Introduction:
Caffeine is a common ergogenic aid in both power and endurance sports, yet its performance effects vary widely among individuals, largely due to genetic differences. CYP1A2 and ADORA2A influence caffeine metabolism rate and central nervous system responsiveness, while ACTN3, AMPD1, ADRB2, AGTR2, HFE, and NOS3 affect power and endurance capacities. This case report evaluates an athlete’s caffeine-related genetic profile alongside their power and endurance potential to develop personalized nutrition and training recommendations.

Methods:
An anonymized genetic panel from a male athlete, obtained through an Epigenetic Coaching test, was analyzed. The participant provided informed consent for the anonymized use of his data in research. Genotypes related to caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2, ADORA2A), power (ACTN3, AMPD1, ADRB2), and endurance (AGTR2, HFE, NOS3) were assessed and compared with performance-related polymorphisms in the literature to create individualized strategies.

Results:
The athlete showed intermediate caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2 AC) and low performance-enhancement response (ADORA2A CC), suggesting limited ergogenic benefit and possible adverse effects with high caffeine intake. Power genotypes ACTN3 CT and AMPD1 CC indicated moderate fast-twitch fiber activity and anaerobic capacity, while ADRB2 GG supported explosive power potential. Endurance genotypes AGTR2 CC and HFE CG were linked to advantages in oxygen transport and aerobic efficiency, though NOS3 CT limited elite-level endurance potential. The recommended plan included high-intensity strength training 2–3 times per week, moderate-intensity endurance training 3–4 times per week, and limiting caffeine intake to <3 mg/kg at least two hours pre-exercise.

Conclusion:
Assessing caffeine-related genetic variants alongside power and endurance profiles is useful for determining optimal ergogenic support and training strategies. A nutrigenetic-based personalized approach can enhance performance while minimizing adverse effects.

For the last few decades, plant bioactive molecules in various formulations, such as herbal medicines or dietary supplements, have been increasingly recommended for enhancing overall psycho-physical performance and resilience. The focus is directed towards natural sources of antioxidants, which not only provide health protection but also contribute to enhancing physical performance, accelerating recovery, and reducing oxidative stress through sports nutrition. Supplementation with anthocyanins has been identified as a means to accelerate recovery following intense physical activity, reduce inflammatory processes, and modulate vascular function in both recreational and professional athletes.

The main aim of this study was to perform quantitative analysis of anthocyanins in a few natural fruit juices, obtained from Punica granatum (pomegranate), Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), Vitis vinifera (grape), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), and Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry), that were found locally in the region of North Macedonia. Additionally, several other parameters were evaluated, including pH, organic acid content, and Brix values, in order to serve as evidence for their rational use as nutritional and functional potential for targeted supplementation.

The results indicated significant variations depending mainly on the type of fruit the juices were obtained from. Pomegranate and bilberry juices exhibited the lowest pH values (3.16 and 3.29, respectively), consistent with conditions favoring anthocyanin stability. Pomegranate and elderberry samples demonstrated the highest titratable acidity. Chokeberry juice recorded the highest Brix value (26.2 °Brix), reflecting elevated levels of soluble solids. Elderberry juice demonstrated the highest measured concentration of total anthocyanins (>3.20 mg/L) and the highest measured concentration of monomeric anthocyanins (>1,50 mg/L).

These findings provide evidence that natural fruit juices rich in anthocyanins represent an easily accessible and nutritionally valuable alternative to synthetic supplements, particularly in the context of sports nutrition. Among the examined samples, elderberry juice appeared to be the most effective choice, supporting its potential application in functional and sports-related nutrition or dietary supplementation.

Background: Rhythmic gymnastics demands high technical precision, aesthetic standards, and optimal body composition—factors that increase vulnerability to restrictive eating patterns. Implementing sustainable diets in this context requires ensuring peak performance while addressing psychological risk factors, particularly the early predictors of anorexia nervosa.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a sustainable, performance-oriented nutrition program combined with predictive screening for anorexia risk in competitive rhythmic gymnasts.

