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Nutrients Jun 2024: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
An Examination into the Effects of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Cognition, Stress, Eye Health, and Skin Satisfaction in Adults with Self-Reported Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
: Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. : In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memory complaints, participants were randomly allocated to take a supplement containing vitamin E, astaxanthin, and grape juice extract daily for 12 weeks or a matching placebo. The primary outcomes comprised changes in cognitive tasks assessing episodic memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Secondary and exploratory measures included changes in the speed of information processing, attention, and self-report measures of memory, stress, and eye and skin health. Moreover, changes in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured, along with changes in skin carotenoid concentrations. : Compared to the placebo, nutritional supplementation was associated with larger improvements in one primary outcome measure comprising episodic memory ( = 0.037), but not for working memory ( = 0.418) or verbal learning ( = 0.841). Findings from secondary and exploratory outcomes demonstrated that the nutraceutical intake was associated with larger improvements in the Everyday Memory Questionnaire ( = 0.022), increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( = 0.030), decreased plasma malondialdehyde ( = 0.040), and increased skin carotenoid concentrations ( = 0.006). However, there were no group differences in changes in the remaining outcome measures. : Twelve weeks of supplementation with a nutritional supplement was associated with improvements in episodic memory and several biological markers associated with cognitive health. Future research will be essential to extend and validate the current findings.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Middle Aged; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Cognition; Adult; Aged; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Skin; Antioxidants; Interleukin-6; Self Report; Carotenoids; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Memory, Short-Term; Memory, Episodic; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Malondialdehyde; Eye
PubMed: 38892705
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111770 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Maintaining adequate hydration is critical to optimal health, well-being, and performance. Those who are physically active in stressful environments, such as warm and/or... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Maintaining adequate hydration is critical to optimal health, well-being, and performance. Those who are physically active in stressful environments, such as warm and/or humid scenarios, may be at particular risk for dehydration with ensuing loss of electrolytes, leading to sluggishness and impaired physical performance.
METHODS
We evaluated an electrolyte and amino acid product containing L-alanine and L-glutamine, as well as select vitamins [B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid)]. Subjects ( = 40; four groups, = 10) were randomized to consume either a placebo packet or one, two, or three packets daily of the test product for 4 weeks with site visits at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. We tested safety and tolerability by analyzing hematological parameters (complete blood counts), metabolic parameters (hepatic, renal, acid-base balance), urinalysis end products, thyroid status [T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)], tolerability (via questionnaire), vital signs, and dietary intake.
RESULTS
Statistical analyses displayed ten significant main effects ( < 0.05) with white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, urinary pH, thyroxine, urination frequency, calcium, calories, fat, and cholesterol. Interactions for time and group ( < 0.05) were observed for MCV, eGFR, potassium, overall tolerability, bloating, and cramping-demonstrating mild GA disturbances. Little to no change of physiological relevance was noted for any outcome variable, regardless of dosing level.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate the product was well-tolerated at all dosing levels and no significant adverse changes occurred in any of the test parameters compared to the placebo group, indicating relative safety of ingestion over a 4-week treatment period, at the volumes used, and outside the context of physical stress.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adult; Amino Acids; Beverages; Young Adult; Dehydration; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Electrolytes; Vitamins; Water-Electrolyte Balance
PubMed: 38892699
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111766 -
Nutrients Jun 2024This study assessed the impact of acute caffeine intake on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance between resistance-trained male and female individuals... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sex Differences in the Ergogenic Response of Acute Caffeine Intake on Muscular Strength, Power and Endurance Performance in Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
This study assessed the impact of acute caffeine intake on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance between resistance-trained male and female individuals according to load in upper- and lower-body exercises.
METHODS
Here, 76 resistance-trained individuals (38 females, 38 males) participated in a study comparing caffeine and a placebo. Each received either 3 mg/kg of caffeine or a placebo 60 min before tests measuring muscular strength and power through bench press and back squat exercises at different intensities (25%, 50%, 75%, 90% 1RM). Muscular endurance at 65% 1RM was also assessed by performing reps until reaching task failure.
