-
1.
The efficacy of morning versus evening exercise for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial.
Brooker, PG, Gomersall, SR, King, NA, Leveritt, MD
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2023;31(1):83-95
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Despite considerable efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, rates of overweight and obesity are continuing to rise worldwide, and obesity is now considered a pandemic. Although dietary intervention is the most effective lifestyle intervention for weight loss, exercise plays an important role in weight management. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a 12-week exercise programme, performed in either the morning or evening, on weight loss, cardiometabolic health risk factors, and components of energy balance in inactive adults with overweight and obesity. This study is a three-armed randomised controlled trial. Participants allocated to the two intervention conditions were prescribed 250 minutes per week of self-paced aerobic (treadmill-based) exercise for 12 weeks. Results show that there was no compelling evidence to support or encourage exercise exclusively at a particular time of day for weight loss. However, there were improvements in cardiometabolic health, such as weight reduction and increased cardiorespiratory fitness, increased levels of physical activity, and positive changes to dietary intake in both intervention groups. Following the intervention, both exercise groups continued to lose weight, and the improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were sustained. Authors conclude that consistent reporting of time of day of exercise interventions among high-quality studies would significantly contribute to the literature and provide critical insight into the relative importance (or lack thereof) of prescribing exercise at a particular time of day.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of morning versus evening exercise on weight loss, cardiometabolic health, and components of energy balance. METHODS A total of 100 inactive adults with overweight or obesity were randomized to morning exercise (AMEx; 06:00-09:00), evening exercise (PMEx; 16:00-19:00), or wait-list control (CON). AMEx and PMEx were prescribed 250 min·wk-1 of self-paced aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Anthropometry and body composition, physical activity, and dietary intake were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2 peak), resting metabolic rate, and blood markers were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Body composition and V̇O2 peak were also measured at 3- and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS AMEx and PMEx lost weight during the intervention (mean [SD], AMEx, -2.7 [2.5] kg, p < 0.001; PMEx, -3.1 [3.4] kg, p < 0.001). V̇O2 peak significantly increased in both intervention groups, and these changes were different from CON (AMEx, +4.7 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , p = 0.034; PMEx, +4.2 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , p = 0.045). There were no between-group differences for resting metabolic rate or physical activity. At 12 weeks, total energy intake was significantly reduced in both AMEx and PMEx versus CON (AMEx, -3974 kJ, p < 0.001; PMEx, -3165 kJ, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Adults with overweight and obesity experience modest weight loss in response to an exercise program, but there does not appear to be an optimal time to exercise.
-
2.
The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial.
Moore, AE, Dulnoan, D, Voong, K, Ayis, S, Mangelis, A, Gorska, R, Harrington, DJ, Tang, JCY, Fraser, WD, Hampson, G
Archives of osteoporosis. 2023;18(1):83
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease leading to weakening of the bones and is particularly prevalent in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis-related fractures cause severe pain and disability, and strains on the healthcare systems. The typical treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis involves the prescription of oral bisphosphonate medications. An important regulator in bone health is Vitamin K. Low vitamin K levels and intake are linked to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fractures. Some findings suggest that a combination treatment of bisphosphonate and vitamin K2 (MK-4) may enhance treatment efficacy and hence this randomised placebo-controlled trial sought further evidence. The study enrolled 105 women, between 55–85 years old, with osteoporosis and low vitamin K status. The women received either vitamin K1 (1 mg/day), vitamin K2 arm (MK-4; 45 mg/day) or a placebo for 18 months, alongside oral bisphosphonate and calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. Outcomes were measured in bone mineral density (BMD), structural characteristics of the hips (hip geometry) and bone turnover markers (BTMs). 91 candidates completed the trial. The results showed that the combination of vitamin K1 or MK-4 and oral bisphosphonate did not lead to significant improvement in bone mineral density or bone turnover. However it showed significant changes in hip geometry in the vitamin K1 group, suggesting a potential synergy here. Whereby there were positive trends in BMD too with vitamin K1 supplementation, the results did not reach significance. In the discussion the authors review the outcomes in the context of existing research, suggesting that perhaps a longer duration of treatment with vitamin K may be required to boost mineralisation and BMD outcomes. The effect of MK-4 on bone cells may also have been hindered by its poor bioavailability and the suppression of bone remodelling caused by long-term bisphosphonate therapy. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm the effects of Vitamin K on hip remodelling and prevention of bone fractures and help clarify the mixed results in existing research.
