Açai pulp supplementation as a nutritional strategy to prevent oxidative damage, improve oxidative status, and modulate blood lactate of male cyclists

Effects of acai supplementation (Euterpe precatoria Mart) on muscle recovery markers after jump protocol

The objective was to evaluate the effects of acai supplementation (AS) on markers of muscle damage. Twelve men participated in the 21-day study. All performed the damage protocol (DP) in two moments, separated by 7 days. The DP consisted of 10 sets of 10 CMJs, with a recovery of 1 min between sets. The AS was performed for 7 days with 40 g/day of dehydrated acai (GA) or placebo (GP). Blood parameters (CK, LDH and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity - TEAC) were evaluated at 0 h and 24 h. Ultrasound images (VL, RF and GM), DOMS in lower limbs and isometric peak torque (IPT) of knee extensors and flexors were evaluated at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after DP. A time-treatment interaction was observed for TEAC (p = 0.01), in which the GA presented increases of 11% after 24 h. Similarly, time-treatment interaction was observed for knee flexors IPT (p = 0.02), where GA showed superior recovery after 24 h (GA = 108 ± 23 vs. GP = 92 ± 24 N∙m) and 72 h (GA = 113 ± 31 vs. GP = 98 ± 26 N∙m). No significance was observed in the fatigue index for knee extensors (p = 0.75) and flexors (p = 0.89), indicating similar fatigue in both situations. We concluded that AS increased the TEAC and promoted faster recovery of the knee flexors IPT when compared to GP.

The Effect of Berry Consumption on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Humans

Bioactive compounds in berries may scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. Evidence shows that berry consumption has beneficial health effects, though it remains unclear whether berries exert a significant impact on oxidative stress in humans. Thus, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine the effects of non-acute (more than a single dose and ≥7 days) berry consumption on biomarkers of oxidative stress. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus; results were imported into Covidence for screening and data extraction. The literature search identified 622 studies that were screened, and 131 full-text studies assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 28 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Common biomarkers of oxidative stress (antioxidants, DNA damage, isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, and oxidized LDL) were systematically reviewed, and results were reported narratively. Of the approximate 56 oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated in the 28 RCTs, 32% of the biomarkers were reported to have statistically significant beneficial results and 68% of the biomarkers were reported as having no statistically significant differences. More well-designed and longer-term berry RCTs are needed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Use of the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay for the Detection of DNA-protective Dietary Factors: Results of Human Intervention Studies

The single cell gel electrophoresis technique is based on the measurement of DNA migration in an electric field and enables to investigate via determination of DNA-damage the impact of foods and their constituents on the genetic stability. DNA-damage leads to adverse effects including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and infertility. In the last 25 years approximately 90 human intervention trials have been published in which DNA-damage, formation of oxidized bases, alterations of the sensitivity towards reactive oxygen species and chemicals and of repair functions were investigated with this technique. In approximately 50% of the studies protective effects were observed. Pronounced protection was found with certain plant foods (spinach, kiwi fruits, onions), coffee, green tea, honey and olive oil. Also diets with increased contents of vegetables caused positive effects. Small amounts of certain phenolics (gallic acid, xanthohumol) prevented oxidative damage of DNA; with antioxidant vitamins and cholecalciferol protective effects were only detected after intake of doses that exceed the recommended daily uptake values. The evaluation of the quality of the studies showed that many have methodological shortcomings (lack of controls, no calibration of repair enzymes, inadequate control of the compliance and statistical analyses) which should be avoided in future investigations.

Influence of 5-Week Snack Supplementation with the Addition of Gelatin Hydrolysates from Carp Skins on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Balance Disturbances (TOS, TAS) in a Group of Athletes

The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)—17, placebo (P)—16, control (C)—16) practicing endurance disciplines. Selected somatic indices and maximal oxygen uptake/m (VO2max) were measured. Based on VO2max, an individual exercise intensity was selected with predominating eccentric contractions (60% VO2max). The conducted tests consisted of 2 series (1st—graded and eccentric, 2nd—eccentric). The experimental group consumed a snack with added gelatin hydrolysates from carp skins for 5 weeks in between the series, the placebo—a snack without added hydrolysates, and in the control—no supplementation was implemented. Blood samples were taken before, and 1, 24 and 48 h after completion of the eccentric test. TAS and TOC concentrations in the blood plasma were assessed. No significant changes in TOS/TOC and TAS/TAC concentrations were noted between the 1st and the 2nd test series, before or following the eccentric test in the control and placebo groups. In the measurements performed 1, 24 and 48 h after completion, the observed differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). After 5 weeks of snack consumption, an increase from medium to high antioxidant potential was observed for E. Differences between the 1st and the 2nd test series were of high statistical significance (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance indices between successive series allow to confirm antioxidant effects and indicate possibilities for its implementation, not only in sports.

Cultural differences in hydration practices among physically active individuals: a narrative review

It is well-established that appropriate hydration practices are essential in promoting health and optimizing performance and recovery. However, evidence-based hydration guidelines may not be adopted due to cultural differences across countries, such as religious beliefs, traditions, preferences, and beverage availability. Examples of hydration practices influenced by culture include beer consumption after sports in Western countries, consumption of sugarcane juice in India and Ramadan fasting among Muslims. For most cultural hydration practices, there is limited scientific evidence on their effects on rehydration, exercise performance, and recovery. Despite possible benefits of various hydration practices on exercise performance and recovery, they are inconsistent with current evidence-based hydration recommendations. More research on the impacts of cultural hydration differences on physiology, performance, and recovery is warranted to allow evidence-based guidelines and advisories.

