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Background Nutrient timing strategies are commonly employed by athletes to support recovery, sleep quality, muscle protein synthesis, and overnight metabolic regulation. However, limited research has explored the glycemic impact of different macronutrients consumed prior to sleep, particularly in elite female athletes. α-lactalbumin (ALA), a whey-derived protein rich in tryptophan, has been proposed to support stable overnight glucose levels and sleep quality. In contrast, carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion before bed is known to acutely elevate blood glucose, yet its influence on nocturnal glycemia during sleep remains less understood in high-performing athletes. This This study compared the effects of pre-sleep ingestion of ALA, casein (CAS), CHO, and a non-caloric placebo (PLA) on nocturnal continuous glucose monitoring (nCGM) metrics over a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, crossover study in elite female athletes.Methods Each participant consumed one of four pre-sleep treatments—40 g of ALA, CAS, CHO, or a non-caloric PLA – for three consecutive nights per condition. Supplement was taken 2 hours after the final meal and 30 minutes before bedtime. Blood glucose was tracked every 15 minutes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices that were worn on the back of the arm for the duration of the study. Glycemic responses were collected for 24 hours each day of the study; starting from the two hours before the participants reported their bedtime, while they were sleeping, and continued up to the hour after the participant reported waking up was analyzed. Participants reported their bed and wake times in daily surveys, and CGM data was matched accordingly. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of time, condition, and time × condition interaction on glucose concentrations.Results Six NCAA Division I female athletes (n = 6; Age: 22.5 ± 0.96 yrs, Height: 1.68 ± 0.06 m, Weight: 60.77 ± 7.02 kg) completed the study. A significant main effect of time on nocturnal glucose was observed (p = 0.008), reflecting expected glycemic variation during sleep. However, no significant differences were found between macronutrient conditions (p = 0.187), and there was no time × condition interaction (p = 0.550), suggesting the type of macronutrient ingested before bed did not significantly influence overnight glucose dynamics. Wake-time blood glucose values also did not differ significantly across conditions (p = 0.58).Conclusion Pre-sleep ingestion of protein (ALA or CAS), carbohydrate, or placebo does not significantly impact nocturnal or next-morning glycemic control in elite female athletes. These findings suggest that pre-sleep macronutrient intake can be flexibly applied without negatively affecting overnight glucose regulation in elite female athletes.

Nutritional status is a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes and is recognized as an important component of surgical recovery programs. Adequate nutritional consumption is essential for addressing the surgical stress response and mitigating the loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Especially in older patients, inadequate protein can lead to significant muscle atrophy, leading to a loss of independence and increased mortality risk. Current nutritional recommendations for surgery primarily focus on screening and prevention of malnutrition, pre-surgical fasting protocols, and combating post-surgical insulin resistance, while recommendations regarding macronutrient composition and timing around surgery are less established. The goal of this review is to highlight oral nutrition strategies that can be implemented leading up to and following major surgery to minimize atrophy and the resultant loss of functionality. The role of carbohydrate and especially protein/essential amino acids in combating the surgical stress cascade and supporting recovery are discussed. Practical considerations for nutrient timing to maximize oral nutritional intake, especially during the immediate pre- and post- surgical periods, are also be discussed.

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge of P timing needs by corn (maize) can help inform management decisions that increase P use efficiency, which is beneficial to productivity, economics, and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate P application timing on the growth and yield components of corn. Corn was grown in a sand-culture hydroponics system that eliminated confounding plant–soil interactions and allowed for precise control of nutrient availability and timing. All nutrients were applied via drip irrigation and were therefore 100% bioavailable. Eight P timing treatments were tested using “low” (L) and “sufficient” (S) P concentrations. In each of the three growth phases, solution P application levels were changed or maintained, resulting in eight possible combinations, LLL, LLS, LSL, LSS, SLL, SSL, SLS, and SSS, where the first, second, and third letters indicate P solution application levels from planting to V6, V6 to R1, and R1 to R6, respectively. All other nutrients were applied at sufficient levels. Sacrificial samples were harvested at V6, R1, and R6 and evaluated for various yield parameters. Plants that received sufficient P between V6 and R1 produced a significantly higher grain yield than plants that received low P between V6 and R1 regardless of the level of P supply before V6 or after R1. The grain yield of plants that received sufficient P only between V6 and R1 did not differ significantly from plants that received only sufficient P (SSS), due to (1) a greater ear P concentration at R1; (2) an efficient remobilization of assimilates from the stem and leaf to grains between R1 and R6 (source–sink relationship); (3) a higher kernel/grain weight; and (4) less investment into root biomass.