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study assessed whether vitamin K, given with oral bisphosphonate, calcium and/or vitamin D has an additive effect on fracture risk in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. No difference in bone density or bone turnover was observed although vitamin K1 supplementation led to a modest effect on parameters of hip geometry. PURPOSE Some clinical studies have suggested that vitamin K prevents bone loss and may improve fracture risk. The aim was to assess whether vitamin K supplementation has an additive effect on bone mineral density (BMD), hip geometry and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis (PMO) and sub-optimum vitamin K status receiving bisphosphonate, calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. METHODS We conducted a trial in 105 women aged 68.7[12.3] years with PMO and serum vitamin K1 ≤ 0.4 µg/L. They were randomised to 3 treatment arms; vitamin K1 (1 mg/day) arm, vitamin K2 arm (MK-4; 45 mg/day) or placebo for 18 months. They were on oral bisphosphonate and calcium and/or vitamin D. We measured BMD by DXA, hip geometry parameters using hip structural analysis (HSA) software and BTMs. Vitamin K1 or MK-4 supplementation was each compared to placebo. Intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses were performed. RESULTS Changes in BMD at the total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine and BTMs; CTX and P1NP did not differ significantly following either K1 or MK-4 supplementation compared to placebo. Following PP analysis and correction for covariates, there were significant differences in some of the HSA parameters at the intertrochanter (IT) and femoral shaft (FS): IT endocortical diameter (ED) (% change placebo:1.5 [4.1], K1 arm: -1.02 [5.07], p = 0.04), FS subperiosteal/outer diameter (OD) (placebo: 1.78 [5.3], K1 arm: 0.46 [2.23] p = 0.04), FS cross sectional area (CSA) (placebo:1.47 [4.09],K1 arm: -1.02[5.07], p = 0.03). CONCLUSION The addition of vitamin K1 to oral bisphosphonate with calcium and/or vitamin D treatment in PMO has a modest effect on parameters of hip geometry. Further confirmatory studies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at Clinicaltrial.gov:NCT01232647.
-
3.
Effects of a 2-year exercise training on neuromuscular system health in older individuals with low muscle function.
Monti, E, Tagliaferri, S, Zampieri, S, Sarto, F, Sirago, G, Franchi, MV, Ticinesi, A, Longobucco, Y, Adorni, E, Lauretani, F, et al
Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle. 2023;14(2):794-804
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Ageing is accompanied by a progressive decline in muscle mass and functionality, associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability and mortality, possibly leading to a clinical syndrome known as sarcopenia. Among the causes of sarcopenia, motoneuron and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration have been proposed as key determinants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 2-year multimodal training intervention involving aerobic, strength and balance exercises on muscle mass and function, motoneuronal and NMJ health in a population of older individuals classified as sarcopenic. This study was a randomised controlled trial which enrolled 45 sarcopenic participants (34 females and 11 males) who were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: intervention or control group. Results show that the 2-year multimodal training intervention seemingly preserved NMJ stability, preventing serum C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) [a biomarker of muscle wasting and weakness] concentration rise in the intervention group, although this biomarker increased significantly only in the control group. Conversely, neurofilament light chain (NfL) [clinical biomarker of many neurodegenerative diseases] concentration did not change in either group. Finally, improvements of physical performance were correlated with changes of serum biomarkers of NMJ stability. Authors conclude that a 2-year multimodal training intervention including aerobic, strength and balance exercises is effective for preventing CAF concentration increments, suggesting a positive effect on NMJ stability.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing is accompanied by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, potentially determining the insurgence of sarcopenia. Evidence suggests that motoneuron and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration contribute to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Seeking for strategies able to slow down sarcopenia insurgence and progression, we investigated whether a 2-year mixed-model training involving aerobic, strength and balance exercises would be effective for improving or preserving motoneuronal health and NMJ stability, together with muscle mass, strength and functionality in an old, sarcopenic population. METHODS Forty-five sarcopenic elderly (34 females; 11 males) with low dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lean mass and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score <9 were randomly assigned to either a control group [Healthy Aging Lifestyle Education (HALE), n = 21] or an intervention group [MultiComponent Intervention (MCI), n = 24]. MCI trained three times per week for 2 years with a mix of aerobic, strength and balance exercises matched with nutritional advice. Before and after the intervention, ultrasound scans of the