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Blueberries Improve Abdominal Symptoms, Well-Being and Functioning in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Wilder-Smith, CH, Materna, A, Olesen, SS
Nutrients. 2023;15(10)
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Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are the most common cause of recurring, chronic digestive upsets. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), or persistent indigestion, are the most prevalent types of those disorders. Typical symptoms include pain or discomfort in the abdomen, changes in stool patterns or bloating and may also manifest in symptoms not directly relating to the digestive tract. It remains uncertain what the exact mechanisms of those disorders are. However, scientists identified various factors involved, including immune system activation, sensitisation of the nervous system, dysregulated permeability of the gut walls, and changes in the microbiota, their composition and metabolic activity. Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in plants and are most known for their antioxidant qualities. One frequently studied and rich-source of phenols is Blueberries (Vaccinium spp). Blueberries have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, and are known to reverse the permeability of the gut membrane. Hence their use in the management of FGID appeared promising. This double-blind, randomized, cross-over study assessed the benefit of blueberries in 43 people with IBS or FD, between 18–60 years of age. The candidates were given 30g freeze-dried blueberries, the equivalent of 180g of fresh blueberries, or a sugar-based placebo of similar calorific value for 6-weeks each. When receiving the blueberries, greater symptom relief was observed when compared to the placebo group. Blueberry intake also positively reflected in experienced improvement in quality of life. No notable differences were observed between groups in stool patterns and fructose digestion. Blueberries and their beneficial compounds such as polyphenols and fiber appear to have a wide range of benefits that can help manage some of the FGID-associated symptoms. Further studies are needed to understand why, despite some notable benefits, some of the other GI markers remained unaffected. As blueberries are generally well tolerated, they can be a simple and helpful food intervention to complement other FGID management strategies.
Abstract
Blueberries beneficially modulate physiologic mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Forty-three patients with FGID received freeze-dried blueberries (equivalent to 180 g fresh blueberries) or sugar and energy-matched placebo in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study. After 6 weeks of treatment, the differences in Gastrointestinal Clinical Rating Scale (GSRS) scores and abdominal symptom relief were compared as primary outcome measures. The quality of life and life functioning ratings (OQ45.2 questionnaire), Bristol stool scales, and fructose breath test results constituted secondary outcome measures. Blueberry treatment resulted in more patients with relevant abdominal symptom relief compared to placebo (53% vs. 30%, p = 0.03). Total and pain GSRS scores improved insignificantly (mean treatment differences [95% CI]: -3.4 [-7.4 to 0.6] (p = 0.09) and -1.0 [-2.2 to 0.1] (p = 0.08), respectively). OQ45.2 scores improved during blueberry treatment compared to placebo (treatment difference -3.2 [95% CI: -5.6 to -0], p = 0.01). Treatment effect differences for the further measures did not reach statistical significance. Blueberries relieved abdominal symptoms and improved general markers of well-being, quality of life, and life functioning more than placebo in patients with FGID. Consequently, the polyphenol and fiber components of blueberries exert broad beneficial effects separate from the sugars present in both treatments.
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Effect of an Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Food Supplement in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study.
Reino-Gelardo, S, Palop-Cervera, M, Aparisi-Valero, N, Espinosa-San Miguel, I, Lozano-Rodríguez, N, Llop-Furquet, G, Sanchis-Artero, L, Cortés-Castell, E, Rizo-Baeza, M, Cortés-Rizo, X
Nutrients. 2023;15(7)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions. The symptoms caused by COVID-19 disease are nonspecific and may range from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia and death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of a food supplement (probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, zinc and selenium) in patients admitted with COVID-19. This study was a prospective, randomised, non-blinded clinical trial. A total of 162 patients were enrolled at Sagunto Hospital, 42.0% of whom were women. Participants were assigned to one of the two groups: probiotic or control group. Results showed that higher mortality was found in men, older patients and those with severe radiological involvement. Furthermore, administration of the food supplement product Gasteel Plus®, as an adjuvant to the treatment established in the hospital for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated pneumonia, reduced the duration of digestive symptoms and hospital stay in patients with mild–moderate pulmonary involvement. Authors conclude that their findings demonstrate the importance of considering the use of the food supplement under review in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2, including severe cases, which showed no side effects.
