Effect of antioxidant-enriched foods on plasma Coenzyme Q10 and total antioxidant capacity

Twenty healthy subjects integrated their diet with two types of products sequentially: In the first phase (first 14 days), the volunteers were given the following food items not supplemented with vitamin E (vit. E) or Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀): breakfast, 250 mL skimmed milk; mid-morning snack, 330 mL fruit juice; mid-afternoon snack, low-fat yogurt 125 g; after dinner, low-fat dessert 110 g. In the second phase, from day 14 to day 35, the same items were added with vit. E and CoQ₁₀ (a total daily supplementation of 19.4 mg CoQ₁₀ and 13.7 mg vit.E). After taking the supplemented products for 2 weeks, plasma CoQ₁₀ reached 1.30 µg/mL, nearly twice the initial values. These levels further increased after 3 weeks of supplementation. Vit. E levels significantly (p <0.001) increased only after 3 weeks of supplementation, reaching 7.9 ± 2.8 µg/mL, 39% more than the initial value. The total plasma fatty acid pattern did not change substantially throughout the study. The increase of the total antioxidant capacity of plasma was significant (p <0.001) for days 28 and 35, with values close to 0.24 ± 0.09 mM Trolox (a nearly 60% increase).     

The effects of training and creatine malate supplementation during preparation period on physical capacity and special fitness in judo contestants

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of 6-weeks training and creatine malate supplementation demonstrated in anaerobic capacity and aerobic power and in special judo fitness test performance (Throws in Total and Index in SJFT). METHODS: Ten professional competitors aged 21.2+/-3.3 years and practicing judo for 11+/-4.5 years participated in a typical pre-competition training program. Their height and weight during the first measurement were 1.75+/-0.06 m and 76.09+/-14.85 kg, respectively. Subjects participated in the same training sessions. The contestants have been training for approximately 20 hours a week: 5 days for 2 two-hour-training sessions. They used their usual diets. They were randomly selected to a treatment group who were administered the creatine malate (n=5) whereas the controls were receiving a placebo (n=5). All subjects were tested for anaerobic capacity (the Wingate-test) and aerobic power (the progressive test), and in the SJFT test, pre and post a six-week training during preparation period. We have used double-blind placebo-controlled design. RESULTS: Multifaceted judo training before competition caused a significant (z=2.40, P<0.05) increase in body mass (76.09+/-14.85 kg, Me=70.73 kg vs. 78.52+/-14.53 kg, Me=75.30 kg, P<0.05, n=10). The significant difference (z=2.30, P<0.05) was observed in FM and FMI, but not in percent fat in body mass (PF%). FM and FMI contributed in increased body mass and BMI, repectively (z=2.40, P<0.05). There was observed an increment in anaerobic capacity indices, with particular focus on shortening in time to obtain peak power toPP (3.99+/-0.71, Me=4.20 sec vs. 3.68 +/-0.77, Me=3.78 sec, P<0.05). Diet supplementation with creatine malate did not cause an increase in body mass index higher than in the control group (P>0.05). However, the groups differed in the post-test moment in the fatigue index (FI) (T=48.7+/-5, Me=46.1 vs. C=41.1+/-3, Me=40.4%, Z=1.98, P<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between pre- and post-experiment levels of aerobic power (p>0.05). Percent at VO2max at the anaerobic threshold (%VO2max), in the first measurement showed no significant differences between two groups, while in the second measurement statistically significant differences were observed: in T group %VO2max was higher (85.43+/-6.35, Me=85.5% vs. 76.13+/-3.48, Me=75.3%, Z=2.09, P<0.05). In general, a significant differences were observed in pretests and post-test measurement results in SJFT expressed in Throws in Total (pre=26.9+/-2.7, Me=27.5 vs. post=27.9+/-2.4, Me=28.5 throws (z=2.67, P<0.01), but no such changes was found for the index of SJFT. These changes in SJFT were not found to be caused by the supplementation with creatine malate, neither to be reflected in Throws in Total nor in the index of SJFT (post-test measurements comparison, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The multifaceted judo training is conducive to the development of both FM and FMI. Use of supplementation of the diets with creatine malate does not cause an increase in body mass greater than in the control group. Shorter time to obtain peak power (toPP) is conducive to faster execution of rapid planned actions in attack or defense. Pre and post-training aerobic power did not change so it was not supplementation-dependent. Creatine malate did not affect the results in SJFT. There are many determinants of the judo fight results e.g. technical, tactical, physiological and psychological factors, one of them could be supplementation but it cannot be treated as a separate improving factor. The significant improvement in Total Throws in SJFT with the unchanged Index in SJFT suggests better neuromuscular adaptations compared to those occurring in circulatory and respiratory systems. The results obtained during the SJFT test depend not only on energy resources but also on the exercises which improve the technique of performing typical grip-and-throw judo actions, despite the ensuing fatigue. Key words: judo, training effect, creatine malate supplementation, anaerobic capacity, aerobic power, special fitness.     

