Intermittent Fasting: Does It Affect Sports Performance? A Systematic Review.

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular types of diet at the moment because it is an effective nutritional strategy in terms of weight loss. The main objective of this review is to analyze the effects that intermittent fasting has on sports performance. We analyzed physical capacities: aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, strength, and power, as well as their effect on body composition. For this, a bibliographic search was carried out in several databases where 25 research articles were analyzed to clarify these objectives. Inclusion criteria: dates between 2013 and present, free full texts, studies conducted in adult human athletes, English and/or Spanish languages, and if it has been considered that intermittent fasting is mainly linked to sports practice and that this obtains a result in terms of performance or physical capacities. This review was registered in PROSPERO with code ref. 407024, and an evaluation of the quality or risk of bias was performed. After this analysis, results were obtained regarding the improvement of body composition and the maintenance of muscle mass. An influence of intermittent fasting on sports performance and body composition is observed. It can be concluded that intermittent fasting provides benefits in terms of body composition without reducing physical performance, maintenance of lean mass, and improvements in maximum power. But despite this, it is necessary to carry out new studies focusing on the sports field since the samples have been very varied. Additionally, the difference in hours of intermittent fasting should be studied, especially in the case of overnight fasting.

Body Composition and Nutritional Status of the Spanish National Breaking Team Aspiring to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Breaking is a sports dance modality that will debut for the first time at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This dance form combines street dance steps with acrobatics and athletic elements. It complies with gender equality, maintains aesthetic appeal, and is practised indoors. The objective of this study is to assess the characteristics of body composition and nutritional status of the athletes that make up the Breaking national team. This national team was recruited, and they underwent an analysis of body composition using bioimpedance measurement and a nutritional interview status with the completion of a survey on the frequency of the consumption of sports supplements and ergogenic aids. In addition, they completed a consumption questionnaire for a series of food groups with specified protein, lipid, and carbohydrate content. After that, parameters were analyzed in relation to their nutritional status during a complete medical examination at the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service of the Sports Medicine Center of CSD. A descriptive analysis of the results obtained was carried out to find the mean values of the variables analyzed. The analytical parameters described an adequate nutritional status, except for the mean capillary determination of 25-OH-vitamin D3, which was 24.2 ng/dL (SD: 10.3). Bone mineral density values were higher than those of the general population. This is the first time that a study of these characteristics has been carried out on Breakers, so it is highly relevant to increase knowledge in this area in order to conduct nutritional interventions aimed at improving the sports performance of these athletes.

Influence of circadian rhythms on sports performance.

Chronobiology is the scientific discipline of study of biological rhythms, a term that has gained ground in the sports world. Recently numerous studies have indicated that the time of day in which sports are practiced influences the achievement of good physical performance. The aim of this review was to study the relationship between circadian rhythms and physical performance, according to the latest published data. In addition, the physiological processes involved in the physical response and the differences according to the type of sport and athletes' characteristics were studied. A bibliographic search was carried out through five databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Researcher Gate, Google Scholar, UOC Library), focusing on articles published in the last ten years and written in English and Spanish. 36 papers met the inclusion criteria. Body temperature is a factor that shows a circadian pattern with a marked peak in the later afternoon, time of the day at which physical performance is at its highest, i.e. speed, agility, distance covered, jumping power. The perception of effort is also higher in the afternoon. Regarding the chronotype, evening types seem to be the most affected to do sports out of their optimal time-of-day. The tendency shows more morning types as age increases. Training sessions should be planned according to the optimal time of day for each athlete. It's essential to take into account individual chronotype. The desynchronization of circadian rhythms can cause a decrease in physical performance.

Variedad en la calidad de la dieta en adultos españoles y mexicanos / Diet quality variety in Spanish and Mexican adults

La pérdida de patrones de alimentación tradicionales a favor de otros más occidentales redunda en un descenso de calidad de la dieta alrededor del mundo. Muchos aspectos determinan la calidad dietética, aunque en general pueden resumirse en una dieta moderada, variada, equilibrada y adecuada para cada individuo. Estos aspectos son evaluados por el Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Objetivo: Comparar la calidad de la dieta de población mexicana y española mediante un índice de calidad internacional de la dieta, determinando que factores son en mayor medida responsables de la pérdida de calidad. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal sobre una muestra representativa de sujetos adultos residentes en Querétaro (México) y de sujetos de la misma franja de edad procedentes de la Región de Murcia, en la cuenca mediterránea española. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos, de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y de ingesta con 3 recuerdos de 24 horas y se valoró el DQI-I en la población. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias para el gasto energético y el DQI-I en todos sus aspectos con valores de calidad superiores para la población mexicana. La variedad fue la dimensión más castigada para todos los sujetos, presentando los mexicanos mejores cifras de consumo de vegetales pero peores para las fuentes proteicas. Conclusiones: La muestra mexicana mejoró las cifras de calidad de la española, tal vez por una mayor influencia de conocimientos en nutrición. El 86% de la población podría mejorar sus puntajes de calidad en el DQI-I ajustando sus frecuencias de consumo de alimentos(AU)