: Although creatine (Cr) supplementation is well established for enhancing strength exercise adaptations, limited evidence exists regarding whether the timing of a single Cr dose relative to exercise acutely influences performance and related physiological and perceptual responses. This study examined whether the timing of a single dose of Cr ingestion relative to a strength exercise session influences acute strength and power performance, cognitive function, perceptual responses, and selected blood biomarkers in physically active men. : In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, 11 physically active men (26.09 ± 4.39 years) completed five experimental conditions: Cr ingested before exercise (CrB), during exercise (CrD), and after exercise (CrF), placebo (PL), and a no-supplement control. Participants ingested 0.1 g·kg body mass of monohydrate Cr or placebo. Each condition included a standardized strength training session, where bench press (BP) and back squat (BSQ) performance was assessed as the total external load lifted (kg) across six sets performed at 80% of 1-RM for each exercise. Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, Profile of Mood States (POMS), cognitive performance (digit cancelation test), perceived exertion (RPE), perceived recovery scale (PRS), Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and blood markers of muscle damage and renal function were assessed after the resistance training session. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA or non-parametric equivalents, with post hoc comparisons adjusted for multiple testing. : There was a significant main effect of condition for both BP (F = 4.91, ηp = 0.33, = 0.035) and BSQ performance (F = 33.22, ηp = 0.77, < 0.001), with greater performance under the CrB condition compared with PL and control ( < 0.05). A significant effect of condition was also observed for creatine kinase (χ (4) = 12.22, = 0.016) and creatinine concentrations (χ (4) = 17.75, = 0.001). Blood creatine kinase concentrations were greater under CrF conditions than control ( = 0.013) and PL ( = 0.041). Moreover, creatinine concentration was lower under the CrB condition compared to CrD ( = 0.033), CrF ( = 0.003), and the control ( = 0.021). No differences were observed for CMJ performance, cognitive performance, POMS, RPE, PRS, DOMS, or the remaining biochemical markers across treatments. : Pre-exercise creatine ingestion (without loading phase) was associated with greater acute strength performance compared with other timing conditions. However, the findings are exploratory and have to be confirmed with a higher sample size and robust placebo/control structures.

Background The global prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders has reached critical levels, with over 1 billion individuals affected as of 2024. Traditional dietary strategies focusing on caloric restriction and macronutrient composition have yielded modest success. Emerging evidence suggests that when food is consumed, termed circadian nutrition, is an influential, yet underutilized factor in metabolic regulation. Objective This narrative review examines how aligning meal timing with endogenous circadian rhythms modulates energy balance, hormonal regulation, and adiposity. It integrates recent mechanistic insights and synthesizes evidence from both animal and human studies to explore the metabolic impact of circadian-aligned eating patterns. Methods A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature (2013–2025) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies of circadian rhythms, nutrient timing, time-restricted eating (TRE), and metabolic outcomes. English-language human trials and mechanistic animal studies, relevant systematic reviews/meta-analyses were consulted. Key findings were synthesized across clinical trials, observational cohorts, and experimental models. Key findings Meal timing exerts significant effects on glucose metabolism, lipid regulation, and inflammatory pathways. Importantly, emerging evidence from animal models with isocaloric controls suggests that these benefits are not solely due to reduced caloric intake but also reflect independent effects of aligning food intake with circadian rhythms. Consuming a higher proportion of energy earlier in the day, with potentially more favorable distributions of carbohydrates, protein, and micronutrients, avoiding late-night eating, and practicing time-restricted feeding have been associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity, weight regulation, and cardiometabolic health. Disruptions in circadian rhythms, as seen in shift workers or individuals with irregular eating schedules, contribute to metabolic dysregulation and obesity risk. Conclusion Circadian-aligned eating may offer a feasible adjunct to standard dietary strategies, but effect sizes remain uncertain given that much of the literature comprises small, short-term, heterogeneous trials. Larger, longer, and more diverse RCTs and pragmatic studies are needed to establish durability, clinical significance, and population-specific guidance. Graphical abstract

