Exerkines, Nutrition, and Systemic Metabolism.

The cornerstones of good health are exercise, proper food, and sound nutrition. Physical exercise should be a lifelong routine, supported by proper food selections to satisfy nutrient requirements based on energy needs, energy management, and variety to achieve optimal metabolism and physiology. The human body is sustained by intermediary and systemic metabolism integrating the physiologic processes for cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Recently, interest in specific metabolites, growth factors, cytokines, and hormones called exerkines has emerged to explain cooperation between nutrient supply organs and the brain during exercise. Exerkines consist of different compounds described as signaling moiety released during and after exercise. Examples of exerkines include oxylipin 12, 13 diHOME, lipid hormone adiponectin, growth factor BDNF, metabolite lactate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), including products of fatty acid oxidation, and cytokines such as interleukin-6. At this point, it is believed that exerkines are immediate, fast, and long-lasting factors resulting from exercise to support body energy needs with an emphasis on the brain. Although exerkines that are directly a product of macronutrient metabolism such as lactate, and result from catabolism is not surprising. Furthermore, other metabolites of macronutrient metabolism seem to be candidate exerkines. The exerkines originate from muscle, adipose, and liver and support brain metabolism, energy, and physiology. The purpose of this review is to integrate the actions of exerkines with respect to metabolism that occurs during exercise and propose other participating factors of exercise and brain physiology. The role of diet and macronutrients that influence metabolism and, consequently, the impact of exercise will be discussed. This review will also describe the evidence for PUFA, their metabolic and physiologic derivatives endocannabinoids, and oxylipins that validate them being exerkines. The intent is to present additional insights to better understand exerkines with respect to systemic metabolism.

A Comparison of Substrate Utilization Profiles During Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Athletes.

Background: Exercise is primarily sustained by energy derived from lipids (plasma free fatty acids and intramuscular triglycerides), and glucose (plasma glucose and muscle glycogen). Substrate utilization is the pattern by which these fuel sources are used during activity. There are many factors that influence substrate utilization. We aim to delineate the effect of exercise intensity and body composition on substrate utilization. Objective: The objective of our study was to discern the differences in substrate utilization profiles during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test, and to determine the extent to which body composition influences substrate utilization during the exercise tests. Methods: A total of 27 male athletes, 32.5 ± 11 years of age, were recruited for this study. Body composition was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests were performed on a treadmill. A novel graded submaximal treadmill protocol was used for the submaximal test. Results: Average percent body fat (PBF) was 15.8 ± 5%. Average maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 47.6 ± 9 mL/kg/min, while the average exercise intensity (percent VO2max) at which participants were shifting to glucose predominance for energy during the maximal and submaximal tests were 76 ± 8.3% and 58.4 ± 21.1%, respectively. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare percent VO2max at crossover point in maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests. There was a significant difference in percent VO2max at the crossover point for maximal (76 ± 8.3%) and submaximal (58 ± 21.1%) tests (t = 4.752, p = 0.001). A linear regression was performed to elucidate the interaction between exercise intensity at the crossover point and body composition during a maximal and submaximal graded exercise test. There was a significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the maximal graded exercise test [F(1,24) = 9.10, P = 0.006] with an R2 of 0.245. However, there was no significant effect of PBF on percent VO2max at crossover point during the submaximal graded exercise test (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Substrate utilization, represented by the crossover point, is dependent on the rate of increase in exercise intensity. At maximal efforts, the crossover to carbohydrates from fats as the predominant fuel source occurs at a significantly later stage of percent VO2max than at submaximal efforts. Furthermore, body composition represented by PBF is a significant predictor of substrate utilization during maximal efforts. Athletes with a relatively higher PBF are more likely to have increased lipid oxidation during high intensity exercises than those with a lower body fat percentage.

Effects of 8 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training and Spirulina Supplementation on Immunoglobin Levels, Cardio-Respiratory Fitness, and Body Composition of Overweight and Obese Women.

Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp2 = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp2 = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = -0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.

Physical Activity in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity / Estado general de la actividad física en la prevención de la obesidad infantil / Estado geral de atividade física na prevenção da obesidade infantil

Abstract Duffine Gilman, A.E. & Volpe, S.L. (2018). The global status of physical activity in the prevention of childhood obesity. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 16(2), 1-20. Childhood obesity is a public health concern that threatens the health and well-being of children worldwide and is associated with several of their chronic health conditions. Although a positive energy balance leads to excess body weight in children, there are several factors that influence their weight status. Dietary intake and physical activity greatly contribute to the energy balance in children. Mental health is also associated with their weight status and physical activity. Further, race and ethnicity, family structure, and the built environment contribute to the amount of physical activity achieved by children. One purpose of the current review is to summarize the connection between physical activity and weight status in children, and highlight key factors influencing this relationship, such as mental health and race, ethnicity, family structure and the built environment. Another purpose of this review is to highlight interventions and policies that may influence the relationship between physical activity and weight status in children. Policies that influence the surrounding environment may enhance children's accessibility for physical activity and affect neighborhood safety, the density of supermarkets and commercial physical activity facilities available, as well as the provision of structured physical activity opportunities for children. Policies that influence the school environment also provide the opportunity to facilitate additional physical activity for students. Therefore, the overall purpose of this review is to discuss the many factors that influence weight status in children and provide ideas for future research.

Resumen Duffine Gilman, A.E. & Volpe, S.L. (2018). Estado general de la actividad física en la prevención de la obesidad infantil. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 16(2), 1-20. La obesidad infantil es una preocupación en materia de salud pública que amenaza la salud y el bienestar de los niños en todo el mundo y que se relaciona con varias condiciones crónicas de salud en ese grupo. Aunque el equilibrio energético positivo conlleve a un exceso de peso corporal en los niños, hay varios factores que influyen en su estado de peso. El consumo de alimentos y la actividad física contribuyen en gran medida al equilibrio energético de los niños. La salud mental también se relaciona con su estado de peso y actividad física. Además, la raza y el origen étnico, la estructura familiar, así como el ambiente construido contribuyen a la cantidad de actividad física que practican los niños. Uno de los objetivos de esta revisión es resumir la conexión entre la actividad física y el estado de peso en los niños y resaltar los factores clave que influyen en esta relación, tales como la salud mental y la raza, el origen étnico, la estructura familiar y el ambiente construido. Otro objetivo es resaltar las intervenciones y las políticas que pueden influir en la relación entre la actividad física y el estado de peso en los niños. Las políticas que influyen en el entorno pueden mejorar la accesibilidad a actividades físicas por parte de los niños y afectar la seguridad, la densidad de los supermercados y las instalaciones comerciales de actividad física disponibles en los vecindarios, y el suministro de oportunidades estructuradas de actividad física para los niños. Las políticas que influyen en el entorno escolar también brindan oportunidades para facilitar la actividad física adicional en los niños. Por lo tanto, el propósito general de esta revisión es estudiar los muchos factores que influyen en el estado de peso de los niños y proporcionar ideas para futuras investigaciones.

