New Insight and Future Perspectives on Nutraceuticals for Improving Sports Performance of Combat Players: Focus on Natural Supplements, Importance and Advantages over Synthetic Ones

Abstract

Advanced nutritional interventions are one of the key components of elite sports performance in general. Combat sports require a high percentage of muscle mass with minimum body weight to generate the maximum power possible. An adequate level of nutrition knowledge, particularly with respect to identifying energy needs while avoiding confusion over dietary supplements and false perceptions of steroid requirement, which may compromise the health condition, is of crucial importance. In this context, the aim of our work is to highlight nutritional requirements/nutritional assessment, the importance of daily dietary intake in combat players, which increasingly includes a broad range of sports nutrition supplements, and the roles of vitamins, minerals and proteins, combined with antioxidants and strength training, in muscular performance. The main nutrients required in the daily diet of combat players, the mechanisms of action, the main outcomes and possible side effects are summarized. Special attention is paid to natural supplements and their importance and advantages over synthetic ones, along with future trends of development.

Chitosan–sEPDM and Melatonin–Chitosan–sEPDM Composite Membranes for Melatonin Transport and Release

“…The controlled release of pharmaceutical preparations is an important aspect that doctors take into account both when prescribing drug doses and when administering food supplements [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Nutrition knowledge levels and nutritional supplement beliefs of professional karate athletes

“…Sportspeople believe that more nutritional supplement consumption is necessary to manage compelling training efforts, maximize recovery, improve performance and/ or prevent disease and maintain overall health (28).…”

Marine-derived protein: peptide bioresources for the development of nutraceuticals for improved athletic performance

“…Moderate to high intensity sports require a high percentage of muscle mass with minimum body weight to generate the maximum power. Nutraceutical foods can be useful, to prevent and treat athletes' typical ailments, also improving their performance ( 64 ). Some negative physiological changes occur in long-lasting heavy training with immune system disturbance, inflammation, and stress oxidative could be deprived.…”