RESULTS
Compared to placebo, caffeine increased mean, peak and time to reach peak velocity and power output ( < 0.01, η = 0.242-0.293) in the muscular strength/power test in males and females. This effect was particularly observed in the back squat exercise at 50%, 75% and 90% 1RM (2.5-8.5%, < 0.05, g = 1.0-2.4). For muscular endurance, caffeine increased the number of repetitions, mean velocity and power output ( < 0.001, η = 0.177-0.255) in both sexes and exercises (3.0-8.9%, < 0.05, g = 0.15-0.33).
CONCLUSIONS
Acute caffeine intake resulted in a similar ergogenic effect on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance in upper- and lower-body exercises for male and female resistance-trained participants.
Topics: Humans; Caffeine; Female; Male; Muscle Strength; Resistance Training; Physical Endurance; Young Adult; Adult; Sex Factors; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Muscle, Skeletal; Double-Blind Method; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 38892692
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111760 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Dietary interventions represent an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments for improving the quality of life (QoL) of subjects suffering from... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of a Food Supplement Containing LA14, Peptides, and a Multivitamin Complex in Improving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Related Outcomes and Quality of Life of Subjects Showing Mild-to-Moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Dietary interventions represent an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments for improving the quality of life (QoL) of subjects suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement (FS) containing a probiotic strain, bioactive peptides, and vitamins in relieving heartburn/dyspeptic symptoms in subjects with mild-to-moderate GERD. Fifty-six adult participants were randomly assigned to receive the placebo or the active FS for 28 days. Subjects were asked to record daily the frequency and intensity of heartburn episodes and the intake of over- the-counter (OTC) medications. GERD-QoL and self-assessment questionnaires were also completed every two weeks and at the end of the treatment, respectively. FS was effective in achieving a progressive and significant reduction of heartburn frequency and severity, with an intergroup significant difference at the end of the treatment period. FS group also reported a reduction in the OTC medication intake, whereas placebo administration did not modify the OTC intake. Results from the QoL and self-assessment questionnaires showed that FS administration achieved a progressive and statistically significant intragroup and intergroup improvement in the QoL score and a higher positive response with respect to the placebo treatment.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Male; Double-Blind Method; Female; Adult; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics; Middle Aged; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Vitamins; Treatment Outcome; Peptides; Heartburn; Surveys and Questionnaires; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38892690
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111759 -
Nutrients May 2024Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that SBT2786 has a potent... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that SBT2786 has a potent sleep-promoting effect on fruit flies. Fruit flies share many similarities with mammals, making them suitable model organisms for studying sleep. Thus, in the present study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test whether SBT2786 has sleep-enhancing effects in humans. In this study, 61 participants in the SBT2786 group and 65 participants in the placebo group were analyzed. The results showed that SBT2786 increased sleep time; however, it predominantly increased light sleep and did not improve subjective sleep quality. Interestingly, mood improvement was observed. A subgroup analysis was conducted on participants with high stress levels, and results showed that these participants experienced an increase in sleep duration and an improvement in sleepiness upon waking up and reported feeling well-rested during the day. We concluded that SBT2786 may improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, and that SBT2786 can be used as a dietary supplement to improve sleep and mood.
Topics: Humans; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Probiotics; Adult; Stress, Psychological; Sleep Quality; Bifidobacterium adolescentis; Japan; Middle Aged; Affect; Sleep; East Asian People
PubMed: 38892634
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111702 -
Nutrients May 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (), cinnamon (), and black seed () consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Male; Spices; Female; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Blood Glucose; Zingiber officinale; Adult; Nigella sativa; Glycated Hemoglobin; Body Composition; Aged; Lipids; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38892617
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111685 -
Nutrients May 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming an increasingly important health concern due to a rapidly ageing global population. The fastest growing NCD, type 2... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Understanding the Impact of Different Doses of Reducose Mulberry Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose and Insulin Responses after Eating a Complex Meal: Results from a Double-Blind, Randomised, Crossover Trial.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming an increasingly important health concern due to a rapidly ageing global population. The fastest growing NCD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is responsible for over 2 million deaths annually. Lifestyle changes, including dietary changes to low glycemic response (GR) foods, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing T2DM. The aim of this study was to investigate whether three different doses of Reducose, a mulberry leaf extract, could lower the GR and insulinemic responses (IR) to a full meal challenge in healthy individuals. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, repeat-measure, crossover design trial was conducted by the Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health; 37 healthy individuals completed the study. Participants consumed capsules containing either 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg Reducose or placebo before a test meal consisting of 150 g white bread and egg mayo filler. Capillary blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals in the first hour and at 30-min intervals over the second and third hours to determine glucose and plasma insulin levels. The consumption of all three doses of Reducose resulted in significantly lower blood glucose and plasma insulin levels compared to placebo. All three doses of Reducose (200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg) significantly lowered glucose iAUC 120 by 30% ( = 0.003), 33% ( = 0.001) and 32% ( = 0.002), respectively, compared with placebo. All three doses of Reducose (200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg) significantly lowered the plasma insulin iAUC 120 by 31% ( = 0.024), 34% ( = 0.004) and 38% ( < 0.001), respectively. The study demonstrates that the recommended dose (250 mg) and two lower doses (200 mg, 225 mg) of Reducose can be used to help lower the GR and IR of a full meal containing carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Over Studies; Plant Extracts; Double-Blind Method; Morus; Blood Glucose; Male; Insulin; Female; Adult; Plant Leaves; Postprandial Period; Middle Aged; Meals; Young Adult; Glycemic Index; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
PubMed: 38892603
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111670 -
Nutrients May 2024Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.