Resumo Duffine Gilman, A.E. & Volpe, S.L. (2018). Estado geral de atividade física na prevenção da obesidade infantil. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 16(2), 1-20. A obesidade infantil é uma preocupação de saúde pública que ameaça a saúde e o bem-estar de crianças em todo o mundo e está relacionada com várias condições crônicas de saúde nesse grupo. Embora o equilíbrio energético positivo signifique o excesso de peso corporal em crianças, existem vários fatores que influenciam seu estado de peso. O consumo de alimentos e a atividade física contribuem em grande parte no equilíbrio energético das crianças. A saúde mental também está relacionada com seu estado de peso e a atividade física. Além disso, raça e etnia, estrutura familiar, bem como o ambiente construído contribuem para a quantidade de atividade física praticada pelas crianças. Um dos objetivos desta revisão é resumir a conexão entre atividade física e estado de peso nas crianças e destacar os principais fatores-chave que influenciam essa relação, como saúde mental e raça, origem étnica, estrutura familiar e o contexto construído. Outro objetivo é destacar as intervenções e políticas que podem pesar na relação entre a atividade física e o peso nas crianças. As políticas que influenciam o contexto podem melhorar a acessibilidade às atividades físicas por crianças e afetar a segurança, a densidade de supermercados e instalações comerciais de atividades físicas disponíveis na vizinhança e a oferta de oportunidades estruturadas de atividades físicas para as crianças. As políticas que influenciam o contexto escolar também oferecem oportunidades para facilitar a atividade física adicional para os alunos. Portanto, o propósito geral desta revisão é estudar os muitos fatores que influenciam o estado de peso das crianças e fornecer ideias para pesquisas futuras.

Obesity Prevention in Older Adults.

The number of older adults living in the USA, 65 years of age and older, has been steadily increasing. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2010, indicate that more than one-third of older adults, 65 years of age and older, were obese. With the increased rate of obesity in older adults, the purpose of this paper is to present research on different methods to prevent or manage obesity in older adults, namely dietary interventions, physical activity interventions, and a combination of dietary and physical activity interventions. In addition, research on community assistance programs in the prevention of obesity with aging will be discussed. Finally, data on federal programs for older adults will also be presented.

Magnesium and the Athlete.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral and the second most abundant intracellular divalent cation in the body. It is a required mineral that is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions in the body. Magnesium helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm (cardiac excitability), vasomotor tone, blood pressure, immune system, bone integrity, and blood glucose levels and promotes calcium absorption. Because of magnesium's role in energy production and storage, normal muscle function, and maintenance of blood glucose levels, it has been studied as an ergogenic aid for athletes. This article will cover the general roles of magnesium, magnesium requirements, and assessment of magnesium status as well as the dietary intake of magnesium and its effects on exercise performance. The research articles cited were limited from those published in 2003 through 2014.

Magnesium in disease prevention and overall health.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral and the second most abundant intracellular divalent cation and has been recognized as a cofactor for >300 metabolic reactions in the body. Some of the processes in which magnesium is a cofactor include, but are not limited to, protein synthesis, cellular energy production and storage, reproduction, DNA and RNA synthesis, and stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. Magnesium also plays a critical role in nerve transmission, cardiac excitability, neuromuscular conduction, muscular contraction, vasomotor tone, blood pressure, and glucose and insulin metabolism. Because of magnesium's many functions within the body, it plays a major role in disease prevention and overall health. Low levels of magnesium have been associated with a number of chronic diseases including migraine headaches, Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Good food sources of magnesium include unrefined (whole) grains, spinach, nuts, legumes, and white potatoes (tubers). This review presents recent research in the areas of magnesium and chronic disease, with the goal of emphasizing magnesium's role in disease prevention and overall health.

Prácticas dietéticas de los ciclistas de montaña brasileños antes y durante el entrenamiento y la competición / Dietary practices of Brazilian mountain bikers before and during training and competition

