Introduction: Beta-alanine (BA) is an ergogenic aid known to increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations, thereby enhancing muscle’s buffering capacity during high-intensity exercise. Its ergogenic effects have been primarily reported in activities relying on anaerobic metabolism. In rugby, performance in tasks requiring anaerobic energy pathways—such as sprinting and jumping—is essential. However, evidence regarding the effects of BA supplementation in female rugby players remains limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BA supplementation on neuromuscular and cardiovascular performance in this population. Methods:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with ten female rugby players competing in Spain’s first division. Participants were assigned to receive either 6.4 g/day of BA or an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo for six weeks. The testing battery included assessments of isometric handgrip strength, countermovement jump, squat jump, modified agility T-test, repeated sprint ability test, and the Bronco Test. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (22/070-EC_X_TFM). Results: No statistically significant differences in any neuromuscular or cardiovascular performance variables were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, the BA group exhibited a consistent trend toward improved performance across all assessed outcomes. Conclusion: Six weeks of BA supplementation did not elicit significant improvements in aerobic or anaerobic performance among female rugby players. Further studies with larger and more representative samples are warranted to determine whether BA supplementation can serve as an effective ergogenic strategy in this athletic population.

Introduction. In the current field of sports nutrition, developing functional foods through innovation is crucial for enhancing physical performance, aiding recovery, and promoting overall athlete health. Plant-based protein-rich products present a promising alternative to traditional sources, offering nutritional benefits, reducing environmental impact, and gaining acceptance among consumers seeking sustainable and ethical options. This study focused on creating high-protein plant-based cookies and conducting a preclinical evaluation of their effects.

Material and Methods. The developed cookies have a high crude protein content (13.32 g), which, according to current regulations, classifies them as a high-protein product. They also contain 12.92 g of fat, 6.78 g of fiber, and 2.9 g of ashes. The biological assessment involved 12-week-old Wistar rats (6 males and 6 females) with an average weight of 200 g, divided into two groups: one experimental group that received cookies and one control group maintained on a standard diet. The product was administered daily for 15 days at an average dose of 5.3 g/kg body weight/day of cookies, based on an estimated human intake of 60 g/day for a 70 kg person, using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended interspecies correction factor. Physiological parameters such as body weight, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, muscle thickness in the biceps, gastrocnemius, and abdomen, as well as grip strength, were monitored. Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism software V6.

Results. No significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters between baseline and post-treatment or compared with the control group. However, increased muscle thickness was found in the biceps and gastrocnemius of male rats, and grip strength improved in all treated animals.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that consuming high-protein vegetable cookies is safe in preclinical settings and does not affect key biochemical markers. Their intake may promote functional improvements such as muscle strength and lean mass development, especially in males.

The Uruguayan agricultural system seeks profitable and sustainable crops, among which Lupinus angustifolius shows remarkable adaptability. Although its current use in the country is mainly restricted to animal feed, the growing demand for sports supplements based on innovative, protein-dense plant ingredients positions this species as a promising alternative. This work aimed to characterize the flour (LF) and protein isolate (LPI) from Lupinus angustifolius seeds to assess their potential in sports supplements.

Proximate analysis of both samples was carried out according to AOAC protocols (1999), fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography following IUPAC (1987, methods 2.301 and 2.304), and amino acids were analyzed using an automatic analyzer (Biochrom30, Biochrom Ltd., UK) by ion exchange chromatography with post-column ninhydrin derivatization (Spackman et al., 1958).

The characterization of LF revealed its content comprised 35.1±0.1% protein, 40.4±0.7% dietary fiber, and 7.4±0.2% lipids. The lipid fraction was dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic (39.2±0.0%) and linoleic (38.0±0.1%), together with α-linolenic (3.5±0.1%). The amino acid profile showed a balanced contribution, with leucine, lysine, and isoleucine exceeding FAO recommendations; glutamate and aspartate were also present in relevant amounts for energy metabolism and muscle recovery. LF provided essential minerals (mg/100g): calcium 265.5±17.9, magnesium 185.03±8.45, potassium 841.1±96.9, iron 6.23±0.01, and zinc 2.8±0.3.

LPI presented 85.2±1.6% protein, 6.4±0.3% fiber, and 3.7±0.0% lipids. Its amino acid profile was characterized by high levels (g/100g protein) of leucine (6.28±0.80), phenylalanine (4.10±0.50), and isoleucine (3.20±0.41), all associated with muscle protein synthesis. Despite the lower lipid content, unsaturated fatty acids remained predominant.

In conclusion, LF and LPI provide high-quality proteins enriched in essential and branched-chain amino acids, together with fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and key minerals. These attributes align with current evidence supporting amino acids as ergogenic aids, positioning lupin as a sustainable source for developing plant-based supplements aimed at enhancing performance and recovery.