Compared to the general population, athletes experience high energy expenditures requiring increased energy and macronutrient intakes to sustain training and optimize performance. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) have established recommendations for nutrient intakes, many athletes do not meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for the general population, and sport and sex-specific differences are not well documented. Exploration of within-day energy balance (WDEB) shows athletes may achieve energy balance by the end of the day but may present with poor WDEB. Data support that female athletes are at greater risk of nutrient deficiencies than their male counterparts, and it is unclear whether swimmers meet sport-specific nutrient intake and timing recommendations. Following our previous WDEB analysis, the purpose of this investigation was to assess dietary macronutrient intake as related to RDAs (USDA and IOC/ISSN), within-day macronutrient timing, and associated sex differences in swimmers. In elite male and female swimmers (  = 25; 18-22 yr), we assessed energy intake (EI), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), macronutrient intake (fat (FAT), protein (PRO), carbohydrate (CHO)) and timing during heavy training. Frequency analysis was utilized to determine the number of athletes meeting general and athlete-specific RDAs. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess nutrient timing across sex groups. When compared to IOC/ISSN daily recommendations, only 6/25 swimmers met FAT intake, 7/25 met CHO intake, and 24/25 met PRO intake IOC/ISSN daily recommendations.Males had greater EI and TDEE compared to females (  < 0.05). PRO consumption (% of EI) was a larger percentage of total intake in male vs females (28 ± 5% vs 23 ± 3%; F = 2.996;  = 0.014). No swimmers met CHO recommendations (g⋅kg ) pre- or during exercise for the first daily training session. 13/25 met pre-exercise CHO recommendations, while 6/25 and 11/25 met during and post-exercise CHO recommendations for the second training session. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed effects of sex and time on intake (g⋅kg LBM ⋅hr ) for FAT (Sex; F = 5.659,  = 0.26; time; F = 12.068,  = 0.006) and PRO (Sex; F = 6.719,  = 0.016; time; F = 13.177,  = 0.011). There was a significant sex*time interaction for CHO consumption (F = 6.520,  = 0.017). The results from this study demonstrate significant sex-differences, indicating that most swimmers meet athlete-specific recommendations for PRO, but not CHO or FAT intake. CHO timing for pre-, during, and post-exercise was met by only 52% swimmers. Results suggest that swimmers should prioritize CHO intake, emphasized around and during training bouts.

The practice of fasting recently has been purported to have clinical benefits, particularly as an intervention against obesity and its related pathologies. Although a number of different temporal dietary restriction strategies have been employed in practice, they are generally classified under the umbrella term “intermittent fasting” (IF). IF can be stratified into two main categories: (1) intra-weekly fasting (alternate-day fasting/ADF, twice-weekly fasting/TWF) and (2) intra-daily fasting (early time-restricted eating/eTRE and delayed time-restricted eating/dTRE). A growing body of evidence indicates that IF is a viable alternative to daily caloric restriction (DCR), showing effectiveness as a weight loss intervention. This paper narratively reviews the literature on the effects of various commonly used IF strategies on body weight and body composition when compared to traditional DCR approaches, and draws conclusions for their practical application. A specific focus is provided as to the use of IF in combination with regimented exercise programs and the associated effects on fat mass and lean mass.