Background: The quality of the consumed diet is important for the improvement in performance during training and the achievement of positive results on competitions. The objective of study was to investigate the breakfast practices, and nutritional strategies used before and during training and competition of cyclists participating in the biggest mountain biking competition of Brazil. Methods: The participants (n = 146) were asked to complete a questionnaire during the distribution of kits on the day before the competition. The questionnaire included 13 questions about the participants’ characteristics, pre-training and pre-competition usual breakfast and meal consumption, and systemic or gastrointestinal symptoms during exercise. All statistical analyses were conducted using Sigma Stat 3.1 software. Results: 97.54% of participants consumed breakfast pre-training, while all participants consumed a pre-competition breakfast. After the analyses, banana and bread were the most consumed foods for pre-training and competition breakfast. Fort-two percent and 58 % of the participants consumed some supplement during the morning of the training and competition, respectively. Most participants indicated the consumption of some form of supplement during training (88.35%) and competition (97.25%). About 30% and 54% used three or more types of energy replenishment strategies during the training and the competition, respectively. 86% of the participants reported some form of adverse symptom during the training or race. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that most of the mountain bikers interviewed consumed breakfast before exercise, although most of the foods chosen for breakfast were not appropriate for a pre-exercise meal. Moreover, these cyclists had a high ingestion of supplements before and during exercise, often being used as substitutes for food. The information obtained about these supplements was provided by unreliable sources in 43% of athletes. It is also suggested that these athletes should be better informed about risks and benefits of supplements use (AU)

Introducción: La calidad de la dieta es importante para la mejora del rendimiento tanto a la hora de entrenar como para obtener el logro de resultados positivos en competiciones. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar las prácticas dietéticas en el desayuno, y las estrategias nutritivas usadas antes y durante el entrenamiento y la competición en ciclistas de montaña que participan en la mayor prueba de ese tipo en Brasil. Metodología: Los participantes (n = 146) fueron reclutados para completar una encuesta durante la recogida de materiales de identificación de los equipos en el día previo a la competición. La encuesta incluyó 13 preguntas sobre sus conductas nutricionales, pre-entrenamiento y pre-competición sobre el desayuno usual y consumo de la comida, síntomas sistémicoso gastrointestinales durante el ejercicio. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Sigma Stat 3.1. Resultados: Un 97,54% del total aseguraron tomar el desayuno antes del entrenamiento, y todos los participantes desayunaron antes de la competición. Después de los análisis, el plátano y pan estaban en la mayoría de las comidas pre-entrenamiento y competición. 42% y 58% de los participantes consumieron algún suplemento por la mañana antes del entrenamiento y competición, respectivamente. La mayoría de los participantes indicó el consumo de algún tipo de suplemento durante el entrenamiento (88,35%) y competición (97,25%). Aproximadamente, 30 y 54% usaron tres o más tipos de estrategias para reponer energía durante el entrenamiento y la competición, respectivamente. Un total de 86% de los participantes informaron haber tenido algún síntoma adverso durante el entrenamiento o competición. Conclusiones: Se demostró que la mayoría de los ciclistas realizan algún desayuno antes del ejercicio, aunque la mayoría de los alimentos escogidos no eran apropiados para una comida pre-ejercicio. Los ciclistas tenían una ingestión alta de suplementos antes y durante el ejercicio, usándose a menudo como sustitutivo de la comida. La información obtenida sobre estos suplementos fue proporcionada por las fuentes no fiables en 43% de los deportistas. También se sugiere que estos atletas se informen bien sobre los riesgos y beneficios del consumo de suplementos (AU)

Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis to hydrostatic weighing in male body builders.

The purpose of this study was to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to hydrostatic weighing (HW) in male weight lifters and body builders. Twenty-two male body builders and weight lifters, 23 +/- 3 years of age (mean +/- SD), were studied to determine the efficacy of BIA to HW in this population. Subjects were measured on two separate occasions, 6 weeks apart, for test-retest reliability purposes. Participants recorded 3-day dietary intakes and average work-out times and regimens between the two testing periods. Subjects were, on average, 75 +/- 8 kg of body weight and 175 +/- 7 cm tall. Validation results were as follows: constant error for HW-BIA = 0.128 +/- 3.7%, r for HW versus BIA = -0.294. Standard error of the estimate for BIA = 2.32% and the total error for BIA = 3.6%. Percent body fat was 7.8 +/- 1% from BIA and 8.5 +/- 2% from HW (P > 0.05). Subjects consumed 3,217 +/- 1,027 kcals; 1,848 +/- 768 kcals from carbohydrates; 604 +/- 300 kcals from protein; and 783 +/- 369 kcals from fat. Although work-outs differed among one another, within subject training did not vary. These results suggest that measurement of percent body fat in male body builders and weight trainers is equally as accurate using BIA or HW.