The loss of traditional eating patterns in favour of more Western ones results in a decline in dietary quality around the world. Many aspects determine dietary quality, but in general they can be summarised as a moderate, varied, balanced diet suitable for each individual. These aspects are assessed by the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Objective: To compare the quality of the diet of the Mexican and Spanish populations using an international diet quality index, determining which factors are most responsible for the loss of quality. Material and methods: Cross-sectional observational study on a representative sample of adult subjects living in Querétaro (Mexico) and subjects of the same age group from the Region of Murcia, in the Spanish Mediterranean basin. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, food frequency consumption and intake data were collected with 3 24-hour recall and the DQI-I was assessed in the population. Results: Differences were found for energy expenditure and DQI-I in all aspects with higher quality values for the Mexican population. Variety was the most punished dimension for all subjects, with Mexicans presenting better figures for vegetable intake but worse for protein sources. Conclusions: The Mexican sample improved the quality figures of the Spanish sample, perhaps due to a greater influence of nutritional knowledge. Eighty-six percent of the population could improve their DQI-I quality scores by adjusting their food consumption frequencies(AU)

Papel de la alimentación en la respuesta a infecciones respiratorias altas en atletas de élite / Role of nutrition in the response to upper respiratory infections in elite athletes

Las infecciones de las vías respiratorios altas (IVRA), son debilitantes para el potencial deportivo de los atletas de élite. El ejercicio físico activa múltiples vías moleculares y bioquímicas relacionadas con el sistema inmune, sensibles a influencias nutricionales. Sobre este contexto, la inmunonutrición está adquiriendo una nueva dirección orientada a conseguir el equilibrio inmunológico, contraponiéndose con algunas de las teorías que han sentado las bases de la inmunología del ejercicio durante las últimas décadas. Objetivo. Investigar los aspectos nutricionales que puedan mejorar la respuesta inmunológica en deportistas de elite. Estudiar los posibles beneficios del equilibrio inmunológico para mejorar el rendimiento, analizar los factores nutricionales que contribuyan al equilibrio de la respuesta inmunológica y extrapolar la evidencia actual en recomendaciones prácticas de alimentación/suplementación para mejorar la homeostasis de la respuesta inmunológica en atletas de élite, teniendo en cuenta las limitaciones existentes.Resultados. La evidencia científica apunta que se puede potenciar el equilibrio inmunológico y la respuesta inmune a través de la modificación de factores nutricionales. Dentro de los cuales, la vitamina D, los probióticos, la vitamina C y el cinc son los que cuentan con mayor evidencia. Conclusión. Los avances científicos resultan prometedores y de interés para los atletas de élite, debido a que pueden disminuir la incidencia de IVRA, mejorando el éxito deportivo de los mismos. Se requieren más estudios para su validación y aplicación(AU)

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are debilitating for the athletic potential of elite athletes. Physical exercise in elite athletes activates multiple molecular and biochemical pathways related to the immune system, which, at the same time, are sensitive to nutritional influences. Based on this context, immunonutrition is taking a new direction aimed at achieving the immunological balance. Objective. To investigate the nutritional aspects that can improve the immune response in elite athletes. To study the potential benefits of immune balance to improve performance, to analyse nutritional factors that contribute to the balance of the immune response and to extrapolate current evidence into practical dietary/supplementation recommendations to improve the homeostasis of the immune response in elite athletes, considering existing limitations. Results. Scientific evidence suggests that immune balance and immune response can be enhanced through the modification of nutritional factors. Among which, vitamin D, probiotics, vitamin C and zinc are the micronutrients with most evidence. Conclusion. Scientific advances in this field are promising and of great interest to elite athletes since it could decrease the incidence of URTI and, as a consequence, it could improve their sporting success. However, more studies are still required for its validation and application(AU)

Evolution of Nutritional Habits Behaviour of Spanish Population Confined Through Social Media.

