support the influence of HMB supplementation on circulating concentrations of IGF-1 or IGFBPs1-6 during high intensity military training, it does present initial evidence that it may lower circulating IGFBP-7 concentrations. This may provide some indication of a reduced stress response, but further investigation on the physiological role of IGFBP-7 and military training is needed.

A Retrospective Study of Clinical Effects of Powdered Caffeine Exposures Reported to Three US Poison Control Centers

INTRODUCTION

Anhydrous caffeine, often sold on the Internet as a powdered caffeine product, is sold as "pure caffeine" to be used as an additive to beverages and has also been used as an ingredient in energy supplement products.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multiple-poison center chart review of calls regarding powdered caffeine to poison centers covering Oregon, Alaska, Guam, Washington, and Utah between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015.

RESULTS

There were 40 calls to three poison centers over 30 months for powdered caffeine exposure. The majority of patients were over age 19 (52.5 %; 21/40) and male (70 %; 28/40). Sixty percent (24/40) of the patients were symptomatic but only 10 % (4/40) required admission; 52.5 % (21/40) of the patient calls were for inadvertent overdose of powdered caffeine; one patient overdosed in a self-harm attempt.

DISCUSSION

Powdered caffeine calls to three poison centers during a 30-month study period were rare, and severe caffeine toxicity due to exposure was found in few patients. The majority of symptoms were reported after an inadvertent powdered caffeine overdose.

CONCLUSIONS

An analysis of calls to three poison centers for powdered caffeine found that exposures were uncommon, but did result in toxicity, and highlighted that the lack of clear dosing instructions on product packaging may place patients at risk of inadvertent overdose.

Post-exercise branched chain amino acid supplementation does not affect recovery markers following three consecutive high intensity resistance training bouts compared to carbohydrate supplementation

BACKGROUND

Amino acid supplementation has been shown to potentially reduced exercise-induced muscle soreness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine if branched chain amino acid and carbohydrate (BCAACHO) versus carbohydrate-only sports drink (CHO) supplementation attenuated markers of muscle damage while preserving performance markers following 3 days of intense weight training.

METHODS

Healthy resistance-trained males (n = 30) performed preliminary testing (T1) whereby they: 1) donated a baseline blood draw, 2) performed knee extensor dynamometry to obtain peak quadriceps isometric and isokinetic torque as well as electromyography (EMG) activity at 60°/s and 120°/s, and 3) performed a one repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat. The following week participants performed 10 sets x 5 repetitions at 80 % of their 1RM barbell back squat for 3 consecutive days and 48 h following the third lifting bout participants returned for (T2) testing whereby they repeated the T1 battery. Immediately following and 24 h after the three lifting bouts, participants were randomly assigned to consume one of two commercial products in 600 mL of tap water: 1) BCAAs and CHO (3 g/d L-leucine, 1 g/d L-isoleucine and 2 g/d L-valine with 2 g of CHO; n = 15), or 2) 42 g of CHO only (n = 15). Additionally, venous blood was drawn 24 h following the first and second lifting bouts and 48 h following the third bout to assess serum myoglobin concentrations, and a visual analog scale was utilized prior, during, and after the 3-d protocol to measure subjective perceptions of muscular soreness.

RESULTS

There were similar decrements in 1RM squat strength and isokinetic peak torque measures in the BCAA-CHO and CHO groups. Serum myoglobin concentrations (p = 0.027) and perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.001) increased over the intervention regardless of supplementation. A group*time interaction was observed for monocyte percentages (p = 0.01) whereby BCAA-CHO supplementation attenuated increases in this variable over the duration of the protocol compared to CHO supplementation.

CONCLUSION

BCAA-CHO supplementation did not reduce decrements in lower body strength or improve select markers of muscle damage/soreness compared to CHO supplementation over three consecutive days of intense lower-body training.

Effect of taking dietary supplement on hematological and biochemical parameters in male bodybuilders an equation model

Background:

The improved physical action following administration of supplements to bodybuilders was supported by changes in laboratory parameters. Despite the fact that these supplements are sometimes associated both advantage and side effects, this study were conducted for the purpose of evaluating the possible effects of some commonly used supplements in bodybuilders on the hematological and biochemical parameters.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we included 40 male bodybuilders as cases and 40 controls in the age group of 20-40 years. They used different kinds of supplements for 1 year. In general, all the supplements used were classified into two groups: hormonal and non-hormonal. Laboratory tests were requested for evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters.

