Effects of 14-weeks betaine supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines and hematology status in professional youth soccer players during a competition season: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
05 Jun 2021-Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Springer Science and Business Media LLC)-Vol. 18, Iss: 1, pp 42-42
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of betaine supplementation on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins-1 beta (IL-1β), − 6, and the complete blood cell (CBC) count in professional youth soccer players during a competitive season were investigated.
Abstract: Systemic elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokines are a marker of non-functional over reaching, and betaine has been shown to reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins-1 beta (IL-1β), − 6 (IL-6) and the complete blood cell (CBC) count in professional youth soccer players during a competitive season. Twenty-nine soccer players (age, 15.5 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups based on playing position: betaine group (BG, n = 14, 2 g/day) or placebo group (PG, n = 15). During the 14-week period, training load was matched and well-being indicators were monitored daily. The aforementioned cytokines and CBC were assessed at pre- (P1), mid- (P2), and post- (P3) season. Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These variables were lower in the BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1, while IL-1β was greater in the PG at P3 compared to P1 (p = 0.033). The CBC count analysis showed there was significant group by time interactions for white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). WBC demonstrated increases at P3 compared to P2 in PG (p = 0.034); RBC was less at P3 compared to P1 in BG (p = 0.020); Hb was greater at P2 compared to P1, whilst it was less at P3 compared to P3 for both groups. MCHC was greater at P3 and P2 compared to P1 in BG, whereas MCHC was significantly lower at P3 compared to P2 in the PG (p = 0.003). The results confirmed that 14 weeks of betaine supplementation prevented an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and WBC counts. It seems that betaine supplementation may be a useful nutritional strategy to regulate the immune response during a fatiguing soccer season.
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TL;DR: 14-week of betaine supplementation increased 1-RM, VO2max, and repeated sprint ability performance in youth professional soccer players and seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance during a competitive soccer season.
Abstract: Various nutritional strategies are adopted for athletes to maintain and to improve performance during the competition season. Betaine may enhance performance during a competitive season by increasing the testosterone to cortisol ratio and reducing systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of betaine supplementation on the bio-motor abilities in young professional soccer players. Twenty-nine young professional soccer players (age, 15.5±0.3 years) were matched by position and randomly assigned to one of two groups for 14 weeks: betaine (BG, 2 g/day; n=14) or placebo (PG n=15). Diet was standardized by a nutritionist, and measures of muscular power (countermovement jump: CMJ), change of direction: modified 5-0-5), acceleration (10 m sprint), sprint performance (30 m sprint time: SpT), muscular strength (leg press and bench press one repetition maximum: 1-RM), repeated sprint ability (running-based anaerobic sprint test: RAST), and aerobic capacity (30-15 intermittent fitness test) were assessed in the pre (P1), mid (P2) and post (P3) season over the course of 5 days. All subjects participated in one soccer match and five training sessions per week. Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), anaerobic peak power, and muscular strength favoring BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1. There were meaningful (p < 0.05) group x time interactions for CMJ, SpT, and peak power during the RAST that favored the BG. 14-week of betaine supplementation increased predicted 1-RM, VO2max, and repeated sprint ability performance in youth professional soccer players. Betaine supplementation seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and to maintain performance during a competitive soccer season.
11 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.
Abstract: Simple Summary Overweight and obese, like other forms of malnutrition, have been shown to affect immune function through changing immunoglobin or cardio-respiratory fitness levels and cell-mediated immune responses. Although calorie restriction and exercise are the most common therapies for obesity or overweight, it is unclear what kind of supplementation these people should take or how much exercise they should perform. Hence, in this study, we examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. The results demonstrated that spirulina supplementation with HIIT not only decreased fat free mass but also boosted immunoglobin-A, which plays an important role in the immune system. Abstract Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp2 = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp2 = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = −0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effect of exercise on the treatment and recovery of COVID-19, and more importantly, "muscle-lung cross-talk" as a mechanism for treatment.
Abstract: The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis is now present in more than 200 countries. It started in December 2019 and has, so far, led to more than 149, 470,968 cases, 3,152,121 deaths, and 127,133,013 survivors recovered by 28 April 2021. COVID-19 has a high morbidity, and mortality of 2%, on average, whereas most people are treated after a period of time. Some people who recover from COVID-19 are left with 20 to 30% decreased lung function. In this context, exercise focused on skeletal muscle with minimal lung involvement could potentially play an important role. Regular exercise protects against diseases associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This long-term effect of exercise may be ascribed to the anti-inflammatory response elicited by an acute bout of exercise, which is partly mediated by muscle-derived myokines. The isometric training system seems to have this feature, because this system is involved with the skeletal muscle as the target tissue. However, no studies have examined the effect of exercise on the treatment and recovery of COVID-19, and, more importantly, "muscle-lung cross-talk" as a mechanism for COVID-19 treatment. It is suggested that this theoretical construct be examined by researchers.
8 citations
TL;DR: Visual data assessment and an inability to assess skeletal muscle concentrations would otherwise suggest that a more conservative 7 day washout period is sufficient to truly return both serum-and-skeletal muscle betaine content to pre-supplementation levels.