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 disease is a serious global health problem. Few treatments have been shown to reduce mortality and accelerate time to recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of a food supplement (probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, zinc and selenium) in patients admitted with COVID-19. METHODS A prospective randomized non-blinded clinical trial was conducted in a sample of 162 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 recruited over eight months. All patients received standard treatment, but the intervention group (n = 67) was given one food supplement stick daily during their admission. After collecting the study variables, a statistical analysis was performed comparing the intervention and control groups and a multivariate analysis controlling for variables that could act as confounding factors. RESULTS ROC curve analysis with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.840 (p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.741-0.939) of the food supplement administration vs. recovery indicated good predictive ability. Moreover, the intervention group had a shorter duration of digestive symptoms compared with the control group: 2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.3 ± 2.2 days (p = 0.001); patients with non-severe disease on chest X-ray had shorter hospital stays: 8.1 ± 3.9 vs. 11.6 ± 7.4 days (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS In this trial, the administration of a food supplement (Gasteel Plus®) was shown to be a protective factor in the group of patients with severe COVID-19 and allowed early recovery from digestive symptoms and a shorter hospital stay in patients with a normal-mild-moderate chest X-ray at admission (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04666116).
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Advancements in Nutritional Strategies for Gestational Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.
Sánchez-García, JC, Saraceno López-Palop, I, Piqueras-Sola, B, Cortés-Martín, J, Mellado-García, E, Muñóz Sánchez, I, Rodríguez-Blanque, R
Journal of clinical medicine. 2023;13(1)
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Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) causes hyperglycaemia due to the deficit of insulin during pregnancy. Dietary and lifestyle management plays a vital role in maintaining glycaemic control in women with GDM to avoid health risks to the mother and baby. Therefore, this systematic review of fourteen randomised controlled trials evaluated the latest research advancements to identify effective nutritional strategies for managing hyperglycaemia in women with GDM. Among all the dietary strategies implemented in the included randomised controlled trials, probiotic supplementation and supplementation of probiotics and vitamin D were most effective in GDM. Further robust studies are required to evaluate the potential effectiveness of different nutritional strategies for managing GDM. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this systematic review to understand the latest evidence supporting nutritional strategy for women with GDM and the need for personalised support for managing hyperglycaemia in GDM.
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as hyperglycaemia first detected at any time during pregnancy with values lower than those determined by the WHO for diabetes diagnosis in adults. This pathology, with a worldwide prevalence of 13.4%, causes significant maternal and foetal risks. The first line of treatment consists of maintaining normo-glycaemia through an adequate diet and lifestyle changes. The aim is to synthesize the scientific evidence updating the nutritional recommendations for the effective management of GDM. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized clinical trials published within the last five years and providing information on nutritional recommendations to achieve an effective management of gestational diabetes were selected. The databases searched were PubMed, the WOS Core Collection, SCOPUS, and CINAHL, using the MeSH terms: "Diabetes, Gestational"; "Nutrition Assessment (nutrition*)"; "Diet"; "Eating"; and "Food"; with the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". The PEDro scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) was used to assess the scientific quality of the studies, with a mean score of 8.9, indicating an average good scientific quality. Results: A total of 809 papers were collected, of which, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 randomized clinical trials were selected. Probiotic supplementation and co-supplementation with vitamin D have been found to be the most beneficial options for both mothers with GDM and neonates, but the most effective regimens are not known. Diets enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and oat bran, as well as some recommendations focused on carbohydrates also seem effective, as well as diets designed for this group of women with GDM such as "CHOICE". Conclusions: Although there are numerous proposals that have been published in recent years focused on the diet of women with GDM in order to improve their results and those of their children, it is the supplementation with probiotics and the co-supplementation with vitamin D that is most agreed upon as beneficial; however, more research is needed into which protocols are most effective. Other proposals that could also be beneficial should be further studied.