vastus lateralis (VL), SPPB and a blood sample were obtained. VL architecture [pennation angle (PA) and fascicle length (Lf)] and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. As biomarkers of neuronal health and NMJ stability status, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) concentrations were measured in serum. Differences in ultrasound parameters, NfL and CAF concentration and physical performance between baseline and follow-up were tested with mixed ANOVA or Wilcoxon test. The relationship between changes in physical performance and NfL or CAF concentration was assessed through correlation analyses. RESULTS At follow-up, MCI showed preserved VL architecture (PA, Lf) despite a reduced CSA (-8.4%, P < 0.001), accompanied by maintained CAF concentration and ameliorated overall SPPB performance (P = 0.007). Conversely, HALE showed 12.7% decrease in muscle CSA (P < 0.001), together with 5.1% and 5.5% reduction in PA and Lf (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), and a 6.2% increase in CAF (P = 0.009) but improved SPPB balance score (P = 0.007). NfL concentration did not change in either group. In the population, negative correlations between changes in CAF concentration and SPPB total score were found (P = 0.047), whereas no correlation between NfL and SPPB variations was observed. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that our 2-year mixed aerobic, strength and balance training seemed effective for preventing the age and sarcopenia-related increases in CAF concentration, preserving NMJ stability as well as muscle structure (PA and Lf) and improving physical performance in sarcopenic older individuals.
-
4.
Effects of iron supplementation on neural indices of habituation in Bangladeshi children.
Larson, LM, Feuerriegel, D, Hasan, MI, Braat, S, Jin, J, Tipu, SMU, Shiraji, S, Tofail, F, Biggs, BA, Hamadani, JD, et al
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2023;117(1):73-82
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Adversity during early life, including malnutrition, may influence the long-term cognitive development of children. Micronutrients, especially iron, may play a critical role in the developing infant brain The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with iron syrup and iron containing multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) on neural indices of habituation in Bangladeshi children. This neurocognitive substudy was nested within the Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Children (BRISC) trial. BRISC was a 3-arm, double-blind, double-dummy, individual randomised, superiority trial. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 arms using a 1:1:1 allocation. Results showed that iron supplementation (provided through 2 different modes) did not affect neural indices of habituation. There wasn’t any identification of treatment effects for any of the outcomes measured, despite finding improvements in haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations for children given iron syrup or MNPs. Authors conclude that despite established links between iron availability and neurophysiological development, increased iron availability in children under one year of age does not lead to measurable changes in neural indices of habituation.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency and anemia have been associated with poor cognition in children, yet the effects of iron supplementation on neurocognition remain unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the effects of supplementation with iron on neural indices of habituation using auditory event-related brain potentials (ERPs). METHODS This substudy was nested within a 3-arm, double-blind, double-dummy, individual randomized trial in Bangladesh, in which 3300 8-mo-old children were randomly selected to receive 3 mo of daily iron syrup (12.5 mg iron), multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) (including 12.5 mg iron), or placebo. Children were assessed after 3 mo of intervention (mo 3) and 9 mo thereafter (mo 12). The neurocognitive substudy comprised a randomly selected subset of children from the main trial. Brain activity elicited during an auditory roving oddball task was recorded using electroencephalography to provide an index of habituation. The differential response to a novel (deviant) compared with a repeated (standard) sound was examined. The primary outcome was the amplitude of the mismatch response (deviant minusstandard tone waveforms) at mo 3. Secondary outcomes included the deviant and standard tone-evoked amplitudes, N2 amplitude differences, and differences in mean amplitudes evoked by deviant tones presented in the second compared with first half of the oddball sequence at mo 3 and 12. RESULTS Data were analyzed from 329 children at month 3 and 363 at mo 12. Analyses indicated no treatment effects of iron interventions compared with placebo on the amplitude of the mismatch response (iron syrup compared with placebo: mean difference (MD) = 0.07μV [95% CI: -1.22, 1.37]; MNPs compared with placebo: MD = 0.58μV [95% CI: -0.74, 1.90]) nor any secondary ERP outcomes at mo 3 or 12, despite improvements in hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations from iron syrup and MNPs in this nested substudy. CONCLUSION In Bangladeshi children with >40% anemia prevalence, iron or MNP interventions alone are insufficient to improve neural indices of habituation. This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12617000660381.