Abstract: Several previous investigations have employed betaine supplementation in randomized controlled crossover designs to assess its ostensible ergogenic potential. Nevertheless, prior methodology is predicated on limited pharmacokinetic data and an appropriate betaine-specific washout period is hitherto undescribed. The purpose of the present pilot investigation was therein to determine whether a 28 day washout period was sufficient to return serum betaine concentrations to baseline following a supplementation protocol. Five resistance-trained men (26 ± 6 y) supplemented with 6 g/day betaine anhydrous for 14 days and subsequently visited the lab 10 additional times during a 28 day washout period. Participants underwent venipuncture to assess serum betaine and several other parameters before (PRE) and periodically throughout the washout timeframe (POST0, -4, -7, -10, -13, -16, -19, -22, -25 and -28). All analyses were performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. While analyses failed to detect any differences in any other serum biomarker (p > 0.05), serum betaine was significantly elevated from PRE-to-POST0 (p = 0.047; 2.31 ± 1.05 to 11.1 ± 4.91 µg·mL−1) and was statistically indistinguishable from baseline at POST4 (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, visual data assessment and an inability to assess skeletal muscle concentrations would otherwise suggest that a more conservative 7 day washout period is sufficient to truly return both serum-and-skeletal muscle betaine content to pre-supplementation levels.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed differences between endocrine markers in soccer players, based on playing positions, and correlations between endocrin markers (testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1), with accumulated workload training and fitness parameters [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric maximal strength (1-RM) of the knee for hamstring (ISH) and quadriceps (ISQ) muscles] during early-, mid-, and end-seasons.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze differences between endocrine markers in soccer players, based on playing positions, and correlations between endocrine markers (testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1), with accumulated workload training and fitness parameters [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric maximal strength (1-RM) of the knee for hamstring (ISH) and quadriceps (ISQ) muscles] during early-, mid-, and end-seasons. Twenty-four elite soccer players under 17 participated in this study. The results showed that there was no difference between levels of the endocrine markers among the different positions of the players. Significant correlations were observed between endocrines parameters and fitness performance (ISQ, ISH, VO2max, and CMJ). Regression analysis showed that 1-RM and VO2max were the best predictors of endocrine markers. These findings demonstrated that the activity profiles of youth soccer players were not influenced by endocrine markers. Also, it may be assumed that endocrines levels can be used to better explain the physical capacities of this population. Finally, endocrines markers may help to predict changes in 1-RM and VO2max.
5 citations
References
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TL;DR: The regression equations were shown to be valid for adult men varying in age and fatness, in combination with age, waist and forearm circumference.
Abstract: 1. Skinfold thickness, body circumferences and body density were measured in samples of 308 and ninety-five adult men ranging in age from 18 to 61 years. 2. Using the sample of 308 men, multiple regression equations were calculated to estimate body density using either the quadratic or log form of the sum of skinfolds, in combination with age, waist and forearm circumference. 3. The multiple correlations for the equations exceeded 0.90 with standard errors of approximately +/- 0.0073 g/ml. 4. The regression equations were cross validated on the second sample of ninety-five men. The correlations between predicted and laboratory-determined body density exceeded 0.90 with standard errors of approximately 0.0077 g/ml. 5. The regression equations were shown to be valid for adult men varying in age and fatness.
3,083 citations
TL;DR: An update on the physiology of soccer players and referees, and relevant physiological tests is provided, and examples of effective strength- and endurance-training programmes to improve on-field performance are given.
Abstract: Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is performed by men and women, children and adults with different levels of expertise. Soccer performance depends upon a myriad of factors such as technical/biomechanical, tactical, mental and physiological areas. One of the reasons that soccer is so popular worldwide is that players may not need to have an extraordinary capacity within any of these performance areas, but possess a reasonable level within all areas. However, there are trends towards more systematic training and selection influencing the anthropometric profiles of players who compete at the highest level. As with other activities, soccer is not a science, but science may help improve performance. Efforts to improve soccer performance often focus on technique and tactics at the expense of physical fitness. During a 90-minute game, elite-level players run about 10 km at an average intensity close to the anaerobic threshold (80-90% of maximal heart rate). Within this endurance context, numerous explosive bursts of activity are required, including jumping, kicking, tackling, turning, sprinting, changing pace, and sustaining forceful contractions to maintain balance and control of the ball against defensive pressure. The best teams continue to increase their physical capacities, whilst the less well ranked have similar values as reported 30 years ago. Whether this is a result of fewer assessments and training resources, selling the best players, and/or knowledge of how to perform effective exercise training regimens in less well ranked teams, is not known. As there do exist teams from lower divisions with as high aerobic capacity as professional teams, the latter factor probably plays an important role. This article provides an update on the physiology of soccer players and referees, and relevant physiological tests. It also gives examples of effective strength- and endurance-training programmes to improve on-field performance. The cited literature has been accumulated by computer searching of relevant databases and a review of the authors' extensive files. From a total of 9893 papers covering topics discussed in this article, 843 were selected for closer scrutiny, excluding studies where information was redundant, insufficient or the experimental design was inadequate. In this article, 181 were selected and discussed. The information may have important implications for the safety and success of soccer players and hopefully it should be understood and acted upon by coaches and individual soccer players.
