1.
Polyphenol supplementation boosts aerobic endurance in athletes: systematic review.
Cao, G, Zuo, J, Wu, B, Wu, Y
Frontiers in physiology. 2024;15:1369174
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Prolonged high-intensity endurance training and competition can lead to exercise-induced fatigue, muscle function decline, and oxidative stress. Natural plant extracts, including polyphenols, have gained attention for their potential to enhance athletic performance and aid recovery. This study aimed to examine the role of polyphenol supplementation in improving aerobic endurance among athletes and individuals with regular exercise habits. This study was a systematic review of 11 studies, focusing on the impact of polyphenols on aerobic endurance. Results showed that flavonoid-rich compounds, providing 208 mg of polyphenols and 14.4 mg of flavonoids per 40 g in a water-soluble form, showed the most noticeable improvement in exercise performance during a 6-week supplementation period. Authors concluded that even though polyphenol supplementation demonstrated enhancements in several indicators of aerobic endurance exercise performance, it’s essential to interpret these findings cautiously due to the limited number of available studies.
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing trend has been observed in the consumption of specific polyphenols, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, derived from green tea, berries, and other similar sources. These compounds are believed to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from exercise, potentially enhancing athletic performance. This systematic review critically examines the role of polyphenol supplementation in improving aerobic endurance among athletes and individuals with regular exercise habits. The review involved a thorough search of major literature databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and Embase, covering re-search up to the year 2023. Out of 491 initially identified articles, 11 met the strict inclusion criteria for this review. These studies specifically focused on the incorporation of polyphenols or polyphenol-containing complexes in their experimental design, assessing their impact on aerobic endurance. The methodology adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. While this review suggests that polyphenol supplementation might enhance certain aspects of aerobic endurance and promote fat oxidation, it is important to interpret these findings with caution, considering the limited number of studies available. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023453321.
2.
Cholesterol Dysregulation - NED Infobite
Infobite 12_March 2021. Summaries of key research on cholesterol dysregulation
2024
Abstract
Centrally stored body fat, or visceral adipose tissue, is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and certain types of cancer. Higher levels of fats in the blood (triglycerides and cholesterol) have also been associated with the same conditions. This BANT Infobite highlights some of the latest research on diet and cholesterol, including studies on polyphenols and essential fatty acids. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
3.
Mitochondrial Function and Health - NED Infobite
Infobite 33_January 2023. Summaries of key research on mitochondrial function and health
2024
Abstract
The function of cellular mitochondria has far reaching effects on human health. This NED Infobite looks at different dietary types and specific antioxidants and their interplay with mitochondrial function, in particular in the relation to metabolic dysregulation and optimal physical performance. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
4.
Bone Health and Osteoporosis - NED Infobite
Infobite 50_April 2024. Summaries of key research on bone health, in particular osteoporosis
2024
Abstract
Osteoporosis, a progressive systematic skeletal disease, is caused by diminished bone density and strength, which may increase the risk of fragility fractures, particularly in the spine, pelvis and femur. This NED Infobite includes research into the role of polyphenols and probiotics in the bone density of menopausal women, as well as looking at calcium citrate supplementation and the combination of vitamin D and exercise. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
5.
Longevity and Nutrition - NED Infobite
Infobite 51_May 2024. Summaries of key research on
2024
Abstract
Lifestyle choices impact longevity and the quality of life in the elderly population. Behaviours such as a sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, and inadequate nutrition are associated with detrimental effects on health indicators. This NED Infobite includes research into the role of diet on longevity and healthy ageing, including studies examining the role of proteins, polyphenols and genetics. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
6.
Polyphenols and Ageing - NED Infobite
Infobite 53_June 2024. Summaries of key research on polyphenols and ageing
2024
Abstract
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds, found in brightly coloured plants. Over recent years, there has been significant scientific interest in the role of polyphenols as an antioxidant and contributor to health. This NED Infobite features nutrition science on the role of polyphenols in relation to cognitive function, biological ageing, vascular function and memory in older adults. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
7.
Food Focus for Health - NED Infobite
Infobite 55_July 2024. Summaries of research on different foods and their impacts on health
2024
Abstract
The impacts of different foods on aspects of health is diverse and the science is growing. This NED Infobite features nutrition science on plant-based diets on cardiovascular health and cancer risk, the effects of wild blueberries on vascular function and cognitive performance, the role of egg intake on child development, and the association between coffee intake and irritable bowel syndrome. BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
8.
