Absorption kinetics of berberine and dihydroberberine and their impact on glycemia: A randomized, controlled, crossover pilot trial

Berberine is a natural alkaloid used to improve glycemia but displays poor bioavailability and increased rates of gastrointestinal distress at higher doses. Recently, dihydroberberine has been developed to combat these challenges. This study was designed to determine the rate and extent to which berberine appeared in human plasma after oral ingestion of a 500 mg dose of berberine (B500) or 100 mg and 200 mg doses of dihydroberberine (D100 and D200). In a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion, five males (26 ± 2.6 years; 184.2 ± 11.6 cm; 91.8 ± 10.1 kg; 17.1 ± 3.5% fat) completed a four-dose supplementation protocol of placebo (PLA), B500, D100, and D200. The day prior to their scheduled visit, participants ingested three separate doses with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Participants fasted overnight (8–10 h) and consumed their fourth dose with a standardized test meal (30 g glucose solution, 3 slices white bread) after arrival. Venous blood samples were collected 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (min) after ingestion and analyzed for BBR, glucose, and insulin. Peak concentration (CMax) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for all variables. Baseline berberine levels were different between groups (p = 0.006), with pairwise comparisons indicating that baseline levels of PLA and B500 were different than D100. Berberine CMax tended to be different (p = 0.06) between all conditions. Specifically, the observed CMax for D100 (3.76 ± 1.4 ng/mL) was different than PLA (0.22 ± 0.18 ng/mL, p = 0.005) and B500 (0.4 ± 0.17 ng/mL, p = 0.005). CMax for D200 (12.0 ± 10.1 ng/mL) tended (p = 0.06) to be different than B500. No difference in CMax was found between D100 and D200 (p = 0.11). Significant differences in berberine AUC were found between D100 (284.4 ± 115.9 ng/mL × 120 min) and PLA (20.2 ± 16.2 ng/mL × 120 min, p = 0.007) and between D100 and B500 (42.3 ± 17.6 ng/mL × 120 min, p = 0.04). Significant differences in D100 BBR AUC (284.4 ± 115.9 ng/mL×120 min) were found between PLA (20.2 ± 16.2 ng/mL × 120 min, p = 0.042) and B500 (42.3 ± 17.6 ng/mL × 120 min, p = 0.045). Berberine AUC values between D100 and D200 tended (p = 0.073) to be different. No significant differences in the levels of glucose (p = 0.97) and insulin (p = 0.24) were observed across the study protocol. These results provide preliminary evidence that four doses of a 100 mg dose of dihydroberberine and 200 mg dose of dihydroberberine produce significantly greater concentrations of plasma berberine across of two-hour measurement window when compared to a 500 mg dose of berberine or a placebo. The lack of observed changes in glucose and insulin were likely due to the short duration of supplementation and insulin responsive nature of study participants. Follow-up efficacy studies on glucose and insulin changes should be completed to assess the impact of berberine and dihydroberberine supplementation in overweight, glucose intolerant populations

Metabolic impact of feeding prior to a 60-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise in females in a fasted state

BackgroundThe metabolic impact of pre-exercise feeding of protein or carbohydrate on fat oxidation and energy expenditure rates, especially, in females, is poorly understood.MethodsRecreationally active females (n = 15, 32 ± 10 years, 164.8 ± 5.6 cm, 63.5 ± 9.3 kg, 23.4 ± 3.2 kg/m2) completed four testing sessions in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion after fasting overnight. Participants ingested isovolumetric and isoenergetic solutions containing either 25 g of whey protein, casein protein, carbohydrate (CHO), or a non-caloric placebo (PLA). Participants then completed 60 min of treadmill exercise at 15% below ventilatory threshold 30 min after ingestion. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was evaluated throughout exercise and resting energy expenditure (REE) was assessed pre-exercise, and 0-, 60-, and 120-min post-exercise.ResultsA significant condition x time interaction was observed for RER (p = 0.008) during exercise, with CHO exhibiting higher RER values (vs. PLA) at four time points. A significant main effect for condition was observed for carbohydrate (p = 0.001) and fat (p = 0.02) oxidation rates during exercise, with fat oxidation rates being higher in PLA vs. CHO (p = 0.01). When total fat oxidized was calculated across the entire exercise bout, a significant main effect for condition was observed (p = 0.01), with PLA being greater than CHO (p = 0.04). A significant condition x time interaction (p = 0.02) was found for both absolute and normalized REE, with casein and whey protein having significantly higher values than CHO (p < 0.05) immediately post-exercise.ConclusionWhen compared to a fasted control (PLA), consuming CHO, but not protein, decreased total fat oxidation prior to a 60-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise in females