Introduction: In Spain, on 14 March 2020, a state of alarm is declared to face the health emergency situation caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus, limiting the freedom of movement of people. The Spanish population is confined. Objective: With this situation, "NUTRITIONAL HEALTH IS NOT CONFINED" arises a research project that seeks to promote nutritional education based on the pattern of the Mediterranean diet (MD) using new computer technologies. It is about providing the population with the information of general interest about the promotion of a healthy diet through social networks and analysing the impact of its dissemination, in the form of a longitudinal intervention study of the Spanish nutritional evolution during confinement, with a daily survey format, and it is intended to assess food consumption during the period of confinement. Materials and methods: In total, 936 participants were asked every day. Short publications were published every day based on the scientific evidence (FAO, WHO, AECOSAN) through social media such as Instagram, accompanied by a questionnaire of 11 questions (yes/no) where it was intended to assess the evolution of daily consumption. Results and Discussion: The diffusion through social media has allowed to have a greater reach of the population. We observed that mood throughout confinement generally improves. There are certain eating habits from the MD that are well established in the daily diet of our population, such as the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and eggs. It seems that enjoying good health is a growing concern in pandemic situations, which is why inappropriate behaviours such as "snacking" between meals or the consumption of processed foods such as snacks, industrial pastries, soft drinks, and sweets are avoided, increasing the amount of healthy food such as meat and fish. This study opens up future avenues of research promoting MD and implements new cohort nutritional databases, especially about young adult people, who are adept at navigating digital spaces and therefore using social media.

Sugar consumption in schoolchildren from southern Spain and influence on the prevalence of obesity.

AIM: The main cause of childhood overweight/obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The objective was to determine whether the intake by Spanish schoolchildren of sugars from habitually consumed foods and drinks can be related to overweight/obesity. METHODS: Subjects The study included 657 schoolchildren between 7-10 years from educational centers in Southern Spain. These children live under the influence of the Mediterranean diet. Design Participants completed an encoded questionnaire with three sections: a) data on sex, age, educational center, school year, and life/family habits, among others; b) semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire related to the previous 12 months; and c) information on anthropometrics and physical activities. RESULTS: Obesity was observed in 10.9% of the children. The daily activity questionnaire showed a mean energy expenditure of 8.73 (1.33) MJ/day. The study considered foods that supply carbohydrates in any form (total carbohydrates, starch, total sugars, added sugars, and free sugars). The likelihood of overweight/obesity was significantly greater with a higher intake/day of total sugars, starch, added sugars, and free sugars. The likelihood of normal weight was significantly greater with lower energy expenditure in sedentary activities (OR = 3.03), higher energy expenditure in sports activities (OR = 1.72), and higher total activity/day measured as METs (OR = 8.31). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, overweight/obesity was influenced by the physical activity of the children and by their intake of energy, total sugars, starch, added sugars, and free sugars. Further studies are warranted to verify this observation and explore the implications for public health policies.

Actualización sobre deficiencias nutricionales en la mujer deportista a partir de la literatura científica / Update on nutritional deficiencies in women athletes from the scientific literature

Los déficits nutricionales en la mujer deportista causan numerosos problemas de salud, así como un empeoramiento en el rendimiento deportivo, como consecuencia de estas deficiencias nutricionales. El conocimiento de estos déficits y su prevención deben ser un aspecto principal para cualquier responsable deportivo. Establecer la importancia del estudio de los déficits de energía, proteínas, minerales (Fe, Ca y Mg) y vitaminas (Vitamina D, ácido fólico y vitamina B12) que pueden desarrollar las mujeres deportistas y su relación con la prevalencia de la tríada femenina y constatar la importancia del conocimiento por parte de los responsables deportivos de los problemas derivados de los déficits nutricionales. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos, entre 2013-2020, relevantes para el objetivo de estudio. Se usaron bases de datos científicas como PubMed y Pennutrition, siguiendo los criterios de exclusión e inclusión elegidos para este estudio. 51 artículos fueron encontrados. Los resultados mostraron la prevalencia de energía, Fe, vitamina D y Ca, así como un suficiente aporte proteico, faltan estudios para determinar los niveles de vitamina B12 y ácido fólico. Se observó, además la prevalencia de mujeres que cumplen con uno o varios factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la tríada de la deportistas femenina. Es imprescindible la prevención o, el tratamiento, de los déficits nutricionales en las mujeres deportistas para asegurar un correcto estado de salud y un rendimiento deportivo óptimo(AU)

