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To identify how variables such as exercise condition, supplementation strategy, participant characteristics and demographics, and practices that control oral microbiota diversity could modify the effect of inorganic nitrate ingestion (as nitrate salt supplements, beetroot juice, and nitrate-rich vegetables) on exercise performance, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. Studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of inorganic nitrate on exercise performance in healthy adults. To assess the variation in effect size, we used meta-regression models for continuous variables and subgroup analysis for categorical variables. A total of 123 studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 1705 participants. Nitrate was effective for improving exercise performance (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.101; 95% CI: 0.051, 0.151, P <0.001, I2 = 0%), although nitrate salts supplementation was not as effective (P = 0.629) as ingestion via beetroot juice (P <0.001) or a high-nitrate diet (P = 0.005). Practices that control oral microbiota diversity influenced the nitrate effect, with practices harmful to oral bacteria decreasing the ergogenic effect of nitrate. The ingestion of nitrate was most effective for exercise lasting between 2 and 10 min (P <0.001). An inverse dose-response relation between the fraction of inspired oxygen and the effect size (coefficient: -0.045, 95% CI: -0.085, -0.005, P = 0.028) suggests that nitrate was more effective in increasingly hypoxic conditions. There was a dose-response relation for acute administration (P = 0.049). The most effective acute dose was between 5 and 14.9 mmol provided ≥150 min prior to exercise (P <0.001). An inverse dose-response for protocols ≥2 d was observed (P = 0.025), with the optimal dose between 5 and 9.9 mmol·d-1 (P <0.001). Nitrate, via beetroot juice or a high-nitrate diet, improved exercise performance, in particular, in sessions lasting between 2 and 10 min. Ingestion of 5-14.9 mmol⋅d-1 taken ≥150 min prior to exercise appears optimal for performance gains and athletes should be aware that practices controlling oral microbiota diversity may decrease the effect of nitrate., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.)

The aim of this study was to compare two different maximal intensity exercise modality training protocols of similar durations on muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb composition in recreationally trained men. Twenty-five trained men (28.9 ± 5.6 years) were randomly divided into Cycle ergometer (4 sets of 30 seconds sprints) and Leg press (4 sets of 10-12 repetitions to momentary failure). Both groups trained three times a week for 5 weeks. Before and after the training period, the participants performed a 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test for knee extension, an incremental exercise test on a treadmill for time to exhaustion (TTE) and peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2peak ) and underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess lower limb composition. Knee extension 10RM and TTE increased in both groups with no statistically significant between group ( p = 0.614 and p = 0.210). Only cycle ergometer group increased V ˙ O 2peak ( p = 0,012). For all lower limb composition outcomes, changes were minimal. The results suggest that 5 weeks of effort and duration matched exercise protocols using cycle ergometer training or leg press may produce similar strength adaptations.

Background: A chronic, low-grade inflammation is commonly present in older adults and has been associated with the onset of age-related chronic diseases. Resistance training (RT) and creatine (CR) supplementation emerged as promising strategies to reduce circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CR supplementation combined with RT on markers of inflammation and insulin resistance in community-dwelling older adults., Methods: In a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants were allocated to one of the following groups: 1) Creatine supplementation and resistance training (CR + RT, n = 13); 2) Placebo and resistance training (PL + RT, n = 14). While engaged in a 12-week RT program, participants from CR + RT group received 5 g/day of CR monohydrate and participants from PL + RT group received the same dose of maltodextrin. At baseline and at week 12, blood samples were collected for glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein analysis., Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, there were no differences between groups in any of the variables analyzed. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was reduced in both groups (CR + RT: -55.66 ± 48.93 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 1.13; PL + RT: -46.52 ± 55.21 pg/mL, p < 0.01, dz = 0.84)., Conclusion: Resistance training, regardless of CR supplementation, decreased MCP-1 concentration in older adults., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None of the authors has any conflict in relation to the study., (Copyright © 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Strenuous exercise induces inflammation and muscle damage. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a widely used spice that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory response and appears to decrease indirect markers of muscle damage. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Curcuma longa L. extract (CLE) on inflammation and muscle damage after a half-marathon race., Methods: Twenty-eight healthy, normal-weight men were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) CLE (3 capsules per day, 500 mg each); or (2) placebo (PLA, 3 capsules per day, 500 mg of microcrystalline cellulose). Participants received the intervention for 4 weeks and immediately before and after the half-marathon race. Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, myoglobin, interleukins 6 and 10 were assessed at baseline, immediately before, after, and at 2, 24, and 48 h after the half-marathon race., Results: The half-marathon race increased markers of inflammation and muscle damage. A greater increase in interleukin-10 was observed in the CLE group immediately after the competition compared to the PLA group (7.54 ± 1.45 vs 5.25 ± 0.59 pg/mL; p < 0.05; d = 0.55). Myoglobin concentration was lower 2 h after the race in participants from the CLE group compared to the PLA group (62.10 ± 8.26 vs 107.85 ± 18.45 ng/mL; p = 0.01; d = 0.86)., Conclusion: Curcuma longa L. extract supplementation leads to an increase in IL-10 and decreased myoglobin in recreational male runners after a half-marathon race., Trial Registration Number: U1111-1179-6335, February 13, 2016.