Results:

In an equation model, we found that weight (P = 0.024), duration of bodybuilding (P < 0.001), and duration of hormone supplement consumption (P < 0.001) were loaded significantly on the latent variables, demographic and dietary supplement, respectively. The relationship between dietary supplement and biochemical and hematological parameters was significant (P = 0.01) and some of these parameters including creatinine (P = 0.023), blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001), and red blood cell distribution (RDW) (P = 0.046) had a significant role than others. In a multivariate regression model, we found that WBC (P < 0.001), platelets (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN; P < 0.001), creatinine (P < 0.001), AST (P = 0.005), and ALT (P = 0.001) were higher in athletes than in controls.

Conclusions:

It is strongly advised that there should be some concerns about possible supplement-induced changes in the laboratory exams for bodybuilders. The available supplements are unchecked and not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More studies should be designed for a better and precise administration of each supplement in athletes.

An exploratory study of image and performance enhancement drug use in a male British South Asian community

BACKGROUND

Consumerism of image and performance enhancement drugs (IPEDs) is a world-wide public health concern. Given anecdotal reporting of increased normalisation of IPED use and uptake of British South Asian male IPED users at UK needle and syringe exchange services, the study aimed to explore use of IPEDs among this under-researched ethnic group.

METHODS

20 in depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of British South Asian males attending harm reduction outreach in the North East of England. The interviews explored motives for use of IPEDs, sourcing routes, information seeking, injecting behaviours and cultural and community sensitivities around IPED use among this group. The data was collected and analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach (IPA).

RESULTS

Motives for use centred on the achievement of enhanced definition and density of muscle, and improved recovery from training and injuries. All participants reported initial stimulation of interest and triggers to seek information on IPEDs due to social media, community and peer messages. Diverse forms of IPED use were described, with rational and moderated use common among older participants. In contrast younger participants adopted more excessive use in seeking short cuts to attaining muscle size. Sourcing of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) and growth hormones from originating countries (Pakistan, India) was reported, along with diversification of entrepreneurial activity into IPED dealing networks. Sellers were generally reported to provide effective and reliable products and mentoring to inexperienced users. Group injecting practices were common. IPED use was observed by some as health promotion medium within religious contexts. Crime deterrence and drug abstinence occurred for some while involved in AAS cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The study is intended to contribute to health policy and practice debate around the targeting of dedicated education, outreach and harm reduction for ethnic groups engaged in IPED use.

The anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate disrupts redox homeostasis in liver, heart and kidney of male Wistar rats

The abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) may cause side effects in several tissues. Oxidative stress is linked to the pathophysiology of most of these alterations, being involved in fibrosis, cellular proliferation, tumorigenesis, amongst others. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of supraphysiological doses of nandrolone decanoate (DECA) on the redox balance of liver, heart and kidney. Wistar male rats were treated with intramuscular injections of vehicle or DECA (1 mg.100 g⁻¹ body weight) once a week for 8 weeks. The activity and mRNA levels of NADPH Oxidase (NOX), and the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the reduced thiol and carbonyl residue proteins, were measured in liver, heart and kidney. DECA treatment increased NOX activity in heart and liver, but NOX2 mRNA levels were only increased in heart. Liver catalase and SOD activities were decreased in the DECA-treated group, but only catalase activity was decreased in the kidney. No differences were detected in GPx activity. Thiol residues were decreased in the liver and kidney of treated animals in comparison to the control group, while carbonyl residues were increased in the kidney after the treatment. Taken together, our results show that chronically administered DECA is able to disrupt the cellular redox balance, leading to an oxidative stress state.

Dietary supplement and drug use and doping knowledge and attitudes in Italian young elite cyclists

OBJECTIVE

To explore use and attitudes toward drugs and dietary supplements (DS) and knowledge concerning doping in cycling.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Professional cycling.

PARTICIPANTS

Elite under-23 male cyclists.

