Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity

Protein-enriched intermittent meal replacement combined with moderate-intensity training for weight loss and body composition in overweight women

The global rise in overweight and obesity has been exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and suboptimal dietary habits. Traditional weight loss methods often struggle with adherence due to restrictive diets and metabolic adaptations. Intermittent meal replacement (IMR), incorporating formulated protein-enriched nutritional shakes, has emerged as a potential strategy for weight management. However, its combined effects with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a weight loss method incorporating formulated protein-enriched nutritional shake IMR in conjunction with MICT workout for overweight female adults. This 8-week parallel randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of protein-enriched IMR combined with MICT on weight loss and body composition in overweight female adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either the MICT group or MICT + IMR group. Body composition, hematological, and urinary biomarkers were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The MICT + IMR Group achieved a greater reduction in body weight (-3.70 kg vs. -1.17 kg, p < 0.001) and body fat mass (-2.25 kg vs. -1.19 kg, p < 0.001) compared to the MICT group. Additionally, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels significantly improved in the MICT + IMR Group, suggesting enhanced metabolic regulation. IMR, when combined with MICT, is a viable strategy for short-term weight loss in overweight women, offering improved fat reduction and metabolic benefits compared to exercise alone.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR2300076750. Registered 17 October 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=197611 .

Effects of carotenoid supplementation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of carotenoid supplementation on glycemic indices, and the certainty of evidence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI-Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception up to Jun 17, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of carotenoid supplementation on circulating glycemic parameters were included. Records were excluded when studies reported the effect of co-interventions with other nutrients, did not provide mean differences (MDs) and standard deviations (SD) for outcomes, or administered whole food rather than supplements of carotenoids. Summary mean differences (MDs) and 95% CI between intervention and control groups were estimated using a random-effects model. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool.

RESULTS

Overall, 36 publications with 45 estimated effect sizes were included in the meta-analyses. The overall findings showed an improvement in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD = -4.54 mg/dl; 95% CI: -5.9, -3.2; n = 45), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) (MD = -0.25% (95% CI: -0.4, -0.11; n = 22) in the intervention group in comparison with the control group. Moreover, in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), interventions with astaxanthin and fucoxanthin led to a reduction in FBG by 4.36 mg/dl (95% CI: -6.13, -2.6; n = 10). The findings also showed that the intervention with crocin reduced FBG levels by 13.5 mg/dl (95% CI: -15.5, -7.8; n = 5), and HbA1C by 0.55% (95% CI: -0.77, -0.34; n = 5) in individuals with T2D. However, the certainty of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

Carotenoid's supplementation improved glycemic parameters especially in people with T2D. However. the certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to small sample size, and indirectness. Therefore, no specific recommendations can be provided at present and well-designed RCTs are required. REGISTRY URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ REGISTRY NUMBER: CRD42021285084 REGISTRY AND REGISTRY NUMBER FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS OR META-ANALYSES: PROSPERO ID: CRD42021285084.

Exercise Training and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Males with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Physical exercise has been established as an effective intervention for reducing cardiovascular mortality. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of various exercise modalities on cardiovascular risk factors in men with obesity. Materials and Methods: This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2005 and November 2023. Studies were eligible if they assessed the impact of exercise interventions on blood pressure (BP), lipid profiles, and glucose/insulin regulation in males aged 18 years or older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: A total of 25 RCTs were included in the analysis, with PEDro scores ranging from 3 to 7. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) was associated with significant reductions in BP, with an average decrease of 12.5 mmHg. However, the magnitude of BP reduction varied across studies, likely due to differences in training protocols and study quality. Resistance training (RT) was associated with modest improvements in glycemic control, with some studies reporting a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels by 5-10%. Combined exercise (CT) programs, which included both aerobic and resistance training, as well as aerobic exercise alone, were shown to improve lipid profiles, with some studies showing reductions in total cholesterol levels ranging from 10-15%. However, the findings were inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the potential benefits and optimal exercise regimens. Conclusions: This systematic review supports the potential of exercise training in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in men with obesity, though the effectiveness varies depends on the type of exercise. Combined exercise programs have shown promise for lipid profiles, but further research is needed to confirm these effects. HIIT has been linked to BP reductions in some studies, although the results are inconsistent and depend on protocols and study quality. The limitations in study quality may impact the reliability of these findings.