Methods: Twenty-eight elite and pre-elite rhythmic gymnasts (mean age 17.8 ± 2.3 years) underwent a 12-week intervention integrating plant-forward, seasonally sourced diets with optimized macronutrient timing and micronutrient adequacy. Psychological risk was assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction subscales) and the SCOFF questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Performance outcomes included flexibility, balance, and aerobic endurance tests; dietary sustainability was assessed via estimated GHG emissions and water footprint.

Results: The program maintained or improved technical performance (flexibility +5.4%, aerobic endurance +4.9%) while reducing average predicted anorexia risk scores by 18% (p<0.05). Environmental indicators showed a 24% reduction in GHG emissions and 20% lower water footprint without nutrient deficits.

Conclusions: Sustainable nutrition plans, when combined with early predictive screening for anorexia risk, can preserve performance and enhance mental well-being in rhythmic gymnasts. This approach supports both athlete health and environmental responsibility, providing a replicable model for aesthetic sports.

Introduction: In recent years, shifts in children’s lifestyle habits have adversely affected their health, particularly through rising obesity rates and increased consumption of sugar-sweetened and energy drinks. These dietary patterns often correlate with sedentary behaviors and reduced physical activity. This study aimed to examine the consumption of sugary and energy drinks among children and its association with participation in sports.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving primary school children from educational centers in Pontevedra, Spain. An ad hoc online questionnaire was developed to collect sociodemographic data and assess key variables related to the consumption of energy and sugar-sweetened drinks.

Results: A total of 94 children participated (aged 8–12 years; 52.1% boys). Consumption of soft and energy drinks during sports activities was generally low. However, 31% of children reported consuming soft drinks during leisure time. Regarding sports drinks, 16% consumed them during leisure time and 11.7% during physical activity. The main reasons cited for consuming these beverages during sports included enhancing strength (18.1%), maintaining maximum intensity (17.0%), and supporting aerobic endurance (12.8%).

Conclusion: Children were more likely to consume sugary and energy drinks during leisure time than during sports practice. Despite relatively low intake during physical activity, some children believed these drinks improved physical performance. These findings underscore the importance of early educational interventions to dispel misconceptions and encourage healthier hydration habits.

Background: Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris, CM) is a fungus with a long history and is widely used in folk medicine. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a two-week CM supplementation on lipid peroxidation and muscle damage after exhaustion exercise. Methods: Eight healthy men completed a double-blind, crossover trial, receiving either CM or a placebo for two weeks. After two weeks of supplementation, they performed an acute exhaustion exercise test at 80% VO₂max, with the treadmill exhaustion time recorded. Blood samples were collected before and after the exhaustion test to measure the biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, creatine kinase, and fatigue-related biochemical markers (glucose, lactate, ammonia). Results: Our results showed no significant increase in treadmill exhaustion time with CM supplementation compared to the placebo trial. However, the MDA levels were significantly lower following the exercise challenge in the CM trial (p < 0.05), which reflects the effect of Cordyceps militaris in preventing lipid peroxidation induced by exhaustive exercise. However, there were no significant differences in fatigue-related biochemical markers or muscle damage biomarkers between the CM and placebo trials. Conclusions: Based on the markers used in the present study, our results indicate that two weeks of CM supplementation may potentially prevent exercise-induced lipid peroxidation, but do not appear to influence muscle damage and fatigue-related biochemistry.

Introduction:
Regular physical activity improves overall health and reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases. These benefits have been linked to positive shifts in gut microbiota composition; however, the molecular mechanisms driving these adaptations remain unclear. Fecal microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve as mediators connecting exercise, inflammation, and microbial regulation.

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on fecal miRNA expression and explore its relationship with gut microbiota composition and inflammatory profiles.