Abbreviations: ABV: alcohol by volume, ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine, NATA: National Athletic Trainers’ Association, ROS: reactive oxygen species, TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fruit-Derived Anthocyanins: Effects on Cycling-Induced Responses and Cycling Performance

Previous evidence has shown that the consumption of fruit-derived anthocyanins may have exercise benefits. This review aimed to summarize the effects of fruit-derived anthocyanins on cycling-induced responses and cycling performance. Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus online databases were searched. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The fruit-derived anthocyanins used in these studies were from cherry (n = 6), blackcurrant (n = 8), pomegranate (n = 2), açai (n = 1), and juçara fruit (n = 2), and were offered in juice, pulp, powder, freeze-dried powder, and extract form. The supplementation time ranged from acute consumption to 20 days, and the amount of anthocyanins administered in the studies ranged from 18 to 552 mg/day. The studies addressed effects on oxidative stress (n = 5), inflammation (n = 4), muscle damage (n = 3), fatigue (n = 2), nitric oxide biomarkers (n = 2), vascular function (n = 2), muscle oxygenation (n = 2), performance (n = 14), substrate oxidation (n = 6), and cardiometabolic markers (n = 3). The potential ergogenic effect of anthocyanin supplementation on cycling-induced responses seems to be related to lower oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and fatigue, and increased production of nitric oxide, with subsequent improvements in vascular function and muscle oxygenation leading to improved performance. In addition, the observed increase in fat oxidation can direct nutritional strategies to change the use of substrate and improve performance.

Effect of açai supplementation (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) associated with exercise in animals and human: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Objective This scoping review aimed to map evidence on açai supplementation combined with exercise in animal and/or human experimental studies. Methods The search considered six electronic databases and screening of relevant references. The selection process and data extraction were performed by two independent authors. The study characteristics, and AS (e.g., form, intervention time, amount ingested) and exercise (e.g., types, intensity, and duration) strategies were summarized, as well as their reported results. Results From an initial total of 342 studies identified; 11 (5 with animal and 6 with human models) were eligible. In animals, açai supplementation and exercise led to benefits in exercise tolerance and improvements in several hemodynamic parameters, as well as significant improvements in liver markers and glucose metabolism. In humans, açai supplementation indicated positive results in increasing exhaustion time to 90% of VO2max and increasing intensity at the anaerobic threshold. Conclusion We conclude that future research involving animals and humans should examine açai supplementation and exercise with (a) obesity models to test the effect of adiponectin on body composition with analysis of histological and histochemical parameters; (b) eccentric injury protocols with the incorporation of muscle quality variables to assess recovery; (c) chronic açai supplementation and strength training; (d) comparison of different forms of açai supplementation in exercise protocols.

The Relieving Effects of a Polyherb-Based Dietary Supplement ColonVita on Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) in Older Adults with Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms Are Influenced by Age and Cardiovascular Disease: A 12-Week Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms (CGS) negatively affect the quality of life in about 15–30% of the population without effective drugs. Recent studies suggest that dietary supplement may improve CGS, but inconsistent results exist. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of a polyherbal-based supplement ColonVita on the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) in 100 old adults with CGS (63.1 ± 9.6 years) who were randomly assigned to daily ColonVita or placebo tablets (n = 50/group) for 12 weeks in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial design. No significant fibrdifferences were found between ColonVita and placebo in the baseline total GIQLI score (101.12 ± 16.87 vs. 101.80 ± 16.48) (P > 0.05) or postintervention total GIQLI score (114.78 ± 9.62 vs. 111.74 ± 13.01) (P > 0.05). However, ColonVita significantly improved 16 scores of the 19 core GI symptoms compared with 10 items improved by placebo. The ColonVita group significantly improved the remission rate of 5 core GI symptoms compared to placebo and significantly improved the total GIQLI scores (118.09 ± 7.88 vs. 109.50 ± 16.71) (P < 0.05) and core GI symptom scores (64.61 ± 3.99 vs. 60.00 ± 8.65) (P < 0.05) in people ≥60 years of age (n = 49) but not in those under 60 y (n = 51). ColonVita significantly improved the total GIQLI scores and core GI symptom scores in people without cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (n = 56) (116.74 ± 9.38 vs. 110.10 ± 14.28) (P < 0.05) and (63.11 ± 4.53 vs. 59.93 ± 8.03) (P=0.07), respectively, but not in those with CVD (n = 44). Thus, ColonVita was beneficial for old adults with CGS, especially those ≥60 years of age and without CVD. Because a heterogenous pathogenesis of CGS-like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (ISD) is differentially associated with CVD, different comorbidities may have influenced the outcomes of different trials that should be controlled in further studies.

Biological activities of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) intake in humans: an integrative review of clinical trials

Açaí (E. oleracea) and juçara (E. edulis) are berries considered a source of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, with recognized health-promoting activities. An integrative review was conducted to identify available clinical trials that evaluated the effects of açaí and juçara intake on the human organism. Science Direct and Medline databases were searched. Human studies that evaluated any biological activities after açaí and juçara intake were included in this review. Twenty-three clinical trials were identified up to April 12, 2020. Studies evaluated the biological effects of açaí (n = 17), juçara (n = 5), or both berries simultaneously (n = 1). The results of these trials suggest both types of berries may contribute to improved antioxidant defense and to attenuating metabolic stress and inflammation. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed among trials, and few studies explored the bioactive compounds of the food matrix provided in the interventions. More clinical trials are encouraged to strengthen the current evidence on human biological outcomes, including comparative analysis between these berries.