Nutritional deficiencies in women athletes cause numerous health problems, as well as a worsening of sports performance, as a result of these nutritional deficiencies. Awareness of these deficiencies and their prevention should be a major aspect for any sports manager. The aim of the study was to establish the importance of studying the deficits of energy, protein, minerals (Fe, Ca and Mg) and vitamins (Vitamin D, folic acid and vitamin B12) that can be developed by female athletes and their relationship with the prevalence of the female triad and to establish the importance of knowledge by sports managers of the problems arising from nutritional deficiencies. 51 papers were found. A bibliographic search of relevant articles for the study objective was carried out (2013-2020). Scientific databases such as PubMed and Pennutrition were used, following the exclusion and inclusion criteria chosen for this study. The results showed the prevalence of energy, Fe, vitamin D and Ca, as well as sufficient protein intake and a lack of studies to determine the levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. In addition, the prevalence of women meeting one or more risk factors for the development of the female sports triad was observed. It is essential the prevention or, treatment, of nutritional deficits in female athletes to ensure proper health status and optimal sports performance(AU)

Comparison of diet quality between young children and adolescents in the Mediterranean basin and the influence of life habits / Comparación de la calidad de la dieta entre niños pequeños y adolescentes en la cuenca mediterránea y la influencia de los hábitos de vida

Introduction: the dietary intake patterns of children should be monitored because of their influence on health in adulthood. It is now widely accepted that childhood nutrition is linked to specific diseases such as obesity and to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Therefore, knowledge of dietary intake during childhood may be useful to identify possible risk factors for disease in adulthood. The main focus of research into children's diets has been the contribution of macronutrients and micronutrients. Objective: several indices have been developed for assessing the diet quality of previously defined population groups. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional status of Andalusian children and adolescents and examine the relationship between their diet quality and socio-demographic or lifestyle factors. Results and conclusions: the food intake of the younger children in this study was closer to RDIs compared with the adolescents, who generally reported a lower energy supply in their diet than the recommended. The mean (SD) diet quality score was 12.1 (1.9) for the younger children (6-9 years) and 9.4 (3.2) for the older group (10-17 years), a statistically significant difference. A good correlation was found between energy intake (MJ/kg body weight) and estimated energy (MET MJ/kg body weight)

Introducción: los patrones de ingesta alimentaria de los niños deben ser controlados debido a su influencia en la salud en la edad adulta. Actualmente se acepta ampliamente que la nutrición infantil está vinculada a enfermedades específicas como obesidad y a factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en adultos. Por lo tanto, el conocimiento de la ingesta dietética durante la infancia puede ser útil para identificar posibles factores de riesgo de enfermedad en la edad adulta. Objetivo: el objetivo principal de la investigación sobre las dietas de niños ha sido la contribución de los macronutrientes y los micronutrientes. Se han desarrollado varios índices para evaluar la calidad de la dieta de grupos de población previamente definidos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar el estado nutricional de niños y adolescentes andaluces y examinar la relación entre la calidad de su dieta y factores sociodemográficos o de estilo de vida. Resultados y conclusiones: la ingesta de alimentos de los niños más pequeños en este estudio fue más cercana a la RDI en comparación con los adolescentes, quienes en general informaron menor aporte energético en su dieta de lo que se recomienda. El puntaje promedio de calidad de la dieta (DE) fue de 12,1 (1,9) para los niños más pequeños (6-9 años) y de 9,4 (3,2) para el grupo de más edad (10-17 años), una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Se encontró una buena correlación entre la ingesta de energía (MJ/kg de peso corporal) y la energía estimada (MET MJ/kg de peso corporal)

Comparison of diet quality between young children and adolescents in the Mediterranean basin and the influence of life habits.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the dietary intake patterns of children should be monitored because of their influence on health in adulthood. It is now widely accepted that childhood nutrition is linked to specific diseases such as obesity and to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Therefore, knowledge of dietary intake during childhood may be useful to identify possible risk factors for disease in adulthood. The main focus of research into children's diets has been the contribution of macronutrients and micronutrients. Objective: several indices have been developed for assessing the diet quality of previously defined population groups. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional status of Andalusian children and adolescents and examine the relationship between their diet quality and socio-demographic or lifestyle factors. Results and conclusions: the food intake of the younger children in this study was closer to RDIs compared with the adolescents, who generally reported a lower energy supply in their diet than the recommended. The mean (SD) diet quality score was 12.1 (1.9) for the younger children (6-9 years) and 9.4 (3.2) for the older group (10-17 years), a statistically significant difference. A good correlation was found between energy intake (MJ/kg body weight) and estimated energy (MET MJ/kg body weight).