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Impact of wheat aleurone on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, gut microbiota and metabolites in adults with high body mass index: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
Fava, F, Ulaszewska, MM, Scholz, M, Stanstrup, J, Nissen, L, Mattivi, F, Vermeiren, J, Bosscher, D, Pedrolli, C, Tuohy, KM
European journal of nutrition. 2022;61(5):2651-2671
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Cross-sectional studies have shown that whole grain cereal consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD, as well as reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diet associated diseases. Aleurone is a wheat grain fraction composed of a single cell layer that constitutes the outermost portion of the endosperm and contains many of the beneficial substances. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aleurone consumption on plasma homocysteine concentrations in overweight/ obese subjects. Secondary aim was to measure the impact of chronic aleurone supplementation on markers of CVD risk and on the human gut microbiota and its metabolic output. This study is a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind parallel trial with 2 test foods, wheat aleurone-rich foods or placebo foods (cellulose). Participants (n=74) were randomised to receive the active supplementation (aleurone 27 g per day) or placebo for 4 consecutive weeks. Results show that although average plasma homocysteine levels decreased upon wheat aleurone supplementation treatment, this change was not statistically significant, and homocysteine levels did not differ between groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in bifidobacteria both over time and compared to the placebo. Several significant and useful biomarkers of wheat aleurone intake, all related to wheat polyphenol metabolism by the gut microbiota, were identified. Authors conclude that wheat aleurone supplementation has the potential to modulate the gut microbial metabolic output and increase faecal bifidobacterial abundance, but it does not impact plasma homocysteine or other CVD biomarkers.
Abstract
PURPOSE Aleurone is a cereal bran fraction containing a variety of beneficial nutrients including polyphenols, fibers, minerals and vitamins. Animal and human studies support the beneficial role of aleurone consumption in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Gut microbiota fiber fermentation, polyphenol metabolism and betaine/choline metabolism may in part contribute to the physiological effects of aleurone. As primary objective, this study evaluated whether wheat aleurone supplemented foods could modify plasma homocysteine. Secondary objectives included changes in CVD biomarkers, fecal microbiota composition and plasma/urine metabolite profiles. METHODS A parallel double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized trial was carried out in two groups of obese/overweight subjects, matched for age, BMI and gender, consuming foods supplemented with either aleurone (27 g/day) (AL, n = 34) or cellulose (placebo treatment, PL, n = 33) for 4 weeks. RESULTS No significant changes in plasma homocysteine or other clinical markers were observed with either treatment. Dietary fiber intake increased after AL and PL, animal protein intake increased after PL treatment. We observed a significant increase in fecal Bifidobacterium spp with AL and Lactobacillus spp with both AL and PL, but overall fecal microbiota community structure changed little according to 16S rRNA metataxonomics. Metabolomics implicated microbial metabolism of aleurone polyphenols and revealed distinctive biomarkers of AL treatment, including alkylresorcinol, cinnamic, benzoic and ferulic acids, folic acid, fatty acids, benzoxazinoid and roasted aroma related metabolites. Correlation analysis highlighted bacterial genera potentially linked to urinary compounds derived from aleurone metabolism and clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS Aleurone has potential to modulate the gut microbial metabolic output and increase fecal bifidobacterial abundance. However, in this study, aleurone did not impact on plasma homocysteine or other CVD biomarkers. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02067026) on the 17th February 2014.
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Effect of ancient Khorasan wheat on gut microbiota, inflammation, and short-chain fatty acid production in patients with fibromyalgia.