Skill execution and sleep deprivation: effects of acute caffeine or creatine supplementation - a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Background  

We investigated the effects of sleep deprivation with or without acute supplementation of caffeine or creatine on the execution of a repeated rugby passing skill.     

No effect of creatine supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background

Exacerbated oxidative stress is thought to be a mediator of arterial hypertension. It has been postulated that creatine (Cr) could act as an antioxidant agent preventing increased oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nine weeks of Cr or placebo supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Findings

Lipid hydroperoxidation, one important oxidative stress marker, remained unchanged in the coronary artery (Cr: 12.6 ± 1.5 vs. Pl: 12.2 ± 1.7 nmol·mg^-1; p = 0.87), heart (Cr: 11.5 ± 1.8 vs. Pl: 14.6 ± 1.1 nmol·mg^-1; p = 0.15), plasma (Cr: 67.7 ± 9.1 vs. Pl: 56.0 ± 3.2 nmol·mg^-1; p = 0.19), plantaris (Cr: 10.0 ± 0.8 vs. Pl: 9.0 ± 0.8 nmol·mg^-1; p = 0.40), and EDL muscle (Cr: 14.9 ± 1.4 vs. Pl: 17.2 ± 1.5 nmol·mg^-1; p = 0.30). Additionally, Cr supplementation affected neither arterial blood pressure nor heart structure in SHR (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Using a well-known experimental model of systemic arterial hypertension, this study did not confirm the possible therapeutic effects of Cr supplementation on oxidative stress and cardiovascular dysfunction associated with arterial hypertension.     

The effects of creatine ethyl ester supplementation combined with heavy resistance training on body composition, muscle performance, and serum and muscle creatine levels

Numerous creatine formulations have been developed primarily to maximize creatine absorption. Creatine ethyl ester is alleged to increase creatine bio-availability. This study examined how a seven-week supplementation regimen combined with resistance training affected body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength and power, serum and muscle creatine levels, and serum creatinine levels in 30 non-resistance-trained males. In a double-blind manner, participants were randomly assigned to a maltodextrose placebo (PLA), creatine monohydrate (CRT), or creatine ethyl ester (CEE) group. The supplements were orally ingested at a dose of 0.30 g/kg fat-free body mass (approximately 20 g/day) for five days followed by ingestion at 0.075 g/kg fat free mass (approximately 5 g/day) for 42 days. Results showed significantly higher serum creatine concentrations in PLA (p = 0.007) and CRT (p = 0.005) compared to CEE. Serum creatinine was greater in CEE compared to the PLA (p = 0.001) and CRT (p = 0.001) and increased at days 6, 27, and 48. Total muscle creatine content was significantly higher in CRT (p = 0.026) and CEE (p = 0.041) compared to PLA, with no differences between CRT and CEE. Significant changes over time were observed for body composition, body water, muscle strength and power variables, but no significant differences were observed between groups. In conclusion, when compared to creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester was not as effective at increasing serum and muscle creatine levels or in improving body composition, muscle mass, strength, and power. Therefore, the improvements in these variables can most likely be attributed to the training protocol itself, rather than the supplementation regimen.     

Chronic and acute effects of walnuts on antioxidant capacity and nutritional status in humans: a randomized,cross-over pilot study

Background  

Compared with other common plant foods, walnuts (Juglans regia) are consistently ranked among the highest in antioxidant capacity. In vitro, walnut polyphenols inhibit plasma and LDL oxidation, while in animal models they lower biomarkers of oxidative stress and raise antioxidant capacity. A limited number of human feeding trials indicate that walnuts improve some measures of antioxidant status, but not others.     

Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals

Background

To determine whether acute (single dose) and/or chronic (14-days) supplementation of CoQ10 will improve anaerobic and/or aerobic exercise performance by increasing plasma and muscle CoQ10 concentrations within trained and untrained individuals.

Methods

Twenty-two aerobically trained and nineteen untrained male and female subjects (26.1 ± 7.6 yrs, 172 ± 8.7 cm, 73.5 ± 17 kg, and 21.2 ± 7.0%) were randomized to ingest in a double-blind manner either 100 mg of a dextrose placebo (CON) or a fast-melt CoQ10 supplement (CoQ10) twice a day for 14-days. On the first day of supplementation, subjects donated fasting blood samples and a muscle biopsy. Subjects were then given 200 mg of the placebo or the CoQ10 supplement. Sixty minutes following supplement ingestion, subjects completed an isokinetic knee extension endurance test, a 30-second wingate anaerobic capacity test, and a maximal cardiopulmonary graded exercise test interspersed with 30-minutes of recovery. Additional blood samples were taken immediately following each exercise test and a second muscle biopsy sample was taken following the final exercise test. Subjects consumed twice daily (morning and night), 100 mg of either supplement for a period of 14-days, and then returned to the lab to complete the same battery of tests. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with an alpha of 0.05.

Results

Plasma CoQ10 levels were significantly increased following 2 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation (p < 0.001); while a trend for higher muscle CoQ10 levels was observed after acute CoQ10 ingestion (p = 0.098). A trend for lower serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was observed following acute supplementation with CoQ10 (p = 0.06), whereas serum malondialdehyde (MDA) tended to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). Following acute ingestion of CoQ10, plasma CoQ10 levels were significantly correlated to muscle CoQ10 levels; maximal oxygen consumption; and treadmill time to exhaustion. A trend for increased time to exhaustion was observed following 2 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Acute supplementation with CoQ10 resulted in higher muscle CoQ10 concentration, lower serum SOD oxidative stress, and higher MDA levels during and following exercise. Chronic CoQ10 supplementation increased plasma CoQ10 concentrations and tended to increase time to exhaustion. Results indicate that acute and chronic supplementation of CoQ10 may affect acute and/or chronic responses to various types of exercise.     

The effects of four weeks of creatine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness: a randomized controlled trial

Background  

High-intensity interval training has been shown to be a time-efficient way to induce physiological adaptations similar to those of traditional endurance training. Creatine supplementation may enhance high-intensity interval training, leading to even greater physiological adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and creatine supplementation on cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance (maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2PEAK), time-to-exhaustion (VO_2PEAKTTE), ventilatory threshold (VT), and total work done (TWD)) in college-aged men.     

3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苄甲醚的合成及抗氧化性能研究

以2,6-二叔丁基苯酚和多聚甲醛为原料,在甲醇溶液中用二乙胺作催化剂合成3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苄甲醚。通过正交实验,考察了催化剂用量、反应温度、反应时间、压力对其收率的影响,结果表明,催化剂用量为m(二乙胺)∶m(2,6-二叔丁基苯酚)=6%,反应温度100℃,反应时间6h,压力0.6MPa时,此条件下,收率为88.98%。采用DPPH法考察了3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苄甲醚对DPPH·的清除能力,结果表明,3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苄甲醚对DPPH·具有良好的清除活性,清除率随着3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苄甲醚浓度的增大而增大,随着清除时间的延长先增大后趋于稳定。在该实验条件下,其抗氧化性能优于市售抗氧剂1010和BHT。     

Effect of temperature on hot-air drying rate and on retention of antioxidant capacity in apple leathers