INTERVENTION

Anonymous semistructured questionnaire administered during race periods.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Use and attitudes toward DS and drugs, and doping knowledge.

RESULTS

Forty cyclists aged 19 to 23 years and practicing for 14 to 30 h/wk were interviewed. Previous use (last 3 months) of drugs or DS occurred in 33 of 40 (82.5%) and 39 of 40 (97.5%) cyclists, respectively. Almost all the subjects named at least 1 doping agent (range, 1-10). Within a fixed list of 18 substances (among which only 14 were doping agents), participants recognized 3 to 18 of them as doping agents. They recognized tramadol and sildenafil as doping agents, which are not doping agents, and failed to recognize probenecid and albumin, which actually are. Doping knowledge correlated with drug use (r2 = 0.1614; P = 0.01). Participants deemed doping prevalence high among cyclists in general but not in their own team (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of prescription drugs and DS was a common occurrence. Doping knowledge was poor and biased, and its relationship with drug use deserves consideration. Educational interventions are needed to improve knowledge and awareness about prescription drugs and DS use, as well as about doping.

Use of Dietary Supplements among Professional Athletes in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to understand the usage patterns of dietary supplements among professional athletes in Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of sixteen questions divided into four categories: use of supplements, reason for consumption of supplements, personal beliefs about supplements, and behavior. The questionnaires were given to the three teams residing in Riyadh: Al Hilal, Al Nasr, and Al-Shabab. Out of the 105 athletes surveyed, we found that only 98 are currently taking dietary supplements and the mean age and standard deviation were 25.74 ± 2.90. The survey results showed a high percentage of athletes (93.3%; n = 98) using different dietary supplements throughout the season, 43.8% (n = 43) reported using supplements for performance, and 32.6% (n = 32) believed in health benefits as a reason for using dietary supplements. Our results showed that a total of 87 (88.7%), 81 (82.6%), and 51 (52.0%) athletes are consuming sports drinks, vitamin C, and multivitamins, respectively. Meanwhile, those supplements ranking among the least used included omega 6 (18.6%), creatine (16.3%), and Ginkgo biloba (10.2%). A majority of athletes indicated that their use of supplements was for the purpose of improving their health and performance.

Triphasic multinutrient supplementation during acute resistance exercise improves session volume load and reduces muscle damage in strength-trained athletes

We hypothesized that triphasic multinutrient supplementation during acute resistance exercise would enhance muscular performance, produce a more favorable anabolic profile, and reduce biochemical markers of muscle damage in strength-trained athletes. Fifteen male strength-trained athletes completed two acute lower-body resistance exercise sessions to fatigue 7 days apart. After a 4-hour fast, participants consumed either a multinutrient supplement (Musashi 1-2-3 Step System, Notting Hill, Australia) (SUPP) or placebo (PLA) beverage preexercise (PRE), during (DUR), and immediately postexercise (IP). Session volume loads were calculated as kilograms × repetitions. Lower-body peak power was measured using unloaded repeated countermovement jumps, and blood samples were collected to assess biochemistry, serum hormones, and muscle damage markers at PRE, DUR, IP, 30 minutes postexercise (P30), and 24 hours postexercise (P24h). The SUPP demonstrated increased glucose concentrations at DUR and IP compared with at PRE (P < .01), whereas PLA demonstrated higher glucose at P30 compared with at PRE (P < .001). Session volume load was higher for SUPP compared with PLA (P < .05). Cortisol increased at DUR, IP, and P30 compared with at PRE in both treatments (P < .05); however, SUPP also displayed lower cortisol at P24h compared with at PRE and PLA (P < .01). The total testosterone response to exercise was higher for PLA compared with SUPP (P < .01); however, total creatine kinase and C-reactive protein responses to exercise were lower for SUPP compared with PLA (P < .05). These data indicate that although triphasic multinutrient supplementation did not produce a more favorable anabolic profile, it improved acute resistance exercise performance while attenuating muscle damage in strength-trained athletes.