-
5.
Macronutrient composition and its effect on body composition changes during weight loss therapy in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Lindqvist, C, Holmer, M, Hagström, H, Petersson, S, Tillander, V, Brismar, TB, Stål, P
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2023;110:111982
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and it is closely linked to overweight and obesity. Weight loss leads to an amelioration of NAFLD, which preferably should lead to loss of fat mass while maintaining lean body mass. The aim of this study was to examine if different diet compositions during weight loss therapy were associated with different reductions in abdominal fat mass compared with standard weight loss advice given by a physician. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected in an open-label, randomised controlled trial. The trial examined the effect of two popular weight loss diets, calorie-restricted intermittent fasting (5:2) and a calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet, compared with standard of care (SOC) on reduction in liver fat in 74 persons with NAFLD. Results show that a dietitian-led nutrition counselling treatment with an LCHF or 5:2 diet reduced weight to a higher extent than physician-supported SOC during a 12-wk treatment. Improvements in most of the variables related to body composition parameters and metabolic function were found, independent of dietary composition. Furthermore, during weight loss, visceral fat was mobilized to a greater extent than subcutaneous fat. Authors conclude that further studies are needed with a focus on the effect of diet composition on body composition changes during weight loss.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dietary composition may affect body composition during weight loss therapy. We tested the hypothesis of whether dietary macronutrient composition influences the reduction of total abdominal adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss. METHODS Dietary macronutrient composition and body composition were analyzed as a secondary outcome of a randomized controlled trial of 62 participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients were randomly assigned to a calorie-restricted intermittent fasting (5:2), calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF), or healthy lifestyle advice (standard-of-care) diet in a 12-wk intervention phase. Dietary intake was assessed by self-reported 3-d food diaries and by characterization of total plasma fatty acid profile. Percentage of energy intake (E%) from different macronutrients was calculated. Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS The macronutrient composition differed significantly between the 5:2 (fat 36 E% and carbohydrates 43 E%) and the LCHF (fat 69 E% and carbohydrates 9 E%) groups (P < 0.001). Weight loss was similar in the 5:2 and LCHF groups (-7.2 [SD = 3.4] kg versus 8.0 [SD = 4.8] kg; P = 0.44) and significantly larger than for standard of care (-2.5 kg [SD = 2.3]; P < 0.001). The volume of total abdominal fat, adjusted for height, decreased on average by 4.7% (standard of care), 14.3% (5:2), and 17.7% (LCHF), with no significant differences between the 5:2 and LHCF groups (P = 0.32). VAT and SAT, adjusted for height, decreased on average by 17.1% and 12.7% for 5:2, respectively, and by 21.2% and 17.9% for LCHF, with no significant group differences (VAT [P = 0.16] and SAT [P = 0.10]). VAT was mobilized to a greater extent than SAT in all diets. CONCLUSIONS The 5:2 and LCHF diets had similar effects on changes in intraabdominal fat mass and anthropometrics during weight loss. This might indicate that overall weight loss is more important than diet composition to achieve changes in total abdominal adipose tissue, VAT, or SAT. The results of the present study suggest that there is a need for further studies on the effect of diet composition on body composition changes during weight loss therapy.
-
6.
Treatment of obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease with a diet or orlistat: A randomized controlled trial.
