This study was aimed at providing athletes a solution to replenish the muscle glycogen re-synthesis at an optimal rate with hemp seeds as a natural protein source and Bengal gram dal and its use for the preparation of gel. The gel contains the richest source of energy, and it is an effective way to provide energy and nutrients to athletes. The gel was prepared in three variations with different hemp seed concentrations. We then analyzed the gel for pH and macronutrient composition. The sensory characteristics were analyzed for seven parameters, including appearance, taste, color, texture, aroma, consistency, and acceptability, using a hedonic scale on 25 panelists. A sensory analysis showed that sample A received an overall acceptability score of 7.16 ± 0.99 from the sensory panel. The shelf life was observed at the recommended temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which was 12 days. The best formulation was sample B with 38 g of hemp seeds, which showed better taste, color, aroma, and acceptability and a lower average pH value (6.68 ± 1.44, 6.56 ± 1.29, 7.6 ± 1.16, 7 ± 1.26, and 5.822 ± 0.0183, respectively). Sample B contained 30.8 g of protein, 16.09 g of carbohydrates, 8.4 g of fat, and 263.16 kcal of energy per 100 g. The resulting ratio of carbohydrates to protein is optimal for use as a high-protein post-workout meal. Hence, it can be considered a post-workout supplement.

Today, various dietary supplements are taken to improve endurance performance during physical activity. These supplements have proven to be very successful in controlling and balancing various hormone levels and have contributed to the prevention and healing of metabolic disorders and physical injuries. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of the ACTN3 gene and nutrient supplementation, including beta-alanine, ashwagandha, L-carnitine, and iron, on athletic performance. The ACTN3 gene has been identified as a potential genetic determinant of athletic performance, particularly in activities that require high levels of power and strength. This study investigated the interaction between the ACTN3 gene and supplementation and highlighted the potential for personalized approaches to improve athletic performance. 24 subjects per group, were randomized in a parallel-group design to examine the effects of supplementation on the ACTN3 gene and athletic performance over a 21-day intervention period. Participants in the intervention were divided into four groups of six members each. The same subjects who did not take supplements formed the control group. In addition, the subjects were divided into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4), each consisting of subgroups of control and a treated. All treated groups (TG1, TG2, TG3, and TG4) received 4 supplements for 21 days, namely S1 (ashwagandha), S2 (iron), S3 (beta-alanine) and S4 (L-carnitine), together with the 4 control groups, i.e. CG1, CG2, CG3 and CG4, who received no supplements during the same period. In particular, this study determines the effect of these 4 supplements on actn3 gene expression, testosterone, cholesterol and BUN levels of the participants. The P-values determined for all parameters showed statistically significant values and the final result showed that all supplements had positive effects on the tested parameters. The result showed a highly significant difference between the intake of supplements before and after the intake of 24 athletes per group on the ACTN3 gene expression level and biochemical indicators.

The effects of nutraceuticals β-glucan, taurine, and L-arginine under hypoxia, and their significance for athletes, remain unknown. We evaluated these compounds in vitro and tested β-glucan supplementation in athletes. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were subjected to CoCl₂-induced chemical hypoxia to assess metabolic activity, morphology, transcript profiles, and mitochondrial/glycolytic function. In an uncontrolled, single-arm pre–post trial, 50 male athletes received β-glucan-rich mushroom extract (320 mg/day) for 40 days. Body composition, complete blood count, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were assessed pre- and post-supplementation. CoCl₂ decreased MTT metabolic activity to 67.29 ± 0.87% of control. The three compounds significantly increased MTT metabolic activity (83.65–97.40%; p < 0.001 vs. positive control). Taurine, β-glucan, and L-arginine all reduced Hif1a transcript (FC = 0.44, 0.58, and 0.47, respectively; all p < 0.001 vs. positive control). Seahorse examination revealed partial preservation of mitochondrial parameters and improved glycolytic reserve, with L-arginine (120.4%) and taurine (105.1%) numerically higher than the negative control (86.0 ± 20.2%), but neither difference was statistically significant. The transcriptional alterations were compound-specific and exploratory. Athletes who supplemented with multi-mushroom extract for 40 days had higher relative VO₂/kg (46.26 ± 2.33 to 53.12 ± 3.75 mL/min/kg; +14.8%; p < 0.001), absolute VO₂ (3138.46 ± 313.38 to 3503.82 ± 371.73 mL/min; +11.6%; p < 0.001), and peak RQ (1.096 ± 0.048 to 1.308 ± 0.082; p < 0.001). HCT dropped (44.53 ± 2.81% to 42.10 ± 2.64%; p < 0.001), MCV increased (86.37 ± 2.20 to 89.67 ± 2.32 fL; p < 0.001), and MCHC fell (35.10 ± 0.80 to 33.78 ± 0.53 g/dL; p < 0.001). WBC levels reduced (7.53 ± 1.31 to 6.80 ± 1.02 × 10³/µL; p = 0.004), neutrophils fell (61.00 ± 8.34% to 52.02 ± 5.66%; p < 0.001), lymphocytes rose (27.80 ± 3.67% to 35.17 ± 1.65%; p < 0.001), and monocytes increased (2.75 ± 0.44% to 4.35 ± 0.64%; p < 0.001). The human component was an uncontrolled, single-arm, pre–post study with no placebo, randomization, or blinding; hence, the results are hypothesis-generating. In CoCl₂-treated H9c2 cells, the compounds improved metabolic activity and partially preserved bioenergetics. The uncontrolled human trial suggests β-glucan supplementation improves aerobic performance and alters hematological indices, though randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.