Contaminação de suplementos dietéticos usados para prática esportiva: uma revisão de literatura

O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar a literatura que trata da contaminação dos suplementos alimentares por substâncias consideradas nocivas à saúde ou doping para os atletas. Para tanto, foram revisados artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados Medline e Scielo. Foi possível observar que algumas investigações detectaram doses excessivas de ingredientes potencialmente tóxicos, não indicados no rótulo e considerados doping. Entre as substâncias proibidas encontradas em alguns suplementos estão os esteróides anabólico-androgênicos e os psicoestimulantes. Neste sentido, é possível alegar que o uso de suplementos dietéticos por praticantes de atividades físico-esportivas, competitivas ou não, carece de maior segurança e deve ser realizado com muito critério.

Dietary supplements and team-sport performance

A well designed diet is the foundation upon which optimal training and performance can be developed. However, as long as competitive sports have existed, athletes have attempted to improve their performance by ingesting a variety of substances. This practice has given rise to a multi-billion-dollar industry that aggressively markets its products as performance enhancing, often without objective, scientific evidence to support such claims. While a number of excellent reviews have evaluated the performance-enhancing effects of most dietary supplements, less attention has been paid to the performance-enhancing claims of dietary supplements in the context of team-sport performance. Dietary supplements that enhance some types of athletic performance may not necessarily enhance team-sport performance (and vice versa). Thus, the first aim of this review is to critically evaluate the ergogenic value of the most common dietary supplements used by team-sport athletes. The term dietary supplements will be used in this review and is defined as any product taken by the mouth, in addition to common foods, that has been proposed to have a performance-enhancing effect; this review will only discuss substances that are not currently banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Evidence is emerging to support the performance-enhancing claims of some, but not all, dietary supplements that have been proposed to improve team-sport-related performance. For example, there is good evidence that caffeine can improve single-sprint performance, while caffeine, creatine and sodium bicarbonate ingestion have all been demonstrated to improve multiple-sprint performance. The evidence is not so strong for the performance-enhancing benefits of β-alanine or colostrum. Current evidence does not support the ingestion of ribose, branched-chain amino acids or β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, especially in well trained athletes. More research on the performance-enhancing effects of the dietary supplements highlighted in this review needs to be conducted using team-sport athletes and using team-sport-relevant testing (e.g. single- and multiple-sprint performance). It should also be considered that there is no guarantee that dietary supplements that improve isolated performance (i.e. single-sprint or jump performance) will remain effective in the context of a team-sport match. Thus, more research is also required to investigate the effects of dietary supplements on simulated or actual team-sport performance. A second aim of this review was to investigate any health issues associated with the ingestion of the more commonly promoted dietary supplements. While most of the supplements described in the review appear safe when using the recommended dose, the effects of higher doses (as often taken by athletes) on indices of health remain unknown, and further research is warranted. Finally, anecdotal reports suggest that team-sport athletes often ingest more than one dietary supplement and very little is known about the potential adverse effects of ingesting multiple supplements. Supplements that have been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious when ingested on their own may have adverse effects when combined with other supplements. More research is required to investigate the effects of ingesting multiple supplements (both on performance and health).

Illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use

The anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a family of hormones that includes testosterone and its derivatives. These substances have been used by elite athletes since the 1950s, but they did not become widespread drugs of abuse in the general population until the 1980s. Thus, knowledge of the medical and behavioral effects of illicit AAS use is still evolving. Surveys suggest that many millions of boys and men, primarily in Western countries, have abused AAS to enhance athletic performance or personal appearance. AAS use among girls and women is much less common. Taken in supraphysiologic doses, AAS show various long-term adverse medical effects, especially cardiovascular toxicity. Behavioral effects of AAS include hypomanic or manic symptoms, sometimes accompanied by aggression or violence, which usually occur while taking AAS, and depressive symptoms occurring during AAS withdrawal. However, these symptoms are idiosyncratic and afflict only a minority of illicit users; the mechanism of these idiosyncratic responses remains unclear. AAS users may also ingest a range of other illicit drugs, including both "body image" drugs to enhance physical appearance or performance, and classical drugs of abuse. In particular, AAS users appear particularly prone to opioid use. There may well be a biological basis for this association, since both human and animal data suggest that AAS and opioids may share similar brain mechanisms. Finally, AAS may cause a dependence syndrome in a substantial minority of users. AAS dependence may pose a growing public health problem in future years but remains little studied.