1,841 citations
TL;DR: Although the cross-validation meets statistical standards for acceptance, caution is warranted with regard to implementation and it is recommended that maturity offset be considered as a categorical rather than a continuous assessment.
Abstract: Purpose: The range of variability between individuals of the same chronological age (CA) in somatic and biological maturity is large and especially accentuated around the adolescent growth spurt. Maturity assessment is an important consideration when dealing with adolescents, from both a research perspective and youth sports stratification. A noninvasive, practical method predicting years from peak height velocity (a maturity offset value) by using anthropometric variables is developed in one sample and cross-validated in two different samples. Methods: Gender specific multiple regression equations were calculated on a sample of 152 Canadian children aged 8-16 yr (79 boys; 73 girls) who were followed through adolescence from 1991 to 1997, The equations included three somatic dimensions (height, sitting height, and leg length), CA, and their interactions. The equations were cross-validated on a Combined sample of Canadian (71 boys, 40 girls measured from 1964 through 1973) and Flemish children (50 boys, 48 girls measured from 1985 through 1999). Results: The coefficient of determination (R2) for the boys' model was 0.92 and for the girls' model 0.91 the SEEs were 0.49 and 0.50, respectively, Mean difference between actual and predicted maturity offset for the verification samples was 0.24 (SD 0.65) yr in boys and 0,001 (SD 0.68) yr in girls. Conclusion: Although the cross-validation meets statistical standards or acceptance, caution 1, warranted with regard to implementation. It is recommended that maturity offset be considered as a categorical rather than a continuous assessment. Nevertheless, the equations presented are a reliable, noninvasive and a practical solution for the measure of biological maturity for matching adolescent athletes.
1,791 citations
TL;DR: TNFα has been shown to play a pivotal role in orchestrating the cytokine cascade in many inflammatory diseases and because of this role as a "master-regulator" of inflammatory cytokine production, it has been proposed as a therapeutic target for a number of diseases.
Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was cloned over 2 decades ago and its identification in part led to the discovery of a super family of tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) and their receptors. TNFα signals through two transmembrane receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, and regulates a number of critical cell functions including cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. Macrophages are the major producers of TNFα and interestingly are also highly responsive to TNFα. Aberrant TNFα production and TNF receptor signaling have been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, sepsis, diabetes, and obesity. TNFα has been shown to play a pivotal role in orchestrating the cytokine cascade in many inflammatory diseases and because of this role as a "master-regulator" of inflammatory cytokine production, it has been proposed as a therapeutic target for a number of diseases. Indeed anti-TNFα drugs are now licensed for treating certain inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. In this review we discuss the discovery of TNFα and its actions especially in regulating macrophage biology. Given its importance in several human diseases, we also briefly discuss the role of anti-TNFα therapeutics in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
1,094 citations
Book•
31 Dec 2003TL;DR: The present thesis deals with the physiological demands of soccer, with a particular focus on the physiological response to repeated intense exercise, and performs physiological measurements in connection with soccer matches.
Abstract: The present thesis is based on 14 original articles published in international journals (I-XIV, see page 8) and a summarizing review. The thesis deals with the physiological demands of soccer, with a particular focus on the physiological response to repeated intense exercise. In chapter I the specific issues are presented and in chapter II the physiological demands in soccer are discussed based on the results of the studies performed. Chapter III contains a short survey of the experiments performed to study specifically muscle metabolism and muscle fatigue with repeated intense muscle contractions. With reference to the topics covered in chapters II and III, fatigue during a soccer match is discussed in chapter IV, and chapter V deals with applications for physical training in soccer. Measurements have been performed during soccer matches and training, as well as in experiments simulating the activities of a soccer match. The information obtained has been compared to results from studies of the physical capacity of top-class soccer players and from laboratory experiments aimed at investigating metabolism and fatigue in intermittent exercise. Studies with whole-body and single muscle group exercises have been performed, the latter mainly with the application of a knee-extension model. In the studies on isolated muscle groups, biopsies taken from exercising muscles as well as arterial and femoral venous blood samples have allowed for detailed analysis of muscle ionic transportation and metabolism. In addition, the magnetic resonance technique has been used for the continuous determination of changes in muscle metabolites and pH during intermittent exercise. Analysis of activities during soccer matches showed that a top-class soccer player covers an average distance of approximately 11 km during a match. The distance differs highly between players and is partly related to the position in a team. Midfield players run more at low speed than defenders and forwards, whereas no difference appears to exist between groups when comparing the distance covered at high speed. The distance covered at high speed is the same in the beginning as in the end of a match. The total distance covered by a player during a soccer match is only to a limited extent a measure of the physiological demands on the player during the match. In addition to running, a player is engaged in many other energy demanding activities, i.e. tackling, jumping, accelerating and turning. A more precise evaluation of the total energy demand during a soccer match may be achieved by performing physiological measurements in connection with soccer matches (I).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
1,071 citations