Recent Progress in Applicability of Exercise Immunology and Inflammation Research to Sports Nutrition

Abstract

This article focuses on how nutrition may help prevent and/or assist with recovery from the harmful effects of strenuous acute exercise and physical training (decreased immunity, organ injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fatigue), with a focus on nutritional supplements. First, the effects of ketogenic diets on metabolism and inflammation are considered. Second, the effects of various supplements on immune function are discussed, including antioxidant defense modulators (vitamin C, sulforaphane, taheebo), and inflammation reducers (colostrum and hyperimmunized milk). Third, how 3-hydroxy-3-methyl butyrate monohydrate (HMB) may offset muscle damage is reviewed. Fourth and finally, the relationship between exercise, nutrition and COVID-19 infection is briefly mentioned. While additional verification of the safety and efficacy of these supplements is still necessary, current evidence suggests that these supplements have potential applications for health promotion and disease prevention among athletes and more diverse populations.

The Influence of Obesity and Weight Loss on the Bioregulation of Innate/Inflammatory Responses: Macrophages and Immunometabolism

“…However, other studies show conflicting results pointing to increased cholesterol and inflammatory markers, decreased triglycerides, and decreased insulin-mediated antilipolysis [140]. Again, we find differing results and a limited number of studies, which together with long-term severe adverse effects detected after this intervention [139], clearly reveal that further research is needed in this area before proposing its implementation as an anti-inflammatory strategy in obesity.…”

“…For instance, ketogenic diets were proposed to be useful to control inflammation. The ketogenic diet, a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates (thus utilizing fat and lipid metabolism as the main energy source), has demonstrated to lead to significant weight loss and has also been associated with a decrease in systemic inflammation, reduced insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels, and improved lipid profile and oxidative stress [138,139]. However, other studies show conflicting results pointing to increased cholesterol and inflammatory markers, decreased triglycerides, and decreased insulin-mediated antilipolysis [140].…”

Dietary Supplementation for Attenuating Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Humans

“…More studies are required to draw a firm conclusion regarding appropriate dose and duration. Moreover, further research is needed to identify the effectiveness of dietary supplements for EIMD and DOMS, especially in elite athletes [ 97 ].…”

Exploring the Effects of Energy Constraints on Performance, Body Composition, Endocrinological/Hematological Biomarkers, and Immune System among Athletes: An Overview of the Fasting State

“…Exercise and physical activity cause weight loss by reducing body fat, along with reducing energy intake and energy consumption in sports. Studies have shown that regular exercise, along with optimal food consumption, improves the immune system [ 1 , 4 ].…”