Therapeutic uses of magnesium.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function. Research has shown that the mineral content of magnesium in food sources is declining, and that magnesium depletion has been detected in persons with some chronic diseases. This has led to an increased awareness of proper magnesium intake and its potential therapeutic role in a number of medical conditions. Studies have shown the effectiveness of magnesium in eclampsia and preeclampsia, arrhythmia, severe asthma, and migraine. Other areas that have shown promising results include lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome, improving glucose and insulin metabolism, relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, and alleviating leg cramps in women who are pregnant. The use of magnesium for constipation and dyspepsia are accepted as standard care despite limited evidence. Although it is safe in selected patients at appropriate dosages, magnesium may cause adverse effects or death at high dosages. Because magnesium is excreted renally, it should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.

Health inequalities in correctional institutions: implications for health inequalities in the community.

In this feasibility study, we conducted a meta-analysis of health inequalities, especially around issues of nutrition and exercise, in correctional institutions compared to the community. The project explored the extent to which the inequalities found in the health of people in the community are mirrored by inequalities found in prison. Existing data were examined to assess what light they might shed on existing health inequalities, with emphasis on lifestyle issues that contribute to obesity. The project raised questions about the sources of health inequalities and how they could be reduced. Specifically, the study compared the diet and exercise lifestyles of prisoners versus the community to examine whether they correlate with the frequency of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the two populations.

Minerals as ergogenic aids.

Chromium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are essential minerals for humans. They all are involved in a number of metabolic reactions in the body; many of these reactions are involved in energy metabolism, and hence it is thought that they may exert an ergogenic effect. However, the data on their effects as ergogenic aids have been equivocal. Longitudinal research is required (including supplementation studies) to follow athletes over time and properly evaluate effects of these minerals upon performance. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the ergogenic effects of chromium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Magnesium, the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Magnesium is an essential mineral and has been established as a cofactor for over 300 metabolic reactions in the body. Some research has indicated that lower intakes of magnesium and lower serum magnesium concentrations may lead to and are associated with the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The goal of this review is to examine the research conducted on: 1) magnesium status, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 2) the effects of magnesium intake and/or supplementation on metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To make this review as current as possible, the majority of research articles reviewed were from 2000 to the present.

Effect of zinc supplementation on thyroid hormone function. A case study of two college females.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Zinc is crucial for proper thyroid hormone metabolism; zinc deficiency may result in decreased thyroid hormone levels and resting metabolic rate (RMR). The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of zinc supplementation on plasma zinc, serum ferritin, plasma total triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)), serum free T(3) and T(4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations, and RMR in zinc-deficient, physically active women. METHODS: Two zinc-deficient female college students (ZD1 and ZD2) were supplemented with 26.4 mg/day of zinc (as zinc gluconate), and the above parameters were analyzed at 0, 2 and 4 months. RESULTS: Zinc deficiency was clinically corrected in both subjects, while serum ferritin concentration declined to classify both subjects as borderline iron deficient (ZD1 = 15.3 and ZD2 = 15.3 ng/ml at 4 months). At 4 months, total T(3) concentrations increased in ZD1, while all thyroid hormone concentrations increased in ZD2. RMR increased in both subjects by 4 months. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation appeared to be directly responsible for the increase in plasma zinc and decline in serum ferritin concentrations in both subjects. Zinc supplementation appeared to have a favorable effect on thyroid hormone levels, particularly total T(3), and RMR.

Micronutrient requirements for athletes.