Topics: Humans; Spirulina; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Male; Cross-Over Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Adult; Young Adult; Exercise; Range of Motion, Articular; Healthy Volunteers; Female; Upper Extremity; Torque; Creatine Kinase
PubMed: 38892584
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111651 -
Nutrients May 2024Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have low levels of vitamins and trace elements. This could lead to a post-acute COVID-19 condition (PCC) that can worsen a patient's... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Preventive Intake of a Multiple Micronutrient Supplement during Mild, Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection to Reduce the Post-Acute COVID-19 Condition: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have low levels of vitamins and trace elements. This could lead to a post-acute COVID-19 condition (PCC) that can worsen a patient's quality of life. We aimed to study the baseline micronutrient status of patients and assess whether a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) taken for 2 weeks at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms would be able to reduce the incidence of PCC. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in adult outpatients with acute COVID-19, recruited between 2021 and 2023 in Spain. Of the 285 patients assessed for eligibility, 267 were randomized and 246 were included in the intent-to-treat population. The mean age was 46.8 years, and 68% were female. Overall, 54.6% had micronutrient deficiencies in the acute phase of COVID-19 at baseline, and 26.2% had PCC after 180 days of follow-up (D180). The most frequently recorded PCC symptoms were neurological (14.1%), with 24% patients scoring worse in the cognitive tests compared to their baseline status. The rate of PCC at D180 was similar between the placebo (25.0%) and intervention (27.7%) groups, without significant differences ( = 0.785). Age over 50 years was the most relevant risk factor for developing PCC, followed by female sex. The most important protective factor against PCC was SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In this population of predominantly middle-aged, white women with acute COVID-19 not requiring hospital admission, MMS intake for 14 days at symptom onset did not prevent PCC nor improve their micronutrient status at D180.
Topics: Humans; Female; COVID-19; Male; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Dietary Supplements; Micronutrients; SARS-CoV-2; Adult; Spain; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Aged; Betacoronavirus
PubMed: 38892564
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111631 -
Nutrients May 2024The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke-both standardized in their... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels.
The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising extracts of bergamot and artichoke-both standardized in their characteristic polyphenolic fractions-could positively affect serum lipid concentration and insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with a pill of either active treatment or placebo. After 6 weeks, the active-treated group experienced significant improvements in levels of triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100), and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) versus baseline. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), and hs-CRP also significantly decreased in the active-treated group compared to both baseline and placebo. At the 12-week follow-up, individuals allocated to the combined nutraceutical experienced a significant improvement in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, Apo B-100, Apo AI, glucose, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gGT), hs-CRP, several indexes of NAFLD, and brachial pulse volume (PV) in comparison with baseline. Improvements in TC, LDL-C, Non-HDL-C, TG, fatty liver index (FLI), hs-CRP, and endothelial reactivity were also detected compared to placebo ( < 0.05 for all). Overall, these findings support the use of the tested dietary supplement containing dry extracts of bergamot and artichoke as a safe and effective approach for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.
Topics: Humans; Cynara scolymus; Dietary Supplements; Male; Female; Double-Blind Method; Plant Extracts; Middle Aged; Adult; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Cholesterol; C-Reactive Protein; Insulin Resistance; Triglycerides
PubMed: 38892519
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111587