Methods:

A total of 27 healthy adults (aged 20–45) were recruited and classified according to their physical activity level, including trained individuals (≥3 sessions/week, 60–90 min, moderate–high intensity). Participants were clustered by IL-6 and LPS plasma levels into three inflammatory profiles (low, moderate, high). From these, six trained subjects (two per cluster) were selected and compared with one sedentary participant (<1 session/week). Fecal miRNAs were quantified using TaqMan Array Cards (ThermoFisher) assessing 386 miRNA, while gut microbiota composition was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. Microbial associations with IL-6 and LPS were analyzed via MaAsLin2.

Results:
The clustering approach identified three distinct inflammatory groups. MaAsLin2 analysis showed that Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group were positively associated with lower IL-6 and LPS levels, suggesting an anti-inflammatory microbial signature in trained individuals. Conversely, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, and Solobacterium were negatively correlated with these markers. Exercise-modulated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-1-3p and hsa-miR-92a-3p, were related to cardiac function, angiogenesis, and endothelial regulation. The integration of miRNA and microbiota datasets is currently ongoing to identify shared mechanistic pathways.

Conclusions:
These preliminary findings suggest that regular exercise modulates the expression of specific fecal miRNAs, potentially influencing host–microbiota interactions. Integration of demographic, inflammatory, microbiota, and transcriptomic data in larger cohorts is required to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interplay between physical activity, fecal miRNAs, and gut microbial dynamics.

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen implicated in the onset and progression of periodontal disease, primarily due to its ability to form resilient biofilms and express virulence factors that disrupt host immune responses. Conventional treatments, such as mechanical debridement and chemical antimicrobials, often face limitations including resistance development and cytotoxicity. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to produce bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a promising alternative for oral health applications. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory and antibiofilm activities of LAB-derived metabolites against P. gingivalis. Methods: Selected LAB strains (Lactiplantibacillus rhamnosus SUK1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T2), isolated from human milk and tempeh, were cultured anaerobically in MRS broth at 37°C for 48 hours. The resulting supernatants were centrifuged, filtered, and treated with NaOH, catalase, and proteinase K to obtain treated cell-free supernatants (TCFS). These were subsequently lyophilized to produce L-TCFS. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed using broth microdilution assays, while antibiofilm activity was evaluated using crystal violet staining. Results: All TCFS and L-TCFS samples demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against P. gingivalis. Among them, L-TCFS from a mixture strain S2 at a concentration of 50 mg/ml exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, achieving an 80.15% reduction in bacterial growth. This sample outperformed individual strain treatments including T2 and SUK1. Additionally, L-TCFS samples effectively reduced biofilm formation, although 0.12% chlorhexidine remained the most potent agent in comparison. Conclusion: LAB-derived metabolites, particularly L-TCFS from the mixture strain S2, exhibit strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against P. gingivalis. These findings suggest their potential as safer alternatives or adjunct therapies in the management of periodontal disease, contributing to the development of microbiome-friendly oral care solutions.

The gut microbiota plays a central role in host metabolism, immunity, and overall function and is therefore of value for studies in sports nutrition. However, aside from its beneficial functionalities, the gut also harbours a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), collectively referred to as the resistome. Athletes, due to their specialised eating patterns, routine supplement intake, and elite-level physical exercise, may exhibit distinct microbiota alterations that can influence ARG abundance and dissemination. This study examines the intersection of sports dietetics, gut microbiota patterns, and antimicrobial resistance, with an emphasis on the resistome as the missing link to athlete health and sports performance. High-protein, specialised diets, probiotics, and energy-enhancing nutraceuticals modulate gut microbial ecology, either favouring or disfavoring the carriage of ARGs. Advances in metagenomics and functional microbiomics indicate that exercise-induced enrichment of selected microbiota (e.g., Prevotella and Akkermansia species) may reshape the resistome landscape and influence infection susceptibility as well as antibiotic responsiveness. Furthermore, sport-specific stress factors, such as repeated minor infections, antibiotic use, and co-training settings, can enhance ARG transmission. Understanding the gut resistome in athletes not only enhances our understanding of microbiota–performance interactions but also underscores the importance of infection control, individualised sports nutrition, and pharmaceutical and biotechnological interventions. Modulating the gut resistome using functional foodstuffs, synbiotics, and probiotics, which are designed to act selectively on specific resistome constituents, holds promise for optimising performance while minimising the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Integrated microbiome–resistome surveillance in sports science can develop safer and more effective nutrition models for athletes.