Feng, X, Lin, Y, Zhuo, S, Dong, Z, Shao, C, Ye, J, Zhong, B
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2023;117(4):691-700
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characterised by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Weight management by the treatment to target strategy through lifestyle intervention remains the primary approach for MAFLD treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a conventional energy-restricted diet (the control group), orlistat, and an experimental diet in the Asian population with obesity and MAFLD. This study was a prospective, open-label, monocentric randomised controlled study. Participants (n = 118) were randomly assigned to the control (n = 39), orlistat (n = 40), or experimental diet (n = 39) groups at a 1:1:1 allocation. Results showed that: - orlistat and the experimental diet were superior to lifestyle intervention in ameliorating liver steatosis [fatty liver]. - the experimental diet had an advantage over lifestyle intervention when patients adhered to the diet. - orlistat was superior to the experimental diet and lifestyle modifications in decreasing liver fat content. Authors conclude that more multicentre, large-scale, prospective studies are needed to verify the long-term efficacy and safety of the experimental diet and orlistat treatment in subjects with MAFLD.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Losing weight by lifestyle interventions is the first-line treatment for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) but is limited by low compliance. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the effects of orlistat or an experimental high-protein/lower-carbohydrate diet with a control diet in Asian patients with obesity and MAFLD. METHODS A total of 118 Asian patients with obesity and MAFLD confirmed with MRI-based proton density fat fraction with Dixon sequence were enrolled and allocated to the control group, the orlistat group, or the experimental diet group for 24 wk. The primary endpoint was the relative change in liver fat content (LFC) assessed by MRI-based proton density fat fraction. RESULTS A total of 118 subjects with obesity and MAFLD were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 39), the orlistat group (n = 40), or the experimental diet group (n = 39). All 3 groups demonstrated improvement in liver steatosis at wk 24. The absolute decrease in LFC in the orlistat group was 9.1% and 5.4% in the experimental diet group, both significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The relative reduction in LFC was 30.2% in the experimental diet group, which was significantly higher than the 12.2% observed in the control group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Orlistat and the experimental diet group reduced liver steatosis compared to the control group. This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-1900027172). http://www.chictr.org.cn.
-
7.
A 2-yr Randomized Controlled Trial on Creatine Supplementation during Exercise for Postmenopausal Bone Health.
Chilibeck, PD, Candow, DG, Gordon, JJ, Duff, WRD, Mason, R, Shaw, K, Taylor-Gjevre, R, Nair, B, Zello, GA
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2023;55(10):1750-1760
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that gradually develops when bone mineral density (BMD) or bone mass decreases and the quality of bone is impaired. This randomised controlled trial conducted over 2 years wanted to test the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on BMD at several bone sites during a supervised resistance training and walking program in post menopausal women. 120 were randomly allocated to creatine and 117 to placebo. All participants received a daily supplement of 500 mg of calcium and 10 μg -400 IU of vitamin D. The researchers were particularly interested in finding out whether the creatine group showed improved (BMD) at the femoral neck, lower spine and upper thigh bone also known as the proximal femur which connects the hip joint. Bone density scans, dual-energy X-ray’s and ultrasounds were used to measure BMD and assess areas of bone. Falls and fractures were recorded for a total of 3 years. Dietary intake and physical activity outside of study requirements was assessed using food frequency and exercise questionnaires. Fasting blood and urine analyses along with 24-h urine analysis were taken. The authors conclude that creatine supplementation during a resistance training and walking program had no effect on BMD at the femoral neck, total hip, or lower spine. They further acknowledge relatively low compliance with the creatine supplements, and exercise protocols, along with a high drop out rate. Further studies of larger sample sizes are needed.
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to examine the effects of 2 yr of creatine monohydrate supplementation and exercise on bone health in postmenopausal women. METHODS Two hundred and thirty-seven postmenopausal women (mean age, 59 yr) were randomized to receive creatine (0.14 g·kg -1 ·d -1 ) or placebo during a resistance training (3 d·wk -1 ) and walking (6 d·wk -1 ) program for 2 yr. Our primary outcome was the femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), with lumbar spine BMD and proximal femur geometric properties as the secondary outcomes. RESULTS Compared with placebo, creatine supplementation had no effect on BMD of the femoral neck (creatine: 0.725 ± 0.110 to 0.712 ± 0.100 g·cm -2 ; placebo: 0.721 ± 0.102 to 0.706 ± 0.097 g·cm -2 ), total hip (creatine: 0.879 ± 0.118 to 0.872 ± 0.114 g·cm -2 ; placebo: 0.881 ± 0.111 to 0.873 ± 0.109 g·cm -2 ), or lumbar spine (creatine: 0.932 ± 0.133 to 0.925 ± 0.131 g·cm -2 ; placebo: 0.923 ± 0.145 to 0.915 ± 0.143 g·cm -2 ). Creatine significantly maintained section modulus (1.35 ± 0.29 to 