Fruit leathers are pectic gels, eaten as snack or dessert, obtained by dehydrating fruit purees. In this work, apple leathers were prepared by a hot-air drying process which allows the formation of a gel, following the “saccharide–acid–high methoxyl pectin” gelation mechanism. Leathers were produced at 50, 60 and 70 °C, from two formulations: control and added with potassium metabisulphite (KM) as antioxidant. The drying process was studied applying a diffusive model, while antioxidant capacity (AC) losses were represented by a first-order model. Activation energy for drying (20.6 kJ/mol) was lower than those estimated for AC losses in control (31.5 kJ/mol) and KM-added (37.9 kJ/mol) leathers. Therefore, the drying time reduction achieved by increasing air temperature is not sufficient to decrease AC losses in the range covered. AC retention decreased in both formulations at increasing air temperature. KM-added samples showed higher AC retention than the controls, except for those dried at 70 °C. Kinetic constants were lower for KM-added samples, suggesting a protective effect of the additive, especially at moderate air temperatures. In the most favorable situation, AC retention was of only 16%. Therefore, the functional character of these products may not be preserved if dried with hot air and the research on economically viable, less-severe drying technologies should be intensified.     

Effect of technological processes and supplementation on the mineral content and iron availability in vitro in vegetable mixtures

Iron, calcium, zinc and phytic acid contents in vegetable blends from wheat, corn and soy were determined. Wheat and corn substitution with soy in compound products, gave an important amount of iron and calcium to the blends, while the initial content of phytic acid in wheat and corn was not significantly modified. Dehulling and enzymatic inactivation technological processes denoted a rather low influence on soy mineral content. In a similar way, the extrusion-cooking process did not affect appreciably the soluble iron content in blends. Soy incorporation greatly decreased in vitro iron availability in vegetable blends, while fortification with mineral blends slightly interfered, decreasing iron availability with regard to iron-fortified vegetable blends.     

双水相萃取法提取地骨皮多酚及抗氧化活性研究

采用超声辅助双水相萃取法提取地骨皮中多酚类物质,通过单因素实验和正交实验对地骨皮多酚提取工艺进行优化,最佳提取工艺条件为:乙醇溶液质量分数为41%,硫酸铵与乙醇溶液质量比为13∶100(g/g),地骨皮与乙醇溶液质量比1∶20(g/g),超声时间为50 min,提取温度为55℃,在此条件下地骨皮多酚得率为17.88 mg/g。分别以DPPH法、ABTS法、ORAC法、细胞内总谷胱甘肽含量和SOD活性评价地骨皮多酚的抗氧化能力。结果表明,地骨皮多酚对DPPH·和ABTS·的IC_(50)分别为20.00 mg/L和59.37 mg/L,对活性氧清除能力高于同浓度Trolox,对H_2O_2损伤的HSF细胞内谷胱甘肽含量和SOD活性均有显著的提升作用。     

A comparative study of drying methods on physical characteristics,nutritional properties and antioxidant capacity of broccoli

Abstract

Broccoli is considered one of the attractive raw materials for dehydrated vegetables owing to its high nutritional value. However, information about how drying methods affect the physicochemical and nutritional properties of broccoli is limited. In this study, broccoli pieces were subjected to freeze drying (FD), hot air drying (HAD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), vacuum drying (VD), MVD combined with HAD (MVD?+?HAD), and MVD combined with VD (MVD?+?VD). Quality attributes of dehydrated broccolis were contrasted in terms of color, texture, volume shrinkage, nutritional components, antioxidant activity, and rehydration capacity. Results demonstrated that FD better preserved the nutrients while HAD displayed the worst effect. The combination of MVD?+?HAD and MVD?+?VD resulted in higher retention of nutritional compositions, better antioxidant activity, and lower energy consumption than that of HAD. Furthermore, combined drying processing exhibited similar rehydration capacity but lower hardness compared to that of HAD.     

The effects of oral iron supplementation on cognition in older children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background  

In observational studies anaemia and iron deficiency are associated with cognitive deficits, suggesting that iron supplementation may improve cognitive function. However, due to the potential for confounding by socio-economic status in observational studies, this needs to be verified in data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).     

The effects of a high dosage of creatine and caffeine supplementation on the lean body mass composition of rats submitted to vertical jumping training

Background  

The influences of creatine and caffeine supplementation associated with power exercise on lean body mass (LBM) composition are not clear. The purpose of this research was to determine whether supplementation with high doses of creatine and caffeine, either solely or combined, affects the LBM composition of rats submitted to vertical jumping training.