The NED Journal - Healthy Ageing and Longevity
Issue 4_August 2024. Peer-reviewed expert reviews and clinical insights from the Nutrition Evidence Editorial Board and Expert Review Panel
2024
Abstract
In this 4th edition of the NED Journal, you can read some of the latest expert insights on different aspects of health and ageing. It includes 15 expertly reviewed scientific articles on osteoporosis, longevity and Blue Zones, and the ageing brain. The NED Journal transforms the science to enable individualised science-based clinical decision making and supports BANT members and other integrative and personalised medicine practitioners with their evidence-based practice.
9.
Effect of Sugar- and Polyphenol-Rich, Diluted Cloudy Apple Juice on the Intestinal Barrier after Moderate Endurance Exercise and in Ultra-Marathon Runners.
Valder, S, Staltner, R, Bizjak, DA, Esatbeyoglu, T, Herdegen, V, Köpsel, M, Kostov, T, Bergheim, I, Diel, P
Nutrients. 2024;16(9)
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Intense physical activities like marathons and ultra-marathons can cause intestinal barrier dysfunction. Consuming sugary foods can also affect the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to higher serum levels of bacterial endotoxins and inflammation. Natural sources of sugar, like fruits or fruit juices, contain polyphenols that could reduce inflammation. Researchers conducted two randomised, controlled, double-blind crossover trials to assess the impact of sugar on intestinal barrier function after moderate and intensive endurance exercise. In the first study, young adults drank water, diluted apple juice, or a placebo sugary drink after moderate-intensity running. In the second study, participants consumed the same drinks after an ultra-marathon run. The first study found that moderate-intensity exercise led to a statistically significant sudden increase followed by a drop in serum endotoxin, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6). Drinking diluted cloudy apple juice after exercise significantly raised CD14 levels. The second study revealed that participating in an ultramarathon significantly increased endotoxin and IL-6 levels. Ultramarathon runners experienced decreased endotoxin levels after consuming diluted apple juice and water. Healthcare professionals can use this study to understand how different exercise intensities affect intestinal barrier function, the negative impact of sugar, and the beneficial effect of polyphenol-rich diluted apple juice on the immune system. Further robust studies are required to confirm the results of this study.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- Athletes have distinct nutritional needs based on their sport and level of training, in particular nutrient absorption, energy production, and time to recovery.
- Specific care with regards to intestinal barrier function should be taken given its impact on nutrient absorption and assimilation.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Introduction
The purpose of this randomised, double-blinded, partial crossover trial was to assess the effect of sugars in their natural matrix (diluted apple juice) or in water, versus water only, on the intestinal barrier (IB) during (A) moderate endurance exercise and (B) Ultra-marathon runners.
Methods
Study A:
From a total enrolment of n=24, n=17 healthy, non-smoking, non-endurance, local club runners (n = 17; 14 male; 3 female) completed a 1-h endurance run at 80% of individual anaerobic threshold, which was repeated 3 times to test the response to post-exercise drinks, consumed immediately after the run and within 5 minutes of: 500 ml water, placebo (matched sugary control), or test drink (diluted 60% apple juice). Six specifically timed interval blood samples were analysed for the following intestinal barrier (IB) markers: bacterial endotoxin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), cluster of differentiation (CD14), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (iFABP). A 14-day washout period separated the testing of each drink.
Study B:
From a total enrolment of n=30, n=10 ultra-marathoners completed the ultra-marathon. Immediately post-run they ingested the allocated beverage (water, n = 3; placebo n = 3; test drink n = 4). 4 Blood samples were taken at defined time intervals (120 and 180 minutes post-exercise) for assessment.
Results
Study A Data revealed increases in bacterial endotoxin and iFABP, (p<0.05) and a trend to increased CD14 (p = 0.05) and IL-6 (p = 0.07) with 1-hour running. The different beverages had little effect on the IB markers post-exercise: after 180 mins, placebo had less endotoxin than water and the test drink higher CD14 than placebo (both p<0.05).
Study B Data revealed increases in both bacterial endotoxin and IL-6 (p < 0.05), the latter being 20-fold more compared to the activity in study A. 180-Minutes post marathon, bacterial endotoxin values decreased irrespective of drink choice, but the differences in resulting value at 180 min were only statistically significant between placebo vs water (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Endurance exercise, even when moderate, may increase IB markers. Of note, however, was a natural reduction in serum endotoxin and inflammatory marker IL-6 180 minutes post ultra-marathon, irrespective of which one of the three specific beverages was consumed. Furthermore, the effect of the test drink was similar to that of water.