Relationship of high school and college sports participation with alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use: a review

This study provides an exhaustive review of 34 peer-reviewed quantitative data-based studies completed on high school and college sports involvement and drug use. The studies reviewed suggest that participation in sport is related to higher levels of alcohol consumption, but lower levels of both cigarette smoking and illegal drug use. Additional research is needed in this domain to further elucidate the relationship between these variables.

Effect of caffeine as an ergogenic aid during anaerobic exercise performance in caffeine naïve collegiate football players

Research suggests that caffeine may improve performance in aerobic exercise; the evidence for anaerobic performance is mixed. This study examined the effect of caffeine (5 mg/kg body weight [BW]) vs. placebo on performance-based anaerobic exercise tests used during the National Football League (NFL) Combine. Collegiate football athletes (n = 17; 20 +/- 2 yr; body mass index 29.4 +/- 3.6 kg/m) completed 2 study visits, 1 week apart. Participants were low caffeine users with a reported average intake of 16 +/- 20 mg/day. On the day of testing, participants ingested a caffeinated (5 mg/kg BW caffeine + 0.125 g/kg BW carbohydrate) or placebo (0.125 g/kg BW carbohydrate) beverage, ate a light meal, and completed 3 exercise tests (40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, and a bench press) 60 minutes later. Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each exercise test. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were monitored (pre-exercise and postexercise). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. No significant differences were found between treatments for the exercise tests (40-yard dash: 5.01 +/- 0.25 vs. 5.03 +/- 0.26 s, p = 0.43; 20-yard shuttle: 4.64 +/- 0.19 vs. 4.66 +/- 0.24 s, p = 0.51; bench press: 17 +/- 8 vs. 17 +/- 8 reps, p = 0.51; caffeine vs. placebo, respectively). However, 59% of the participants improved in performance with the caffeine during the bench press and the 40-yard dash. No differences were found between treatments for RPE, HR, and BP. Caffeine did not improve performance for anaerobic exercise tests used at the NFL Combine in caffeine naïve male football athletes.

Acute effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement on cycling time to exhaustion and muscular strength in college-aged men

Background

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement containing caffeine, capsaicin, bioperine, and niacin on muscular strength and endurance performance.

Methods

Twenty recreationally-active men (mean ± SD age = 21.5 ± 1.4 years; stature = 178.2 ± 6.3 cm; mass = 76.5 ± 9.9 kg; VO_{2 PEAK} = 3.05 ± 0.59 L/min^-1) volunteered to participate in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. All testing took place over a three-week period, with each of the 3 laboratory visits separated by 7 days (± 2 hours). During the initial visit, a graded exercise test was performed on a Lode Corival cycle ergometer (Lode, Groningen, Netherlands) until exhaustion (increase of 25 W every 2 min) to determine the maximum power output (W) at the VO_{2 PEAK} (Parvo Medics TrueOne^® 2400 Metabolic Measurement System, Sandy, Utah). In addition, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength was assessed using the bench press (BP) and leg press (LP) exercises. During visits 2 and 3, the subjects were asked to consume a capsule containing either the active supplement (200 mg caffeine, 33.34 mg capsaicin, 5 mg bioperine, and 20 mg niacin) or the placebo (175 mg of calcium carbonate, 160 mg of microcrystalline cellulose, 5 mg of stearic acid, and 5 mg of magnesium stearate in an identical capsule) 30 min prior to the testing. Testing included a time-to-exhaustion (TTE) ride on a cycle ergometer at 80% of the previously-determined power output at VO_{2 PEAK} followed by 1-RM LP and BP tests.

Results

There were no differences (p > 0.05) between the active and placebo trials for BP, LP, or TTE. However, for the BP and LP scores, the baseline values (visit 1) were less than the values recorded during visits 2 and 3 (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the active supplement containing caffeine, capsaicin, bioperine, and niacin did not alter muscular strength or cycling endurance when compared to a placebo trial. The lack of increases in BP and LP strength and cycle ergometry endurance elicited by this supplement may have been related to the relatively small dose of caffeine, the high intensity of exercise, the untrained status of the participants, and/or the potential for caffeine and capsaicin to increase carbohydrate oxidation.