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for many metabolic processes in the body and are important in supporting growth and development. Vitamins and minerals also are required in numerous reactions involved with exercise and physical activity, including energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, oxygen transfer and delivery, and tissue repair. The vitamin and mineral needs of athletes have always been a topic of discussion. Some researchers state that athletes require more vitamins and minerals than their sedentary counterparts, whereas other researchers do not report greater micronutrient requirements. The intensity, duration, and frequency of the sport/workout and the overall energy and nutrient intakes of the individual all have an impact on whether or not micronutrients are required in greater amounts. This article evaluates the vitamin and mineral needs of athletes.

Effect of maximal exercise on the short-term kinetics of zinc metabolism in sedentary men.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of acute exhaustive exercise versus rest on short-term zinc kinetics in men. DESIGN: Crossover design, wherein all subjects were their own control. SETTING: University setting, where subjects were free living. PARTICIPANTS: 12 healthy, sedentary men, 25-35 years of age. INTERVENTIONS: (70)Zn was infused 10 min after exercise or at rest. Plasma zinc concentrations were measured at baseline and 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min after exercise or rest. Haematocrit was measured before and after exercise to assess changes in plasma volume. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Plasma zinc (primary), serum creatine kinase and serum cortisol concentrations (secondary). RESULTS: Plasma zinc concentrations decreased (p<0.05) after exercise, with a mean (SD) nadir of 13.9% (4.1%) observed at 70 min after exercise. There were increases in the size of the rapidly exchangeable plasma zinc pool (Qa; from 3.1 (0.2) to 3.6 (0.2) mg; p<0.05) and the liver zinc pool (Qb; from 10.2 (0.6) to 11.4 (0.8) mg; p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Exercise seems to cause a shift of plasma zinc into the interstitial fluid and liver after exercise, which may reflect the acute stress response of strenuous exercise.

Popular weight reduction diets.

The percentage of people who are overweight and obese has increased tremendously over the last 30 years. It has become a worldwide epidemic. This is evident by the number of children are being diagnosed with a body mass index >85th percentile, and the number of children begin diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disease previously reserved for adults. The weight loss industry has also gained from this epidemic; it is a billion dollar industry. People pay large sums of money on diet pills, remedies, and books, with the hope of losing weight permanently. Despite these efforts, the number of individuals who are overweight or obese continues to increase. Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disorder. It would be impossible to address all aspects of diet, exercise, and weight loss in this review. Therefore, this article will review popular weight loss diets, with particular attention given to comparing low fat diets with low carbohydrate diets. In addition, the role that the environment plays on both diet and exercise and how they impact obesity will be addressed. Finally, the National Weight Control Registry will be discussed.

Effect of nutrition supplement education on nutrition supplement knowledge among high school students from a low-income community.

Research has shown that adolescents from low-income communities receive less educational resources and support and may possess insufficient knowledge of nutrition and sport supplements to make health conscious decisions. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of a nutrition supplement educational intervention in improving the nutrition supplement knowledge of adolescents from a low-income community. Thirty-nine high school students from a low-income community were separated into experimental (E) (n = 22) and control (C) (n = 17) groups. E received 5 nutrition lessons on various nutrition and sport supplement topics. C did not receive any nutrition education. E consisted of 5 freshmen, 5 sophomores, 6 juniors, and 6 seniors. The ethnic backgrounds of E were: 15 African-Americans, 3 Hispanic-Americans, and 4 "others." There were 14 females and 8 males in E. C consisted of 9 freshmen, 1 sophomore, 4 juniors, and 3 seniors. The ethnic backgrounds of C were: 14 African-Americans, 1 Hispanic-American, and 2 "others." There were 10 females and 7 males in C. Both groups were administered a validated nutrition and sport supplement questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention that consisted of 28 questions. Mean baseline knowledge scores for E and C were 5.73 +/- 3.34 and 8.18 +/- 3.82, respectively (p = 0.040). Post-intervention scores were: 14.45 +/- 4.81 and 7.82 +/- 4.79 for E and C, respectively (p = 0.0001). These results indicate that a short-term nutrition education program can significantly improve nutrition and sport supplement knowledge in high school students of low socioeconomic status.