What Could Aid in Slowing Down Cognitive Function?

The objective of this research was to assess the relationship between cognitive function, physical activity level, nutritional and depression status in the elderly. Materials and Methods. A total of 200 individuals (≥ 65 years) were included in the study. General characteristics of the individuals, biochemical findings, nutritional habits, 24-hour physical activity level and food consumption records were assessed. Cognitive function and depression status were screened by the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (S-MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), respectively. Results. Thirty-eight (19%) of the 200 individuals were diagnosed with dementia. On the evaluation of all the individuals, moderate and statistically significant negative correlation (r=-0.558, p < 0.01) was found between the S-MMSE and GDS-SF values. In addition, a moderate and statistically significant positive correlation was found between the S-MMSE and physical activity level values (r=0.553, p < 0.01). Vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and zinc intakes were lower in women than in men (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed that the vitamin B3 and calcium intakes were below the recommended daily intake in both the genders. Conclusions. Proper nutritional treatment and increasing the levels of physical activity may aid in slowing down the progression of dementia

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances whole-body resting fat oxidation in physically active males

Background: New Zealand blackcurrant extract has been shown to enhance exercise-induced fat oxidation during walking and cycling. We examined the effects of 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on the metabolic and physiological responses during supine rest in males. Methods: Healthy physically active males (n=16, age: 24±6 yr, body mass: 78±16 kg, height 178±6 cm, BMI: 24.7±4.1 kg·m-2 (8 normal weight, 7 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15±6%) volunteered. Participants were tested at baseline (no supplementation) and after 14-days intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract in a randomized, crossover design. Two capsules of New Zealand blackcurrant extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins) were consumed every morning with breakfast. The last 2 capsules were taken two hours before the visit with one slice of bread and water 3 hours before the visits. There were no differences for carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake between the visits. Resting expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and recording of heart rate. Rates of whole-body resting fat and carbohydrate oxidation were calculated. Responses for the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analysed. Results: During supine rest, there was no effect on heart rate (baseline: 61±10, 14-day: 61±10 beats·min-1, P=0.96), minute ventilation (baseline: 8.10±1.43, 14-day: 7.82±0.98 L·min-1, (P=0.38), oxygen uptake (baseline: 0.293±0.060, 14-day: 0.285±0.057 L·min-1, P=0.43), carbon dioxide production (baseline: 0.245±0.051, 14-day: 0.233±0.041 L·min-1, P=0.24) and energy expenditure (baseline: 1.49±0.30, 14-day: 1.44±0.27 kcal·min-1, P=0.33). Lower respiratory exchange ratio (baseline: 0.840±0.045, 14-day: 0.820±0.058, P=0.03), higher fat oxidation (baseline: 0.078±0.031, 14-day: 0.088±0.043 g·min-1, P=0.05), and lower carbohydrate oxidation (baseline: 0.168±0.062, 14-day: 0.134±0.066 g·min-1, P=0.03) were observed with 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract during supine rest. Twelve participants (75%) had higher fat oxidation during supine rest with for those an increase of 21±17%. Conclusions: Whole-body fat oxidation during supine rest was enhanced by 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract in males. Enhanced whole-body resting fat oxidation may be due to combined effects of an increase in lipolysis, an increase in blood flow, and increased metabolic handling of fatty acids in the muscle. Our observations on resting substrate oxidation in the present study may indicate that New Zealand blackcurrant extract has application for weight management. However, the dosing strategy to maximize whole-body resting fat oxidation with intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract is not known. Acknowledgements: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand)

Effects of intermittent and daily intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cardiovascular function during supine rest in healthy males

