Influence of nutrition and genetics on performance: a pilot study in a group of gymnasts

Abstract

Purpose. Energy requirements in sports performance are affected by numerous factors: physical characteristics, age, genetic basis, sports discipline. The Food and Nutrition board recommended nutrition based on age, height, and body weight gain in relation to physical activity. some genetic factors, such as the PPAr-encoding gene, play a key role in metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of specific snacks on performance. Methods. seventeen girls aged 10-14 years practising artistic gymnastics were enrolled. A carb or protein/carb snack was provided before the training, and a questionnaire was administered at the end. In addition, saliva samples were collected for genetic analyses. Results. Most girls represented the cc genotype (65%), while a small part had the Gc (23%) and GG (12%). The average bMI equalled 20.05 ± 2.8 kg/m 2 in the group with the cc genotype, 19.6 ± 2.8 kg/m 2 with the Gc genotype, and 20.2 ± 2.8 kg/m 2 with the GG genotype. The questionnaire showed that 59% of girls experienced a performance improvement after eating a carb snack; slightly different results were observed after the intake of a protein/carb snack: 47% felt more energy and 12% more fatigue.Conclusions. This is a preliminary study that should be deepened by increasing the number of subjects, as well as diversifying the type of snacks administered and increasing the time of the study. It is important to be mindful of eating habits and lifestyle in order to prevent the onset of overweight.

Physical activity, nutrition, and bone health

“…Consequently, they are fundamental to guarantee a good physical performance. the adequate protein intake indicated by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is 1.2-1.8 g/kg of body mass for active adults [68,69], with athletes requiring higher protein intake to maintain protein synthesis [70]. In particular, a recent study has shown that the ingestion of 20 g of protein post-exercise helps maintain positive protein balance following exercise [71].…”

“…However, burke et al [72] suggested that carbohydrate ingestion during activities lasting 45 minutes or longer provides an ergogenic effect with doses varying from small ones up to 90 g/ hour, whereas ACSM recommends that athletes should ingest simple sugars at the rate of 30-60 g/hour for exercise lasting longer than 60 minutes. Additionally, Amato et al [69] showed that gymnastics performance improved after eating a carbohydrate snack compared with a different pre-exercise meal.…”

Can specific pre-workout meals reduce bone resorption in young gymnasts?

“…Bone mineral density is modified by various factors and in particular by diet, by nutritional status and exercise (1,2,3). Athletes have a higher bone turnover compared to sedentary individuals.…”

Effects of protein supplementation in fitness world: A 12-week cross-over studio

“…An important distinction must be made between endurance training and resistance training. In fact, some studies show that the post workout supplementation with isolated proteins does not improve endurance or aerobic/anaerobic performance more than carbs supplementation (Alessandra Amato et al, 2017;D'Lugos et al, 2016). But at the same time, it can be useful to reduce muscle damage markers such as creatine kinase and muscle pain 12-24 hours after exercise (Breen, Tipton, & Jeukendrup, 2010;Romano-Ely, Todd, Saunders, & Laurent, 2006;Saunders, Luden, & Herrick, 2007;Valentine, Saunders, Todd, & St Laurent, 2008).…”