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: los patrones de ingesta alimentaria de los niños deben ser controlados debido a su influencia en la salud en la edad adulta. Actualmente se acepta ampliamente que la nutrición infantil está vinculada a enfermedades específicas como obesidad y a factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en adultos. Por lo tanto, el conocimiento de la ingesta dietética durante la infancia puede ser útil para identificar posibles factores de riesgo de enfermedad en la edad adulta. Objetivo: el objetivo principal de la investigación sobre las dietas de niños ha sido la contribución de los macronutrientes y los micronutrientes. Se han desarrollado varios índices para evaluar la calidad de la dieta de grupos de población previamente definidos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar el estado nutricional de niños y adolescentes andaluces y examinar la relación entre la calidad de su dieta y factores sociodemográficos o de estilo de vida. Resultados y conclusiones: la ingesta de alimentos de los niños más pequeños en este estudio fue más cercana a la RDI en comparación con los adolescentes, quienes en general informaron menor aporte energético en su dieta de lo que se recomienda. El puntaje promedio de calidad de la dieta (DE) fue de 12,1 (1,9) para los niños más pequeños (6-9 años) y de 9,4 (3,2) para el grupo de más edad (10-17 años), una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Se encontró una buena correlación entre la ingesta de energía (MJ/kg de peso corporal) y la energía estimada (MET MJ/kg de peso corporal).

Seguimiento de la dieta mediterránea (DM) en poblaciones de la ribera del mediterráneo español / Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in populations of the Spanish Mediterranean region

Fundamentos: El creciente desarraigo al patrón de Dieta Mediterránea (DM) hace necesario analizar poblaciones mediterráneas que permita pautar dietas más saludables. El objetivo será analizar la DM a través del Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) comparando dos poblaciones características. Métodos: Población de Murcia y Andalucía (n=521). Se completó un cuestionario semi-cuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos (FFQ); 3 Recuerdos 24h (R24h) y un cuestionario de hábitos dietéticos y actividad física. Resultados: A través de los cuestionarios se analizaron ambas poblaciones: Murcia (n=120) y Andalucía (n=401). Hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas para la energía (p<0,001), siendo mayor en murcianos. Ambas poblaciones presentan valores inferiores a 2/3 de la ingesta recomendada para HC y fibra, y superiores para proteínas y grasas. Seguimiento del MDS: existen diferencias significativas en ambas poblaciones siendo el seguimiento mayor en andaluces que en murcianos y en mujeres andaluzas se muestra el seguimiento más alto. El análisis de la composición corporal para murcianos arroja correlación negativa entre edad y MDS; para andaluces arroja correlación positiva para peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Conclusiones: El seguimiento de la DM es mayor en Andalucía que en Murcia sin diferencias significativas entre ambas. Existen diferencias en el consumo de vegetales, lácteos, alcohol y en la ingesta de AGM/AGS, observándose una tendencia a la pérdida del patrón de la DM en las dos poblaciones

Background: The growing uprooting of the Mediterranean Diet (DM) pattern makes it necessary to analyze Mediterranean populations that allow for healthier diets. The objective will be to analyze DM through the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) comparing two characteristic populations. Methods: Population of Murcia and Andalusia (n=521). A semi-quantitative frequency of food consumption questionnaire (FFQ) was completed; 3 reminders 24h (R24h) and a questionnaire about dietary habits and physical activity. Results: Through the questionnaires, both populations were analyzed: Murcia (n=120) and Andalusia (n=401). There are statistically significant differences for energy (p<0.001), being higher in Murcia. Both populations have values lower than 2/3 of the recommendedintake for carbohydrates and fiber, and higher for proteins and fats. Follow-up of the MDS: There are significant differences in both populations, with the highest follow-up in andalusians being that in murcians and in andalusians women the highest follow-up is shown.The analysis of body composition for Murcia shows a negative correlation between age and MDS. For Andalusians, it shows a positive correlation for weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: The DM follow-up is greater in Andalusiathan in Murcia without significant differences between them. There are differences in the consumption of vegetables, dairy products, and alcohol and in the intake of AGM/AGS, observing a tendency to the loss of the DM pattern in the two populations