Background: Intake of polyphenols results in plasma bioavailability of metabolites that can last for days. Studies have mostly employed dosing protocols that examined observations following acute or daily prolonged intake. We examined the effects of intermittent and daily intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract over a 14-day period on cardiovascular function during supine rest. Methods: Healthy physically active males (n=15, age: 24±6 yr, body mass: 78±16 kg, height 177±7 cm, BMI: 24.7±4.3 kg·m-2 (8 normal weight, 6 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15±5%) volunteered. Participants visits included resting measurements at baseline (no supplementation), after 14-day intermittent intake (14-I, i.e. every other day) and 14-day daily intake (14-D) of two NZBC extract capsules (210 mg of anthocyanins for two capsules). Last dose was consumed one hour after breakfast of one slice of bread and water and 2 hours before visiting the laboratory. Cardiovascular measurements were obtained with a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring system (Portapres® Model 2, Finapres Medical Systems BV, Enschede, The Netherlands). Expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and volumes measured. Cardiovascular observations during the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analysed. Result: During supine rest, there was no effect on heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Lower diastolic blood pressure was recorded and similar for intake conditions [baseline: 70±7, 14-I: 64±5 (P<0.01, d= -0.99), 14-D: 63±9 mmHg (P<0.05, d= -0.87)]. Lower mean arterial pressure was recorded and similar for intake conditions [baseline: 87±7, 14-I: 81±6 (P<0.01, d= -0.92), 14-D: 81±9 mmHg (P=0.03, d= -0.74)]. Higher stroke volume was recorded only for 14-day daily intake [baseline: 94.9±13.4, 14-I: 100.0±14.3, 14-D: 103.1±18.1 mL (P=0.01, d=0.51)]. Cardiac output was higher with a trend for change at 14-day intermittent and a change with 14-day daily intake [baseline: 5.68±0.71, 14-I: 6.15±0.90 (P=0.05, d=0.58), 14-D: 6.14±0.88 L·min-1 (P=0.02, d=0.58)]. Total peripheral resistance was reduced and similar for intake conditions (baseline: 15.67±2.85, 14-I: 13.59±2.50 (P<0.01, d= -0.78), 14-D: 13.43±2.61 mmHg·min·L-1 (P<0.01, d= -0.82)]. Conclusions: Beneficial effects of intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract on resting cardiovascular function can be obtained by intermittent (i.e. every other day) intake of 210 mg of anthocyanins. Future work may want to address the effects of longer intermittent intake than the 2-weeks employed in our study. It would also be of interest to examine plasma bioavailability of anthocyanin-derived metabolites with intermittent intake of NZBC extract. Acknowledgements: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand)

Acute effects of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cardiovascular function during supine rest in healthy males

Background: Polyphenols in fruits and vegetables provide anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease is likely associated with the effects by polyphenols on blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Studies with 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract showed changes during supine rest for cardiovascular parameters. We examined the effects of an acute intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cardiovascular function during supine rest in healthy males. Methods: Healthy physically active males (n=15, age: 24±6 yr, body mass: 78±16 kg, height 177±7 cm, BMI: 24.7±4.3 kg·m-2 (8 normal weight, 6 overweight, 1 obese), body fat: 15±5%) volunteered. Participants visited the laboratory for resting measurements at baseline (no supplementation) and 2 hours after intake of two capsules with New Zealand blackcurrant extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins). Capsules were taken one hour after breakfast of one slice of bread and water and 2 hours before testing. After being seated in a chair for 10 min, participants were asked to lie horizontally on a massage table for resting measurements. Whole body cardiovascular measurements were obtained with a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring system (Portapres® Model 2, Finapres Medical Systems BV, Enschede, The Netherlands). Expired air was collected for two times for 10 min with Douglas bags and volume measured. Cardiovascular observations during the 10 min with the lowest minute ventilation were analysed. Results: At supine rest, there was no effect on heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and stroke volume. However, 10 out of 15 participants had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure values with acute intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract. There was a trend for cardiac output to be higher by 5% (baseline: 5.68±0.71, NZBC: 5.99±0.98 L·min-1, P=0.09, d=0.36). Total peripheral resistance was reduced by 7% (baseline: 15.67±2.85, NZBC: 14.45±3.04 mmHg·min·L-1, P<0.05, d= -0.41). Conclusions: In previous work, we observed with 7- and 14-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract larger changes in cardiac output and total peripheral resistance than in the present study. Our observations indicate only a moderate effect on cardiovascular function at rest with acute intake. Future studies need to address whether an acute intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract is effective in people with hypertension or peripheral arterial disease. Acknowledgements: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand)

Is There Any Relationship Between Body Image Perception, Eating Disorders, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorders in Male Bodybuilders?

PubMedWoSScopu

Total Dietary Antioxidant Intake Including Polyphenol Content: Is it Capable to Fight against Increased Oxidants within the Body of Ultra-Endurance Athletes?