Purpose: It has been suggested that restoring gut microbiota alterations with probiotics represents a potential clinical target for the treatment of gut microbiota-related diseases, such as obesity. Here, we apply 16S rDNA microbiota profiling to establish which bacteria in the human gut are associated with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors, and to evaluate whether probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota., Methods: We evaluated the effects of a probiotic mixture (2 × 10 10 CFU/day of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Lactobacillus casei LC-11, Lactococcus lactis LL-23, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-06, and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-4) in 32 overweight or obese women in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, we characterized fecal samples and investigated the relationships between microbiome data and diet, body composition, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory profile. In addition, we characterized the degree of variation among fecal communities after the intervention., Results: BMI, weight, fat mass, lean mass, conicity index, protein intake, monounsaturated fat intake, glycated hemoglobin, TNF-α, and IL6/IL10 were significantly correlated with microbiome composition. The candidate division TM7 was strongly associated with all adiposity markers and Clostridiaceae associated negatively with TNF-α. The family Clostridiaceae increased and TM7 tended to decrease after the probiotic mixture supplementation. Subjects were clustered according to body composition, and a higher proportion of TM7 was observed in those with higher adiposity., Conclusions: Ecosystem-wide analysis of probiotic use effects on the gut microbiota revealed a genera specific influence, and one of which (TM7) represents a promising novel target for obesity treatment., Trial Registration Number: U1111-1137-4566.

Background: Obesity-induced inflammation is frequently associated with higher oxidative stress. In vitro and experimental studies have considered baru almonds (Dipteryx alata Vog) as a legume seed with high antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether baru almonds are capable of improving the inflammatory and antioxidant status in overweight and obese women., Methods: In a parallel-arm, randomized placebo-controlled trial, 46 overweight and obese women (age: 40 ± 11 years; body mass index: 33.3 ± 4.3) were randomly assigned to receive advice to follow a normocaloric and isoenergetic diet with placebo (PLA, n = 22) or similar advice plus 20 g baru almonds (BARU, n = 24) for 8 wk. Malondialdehyde (MDA), adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase-CAT; glutathione peroxidase-GPx; superoxide dismutase-SOD), and minerals were analyzed in plasma samples., Results: At baseline, groups were similar regarding the body composition, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters. The BARU group increased the activity of GPx (+0.08 U/mg, 95%CI + 0.05 to +0.12 vs. -0.07, 95%CI -0.12 to -0.03, p < 0.01) and plasma copper concentration ( p = 0.037) when compared to the PLA group. No differences were observed between groups in CAT and SOD activity or MDA and cytokines concentrations., Conclusions: Baru almond supplementation increased the GPx activity in overweight and obese women.

Objectives: Nut consumption is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. Baru almonds have a high protein content and high quantities of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a baru almond-enriched diet on body composition and markers of lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women., Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-wk clinical trial of 46 overweight and obese women was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 normocaloric and isoenergetic diets: baru almond-enriched diet or baru almond-free diet. Both groups received dietary instructions. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids, as well as apolipoproteins, angiopoietin-like-3, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression, were determined at the beginning and end of the study., Results: The consumption of baru almonds reduced waist circumference (-2.45 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.90 to -0.23; P = 0.03), cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression (-0.23 mcg/mL; 95% CI, -1.24 to-0.08; P = 0.03), and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations (+4.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.03-8.88; P = 0.04) compared with baru almond-free diet., Conclusions: A baru almond-enriched diet for 8-wk reduced abdominal adiposity and improved high-density lipoprotein in overweight and obese women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as RBR-2 wpryx., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The gut microbiota has been recognized as an important factor in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity and is considered an endocrine organ involved in the maintenance of energy homeostasis and host immunity. Dysbiosis can change the functioning of the intestinal barrier and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) by allowing the passage of structural components of bacteria, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which activate inflammatory pathways that may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Furthermore, intestinal dysbiosis can alter the production of gastrointestinal peptides related to satiety, resulting in an increased food intake. In obese people, this dysbiosis seems be related to increases of the phylum Firmicutes, the genus Clostridium, and the species Eubacterium rectale, Clostridium coccoides, Lactobacillus reuteri, Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium histolyticum, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective: To investigate whether a probiotic mix has additional effects when compared with an isolated dietary intervention on the body composition, lipid profile, endotoxemia, inflammation, and antioxidant profile., Methods: Women who had excess weight or obesity were recruited to a randomized, double-blind trial and received a probiotic mix (Lactobacillus acidophilus and casei; Lactococcus lactis; Bifidobacterium bifidum and lactis; 2 × 10 10 colony-forming units/day) (n = 21) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Both groups received a dietary prescription. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The lipid profile, lipid accumulation product, plasma fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and the antioxidant enzymes activities were analyzed., Results: In comparison with the dietary intervention group, the dietary intervention + probiotic mix group showed a greater reduction in the waist circumference (-3.40% vs. -5.48%, P = 0.03), waist-height ratio (-3.27% vs. -5.00%, P = 0.02), conicity index (-2.43% vs. -4.09% P = 0.03), and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.65% vs. -18.63%, P = 0.04) and an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (-16.67% vs. 15.62%, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Supplementation of a probiotic mix reduced abdominal adiposity and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in a more effective way than an isolated dietary intervention., (© 2016 The Obesity Society.)

Diabetes is a condition of multifactorial origin, involving several molecular mechanisms related to the intestinal microbiota for its development. In type 2 diabetes, receptor activation and recognition by microorganisms from the intestinal lumen may trigger inflammatory responses, inducing the phosphorylation of serine residues in insulin receptor substrate-1, reducing insulin sensitivity. In type 1 diabetes, the lowered expression of adhesion proteins within the intestinal epithelium favours a greater immune response that may result in destruction of pancreatic β cells by CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and increased expression of interleukin-17, related to autoimmunity. Research in animal models and humans has hypothesized whether the administration of probiotics may improve the prognosis of diabetes through modulation of gut microbiota. We have shown in this review that a large body of evidence suggests probiotics reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, as well as increase the expression of adhesion proteins within the intestinal epithelium, reducing intestinal permeability. Such effects increase insulin sensitivity and reduce autoimmune response. However, further investigations are required to clarify whether the administration of probiotics can be efficiently used for the prevention and management of diabetes.