Background and Objective: Streetlifting is a developing strength sport derived from calisthenics and based on maximal external load performance in weighted pull-ups, dips, muscle-ups, and squat variations. Its rapid global expansion has raised interest in identifying sport-specific nutritional and recovery strategies that can support performance and health. However, scientific evidence directly focused on streetlifting remains limited. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding body composition, nutrition, supplementation, and sleep in streetlifting athletes by integrating findings from related strength sports. Methods: A narrative review design was adopted due to the scarcity of empirical studies on streetlifting. Searches were performed using the terms “streetlifting AND nutrition,” “streetlifting AND body composition,” and “streetlifting AND sleep quality.” Peer-reviewed studies involving comparable strength disciplines were included when directly applicable to performance or recovery determinants. Results: Performance in streetlifting appears strongly driven by strength-to-bodyweight ratio, supported by low-to-moderate fat mass and adequate lean mass. Evidence from resistance training literature suggests that meeting energy requirements, consuming 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day of protein, and using nutrient timing around training may enhance muscle protein synthesis and glycogen replenishment. Creatine supplementation shows consistent benefits for maximal strength and ATP turnover, whereas other supplements lack robust evidence. Sleep duration and quality contribute to neuromuscular recovery, endocrine balance, and cognitive readiness, though sport-specific findings are insufficient. Conclusions: Streetlifting athletes may benefit from integrated nutritional planning, evidence-based supplementation, and sleep optimization. Further sport-specific interventional and longitudinal studies are required to develop validated performance and health guidelines.

Aim: This study investigated the crucial role of protein intake in meeting the specific nutritional needs of adolescent athletes. During adolescence, a phase characterized by rapid growth and development, protein is essential for muscle development, bone health, hormonal regulation, and immune function. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of a well-balanced diet that addresses the unique requirements of adolescent athletes. Methods: This review compiles findings from peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, focusing on protein intake, metabolism, muscle recovery, and athletic performance in adolescent athletes. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using predefined keywords such as \"protein intake,\" \"adolescent athletes,\" \"muscle recovery,\" and \"sports nutrition.\" While adolescent athletes may have higher protein requirements owing to increased physical demands, this study emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive protein intake, which could lead to potential health issues. Results: The findings indicate that adolescent athletes require 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day of protein, depending on the type of sport and training intensity. Research suggests that consuming 20-25 g of protein within 30 min after exercise can enhance muscle recovery. However, excessive intake exceeding 3.0 g/kg/day may lead to increased nitrogen excretion without providing any additional performance benefits. This study advocates for educational initiatives aimed at athletes, coaches, and parents to raise awareness about the crucial role of proper nutrition, including protein, in optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries. In identifying research gaps, the study outlines areas for future investigation, such as optimal protein timing, the types of proteins, and their effects on performance and recovery in adolescent athletes. A thorough understanding of the protein needs of this demographic is essential for promoting both athletic success and long-term health. Conclusions: In summary, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding protein intake among adolescent athletes, providing valuable insights that can inform nutrition planning, enhance performance, and support overall well-being during this crucial developmental stage. Future research should prioritize protein timing, plant-based protein alternatives, and metabolic differences across various sports.

Dietary calcium intake is a modifiable, lifestyle factor that can affect bone health and the risk of fracture. The diurnal rhythm of bone remodelling suggests nocturnal dietary intervention to be most effective. This study investigated the effect of daily, bed-time ingestion of a calcium-fortified, milk-derived protein matrix (MBPM) or control (CON), for 24 weeks, on serum biomarkers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX) and formation (serum pro-collagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, P1NP), and site-specific aerial bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The MBPM supplement increased mean daily energy, protein, and calcium intake, by 11, 30, and 107%, respectively. 24-week supplementation with MBPM decreased CTX by 23%, from 0.547 (0.107) to 0.416 (0.087) ng/mL (p < 0.001) and P1NP by 17%, from 60.6 (9.1) to 49.7 (7.2) μg/L (p < 0.001). Compared to CON, MBPM induced a significantly greater reduction in serum CTX (mean (CI95%); −9 (8.6) vs. −23 (8.5)%, p = 0.025 but not P1NP −19 (8.8) vs. −17 (5.2)%, p = 0.802). No significant change in TBS, AP spine or dual femur aerial BMD was observed for CON or MBPM. This study demonstrates the potential benefit of bed-time ingestion of a calcium-fortified, milk-based protein matrix on homeostatic bone remodelling but no resultant treatment effect on site-specific BMD in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.