Camellia japonica is a widely cultivated ornamental plant that also contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and essential minerals. Despite its distribution across Asia and Europe, the nutritional profile of C. japonica remains largely unexplored compared to other members of the Camellia genus, such as C. sinensis. This study aimed to characterize the mineral composition of C. japonica leaves and assess their potential relevance for sports nutrition. Analysis revealed that C. japonica leaves are particularly rich in calcium (≈8.3 g/kg) and magnesium (≈1.4 g/kg), as well as substantial potassium levels. These minerals are critical for athletic performance: calcium supports bone integrity and muscle contraction, magnesium contributes to energy metabolism and neuromuscular function, and potassium maintains electrolyte balance and hydration. Ensuring adequate intake is especially important for athletes engaged in high-intensity or endurance activities, where increased metabolic demands and sweat losses can compromise performance. ¹² Beyond their mineral content, C. japonica leaves may provide antioxidant compounds capable of mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. The incorporation of C. japonica leaf extracts into functional foods or plant-based sports supplements offers a sustainable and locally sourced alternative to conventional supplementation. Future studies should focus on the bioavailability, safety, and efficacy of these extracts in athletic populations, paving the way for innovative nutritional strategies that enhance both performance and sustainability.

p-Synephrine is a natural protoalkaloid present in Citrus aurantium, which is used in the dietary supplement market for weight control and weight reduction due to its supposed thermogenic effects and its influence on metabolism. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of p-synephrine supplementation in healthy physically active adults on health biomarkers and physical performance. Following the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies indexed in the following three databases were systematically reviewed: Medline (PubMed), SCOPUS and CINAHL. Original studies published from 2010 to 15 August 2025 with a controlled trial design comparing p-synephrine supplementation with a control group were included. The PEDro scale and the McMaster questionnaire were used to analyze methodological quality, and the Cochrane bias assessment tool was used. From the 103 records identified, only 7 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, p-synephrine caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in fat oxidation. At the same time, the supplement significantly decreased (p < 0.05) carbohydrate oxidation and exhibited a non-significant tendency (p > 0.05) to increase tympanic temperature. However, no changes were observed in cardiovascular biomarkers, anthropometric parameters, glycemia or total cholesterol. Regarding sports performance, p-synephrine supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.05) the number of repetitions and the maximum carbon dioxide volume. On the other hand, non-significant increases (p > 0.05) were observed in mean velocity and maximum oxygen volume. In conclusion, p-synephrine is a safe supplement that modulates the metabolism of certain energy substrates, specifically by increasing fat oxidation and decreasing carbohydrate oxidation during exercise, providing an indirect ergogenic effect. Finally, no serious adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that p-synephrine may be a safe and potentially useful supplement, although further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and metabolic impact.

Introduction:

Protein supplements are integral to the diets of athletes and active individuals, offering convenient support for muscle synthesis, recovery, and performance. However, variations in nutrient composition, ingredient use, and labelling transparency may influence product quality and consumer choice. This study evaluated the nutrient composition and ingredient profiles of commercially available protein powders, with a focus on protein and sodium content.

Methods:

A content analysis was conducted on 204 protein powder products uploaded by Indian users and available on the TruthIn app. Nutrient data for protein and sodium were extracted from product labels, and ingredient lists were recorded verbatim. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for labelling of essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), as well as for different protein sources, additives, and formulation patterns.

Results:

Protein content per 35 g serving ranged from 15% to 90%, with products at the lower end often containing fillers such as maltodextrin. Sodium content ranged from 0.5 mg to 465 mg per serve; 85.3% of products labelled sodium, 47.5% labelled EAAs, and 42.2% labelled BCAAs. Whey protein was the predominant source (84.3%), followed by soy (5.9%), pea (5.4%), hemp (1.5%), and milk-based proteins (2.9%). Notably, soy protein products tended to have higher sodium content compared with other protein types. Artificial sweeteners were present in 46.1% of products, thickeners and stabilisers in 47.1%, emulsifiers in 25%, and digestive enzymes in 43.6%. Natural colouring agents were found in 9.8% of products, and probiotics/prebiotics in fewer than 5%.

Conclusions:

The analysis highlights wide variation in protein content, sodium levels, and ingredient formulation among protein supplements. While many products feature innovative combinations of protein sources and functional additives, inconsistent amino acid labelling remains a limitation. Improved labelling transparency could better support athletes and practitioners in making performance-oriented choices and foster innovation in sports supplements.

The use of dietary supplements has been steadily increasing over the years, in parallel with the growth of their commercialization. This trend reflects a significant expansion of the supplement market, particularly among athletes who often seek enhanced physical performance and faster recovery.

In this context, the present study aims to describe the consumption practices of dietary supplements among athletes in the city of Oujda, Morocco. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in various gyms, involving 300 male and female participants of different age groups and athletic backgrounds.

