Creatine is consumed by athletes to increase strength and gain muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on maximal strength and strength endurance. Twelve strength-trained men (25.2 ± 3.4 years) supplemented with 20 g Creatina + 10g maltodextrin or placebo (20g starch + 10g maltodextrin) for five days in randomized order. Maximal strength and strength endurance (4 sets 70% 1RM until concentric failure) were determined in the bench press. In addition, blood lactate, rate of perceived effort, fatigue index, and mood state were evaluated. All measurements were performed before and after the supplementation period. There were no significant changing in maximal strength, blood lactate, RPE, fatigue index, and mood state in either treatment. However, the creatine group performed more repetitions after the supplementation (Cr: Δ = +3.4 reps, p = 0.036, g = 0.53; PLA: Δ = +0.3reps, p = 0.414, g = 0.06), and higher total work (Cr: Δ = +199.5au, p = 0.038, g = 0.52; PLA: Δ = +26.7au, p = 0.402, g = 0.07). Creatine loading for five days allowed the subjects to perform more repetitions, resulting in greater total work, but failed to change the maximum strength.

This study explored the protective capacity of the essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the inflammatory potential in zebrafish. Using five concentrations of EO (0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, and 6.25 μg/mL) in the presence of 7.5 mM H₂O₂, we analyzed the effects on neutrophil migration, caudal fin regeneration, cellular apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) after 96 h of exposure. A significant decrease in neutrophil migration was observed in all EO treatments compared to the control. Higher concentrations of EO (3.12 and 6.25 μg/mL) resulted in a significant decrease in caudal fin regeneration compared to the control. SOD activity was reduced at all EO concentrations, CAT activity significantly decreased at 3.12 μg/mL, and GST activity increased at 0.78 μg/mL and 1.56 μg/mL, compared to the control group. No significant changes in ROS production were detected. A reduction in cellular apoptosis was evident at all EO concentrations, suggesting that C. citratus EO exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, influences regenerative processes, and protects against oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Fruits and vegetables are major sources of bioactive compounds included in human diet. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound content of lychee pulp. Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from the pulp (fresh, dried and freeze-dried), and analyzed by in vitro Folin-Ciocalteu, Fast Blue, ABTS+, Beta Carotene and Phosphomolybdenum Complex assays. The color and water activity of the pulp submitted to each dehydration treatment were also evaluated. The results obtained in the determination of total phenolic content did not differ statistically (p>0.05) between dried and freeze-dried pulp. The values obtained for the antioxidant activity by the ABTS+ method and by the phosphomolybdenum complex had a statistically significant difference. The data regarding the percentage of protection by the ?-Carotene/Linoleic Acid method showed that the dried pulp did not differ statistically from the fresh and freeze-dried pulp. However, the freeze-dried pulp presented higher antioxidant activity by the ABTS+ and Phosphomolybdenum Complex assays when compared to the other treatments (fresh and dried pulps).

Background: The pre-gestational, gestational, and postpartum periods are marked by physiological, hormonal, and emotional changes that can significantly impact women's eating habits and behaviors. In this context, mindful eating and intuitive eating have emerged as promising strategies to promote a healthier relationship with food throughout these stages. Objectives: To investigate the practice of mindful eating and intuitive eating during the pre-gestational, gestational, and postpartum periods. Methodology: This longitudinal study was conducted with pregnant women receiving care in both the public and private healthcare systems in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data related to the pre-pregnancy period (retrospective) and pregnancy were collected in person between July 2019 and February 2020. Postpartum data were collected through telephone interviews from March 2020 to May 2021, due to social distancing measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eating behavior was assessed using self-administered versions of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Intuitive Eating Scale (IES ) . The MEQ was used to analyze mindful eating, and the IES was used to assess intuitive eating. Analysis of covariance was employed to compare the mean scores of eating behaviors across the different periods, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests to identify significant differences. Data are presented as means and standard deviations. Results: The sample consisted of 103 participants (mean age 28.50 ± 6.11 years). During pregnancy, women showed higher mean scores for intuitive eating (3.43 ± 0.51) and mindful eating (2.69 ± 0.35) compared to the pre-pregnancy period (3.36 ± 0.55 and 2.59 ± 0.34, respectively; p = 0.038 and p < 0.001). However, when comparing pregnancy to the postpartum period, a higher mean score for mindful eating was observed in the postpartum period (2.75 ± 0.31; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women showed greater engagement in intuitive and mindful eating during pregnancy compared to the pre-gestational period, and mindful eating behaviors were maintained postpartum. These findings suggest that maternal nutritional interventions can be enhanced by incorporating these approaches, fostering the development of self-regulation in eating and mind-body connection, which supports healthier and more sustainable food choices throughout the perinatal period.