Baldi, S, Pagliai, G, Dinu, M, Di Gloria, L, Nannini, G, Curini, L, Pallecchi, M, Russo, E, Niccolai, E, Danza, G, et al
World journal of gastroenterology. 2022;28(18):1965-1980
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Fibromyalgia (FM) is a systemic syndrome of unclear aetiology, characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, sleeping disorders, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. In many cases, gastrointestinal distress is also reported, suggesting a potential involvement of the gut microbiota (GM), as demonstrated by the frequent dysbiosis found in FM subjects. The aim of this study was to examine whether a replacement diet with ancient Khorasan wheat could influence the GM composition, the faecal molecular immune profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in patients suffering fibromyalgia syndrome. This study was a randomised, double-blind crossover trial which enrolled patients with documented FM who consumed control wheat products or Khorasan wheat products for 8 weeks and then crossed over. Participants (n=20) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Results showed that: - both 8-week interventions did not significantly modify either the microbial composition and diversity or the SCFAs levels; - in terms of changes in microbial abundances produced by each dietary intervention, Khorasan wheat products (KD) did not result in modifications at any taxonomic level, whereas the controlled diet (CD) was associated with a significant increase of Turicibacter spp. [bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes]; - faecal molecular inflammatory profile showed that CD resulted in an increased level of a particular anti-inflammatory marker, while no significant differences were reported after KD. Authors conclude that an ancient Khorasan wheat diet results in some beneficial GM compositional and functional modifications that positively correlate with an improvement of fibromyalgia symptomatology.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is mainly characterized by widespread pain, sleeping disorders, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. In many cases, gastrointestinal distress is also reported, suggesting the potential pathogenic role of the gut microbiota (GM). The GM is deeply influenced by several environmental factors, especially the diet, and recent findings highlighted significant symptom improvement in FM patients following various nutritional interventions such as vegetarian diet, low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols based diets, gluten-free diet, and especially an ancient grain supplementation. In particular, a recent study reported that a replacement diet with ancient Khorasan wheat led to an overall improvement in symptom severity of FM patients. AIM: To examine the effects of ancient Khorasan wheat on the GM, inflammation, and short-chain fatty acid production in FM patients. METHODS After a 2-wk run-in period, 20 FM patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind crossover trial. In detail, they were assigned to consume either Khorasan or control wheat products for 8 wk and then, following an 8-wk washout period, crossed. Before and after treatments, GM characterization was performed by 16S rRNA sequencing while the fecal molecular inflammatory response and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were respectively determined with the Luminex MAGPIX detection system and a mass chromatography-mass spectrometry method. RESULTS The Khorasan wheat replacement diet, in comparison with the control wheat diet, had more positive effects on intestinal microbiota composition and on both the fecal immune and SCFAs profiles such as the significant increase of butyric acid levels (P = 0.054), candidatus Saccharibacteria (P = 9.95e-06) and Actinobacteria, and the reduction of Enterococcaceae (P = 4.97e-04). Moreover, the improvement of various FM symptoms along with the variation of some gut bacteria after the Khorasan wheat diet have been documented; in fact we reported positive correlations between Actinobacteria and both Tiredness Symptoms Scale (P < 0.001) and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire (P < 0.05) scores, between Verrucomicrobiae and both Widespread Pain Index (WPI) + Symptom Severity scale (SS) (P < 0.05) and WPI (P < 0.05) scores, between candidatus Saccharibacteria and SS score (P < 0.05), and between Bacteroidales and Sleep-Related and Safety Behaviour Questionnaire score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The replacement diet based on ancient Khorasan wheat results in beneficial GM compositional and functional modifications that positively correlate with an improvement of FM symptomatology.
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Source of human milk (mother or donor) is more important than fortifier type (human or bovine) in shaping the preterm infant microbiome.
Kumbhare, SV, Jones, WD, Fast, S, Bonner, C, Jong, G', Van Domselaar, G, Graham, M, Narvey, M, Azad, MB
Cell reports. Medicine. 2022;3(9):100712
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While human milk provides optimal nutrition for full-term infants, its nutrient density is inadequate for those born preterm. Formula made from bovine milk can provide higher levels of energy and protein but lacks many of the bioactive components found in human milk, including the ‘‘personalised’’ components found only in the mother’s own milk (MOM). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of bovine-derived human milk fortifiers (BHMF) versus human-derived human milk fortifiers (H2MF) on gut microbiome development, oxidative stress, and gut inflammation in human-milk-fed very low birth weight preterm neonates. This study was a randomised controlled trial. Very low birth weight infants were recruited into the study and randomised to receive standard BHMF or H2MF during the intervention period. Results showed that the type of milk fortifier (bovine versus human) had minimal impact on the gut microbiome, whereas the source of human milk (mother versus donor) was strongly associated with microbiome composition. Authors conclude that their findings do not provide a clear biological basis for the clinical impact of H2MF but emphasise the importance of mothers using their own milk to feed their preterm infants.