Introduction:
The gut microbiota consists of microorganisms inhabiting various body sites, playing essential roles in pathogen defense, digestion, vitamin synthesis, and immune regulation. In the gut, dominant phyla include Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Exercise, especially endurance training, can modulate microbiota composition, increasing metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which benefit metabolism and inflammation. This study aimed to assess gut microbiota composition in elite female futsal players across a competitive season.

Materials and Methods:
A longitudinal descriptive observational study was conducted on 14 elite female futsal players. Quarterly, a food frequency questionnaire (CFA-95) and fecal samples were collected using self-sampling kits (Ubiome,inc. United States). Participants received sampling instructions and nutritional guidance to optimize diet and microbiota diversity. For each sample, the amplicons of the 16S rDNA region were individually barcoded and sequenced in multiplex mode on the NextSeq 500 platform, using 150 bp paired-end reads. Taxonomic classification was performed using reference cluster (99% similarity groups) against SILVA 138.1 database to determine relative abundances.

Results:
The mean diversity index was 7.96 ± 0.46, with a Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of 2.03 ± 0.079. Relative abundances were as follows: Actinobacteria, 0.40 ± 5.63; Proteobacteria, 0.87 ± 1.57; and Lactobacillus, 1.38 ± 5.02. An increase in Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria was observed towards the season’s end.

Discussion:
The reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio may reflect a lower risk of obesity-related metabolic profiles. Higher Actinobacteria abundance is linked to improved immune function and reduced intestinal inflammation, potentially supporting sustained performance. Verrucomicrobia, notably Akkermansia, may enhance intestinal barrier protection. Lower Proteobacteria levels could indicate a reduced susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases.

Conclusion:
Elite female futsal players exhibited a stable, less inflammation-prone microbial environment in their gut microbiota profiles. This composition may optimize energy metabolism and immune modulation. Microbiota profiling could serve as a potential biomarker for intestinal health and athletic performance.

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii has demonstrated potential in obesity intervention, both as a standalone therapy and as a complementary strategy to exercise. Recent studies suggest that S. boulardii may enhance exercise-induced weight loss by improving metabolic efficiency and gut barrier function. Notably, clinical trials have shown that S. boulardii supplementation combined with aerobic exercise can significantly improve body composition parameters beyond exercise alone, likely through its modulation of exercise-induced gut microbiota alterations. However, its efficacy is often limited by low survival rates under gastrointestinal (GI) stress. In this study, we investigated whether exogenous fatty acid supplementation could augment S. boulardii’s GI tolerance and therapeutic effects. Pre-culturing S. boulardii with linoleic acid (LA) significantly increased its GI stress resistance from 47.1% to 60.4%. In obese mice, LA-pre-treated S. boulardii administration resulted in greater weight reduction compared to untreated yeast, mimicking the synergistic effects observed in exercise-probiotic combined therapies. Fecal microbiome analysis revealed that LA-pre-treated S. boulardii elevated the relative abundance of fungal yeast populations and beneficial bacterial genera (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium), suggesting improved probiotic survival and gut microbiota modulation. These findings demonstrate that fatty acid pre-treatment enhances S. boulardii’s anti-obesity effects by boosting its GI survivability and enriching probiotic microbiota, offering a novel strategy to optimize probiotic-based therapies for metabolic disorders, including those adjunct to exercise regimens.