Heavily exercising endurance athletes experience extreme physiologic stress, which is associated with temporary immunodepression and higher risk of infection, particularly upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). The aim of this review is to provide a critical up-to-date review of existing evidence on the immunomodulatory potential of selected macronutrients and to evaluate their efficacy. The results of 66 placebo-controlled and/or crossover trials were compared and analysed. Among macronutrients, the most effective approach to maintain immune function in athletes is to consume ≥6% carbohydrate during prolonged exercise. Because inadequate nutrition affects almost all aspects of the immune system, a well-balanced diet is also important. Evidence of beneficial effects from other macronutrients is scarce and results are often inconsistent. Using a single nutrient may not be as effective as a mixture of several nutritional supplements. Due to limited research evidence, with the exception of carbohydrate, no explicit recommendations to reduce post-exercise URTI symptoms with single macronutrients can be derived.

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Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that is applied for treating obesity. Lipases are required for digestion and absorption of dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of orlistat therapy on plasma concentrations of oxygenated (beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin) and hydrocarbon (alpha-, beta-carotene, lycopene) carotenoids. Six patients with a body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m2 received 360 mg/d orlistat over 4.5 mon. Plasma carotenoid concentrations were determined at baseline (T0) and after 3 (T3) and 4.5 mon (T4.5) along with anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical indices, including plasma lipids, retinol, (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, and FA. Baseline BMI was 32.7 +/- 1.97 kg/m2. Five of six patients lost weight; the average weight loss was 3.6 +/- 2.4% (P = 0.47). There were no significant changes in dietary carotenoid intakes. In contrast, plasma alpha- and beta-carotene concentrations decreased significantly from T0 to T4.5 by 45% (P = 0.006) and 32% (P = 0.013), respectively. Plasma lycopene decreased from T0 to T3 but increased again from T3 to T4.5, while beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations did not change. There were no significant alterations in tocopherol, retinol, and FA concentrations. In conclusion, even though weight loss was not significant, orlistat therapy was associated with significant decreases in plasma concentrations of the highly lipophilic hydrocarbon carotenoids, alpha- and beta-carotene.

Background Early experiences with different flavors play an important role in infant development, including food and taste acceptance. Flavors are already perceived in utero with the development of the taste and olfactory system and are passed on to the child through breast and bottle feeding. Therefore, the first 1000 days of life are considered a critical window for infant developmental programming. Objective The objective of our study is to investigate, both in the prenatal and postnatal period, taste sensitivity, preferences, and dietary diversity of mother-infant pairs. The explorative study design will also report on the impact of these variables on body composition (BC) and biomarkers. In contrast to conventional methods, this study involves long-term follow-up data collection from mother-infant pairs; moreover, the integration of audiovisual tools for recording infants' expressions pertaining to taste stimuli is a novelty of this study. Considering these new methodological approaches, the study aims to assess taste-related data in conjunction with BC parameters like fat-free mass or fat mass, biomarkers, and nutritional intake in infants and children. Methods Healthy pregnant women aged between 18 and 50 years (BMI≥18.5 kg/m2 to ≤30 kg/m2; <28 weeks of gestation) were recruited from January 2014 to October 2014. The explorative design implies 2 center visits during pregnancy (24-28 weeks of gestation and 32-34 weeks of gestation) and 2 center visits after delivery (6-8 weeks postpartum and 14-16 weeks postpartum) as well as follow-up visits at 1, 3-3.5, and 6 years after delivery. Data collection encompasses anthropometric and biochemical measurements as well as BC analyses with air displacement plethysmography, taste perception assessments, and multicomponent questionnaires on demographics, feeding practices, and nutritional and lifestyle behaviors. Audiovisual data from infants’ reactions to sensory stimuli are collected and coded by trained staff using Baby Facial Action Coding and the Body Action Posture System. Birth outcomes and weight development are obtained from medical records, and additional qualitative data are gathered from 24 semistructured interviews. Results Our cohort represents a homogenous group of healthy women with stringent exclusion criteria. A total of 54 women met the eligibility criteria, whereas 47 mother-child pairs completed data collection at 4 center visits during and after pregnancy. Follow-up phases, data analyses, and dissemination of the findings are scheduled for the end of 2023. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Medical University of Graz (EC No 26–066 ex 13/14), and all participants provided informed consent. Conclusions The results of this study could be useful for elucidating the connections between maternal and infant statuses regarding diet, taste, biomarkers, and prenatal and postnatal weight development. This study may also be relevant to the establishment of further diagnostic and interventional strategies targeting childhood obesity and early body fat development. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/37279

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