Abstract
Milk fortifiers help meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants receiving their mother's own milk (MOM) or donor human milk. We conducted a randomized clinical trial (NCT03214822) in 30 very low birth weight premature neonates comparing bovine-derived human milk fortifier (BHMF) versus human-derived fortifier (H2MF). We found that fortifier type does not affect the overall microbiome, although H2MF infants were less often colonized by an unclassified member of Clostridiales Family XI. Secondary analyses show that MOM intake is strongly associated with weight gain and microbiota composition, including Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, and Propionibacterium enrichment. Finally, we show that while oxidative stress (urinary F2-isoprostanes) is not affected by fortifier type or MOM intake, fecal calprotectin is higher in H2MF infants and lower in those consuming more MOM. Overall, the source of human milk (mother versus donor) appears more important than the type of milk fortifier (human versus bovine) in shaping preterm infant gut microbiota.
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Elucidation of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Postbiotics, and Target from Gut Microbiota to Alleviate Obesity via Network Pharmacology Study.
Oh, KK, Gupta, H, Min, BH, Ganesan, R, Sharma, SP, Won, SM, Jeong, JJ, Lee, SB, Cha, MG, Kwon, GH, et al
Cells. 2022;11(18)
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The prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart attack, hypertension, and cancer, is increasing worldwide. Microbes in the gut may play a significant role in the management of obesity by fermenting dietary fibres and producing metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and flavonoids. In this meta-analysis, data were retrieved about gut microbial metabolites from the gutMGene database to evaluate the beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics on key targets of obesity. Tryptophan was converted into beneficial metabolites such as indole by Escherichia coli, and isoflavones were converted into equol by Lactobacillus paracasei JS1. A positive effect may be exerted by these metabolites on the treatment of obesity. According to this meta-analysis, equol can reduce the levels of Interleukin-6, one of the inflammatory cytokines associated with obesity. Prebiotic isoflavone is fermented by probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 to produce equol, a postbiotic that inhibits the action of interleukin-6 and exerts a beneficial effect on obesity. In addition to understanding the relationship between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to modulate the pathophysiology of obesity. It is necessary to conduct further rigorous research in order to evaluate the pharmacological value of the elements.
Abstract
The metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have been reported as crucial agents against obesity; however, their key targets have not been revealed completely in complex microbiome systems. Hence, the aim of this study was to decipher promising prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and more importantly, key target(s) via a network pharmacology approach. First, we retrieved the metabolites related to gut microbes from the gutMGene database. Then, we performed a meta-analysis to identify metabolite-related targets via the similarity ensemble approach (SEA) and SwissTargetPrediction (STP), and obesity-related targets were identified by DisGeNET and OMIM databases. After selecting the overlapping targets, we adopted topological analysis to identify core targets against obesity. Furthermore, we employed the integrated networks to microbiota-substrate-metabolite-target (MSMT) via R Package. Finally, we performed a molecular docking test (MDT) to verify the binding affinity between metabolite(s) and target(s) with the Autodock 1.5.6 tool. Based on holistic viewpoints, we performed a filtering step to discover the core targets through topological analysis. Then, we implemented protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks with 342 overlapping target, another subnetwork was constructed with the top 30% degree centrality (DC), and the final core networks were obtained after screening the top 30% betweenness centrality (BC). The final core targets were IL6, AKT1, and ALB. We showed that the three core targets interacted with three other components via the MSMT network in alleviating obesity, i.e., four microbiota, two substrates, and six metabolites. The MDT confirmed that equol (postbiotics) converted from isoflavone (prebiotics) via Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 (probiotics) can bind the most stably on IL6 (target) compared with the other four metabolites (3-indolepropionic acid, trimethylamine oxide, butyrate, and acetate). In this study, we demonstrated that the promising substate (prebiotics), microbe (probiotics), metabolite (postbiotics), and target are suitable for obsesity treatment, providing a microbiome basis for further research.
