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Glucosamine (GLU) is a natural compound found in cartilage, and supplementation with glucosamine has been shown to improve joint heath and has been linked to reduced mortality rates. GLU is poorly absorbed and may exhibit functional properties in the gut. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of glucosamine on gastrointestinal function as well as changes in fecal microbiota and metabolome. Healthy males (n = 6) and females (n = 5) (33.4 ± 7.7 years, 174.1 ± 12.0 cm, 76.5 ± 12.9 kg, 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2, n = 11) completed two supplementation protocols that each spanned three weeks separated by a washout period that lasted two weeks. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, participants ingested a daily dose of GLU hydrochloride (3000 mg GlucosaGreen®, TSI Group Ltd., Missoula, MT, USA) or maltodextrin placebo. Study participants completed bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaires in addition to providing a stool sample that was analyzed for fecal microbiota and metabolome at baseline and after the completion of each supplementation period. GLU significantly reduced stomach bloating and showed a trend towards reducing constipation and hard stools. Phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) and proportions of Pseudomonadaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Bacillaceae were significantly reduced following GLU consumption. GLU supplementation significantly reduced individual, total branched-chain, and total amino acid excretion, with no glucosamine being detected in any of the fecal samples. GLU had no effect on fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. GLU supplementation provided functional gut health benefits and induced fecal microbiota and metabolome changes.

1-Methylxanthine (1-MX) is the major metabolite of caffeine and paraxanthine and might contribute to their activity. 1-MX is an adenosine receptor antagonist and increases the release and survivability of neurotransmitters; however, no study has addressed the potential physiological effects of 1-MX ingestion. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 1-MX on memory and related biomarkers in rats compared to control. Memory (escape latency in the Morris water maze test), neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)), and neurochemicals (BDNF, catalase, glutathione, Amyloid Beta and cyclic GMP) were analyzed from whole brain samples in young (8-weeks-old) and aged (16-months-old) rats following 12 days of supplementation (100 mg/d HED of 1-MX [UPLEVEL®, Ingenious Ingredients L.P., Lewisville, TX, USA]) via oral gavage. 1-MX supplementation reduced escape latency by 39% in young animals and 27% in aged animals compared to controls (both p<0.001). Additionally, 1-MX increased the levels of acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, and cyclic GMP (all p<0.001). Furthermore, 1-MX supplementation led to reduced amyloid beta and higher catalase, BDNF and glutathione concentrations (p<0.001). Collectively, our findings suggest that 1-MX may have cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complex relationship among sleep, exercise, and the gut microbiome presents a unique opportunity to improve health and wellness. Here, we conducted the first large-scale investigation into the influence of a novel elite athlete-derived probiotic, consisting of a multi-strain Lactobacillus consortium, on sleep quality, exercise recovery, and gut microbiome composition in both elite athletes (n = 11) and the general population (n = 257). Results: Our two-phase study design, which included an open-label study followed by a controlled longitudinal study in a professional soccer team, allowed us to identify key interactions between probiotics, the gut microbiome, and the host. In the placebo-controlled study, we observed significant improvements in self-reported sleep quality by 69%, energy levels by 31%, and bowel movements by 37% after probiotic intervention relative to after placebo. These improvements were associated with a significant decrease in D-ROMS (a marker of oxidative stress) and a significantly higher free-testosterone/cortisol ratio. Multi-omics analyses revealed specific changes in microbiome composition and function, potentially providing mechanistic insights into these observed effects. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into how a multi-strain Lactobacillus probiotic modulates sleep quality, exercise recovery, and gut microbiome composition in both the general population and elite athletes, and introduces potential mechanisms through which this probiotic could be influencing overall health. Our results emphasize the untapped potential of tailored probiotic interventions derived from extremely fit and healthy individuals in improving several aspects of health and performance directly in humans. 7acX3x-ZJN7KWMrJbRbZzQ Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative analysis of body composition and dietary habits in elite swimming and water polo athletes. Through the examination of these key parameters, this study seeks to compare the dietary intake of these two distinct aquatic sports disciplines. Methods: A total of 10 top-level swimmers and 13 water polo athletes participated in anthropometric and body composition assessments, as well as a detailed analysis of nutritional intake. To compare the two groups, an independent samples t-test was used, and variance homogeneity was checked using Levene's test. The effect size of the group differences was evaluated using Hedges' g. Results: Water polo athletes showed significantly greater height (189.4 ± 2.9 vs. 186.5 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.013), body mass index (24.3 ± 1.4 vs. 22.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001), fat-free mass (62.9 ± 1.4 vs. 61.1 ± 1.38 kg, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (47.1 ± 1.3 vs. 43.9 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.001), and overall weight (86.9 ± 6.9 vs. 76.7 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.001) in comparison to swimmers. Swimmers consumed greater amounts of mean daily energy (60.0 ± 1.0 vs. 39.0 ± 1.0 kcal/kg, p < 0.001), carbohydrate (7.8 ± 0.3 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), protein (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), and fat (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001) compared to water polo athletes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for differentiated targeted nutritional interventions to enhance athletic performance in different types of water sports. Compared to water polo athletes, swimmers consumed significantly higher amounts of calories, matching their increased calorie demand from their specific training regime. However, this is an observational study and the differential needs of energy and macronutrients in water sports should be confirmed by studies with energy expenditure measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]