Can Functional Beverages Serve as a Substantial Source of Macroelements and Microelements in Human Nutrition?-Analysis of Selected Minerals in Energy and Isotonic Drinks.

Studies on the ingredients of energy drinks and isotonic drinks focus mainly on the evaluation of their content in terms of substances modulating the body's metabolism or those regarded as food additives. Having regard to the widespread availability of these beverages, their diversity and the limited number of studies in this area, the aim of this study was to analyse the contents of F, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, V, Co, Ni, Zn, Bi and Na in the energy drinks and isotonic drinks available in the Polish market. Fluorine concentration was analysed using an ion-selective electrode. The other elements were analysed using ICP-OES. Obtained results showed that functional beverages need to be taken into account as a source of macroelements and microelements in human nutrition, particularly when ingested often and in large quantities (which applies particularly to the young population). Moreover, due caution needs to be maintained in consumer choices.

Six Weeks of Calorie Restriction Improves Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Obese and Overweight Former Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 6 weeks of reducing daily caloric intake by 20% of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)-CRI vs. reducing daily caloric intake by 30% of TDEE-CRII on body mass reduction and insulin metabolism in former athletes. METHODS: 94 males aged 35.7 ± 5.3 years, height 180.5 ± 4.1 cm, and body mass 96.82 ± 6.2 kg were randomly assigned to the CRI (n = 49) or CRII (n = 45) group. Thirty-one participants (18 subjects from CRI and 13 from CRII) resigned from the study. The effects of both diets on the body composition variables (body mass-BM; body fat-BF; fat free mass-FFM; muscle mass-MM; total body water-TBW), lipid profile (total lipids-TL; total cholesterol-TCh; HDL cholesterol-HDL; LDL cholesterol-LDL; triglycerides-TG), and glucose control variables (glucose-GL, insulin-I, HOMA-IR, insulin-like growth factor-1-IGF-1, leptin and adiponectin) were measured. RESULTS: After adhering to the CR I diet, significant differences were observed in FFM, MM and TG. After adhering to the CR II diet, significant differences were registered in tCh, TL and LDL. Both diets had a significant influence on leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Significant differences in FFM, MM, and tCh were observed between the CR I and CR II groups. At the end of the dietary intervention, significant differences in BF, FFM, MM and TBW were observed between the CR I and CR II groups. CONCLUSION: The 6 weeks of CR II diet appeared to be more effective in reducing BF and lipid profile and proved to be especially suitable for subjects with high body fat content and an elevated level of lipoproteins and cholesterol. Both reductive diets were effective in improving the levels of leptin and adiponectin in obese former athletes.

Seeking Optimal Nutrition for Healthy Body Mass Reduction among Former Athletes.

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of 6 week Mediterranean diet or 30% calorie restriction on the fatty acid profile and eicosanoids (hydroxyoctadecadienoi acids and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids) concentration. Furthermore, basic biochemical variables such as insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and a lipid profile were estimated. The study enrolled 94 Caucasian former athletes aged 20-42, with body height of 179 ± 16.00 cm and body mass of 89.26 ± 13.25 kg who had not been active for at least 5 years. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: CR group - the 30% calorie restriction (n = 32), MD group - the Mediterranean diet (n = 34), and C group - a control group (n = 28). The pattern of nutrition was analysed before and after the experiment using the 72 h food diaries. In order to evaluate the effect of diet intervention, the following variables were measured: anthropometrics, basic biochemical variables (insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile), fatty acids and their blood derivatives profiles. The CR group showed significantly lower levels of several biochemical variables, i.e., BMI, total cholesterol LDL, TG, total lipids, insulin and HOMA - IR (p < 0.05). Subjects consuming the MD diet significantly decreased their BMI and reduced the level of total lipids (p < 0.05). We did not find any significant changes in the C group. The analysis of the fatty acid profile revealed that the CR group had a significantly decreased EPA level (p < 0.05). The MD group showed a significantly increased level of the DHA (p < 0.05) and improvement in the omega - 3 index (p < 0.05). Subjects following the MD also showed significantly lower concentrations of 15 - hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). We did not observe any significant differences between the CR and C groups. Within short time, calorie restriction helps to improve lipid variables and insulin resistance. The MD diet seems to be more advantageous in the decrease of inflammation, but does not improve basic biochemical variables. We can conclude that calorie restriction can be a good choice for former athletes, although EPA and DHA supplementation is needed.

[What is the nutrition regimen followed by athletes after the end of their sporting career?].

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional habits of participants in the research project "CRON -diet as an alternative method for athletes who have completed their sporting career". Materials and methods: 94 former athletes from Poland participated in this study. A standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for interview. Respondents were interviewed once, during the first visit after inclusion in the study. Results: Most former athletes had 3 meals per day during the last 12 months (39.4%), not respecting specified consumption hours (44.7%). The most commonly consumed foods are: whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables. Respondents reported the consumption of these foods several times a week. The study revealed a correlation between the consumption of fruit in general and a preference for apples and pears (r = 0.7340; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study showed that former athletes' diets are quite diversified. It should be mentioned that former athletes' diets consists of a low number of meals, which are not consumed at fixed times. Respondents were aware that their diet provided too much sugar and fat; some of them declared that they try to reduce the consumption of these products in their daily diet.

[Analysis of risk factors associated with professional drivers' work].

Introduction: Professional driver is an occupation associated with high health risk. The factors which increase the risk of developing lifestyle diseases are closely related to working conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk factors which are associated with professional drivers' lifestyle. Materials: The material consisted of 23 articles from PubMed.gov. Conclusion: Risk factors related to drivers' work have a signi􀏐icant impact on their health.

[CHANGES IN BODY MASS AND BLOOD LIPID LEVELS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CALORIC RESTRICTION]. / ZMIANY MASY CIALA I STEZENIA LIPIDÓW PACJENTÓW PODDANYCH RESTRYKCJOM KALORYCZNYM--DONIESIENIE WSTEPNE.

INTRODUCTION: Caloric restriction is the only well-documented nutritional intervention prolonging the life of mammals. This method modifies the lipid levels in blood, controlling obesity and delaying the onset of many medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of lipid profile in patients on Mediterranean or CRON (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) diets, before and after six weeks of dieting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following parameters were compared: total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BMI. Additionally, we measured the levels of insulin, HOMA score, and anthropometric parameters. The comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between mild caloric restriction and blood lipid profile. Results from studies on patients who underwent six-week dietetic intervention indicated statistically significant changes in biochemical parameters due to caloric restrictions. Such changes were not found in subjects following the Mediterranean diet. The greatest decrease in the blood level of triglycerides was found in subjects on the CRON diet, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and total lipid levels also decreased. No significant changes if biochemical parameters were found in patients on the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis of all parameters demonstrated that the use of mild caloric restrictions with ensured supply of all necessary nutrients seems to be the most effective solution for reducing fatty tissue.