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Probiotics in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: Current Perspective and Future Prospects.
Kurian, SJ, Unnikrishnan, MK, Miraj, SS, Bagchi, D, Banerjee, M, Reddy, BS, Rodrigues, GS, Manu, MK, Saravu, K, Mukhopadhyay, C, et al
Archives of medical research. 2021;52(6):582-594
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The novel coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19), an emerging infectious disease, is caused by multiple strains of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. The main aim of this study was to outline the potential role of probiotics in fighting the COVID-19. This study focuses on recent evidence on the association between microbiota, probiotics, and COVID-19, the role of probiotics as an immune-modulator and antiviral agent. Findings support probiotics’ role in regulating the immune system, suggesting a definitive role for probiotics in viral infections. Thus, probiotics supplementation could reduce the severity of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Authors conclude that supplementation of probiotics in high risk and severely ill patients, and frontline health workers, may help to limit the infection and flatten the COVID-19 curve. However, further studies should be conducted for more conclusive evidence.
Abstract
Saving lives and flattening the curve are the foremost priorities during the ongoing pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2. Developing cutting-edge technology and collating available evidence would support frontline health teams. Nutritional adequacy improves general health and immunity to prevent and assuage infections. This review aims to outline the potential role of probiotics in fighting the COVID-19 by covering recent evidence on the association between microbiota, probiotics, and COVID-19, the role of probiotics as an immune-modulator and antiviral agent. The high basic reproduction number (R0) of SARS-CoV-2, absence of conclusive remedies, and the pleiotropic effect of probiotics in fighting influenza and other coronaviruses together favour probiotics supplements. However, further support from preclinical and clinical studies and reviews outlining the role of probiotics in COVID-19 are critical. Results are awaited from many ongoing clinical trials investigating the benefits of probiotics in COVID-19.
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The effects of phosphocreatine disodium salts plus blueberry extract supplementation on muscular strength, power, and endurance.
Anders, JPV, Neltner, TJ, Smith, RW, Keller, JL, Housh, TJ, Daugherty, FJ, Tempesta, MS, Dash, AK, Munt, DJ, Schmidt, RJ, et al
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):60
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The effects of polyphenols and phosphocreatine supplementation on exercise performance, muscular strength, power, and endurance are largely unknown. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial aimed to differentiate the effects of a blend of 5 grams of phosphocreatine disodium salts plus 200 mg blueberry extract (PCDSB), 3 grams of Creatinine monohydrate (CM), and placebo on measures of muscular strength, power, and endurance. PCDSB contained 60 grams of phenols and 2.5 grams of pure creatine, and CM contained 2.4 grams of pure creatin. During this trial, thirty-three men took random supplements for 28 days and kept up their regular exercise regimen. In both PCDSB and CM, Peak torque (PT) and Average power (AP) increased after 28 days of supplementation with no effect on fatigue-induced PT% and AP% or body mass. Additionally, a greater proportion of participants showed a meaningful increase in muscular strength to PCDSB than to CM. To evaluate the additive effects of ingredients in the PCDSB supplement, longer-term studies are needed with larger supplementation doses. The study provides insight into the ergogenic effects of PCDSB and CM for healthcare practitioners.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of creatine supplementation for improvements in exercise performance. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of phosphocreatine supplementation on exercise performance. Furthermore, while polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, little is known regarding the influence of polyphenol supplementation on muscular strength, power, and endurance. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of 28 days of supplementation with phosphocreatine disodium salts plus blueberry extract (PCDSB), creatine monohydrate (CM), and placebo on measures of muscular strength, power, and endurance. METHODS Thirty-three men were randomly assigned to consume either PCDSB, CM, or placebo for 28 days. Peak torque (PT), average power (AP), and percent decline for peak torque (PT%) and average power (AP%) were assessed from a fatigue test consisting of 50 maximal, unilateral, isokinetic leg extensions at 180°·s- 1 before and after the 28 days of supplementation. Individual responses were assessed to examine the proportion of subjects that exceeded a minimal important difference (MID). RESULTS The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) improvements in PT for the PCDSB and CM groups from pre- (99.90 ± 22.47 N·m and 99.95 ± 22.50 N·m, respectively) to post-supplementation (119.22 ± 29.87 N·m and 111.97 ± 24.50 N·m, respectively), but no significant (p = 0.112) change for the placebo group. The PCDSB and CM groups also exhibited significant improvements in AP from pre- (140.18 ± 32.08 W and 143.42 ± 33.84 W, respectively) to post-supplementation (170.12 ± 42.68 W and 159.78 ± 31.20 W, respectively), but no significant (p = 0.279) change for the placebo group. A significantly (p < 0.05) greater proportion of subjects in the PCDSB group exceeded the MID for PT compared to the placebo group, but there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the proportion of subjects exceeding the MID between the CM and placebo groups or between the CM and PCDSB groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that for the group mean responses, 28 days of supplementation with both PCDSB and CM resulted in increases in PT and AP. The PCDSB, however, may have an advantage over CM when compared to the placebo group for the proportion of individuals that respond favorably to supplementation with meaningful increases in muscular strength.
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Nutritional Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
Pagliai, G, Giangrandi, I, Dinu, M, Sofi, F, Colombini, B
Nutrients. 2020;12(9)
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Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition, often presenting with widespread body pain, joint stiffness, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal and cognitive complaints. Despite being common, the cause of FM is not well understood. In the absence of effective treatments, the current management of FM involves a multidisciplinary approach utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Growing evidence suggests a role for nutrition as a complementary strategy for FM management. This brief review summarises the possible impact of nutritional supplements and dietary interventions on FM. Previous reviews concluded that vitamin and mineral deficiencies themselves are unlikely to be significant in the development of FM. Yet, a few interventional studies investigating the use of Vitamin D, magnesium, iron and probiotics showed promising results. To date, there is no or limited evidence for the use of Vitamin C, E, selected amino acids, botanical or antioxidant supplements. Food-wise the inclusion of quality olive oil and the grain Khorasan proved helpful on FM presentation, whilst findings around the role of dietary monosodium glutamate and aspartame seem mixed. Regarding diet patterns, gluten-free, low-calorie, vegetarian, vegan, raw food or Mediterranean diets were all associated with improvement of symptoms. Equally a FODMAP diet can aid FM associated digestive complaints due to the significant overlap of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with FM. The authors concluded that the clinical application of dietary supplements in the management of FM remains controversial. Yet, dietary interventions appear to be an effective tool in the management of FM. Since various diet interventions demonstrated benefits, dietary adequacy and weight loss may be most critical from a clinical perspective.
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multifactorial syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by widespread chronic pain and various somatic and psychological manifestations. The management of FM requires a multidisciplinary approach combining both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies. Among nonpharmacological strategies, growing evidence suggests a potential beneficial role for nutrition. This review summarizes the possible relationship between FM and nutrition, exploring the available evidence on the effect of dietary supplements and dietary interventions in these patients. Analysis of the literature has shown that the role of dietary supplements remains controversial, although clinical trials with vitamin D, magnesium, iron and probiotics' supplementation show promising results. With regard to dietary interventions, the administration of olive oil, the replacement diet with ancient grains, low-calorie diets, the low FODMAPs diet, the gluten-free diet, the monosodium glutamate and aspartame-free diet, vegetarian diets as well as the Mediterranean diet all appear to be effective in reducing the FM symptoms. These results may suggest that weight loss, together with the psychosomatic component of the disease, should be taken into account. Therefore, although dietary aspects appear to be a promising complementary approach to the treatment of FM, further research is needed to provide the most effective strategies for the management of FM.