Data were collected using a structured questionnaire focusing on consumption frequency, underlying motivations, types of supplements used, sources of information, and perceived health effects.

The results show that 64% of participants reported consuming dietary supplements, mainly to improve physical performance or increase muscle mass. The most commonly consumed category was vitamins (29%), followed by proteins and amino acids (26%).

The most cited sources of information included the internet and social media (28%), sports coaches and peers (25%), while only 17% consulted healthcare professionals.

Regarding risk perception, 28% of respondents mentioned the possibility of drug interactions, 22% reported experiencing adverse effects such as digestive issues, fatigue, or insomnia, and 9% discontinued use due to these effects.

This study highlights the prevalence of self-directed, medically unsupervised supplement use among athletes, with potential health implications including accidental doping.

Nitrates are a supplement widely consumed by athletes, especially elite athletes, although until now, there has been no regulation of their labelling in terms of dosage, protocols, effects, etc. The aim of this study is to analyze the claims, dosages, protocols, formats and advertising aspects in the labelling of nitrate supplements, and to check that they follow the criteria of current evidence and international consensus. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the content and the degree to which claims stated on the labelling or technical data sheets of nitrate supplements comply with those authorised by current European legislation and supported by existing scientific evidence. The products were searched for using Amazon and Google Shopping. In a total of 18 supplements, it was shown that only 27.8% showed one of the recognised, evidence-supported claims, and the number of nitrates on the label was in most cases within the recommendations (61.1%). ‘Improves performance’ and “Improves exercise efficiency” were the statements that were in line with the evidence. The remaining claims were inadequate or partially adequate and should have been removed or modified. A total of 55% of the sample had celebrities or influencers making claims and about 50% had an anti-doping seal. None of the external supplements were externally endorsed. This study shows that the supplements studied should modify their claims, as most of them do not comply with the recommendations of the main international organisations, and should present a recognised anti-doping seal to guarantee the absence of doping agents.

Introduction: Elevated plasma homocysteine is an established risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Its regulation is influenced by genetic polymorphisms, gender, hormonal status, nutritional intake, and lifestyle habits. While women generally present lower homocysteine levels compared to men, particularly before menopause, sedentary behavior and inadequate intake of B vitamins and folate may increase concentrations. Regular physical activity and supplementation with vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid are considered effective strategies to reduce homocysteine, but evidence on their combined effects across gender and activity levels remains inconsistent.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to August 2025, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported plasma homocysteine levels stratified by gender or physical activity status, with or without supplementation of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and/or folate. Both observational and interventional studies were considered. Data were extracted on study design, population, supplementation regimens, physical activity level, and outcomes.

Results: Across the included studies, women showed consistently lower baseline homocysteine levels than men, with differences narrowing after menopause. Regular physical activity was associated with modest reductions in homocysteine, although the effect varied according to intensity, duration, and training status. Supplementation with vitamin B6, B12, and folate produced significant reductions in plasma homocysteine across all groups, with the largest absolute decreases observed in sedentary individuals and in men. Evidence on the interaction between gender, physical activity, and supplementation remains limited, and heterogeneity across studies prevented meta-analysis.

Conclusions: This systematic review highlights that homocysteine levels are modulated by gender, lifestyle, and nutritional supplementation. B vitamin and folate supplementation is effective in lowering homocysteine, with potentially greater benefits in high-risk groups such as men and sedentary individuals. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify the synergistic role of gender and physical activity in homocysteine metabolism.

Sports nutrition has often emphasised generalised dietary strategies, yet important biological and physiological differences between male and female athletes are frequently overlooked. Gender-specific approaches may optimise performance, recovery, and long-term health. This systematic review evaluates evidence on nutrition strategies tailored to male and female athletes.

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2014 and 2024. Eligible articles included randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews reporting outcomes separately by gender. Data extraction focused on macronutrient utilisation, micronutrient requirements, supplementation practices, and recovery strategies.

The results highlight clear gender-related differences. Female athletes demonstrate greater reliance on lipid oxidation during endurance exercise and may benefit from carbohydrate periodisation aligned with hormonal fluctuations. Iron, calcium, and vitamin D are critical nutrients for women due to higher deficiency risks, especially in weight-sensitive sports. Male athletes, with higher lean body mass, require greater absolute protein intake, and show stronger responses to creatine and beta-alanine supplementation. Evidence also indicates menstrual cycle phases influence hydration, carbohydrate metabolism, and recovery, reinforcing the need for individualised timing of nutrient intake.

In conclusion, gender-specific sports nutrition strategies can enhance performance and mitigate health risks by addressing differences in metabolism, hormonal status, and nutrient demands. The current findings support tailored interventions, but further longitudinal and intervention-based studies are required to develop robust, evidence-based guidelines for both male and female athletes across diverse sporting contexts.