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In a randomized, double-blind, pilot study involving 126 postmenopausal women, supplementation with fish oil (2 capsules containing 1.2 g EPA and DHA per day) for a period of 6 months was found to be associated with significant improvements in walking speed, as compared to a placebo. Intakes of vitamin C and selenium and changes in TNF-alpha were also found to contribute to change in walking speed, "suggesting LCPUFA may interact with antioxidants and inflammatory response to impact physical performance." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study involving 15 exercise-trained individuals (10 men and 5 women; 30-65 years) did not find that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improved exercise performance or decreased oxidative stress. Subjects received reduced CoQ10 (Kaneka QH ubiquinol; 300 mg per day) or a placebo for 4 weeks with a 3 week washout period. Subjects performed a graded exercise treadmill test and a repeated cycle sprint test (separated by 48 hours) after each 4 week period. Results found that treatment with CoQ10 increased in total blood CoQ10 and reduced blood CoQ10, but did not improve exercise performance (with the exception of selected individuals) or impact oxidative stress. Findings indicate that CoQ10 may not reduce exercise induced oxidative stress or improve athletic performance, however, additional research is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomized controlled trial enrolling 87 frail older adults with low socioeconomic status found that protein and essential amino acids supplementation may slow down functional decline. Subjects in the treatment group received two 200-mL cans of commercial liquid formula (additional 400 kcal of energy, 25g of protein, 9.4g of essential amino acids, 400mL of water) per day for 12 weeks. The intervention group saw an increase in physical function and timed up and go, and stabilization in Short Physical Performance Battery. No differences between the treatment and control group in hand grip strength or one-legged stance performance were found. These results indicate that protein-energy supplementation may reduce the progression of functional decline in frail older adults with low socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study investigating mitochondrial function and physical performance in statin-treated mice (atorvastatin, pravastatin) found that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 could restore mitochondrial function and increase exercise tolerance. Results showed atorvastatin-treated mice developed muscular mitochondrial dysfunction due to ubiquinone deficiency and a decrease in exercise endurance without affecting muscle mass and strength. Pravastatin at ten times higher dose of atorvastatin had no such effects. Atorvastatin-related decrease in mitochondrial activity led to a decrease in oxygen utilization and an increase in lactate production. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in atorvastatin-treated mice reversed atorvastatinrelated mitochondrial dysfunction and a decrease in oxygen utilization, and improved exercise endurance. These results indicate that coenzyme Q10 has the potential to reverse atorvastatin-related mitochondrial dysfunction and decrease in exercise tolerance, thereby benefitin g patients taking atorvastatin drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study suggests that multiple micronutrient supplementation may be beneficial in improving micronutrient status and enhancing aerobic capacity and endurance in school-age children. 300 clinically healthy school-age children (7-10.5 y) were assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial looking at the impact of a multi-micronutrient-fortified nutritional beverage on physical performance measures. The participants were randomized to 1 of 3 study arms: fortified choco-malt beverage powder (F), matched energy equivalent unfortified placebo (U), and untreated control (C). Participants in the F and C groups were given 40 g fortified (19 key vitamins and minerals) and unfortified choco-malt beverage, respectively, daily for 120 d. Measurements were made at baseline and the end of the intervention. Micronutrient status included thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, iron, pyridoxal phosphate, and vitamins B-12 and C. Primary efficacy outcomes included endurance and aer obic capacity using a 20-m shuttle test and step test. Other measures included speed (40-m sprint), visual reaction time, maximal hand grip, and forearm static endurance. In the F group there was an increase in aerobic capacity and whole body endurance (P < 0.05) accompanied by a significant improvement in the status of iron thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxal phosphate, folate, and vitamins C and B-12 compared to the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). The study suggests that multiple micronutrient supplementation in similar populations may be beneficial in improving micronutrient status and enhancing aerobic capacity and endurance in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an abstract of the study "Effects of Acute and 14-Day Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Both Trained and Untrained Individuals," by M. Cooke et al, which examined the beneficial effects of acute and 2-week supplementation with coenzyme Q10 on exercise performance.

An abstract of the study "Oxidative Stress and Severe Walking Disability among Older Women," by R. D. Semba and colleagues published in the 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Medicine" is presented.

An abstract of the study "Lifelong Caloric Restriction and Interleukin-6 Secretion From Adipose Tissue: Effects on Physical Performance Decline in Aged Rats" is presented.

The article presents an abstract of the study "Vitamin D Status Predicts Physical Performance and Its Decline in Older Persons," by I.S. Wicherts, N.M. vanSchoor et al, which showed that low levels of serum 25(OH)D were found to be linked with a decline in physical performance.

An abstract of the study "Vitamin D Status Predicts Physical Performance and Its Decline in Older Persons," by I. S. Wicherts, N. M. vanSchoor, published in a 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology," is presented.

An abstract of the article "Long-Term Supplementation With Calcium and Vitamin D May Benefit Elderly Patients With Low-Energy Fracture" is presented.

The article discusses vitamin D status in older people, referencing the study "Poor Vitamin D Status Associated With Poor Physical Performance in Older Subjects," by D. K. Houston, M. Cesari and colleagues.