1.34 ± 0.26 vs 1.34 ± 0.25 to 1.28 ± 0.23 cm 3 (placebo), P = 0.0011), predictive of bone bending strength, and buckling ratio (10.8 ± 2.6 to 11.1 ± 2.2 vs 11.0 ± 2.6 to 11.6 ± 2.7 (placebo), P = 0.011), predictive of reduced cortical bending under compressive loads, at the narrow part of the femoral neck. Creatine reduced walking time over 80 m (48.6 ± 5.6 to 47.1 ± 5.4 vs 48.3 ± 4.5 to 48.2 ± 4.9 s (placebo), P = 0.0008) but had no effect on muscular strength (i.e., one-repetition maximum) during bench press (32.1 ± 12.7 to 42.6 ± 14.1 vs 30.6 ± 10.9 to 41.4 ± 14 kg (placebo)) and hack squat (57.6 ± 21.6 to 84.4 ± 28.1 vs 56.6 ± 24.0 to 82.7 ± 25.0 kg (placebo)). In the subanalysis of valid completers, creatine increased lean tissue mass compared with placebo (40.8 ± 5.7 to 43.1 ± 5.9 vs 40.4 ± 5.3 to 42.0 ± 5.2 kg (placebo), P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS Two years of creatine supplementation and exercise in postmenopausal women had no effect on BMD; yet, it improved some bone geometric properties at the proximal femur.
-
8.
Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Wood, E, Hein, S, Mesnage, R, Fernandes, F, Abhayaratne, N, Xu, Y, Zhang, Z, Bell, L, Williams, C, Rodriguez-Mateos, A
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2023;117(6):1306-1319
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
The risk of developing both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases increases with aging. Growing evidence from epidemiological and human intervention trials indicates that (poly)phenols may have cardioprotective properties as well as the ability to improve cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily wild blueberry (WBB) (poly)phenol consumption on vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals. This study was a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel design study. A total of 61 healthy older individuals were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two arms; placebo intervention or blueberry intervention group. Results showed that long-term consumption of a dietary achievable amount of WBB enhanced vascular and cognitive function in older adults. Authors conclude that gut microbiota and vascular blood flow may play important roles in mediating the cognitive benefits shown by the consumption of (poly)phenol-rich foods.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the intake of blueberry (poly)phenols is associated with improvements in vascular function and cognitive performance. Whether these cognitive effects are linked to increases in cerebral and vascular blood flow or changes in the gut microbiota is currently unknown. METHODS A double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted in 61 healthy older individuals aged 65-80 y. Participants received either 26 g of freeze-dried wild blueberry (WBB) powder (302 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo (0 mg anthocyanins). Endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), cognitive function, arterial stiffness, blood pressure (BP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), gut microbiome, and blood parameters were measured at baseline and 12 wk following daily consumption. Plasma and urinary (poly)phenol metabolites were analyzed using microelution solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS A significant increase in FMD and reduction in 24 h ambulatory systolic BP were found in the WBB group compared with the placebo group (0.86%; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.17, P < 0.001; -3.59 mmHg; 95% CI: -6.95, -0.23, P = 0.037; respectively). Enhanced immediate recall on the auditory verbal learning task, alongside better accuracy on a task-switch task was also found following WBB treatment compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Total 24 h urinary (poly)phenol excretion increased significantly in the WBB group compared with placebo. No changes in the CBF or gut microbiota composition were found. CONCLUSIONS Daily intake of WBB powder, equivalent to 178 g fresh weight, improves vascular and cognitive function and decreases 24 h ambulatory systolic BP in healthy older individuals. This suggests that WBB (poly)phenols may reduce future CVD risk in an older population and may improve episodic memory processes and executive functioning in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. Clinical Trial Registration number in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04084457.
-
9.
Sleep loss disrupts the neural signature of successful learning.
Guttesen, AÁV, Gaskell, MG, Madden, EV, Appleby, G, Cross, ZR, Cairney, SA
Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991). 2023;33(5):1610-1625
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Understanding how sleep disturbances impair learning and memory is increasingly important in modern society, where many people fail to regularly obtain an adequate amount of sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep-associated consolidation and next-day learning and how suppressing slow-wave activity (SWA) [during slow-wave sleep, electrical activity in the brain changes while the body relaxes into deep and restorative rest] contributes to this relationship. This study was a within-subjects (n = 30), crossover design which showed that sleep improved both memory retention and next-day learning however, there was no evidence of a relationship between these measures or with SWA. Furthermore, an absence of sleep disrupts the neural operations underpinning memory encoding, leading to suboptimal performance. Authors conclude that an extended lack of sleep might disrupt the ability to draw upon semantic knowledge when encoding novel associations, necessitating the use of more surface-based and ultimately suboptimal routes to learning.