Acute effects of different physical activity on executive function and regulation role of beta oscillation in sedentary youth frontal region

Chronic sedentary behavior can have a negative impact on the executive function (EF) of young people. While physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve this phenomenon, the effects of different types of PA on EF vary. In this study, we compared the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) (60-70% HRmax, 30 min), body weight training (BWT) (2 sets tabata, 20 min), and mind-body exercise (MBE) (2 sets Yang style shadowboxing, 20 min) on EF in 59 sedentary youth (n = 59, age = 20.36 ± 1.78, BMI = 24.91 ± 1.82, P>0.05) to identify the optimal dose of PA for improving EF. Metrics related to the EF task paradigm included stop signal, electroencephalogram (EEG), event-related potential (ERP), P300, N200, error-related negativity (ERN), and error positivity (Pe). error positivity (Pe), and β-wave in frontal lobe; training monitoring, including heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), and dual-mode model (DMM); load assessment, including Edward's TRIMP (TRIMP) and session-RPE (s-RPE). The study results indicate that BWT significantly improved accuracy in terms of EF (F = 16.84, P = 0.0381) and was comparable to MICT in terms of shortening reaction time (F = 58.03, P = 0.0217; F = 75.49, P = 0.0178). Regarding ERP, BWT reduced the amplitude values of N200 compared to ERN (F = 44.35, P = 0.0351; F = 48.68, P = 0.0317), increased P300 compared to Pe (F = 97.72, P<0.01; F = 29.56, P = 0.0189), and shortened P300 latency (F = 1.84, P = 0.0406). In contrast, MICT was only effective for P300 with Pe (F = 66.59, P = 0.0194; F = 21.04, P = 0.0342) and shortened N200 latency (F = 27.29, P = 0.0411). The increase in total amplitude and β-oscillation in terms of EEG was proportional to the exercise intensity, with the difference between MICT and BWT being present at 5-20 Hz, and MBE at 10-15 Hz. Regarding training load, the order of HR, RPE, TRIMP, and s-RPE was BWT > MICT > MBE (F = 202.69; F = 114.69; F = 114.69; P = 0.0342). The latency of N200 was also shortened (F = 27.29, P = 0.0411). The results showed that PA improves EF in sedentary youth, although BWT works best, it leads to a decrease in motor perception. Initially, MICT was scheduled alongside MBE and later replaced with BWT. This may help establish an exercise habit while improving EF.

The Effects of Astaxanthin on Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a complex cluster of metabolic disorders primarily characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia. Diet and functional ingredients play a pivotal role in seeking non-pharmacological strategies to prevent and ameliorate MS. Astaxanthin (AST), a carotenoid found in various marine organisms, exhibits exceptional antioxidant properties and holds great promise as a natural compound that improves MS. This article introduces the basic properties of AST, including its absorptance and metabolic pathways, along with various isomers. Most importantly, we comprehensively review the effects and mechanisms of AST on improving the primary components of MS. These mechanisms primarily involve regulating signal transduction, transport, or metabolic pathways within the body, as well as influencing intestinal microbiota and metabolites, thereby exerting positive effects on metabolism and inhibiting the occurrence of MS. This review emphasizes the potential efficacy of AST in managing MS. However, more studies are needed to confirm the clinical effect of AST on MS and reveal potential molecular mechanisms.