Clinical practice applications:
- Endurance exercise appears to have a marked effect on intestinal permeability and bespoke nutritional support to address potential damage to the intestinal barrier should be included in an athlete’s training programme.
- Addressing chronic inflammation should similarly be considered given the negative effects on intestinal barrier function and long-term health outcomes.
- Given the outcome of this limited study it seems that post-exercise hydration options for moderate endurance exercise can include any of the three drink options.
Considerations for future research:
- The results of this study were based on very small cohorts and larger populations are therefore needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
- Standardisation of diet for longer periods prior to trial is furthermore needed to ascertain participant response to various post-exercise drinks based on intestinal barrier function.
- Assessment of intestinal barrier function for an extended time period prior to trials may offer insight into individual response to specific drinks.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise and the consumption of sugars result in a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier (IB). Here, we determined the effect of sugar in a natural matrix on the intestinal barrier after moderate (A) and intensive endurance exercise (B). METHOD The IB function was determined before (pre) and after running (post), and 120 and 180 min after consuming the drink by measuring serum endotoxin concentrations (lipopolysaccharides-LPS), IL-6, CD14, and i-FABP. In study A, nonspecifically trained participants (n = 24, males and females, age 26 ± 4) ran for one hour at 80% of their individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). After finishing, the runners consumed, in a crossover setup, either 500 mL of water, diluted cloudy apple juice (test drink), or an identical drink (placebo) without the fruit juice matrix (FJM). In study B, the participants (n = 30, males and females, age 50 ± 9) completed an ultra-marathon run, were divided into groups, and consumed one of the above-mentioned drinks. RESULTS Study A: Exercise resulted in a significant increase in serum LPS, i-FABP, and IL-6, which decreased fast after finishing. No impact of the different drinks on LPS i-FABP, or IL-6 could be observed, but there was an impact on CD14. Study B: The ultra-marathon resulted in a strong increase in serum LPS, which decreased fast after finishing in the water and test drink groups, but not in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS The consumed drinks did not affect the kinetics of IB regeneration after moderate exercise, but impacted CD14 serum concentrations, indicating possible beneficial effects of the FJM on the immune system. After an ultra-marathon, IB function regenerates very fast. The intake of sugar (placebo) seems to have had a negative impact on IB regeneration, which was diminished by the presence of the FJM.
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Plum supplementation and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Askarpour, M, Ghalandari, H, Setayesh, L, Ghaedi, E
Journal of nutritional science. 2023;12:e6
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The rate of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases is increasing worldwide. Lipid profile and its alterations have been used both as indicators of metabolic disorders and methods to evaluate patients’ response to dietary interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of plums on improving parameters of lipid profile. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials with a total of eleven arms and 592 participants. Results show that plum can be beneficial in reducing triacylglycerols [triglycerides] in the unhealthy and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in all individuals. However, no significant impact regarding blood triacylglycerols and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, could be detected both in crude and subgroup analyses. Authors conclude that further clinical trials, taking advantage of a standard protocol of plum supplementation, should be conducted to elucidate the possible effect that plum supplementation might exert on lipid profile parameters.
Abstract
Plums are abundant in bioactive compounds which have been associated with numerous health benefits. In the present study, we aimed at examining the impact of plum supplementation on lipid profile of individuals. Electronic bibliographical databases were searched for relevant randomised clinical trials. Articles meeting our eligibility criteria were included for data extraction and final analysis. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was estimated using a random-effect model. Of the total articles retrieved in the initial search, nine articles were found to be eligible to be included in the analysis. Our results show that plum supplementation significantly improves total cholesterols levels in the unhealthy individuals. Moreover, plum supplementation reduces the LDL-c levels in the pooled sample (WMD = -11⋅52 mg/dl; 95 % CI -21⋅93, -1⋅11, P = 0⋅03, I 2 = 98⋅7 %) and also in some of the subgroups of individuals (dried plum, unhealthy subjects, duration more than 8 weeks). Moreover, it had a significant reducing effect on TC levels just in unhealthy subjects. Although plum supplementation did not have any significant impact on serum levels of TG nor HDL-c. Our results show that supplementation with plums is potentially effective in reducing serum total cholesterol and LDL-c.