Abstract
Sleep supports memory consolidation as well as next-day learning. The influential "Active Systems" account of offline consolidation suggests that sleep-associated memory processing paves the way for new learning, but empirical evidence in support of this idea is scarce. Using a within-subjects (n = 30), crossover design, we assessed behavioral and electrophysiological indices of episodic encoding after a night of sleep or total sleep deprivation in healthy adults (aged 18-25 years) and investigated whether behavioral performance was predicted by the overnight consolidation of episodic associations from the previous day. Sleep supported memory consolidation and next-day learning as compared to sleep deprivation. However, the magnitude of this sleep-associated consolidation benefit did not significantly predict the ability to form novel memories after sleep. Interestingly, sleep deprivation prompted a qualitative change in the neural signature of encoding: Whereas 12-20 Hz beta desynchronization-an established marker of successful encoding-was observed after sleep, sleep deprivation disrupted beta desynchrony during successful learning. Taken together, these findings suggest that effective learning depends on sleep but not necessarily on sleep-associated consolidation.
-
10.
Insufficient sleep predicts poor weight loss maintenance after 1 year.
Bogh, AF, Jensen, SBK, Juhl, CR, Janus, C, Sandsdal, RM, Lundgren, JR, Noer, MH, Vu, NQ, Fiorenza, M, Stallknecht, BM, et al
Sleep. 2023;46(5)
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Short sleep duration, defined as less than 6 hours/night, is associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Sleep restriction causes metabolic and behavioural changes suggesting that short sleep duration may contribute to the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between short sleep duration or poor sleep quality and weight regain after weight loss. This study is based on data from the S-LiTE randomised, controlled trial. Participants followed a low-calorie diet (800 kcal/day) for eight weeks prior to randomisation. Those who lost at least 5% of initial weight were randomised to the control or intervention group. Results showed that participants with objectively measured short sleep duration after a diet-induced weight loss had less success during weight loss maintenance than those with longer sleep duration. Worse sleep quality was associated with less weight loss during a low-calorie diet and subsequent weight maintenance. Authors conclude that insufficient sleep predicts weight regain during interventional efforts to maintain weight loss. Exercise maintained low-calorie diet-induced improvements in sleep quality during 1 year of weight loss maintenance, and liraglutide transiently increased sleep duration.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Insufficient sleep may attenuate weight loss, but the role of sleep in weight loss maintenance is unknown. Since weight regain after weight loss remains a major obstacle in obesity treatment, we investigated whether insufficient sleep predicts weight regain during weight loss maintenance. METHODS In a randomized, controlled, two-by-two factorial study, 195 adults with obesity completed an 8-week low-calorie diet and were randomly assigned to 1-year weight loss maintenance with or without exercise and liraglutide 3.0 mg/day or placebo. Sleep duration and quality were measured before and after the low-calorie diet and during weight maintenance using wrist-worn accelerometers (GENEActiv) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). To test associations between insufficient sleep and weight regain, participants were stratified at randomization into subgroups according to sleep duration (≥6 h/night) or sleep quality (PSQI score ≤/>5). RESULTS After a diet-induced 13.1 kg weight loss, participants with short sleep duration at randomization regained 5.3 kg body weight (p = .0008) and had less reduction in body fat percentage compared with participants with normal sleep duration (p = .007) during the 1-year weight maintenance phase. Participants with poor sleep quality before the weight loss regained 3.5 kg body weight compared with good quality sleepers (p = .010). During the weight maintenance phase, participants undergoing liraglutide treatment displayed increased sleep duration compared with placebo after 26 weeks (5 vs. -15 min/night) but not after 1 year. Participants undergoing exercise treatment preserved the sleep quality improvements attained from the initial weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Short sleep duration or poor sleep quality was associated with weight regain after weight loss in adults with obesity.