The role of dietary antioxidants on exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress has been well investigated. However, the contribution of total dietary antioxidant capacity on exogenous antioxidant defense and exercise performance has commonly been disregarded. The aims of the present investigation were to examine (i) the effects of dietary total antioxidant intake on body antioxidant mechanisms, and (ii) an exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative damage in ultra-endurance athletes. The study included 24 ultra-marathon runners and long-distance triathletes (12 male and 12 female) who underwent an acute exhaustive exercise test (a cycle ergometer (45 min at 65% VO2max) immediately followed by a treadmill test (75% VO2max to exhaustion). Oxidative stress-related biomarkers (8-isoprostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso PGF2a), total oxidant status (TOS, total antioxidant status (TAS)) in plasma were collected before and after exercise. Oxidative stress index was calculated to assess the aspect of redox balance. Blood lactate concentrations and heart rate were measured at the 3rd and 6th min after exercise. Dietary antioxidant intake was calculated using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. Dietary total antioxidant intake of the subjects was negatively correlated with pre-exercise TOS concentrations (rs = −0.641 in male, and rs = −0.741 in females) and post- vs. pre- (∆) 8-iso PGF2a levels (rs = −0.702 in male; p = 0.016, and rs = −0.682 in females; p = 0.024), and positively correlated with ∆ TAS concentrations (rs = 0.893 in males; p = 0.001, and rs = 0.769 in females; p = 0.002) and post- exercise lactate concentrations (rs = 0.795 for males; p = 0.006, and rs = 0.642 for females; p = 0.024). A positive meaningful (p = 0.013) interaction was observed between time at exhaustion and dietary antioxidant intake (rs = 0.692) in males, but not in females. In conclusion, the determination of total dietary antioxidant intake in ultra-endurance athletes may be crucial for gaining a better perspective on body antioxidant defense against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effects of dietary antioxidant on exercise performance and recovery rate needs further investigation

Intake Duration Effects Of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract On Cardiovascular Responses During Moderate Intensity Exercise In Males (P23-015-19)

Objectives New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) is an anthocyanin-rich berry with potential effects on cardiovascular health (e.g., 7-day NZBC extract lowered total peripheral resistance at rest). We examined effects of 7- and 14-day intake of NZBC extract on cardiovascular responses during moderate intensity exercise. Methods Fifteen healthy men (mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 6 yr, body mass: 79 ± 16 kg, height: 178 ± 6 cm, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.3 kg·m−2, IPAQ score: 4534 ± 1576 MET·week−1) volunteered. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured using Douglas bags (1-MET: 3.97 ± 0.66 ml·kg−1·min−1) with an incremental walking test to determine the relationship between walking speed and MET. A randomised, cross-over experimental design was used for baseline, 7-day and 14-day intake. Participants consumed 2 capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg and containing 210 mg of anthocyanins, CurraNZ™ Health Currancy Ltd., UK) with breakfast with a 14-day washout. On the morning of testing, the final 2 capsules were ingested 2-hr before the 30-min walk at 4 (n = 3) or 5 (n = 12) METs (speed: 5.68 ± 0.67 km·hr−1). Cardiovascular responses were measured at 7–10, 17–20 and 27–30 min during the walk (Portapres Model 2), averaged and analysed (ANOVA and post-hoc t-tests). Results Intake duration had no effect on heart rate (e.g., baseline: 102 ± 18 beats·min−1), systolic blood pressure (e.g., baseline 158 ± 18 mm Hg) and ejection time (e.g., baseline: 0.28 ± 0.03 s). Cardiac output (baseline: 11.7 ± 2.0, 7-day: 12.7 ± 2.5, 14-day: 12.7 ± 2.1 L·min−1, P = 0.012) and stroke volume (baseline: 114 ± 13, 7-day: 123 ± 22, 14-day: 126 ± 21 mL·min−1, P = 0.017) were increased, and total peripheral resistance (baseline: 0.51 ± 0.11, 7-day: 0.46 ± 0.17, 14-day: 0.44 ± 0.12 mmHg·L−1·min−1, P = 0.018) and diastolic blood pressure (baseline 71 ± 9, 7-day: 66 ± 10, 14-day: 63 ± 11 mm Hg, P = 0.002) were lower for 7- and 14-day intake. Only 14-day intake resulted in lower mean arterial pressure (baseline: 93 ± 10, 7-day: 89 ± 9, 14-day: 87 ± 11 mm Hg, P = 0.034). Conclusions Beneficial effects of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract intake on cardiovascular responses during moderate intensity exercise do not require long-duration intake. Funding Sources Health Currancy (UK) Ltd and CurraNZ (NZ) Ltd provided supplements and support for conference attendance with Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc. (NZ).PubMe

Effects Of Daily And Intermittent Intake Of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract On Cardiovascular Responses During Moderate Intensity Exercise In Males (P23-011-19)

