The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements in amateur and professional sports has increased in the last decades. This is because most of these products and supplements contain bioactive compounds with a variety of biological properties that exert a physiological effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in a group of young football players. This double-blind study included 22 male football players (mean = 19.96 ± 0.56), divided into two groups: supplemented and placebo. Before and after a 90-day period of training combined with supplementation (6 g of lyophilized black chokeberry extract), participants performed maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run tests at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, with blood sampled for analysis at different times before and after exercise. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ferritin, myoglobin, hepcidin, 8-OHdG, albumin, and TAC were analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of 90-day supplementation with the lyophilized extract on changes in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and TAC induced by maximal aerobic effort. In conclusion, supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract improves the performance and antioxidant status of serum in humans and induces protective changes in inflammatory markers.

In humans, most free tryptophan is degraded via kynurenine pathways into kynurenines. Kynurenines modulate the immune system, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Consequently, kynurenine pathway metabolites (KPMs) have been studied in the context of exercise. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on exercise-induced changes in KPMs has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on KPMs and tryptophan levels in runners after an ultramarathon. In the study, 35 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: vitamin D supplementation group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16); and control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Kynurenic, xanthurenic, quinolinic, and picolinic acids levels were significantly increased after the run in the control group, but the effect was blunted by vitamin D supplementation. Conversely, the decrease in serum tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine levels immediately after the run was more pronounced in the supplemented group than in the control. The 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine levels were significantly increased in both groups after the run. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation affects ultramarathon-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of two lengths of Nordic walking (NW) training interventions combined with time-restricted eating (TRE) on improving body-composition parameters, lipid profiles, and levels of selected adipokines in women with elevated body mass. Overweight and obese women (n = 55, age: 21–85) were recruited. Four groups were selected: 6 weeks (SG6, n = 13) and 12 weeks intervention (SG12, n = 13); and two control groups: CON6 (n = 13) and CON12 (n = 13). The training sessions took place three times a week (60 min each) and were conducted outdoors under the supervision of a professional coach. The training intensity was determined individually. The extended NW program combined with TRE induced a significant weight reduction in SG12 by 1.96 kg (p = 0.010) and fat tissue by 1.64 kg (p = 0.05). The proposed interventions did not affect LBM, TBW [kg], VFA, and lipid profile. The LDL/HDL ratio changed with a small size effect. The leptin concentration differed between groups (p = 0.006), but not over time. For resistin, the differentiating factor was time (p = 0.019), with lower results observed after the intervention. The change in leptin concentration was negatively correlated with its baseline concentration (p = 0.025). Extended to 12 weeks, this intervention allows for an improvement in body composition. Neither 6 nor 12 weeks of training and fasting affected the lipoprotein profile. It is, therefore, indicated to recommend prolonged training protocols and to inform patients that beneficial effects will be seen only after prolonged use of training and time-restricted eating.

Background and aims: This study evaluated whether stored iron determines the adaptive response induced by Nordic walking (NW) training combined with 10 hours’ time-restricted eating (TRE) in older adults. Trial design and methods: Twenty-four participants underwent 12-week NW training supported by 10 h of TRE. The group was divided due to baseline ferritin concentration low < 75 ng/ml (LF) and high level ≥ 75 ng/ml (HF). Body composition, physical fitness and blood collection were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: NW + TRE induced a statistically significant decrease in ferritin levels in all participants (p = 0.01). Additionally, statistically significant intergroup differences in the LF vs. HF in the reduction of serum ferritin levels (p = 0.04) were observed. The procedure NW + TRE diminished HbA1c levels (p < 0.01) and glucose in all participants (p = 0.05). The range of HbA1c drop was more pronounced among those participants who experienced a greater decrease in the stored iron (p = 0.04, $$ {\eta }_{p}^{2}$$ =0.17, F=4.59). Greater changes in body weight and percent of body fat were recorded in the HF group (for both p<0.01). Conclusion: Body iron stores determine the effects of a 12-week NW + TRE intervention on serum ferritin. The changes in HbA1c are more pronounced in subjects with a higher decrease in serum ferritin. Trial registration: All experimental protocols were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Regional Medical Society in Gdansk, Poland (NKBBN/330/2021) according to the Declaration of Helsinki. We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The trial was registered as a clinical trial (NCT05229835, date of first registration: 14/01/2022, direct link: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05229835). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for about 10–15% of all diagnosed hematologic malignancies and about 1–2% of all cancer cases. Approximately 80–90% of MM patients develop bone disease and the changes rarely regress. It is only possible to stop or slow their progression. A major role in bone destruction in MM is attributed to the Wnt signaling pathway, and its action can be modified by various types of interventions including training and diet. Therefore, the aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) training cycle and intermittent fasting (IF) on the levels of selected bone turnover markers associated with the Wnt pathway in patients with MM. Materials and methods: Results from 35 patients divided into training (NW and IF NW) and non-training (IF and control) groups were included in the analysis. A 6-week training cycle involving 60 min workouts 3 times a week was conducted. Body mass and composition as well as the levels of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, beta2-microglobulin, and albumin were examined before and after the completion of the training cycle. Markers of bone turnover were also determined: sclerostin (SOST), Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), osteoprotegrin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b). Results: There was no negative effect of IF or combined training and fasting on the nutritional status of the patients (the level of albumins was unchanged). Both training groups showed an increase in serum concentrations of the active metabolite of vitamin D (IF NW and NW: p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). The change in the concentration of this vitamin negatively correlated with the concentration of TRACP 5b (r = −0.413, p = 0.014). Evaluating the concentrations of markers related to bone turnover, a reduction in the concentrations of SOST (time: p = 0.026, time vs. group: p = 0.033) and TRACP 5b (time: p < 0.001, time vs. group p < 0.001) was indicated. Conclusions: The obtained results allow one to indicate the training with the poles as a safe and beneficial form of physical activity that should be recommended to patients suffering from MM. However, the results obtained in the present study are not sufficient to show the beneficial effect of IF applied without trainings.

Researchers have studied the effects of exercise on serum methyl-arginine and vitamin D metabolites; however, the effects of exercise combined with antioxidants are not well documented. Since oxidative stress affects the metabolism of vitamin D and methyl-arginine, we hypothesised that the antioxidant coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) might modulate exercise-induced changes. A group of twenty-eight healthy men participated in this study and were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The exercise test was performed until exhaustion, with gradually increasing intensity, before and after the 21-day CoQ₁₀ supplementation. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 and 24 h after exercise. CoQ₁₀, vitamin D metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine, methylarginine, dimethylamine, arginine, citrulline, and ornithine were analysed in serum samples. CoQ₁₀ supplementation caused a 2.76-fold increase in the concentration of serum CoQ₁₀. Conversely, the 25(OH)D₃ concentration increased after exercise only in the placebo group. ADMA increased after exercise before supplementation, but a decrease was observed in the CoQ₁₀ supplementation group 24 h after exercise. In conclusion, our data indicate that CoQ₁₀ supplementation modifies the effects of exercise on vitamin D and methyl-arginine metabolism, suggesting its beneficial effects. These findings contribute to the understanding of how antioxidants like CoQ₁₀ can modulate biochemical responses to exercise, potentially offering new insights for enhancing athletic performance and recovery.