Antioxidant Lipid Supplement on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The efficacy of functional lipids with antioxidant properties in reducing cardiovascular risk has not been consistent. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting estimates for the effects of antioxidant functional lipid supplementations on cardiometabolic risk factors were searched up to 1 May 2024. Overall, antioxidant lipid supplementations, compared with placebo, had favorable effects on systolic blood pressure (lycopene: -1.95 [-3.54, -0.36] mmHg), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n6 fatty acid: -0.39 [-0.71, -0.06] mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.11 [-0.21, -0.01] mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n3 fatty acid: 0.20 [0.13, 0.27] mmol/L; n6 fatty acid: 0.08 [0.01, 0.14] mmol/L; astaxanthin: 0.13 [0.05, 0.21] mmol/L), total cholesterol (n6 fatty acid: -0.24 [-0.37, -0.11] mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.22 [-0.32, -0.12] mmol/L; beta-carotene: -0.13 [-0.23, -0.04] mmol/L), triglyceride (n3 fatty acid: -0.37 [-0.47, -0.28] mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.46 [-0.83, -0.10] mmol/L), and fasting blood insulin (astaxanthin: -2.66 [-3.98, -1.34] pmol/L). The benefits of antioxidant lipid supplementations appeared to be most evident in blood pressure and blood lipids in participants with different cardiometabolic health statuses. Notably, n9 fatty acid increased triglyceride and hemoglobin A1C in the total population, which increases CVD risk. Antioxidant lipid supplementations ameliorate cardiometabolic risk factors, while their effect may depend on type and cardiometabolic health status. Long-term RCTs are needed to corroborate risk-benefit ratios across different antioxidant functional lipid supplementation settings.

The Combined Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise Training and Dietary Supplementation on Reduction of Body Fat in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review

Excessive body fat is associated with various comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and certain types of cancer. The search for effective, relatively easy to maintain body-fat reduction interventions has been ongoing. We aimed to review the current literature to assess the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training with and without dietary supplementation on body fat loss, concentration of markers of metabolic health and aerobic capacity of adults with overweight and obesity. Seventy full-text articles were assessed to determine their eligibility and thirteen were included in the review. The methodology of this systematic review was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Almost all studies (93%) demonstrated effectiveness of high-intensity interval training of various protocols in reducing body fat, improving metabolic health and aerobic capacity of adults with overweight and obesity. These effects were enhanced by an addition of a dietary supplement, such as green tea or ginger or other. Although combining HIIT with dietary supplementation seem to improve body composition, metabolic health and aerobic capacity in adults with overweight and obesity in some instances to a greater extent than HIIT alone, it does not seem to be necessary to combine these two interventions.

Nutrition and Exercise Interventions on Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Injury and Recovery: From Mechanisms to Therapy

Interventional strategies involving nutrition and physical exercise have been widely proposed to positively modulate skeletal muscle function, in both physiological and pathological states, such as obesity, T2DM, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, aging, and sarcopenia [...].

Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity

Regular physical activity and the use of nutritional supplements, including antioxidants, are recognized as efficacious approaches for the prevention and mitigation of obesity-related complications. This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of CrossFit training combined with astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on some plasma adipokines in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity (BMI: 33.6 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CG; n = 11), ASX supplementation group (SG; n = 11), CrossFit group (TG; n = 11), and training plus supplement group (TSG; n = 11). Participants underwent 12 weeks of supplementation with ASX or placebo (20 mg/day capsule daily), CrossFit training, or a combination of both interventions. Plasma levels of semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), apelin, chemerin, omentin1, visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, leptin, vaspin, and RBP4 were measured 72 h before the first training session and after the last training session. The plasma levels of all measured adipokines were significantly altered in SG, TG, and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The reduction of resistin was significantly higher in TSG than in SG (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of omentin1 were significantly higher in both training groups of TG and TSG than SG (p < 0.05), although such a meaningful difference was not observed between both training groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the reductions of plasma levels of vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemerin, and SEMA3C between the SG and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The study found that a 12-week intervention using ASX supplementation and CrossFit exercises resulted in significant improvements in several adipokines among male individuals with obesity. Notably, the combined approach of supplementation and training had the most pronounced results. The findings presented in this study indicate that the supplementation of ASX and participation in CrossFit exercise have the potential to be effective therapies in mitigating complications associated with obesity and enhancing metabolic health.

Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.