Objectives Seven-day intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract affected exercise-induced cardiovascular responses by vasodilation. It is not known whether daily intake of NZBC extract is required for effectiveness. Effects of daily and intermittent NZBC extract intake on cardiovascular responses were examined during brisk walking. Methods Fifteen healthy men (mean ± SD age: 24 ± 6 yr, body mass: 79 ± 16 kg, height: 178 ± 6 cm, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.3 kg·m−2, IPAQ score: 4534 ± 1576 MET·week−1) volunteered. Resting metabolic equivalent (1-MET) was measured using Douglas bags (1-MET: 3.97 ± 0.66 ml·kg−1·min−1) and an incremental walking test to determine the relationship between walking speed and MET. A randomised, cross-over (14-day washout) experimental design was used for baseline, 14-day intermittent (14I, every other day), and 14-day continuous (14C, daily) intake. Participants consumed 2 capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg and containing 210 mg of anthocyanins, CurraNZ™ Health Currancy Ltd., Surrey, UK) with breakfast. On the morning of testing, the final 2 capsules were ingested 2-hr before the 30-min brisk walk at 4 (n = 3) or 5 (n = 12) METs (walking speed: 5.68 ± 0.67 km·hr−1). Cardiovascular responses were measured at 7–10, 17–20 and 27–30 min during the walk by Portapres Model 2, averaged and analysed (ANOVA and post-hoc t-tests). Results There were no changes in heart rate (e.g., baseline: 102 ± 18 beats·min-1), systolic blood pressure (e.g., baseline: 158 ± 18 mm Hg) and ejection time (e.g., baseline: 0.28 ± 0.03 s). Cardiac output (baseline: 11.7 ± 2.0, 14I: 12.5 ± 2.0, 14C: 12.7 ± 2.1 L·min-1, P = 0.009) and stroke volume (baseline: 114 ± 13, 14I: 123 ± 17, 14C: 126 ± 21 mL·min-1, P = 0.004) were higher, and total peripheral resistance (baseline 0.51 ± 0.11, 14I: 0.45 ± 0.09, 14C: 0.44 ± 0.12 mmHg·L-1·min-1, P = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (baseline: 71 ± 9, 14I: 66 ± 9, 14C: 63 ± 11 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (baseline 93 ± 10, 14I: 88 ± 9, 14C: 87 ± 11 mm Hg P = 0.006) were lower for 14I and 14C intake. Conclusions Daily intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract is not required to obtain beneficial cardiovascular responses during walking. Funding Sources Health Currancy (UK) Ltd and CurraNZ (NZ) Ltd provided supplements and support for conference attendance with Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc. (NZ).PubMe

Intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract affects metabolic responses during moderate intensity walking exercise in adult males

We examined effects of intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on physiological and metabolic responses during moderate intensity walking. Healthy men (n=16, age: 24±6 years, body mass: 78±16 kg, BMI: 24.7±4.1 kg·m-2, body fat: 15±5%) volunteered. One metabolic equivalent (1-MET: 3.95±0.64 ml·kg-1·min-1) was measured during supine rest. Responses during the 30-min walk (n=3: 4-MET; n=13: 5-MET) (speed: 5.7±0.7 km·hr-1) were measured at 7-10, 17-20 and 27-30 min and averaged over the time periods. For intake conditions (7-days and 14-days), 2 capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins) were taken with breakfast (14-day washout). The final 2 capsules were ingested 2-hr before the morning walk. Intake duration of NZBC extract had no effect on heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide production. Fat oxidation was enhanced with 7- and 14-day intake by 11±19% and 17±26% (baseline: 0.36±0.12, 7-day: 0.39±0.13, 14-day: 0.41±0.13 g·min-1, p=0.007). Only 14-day intake lowered RER (baseline: 0.852±0.046, 7-day: 0.843±0.045, 14-day: 0.837±0.037, p=0.019) and carbohydrate oxidation (baseline: 0.95±0.40, 7-day: 0.91±0.40, 14-day: 0.86±0.33 g·min-1, p=0.032). Rating of perceived exertion was lower with 7-day and 14-day intake (baseline: 11.0±2.3, 7-day: 10.5±1.8, 14-day: 10.3±2.1, p=0.002). Longer intake duration (i.e. 14 days) of New Zealand blackcurrant extract seems to enhance fat oxidation more during a 30-min moderate intensity walk than 7 days intake. The intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract may be due to an enhanced bioavailability of anthocyanin-derived metabolites that alter the mechanisms for substrate oxidation during moderate intensity exercise