Bacillus coagulans GBI‑30, 6086 improves amino acid absorption from milk protein

Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30) has been shown to increase protein digestion in an in vitro model of the stomach and small intestine. Once active in the small intestine after germination, BC30 aids the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. The extent to which BC30 administration may impact protein digestion and amino acid appearance in humans after protein ingestion is currently unknown. This study examined the impact of adding BC30 to a 25-g dose of milk protein concentrate on post-prandial changes in blood amino acids concentrations

Comparison of Calf Only External Pneumatic Compression and Compression Socks on Performance Characteristics in Counter Movement Jump

PURPOSE To identify the recovery effect of calf only external pneumatic compression (EPC) compared to a commercially available compression sock (CS) on markers of jump performance following a muscle damaging protocol. METHODS 19 healthy active male participants (23.5 ± 3.2 yr, 181.3 ± 9.1 cm, 88.1 ± 10.1 kg) completed four testing sessions (pre, post, 24 hr, 48 hr) consisting of: visual analog scales (VAS) to assess perceived soreness and fatigue, three counter movement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) via force plates (Hawkin Dynamics). After participants finished pre assessments they completed 100 drop jumps (0.6 m) followed by a randomized 30 min single treatment session of either EPC (110 mmHg) n=9 or CS (20–30 mmHg) n=10. RESULTS No differences were found between groups for body composition (18.7 ± 2.8 % Body Fat, 61.8 ± 8.8 kg Fat Free Mass, 14.7 ± 2.8 kg Fat Mass). VAS soreness linearly increased regardless of group (p\u3c0.001). Within EPC and CS 24 hr soreness was higher than pre, post, 30 min post (p\u3c0.05); 48 hr was higher than pre and 30 min post (p\u3c0.05); and post was higher than pre (p\u3c0.05). Additionally, CS soreness at 48 hr was higher than post (p\u3c0.05). VAS fatigue changed over time regardless of group (p\u3c0.001). Within EPC post fatigue was higher than pre, 30 min post, 24 hr, and 48 hr (p\u3c0.05); 24 hr was higher than pre, post, and 48 hr (p\u3c0.05); 30 min post and 48 hr was higher than pre and post (p\u3c0.05). CS post fatigue was higher than pre and 30 min post (p\u3c0.05); 30 min post was higher than pre (p\u3c0.05); and 24 and 48 hr were higher than pre (p\u3c0.05). VAS fatigue was trending (p=0.055) towards being higher in CS compared to EPC regardless of time. For CMJ, CS peak braking force and relative peak braking force linearly declined over time (p\u3c0.001), and peak braking force was highest at pre compared to post, 24 hr and 48 hr (p\u3c0.05). For CMJ, CS relative peak braking force was highest at pre compared to post, 24 hr, 48 hr (p\u3c0.01) and post was higher than 48 hr (p=0.025). For CMJ, CS braking phase linearly increased over time (p\u3c0.001), and was higher at 24 hr and 48 hr compared to pre and post (p\u3c0.05). For CMJ, CS braking rate of force development (RFD) linearly declined over time (p\u3c0.001), and was highest at pre compared to 24 hr and 48 hr (p\u3c0.01). No differences in performance variables were found for SJ. CONCLUSION It appears that the drop jump protocol was successful at eliciting muscle soreness and fatigue in our participants. Additionally, these aforementioned variables seemed to effect participants in the CS group because they were unable to maintain braking force and peak braking RFD, and took longer to complete the braking phase. These results were not seen in the EPC group as they were able to maintain consistent performance in these measures. Therefore, it appears a single 30 min calf only EPC treatment may help maintain consistent breaking force and braking RFD within a CMJ when following strenuous or damaging exercise bouts

Effects of an external pneumatic compression device vs static compression garment on peripheral circulation and markers of sports performance and recovery

Purpose To identify the effects of a single 30 min partial lower leg external pneumatic compression (EPC) treatment compared to a static compression (SC) garment or a no treatment control (CTL) on markers of recovery and performance following a muscle damaging protocol. Methods Thirty healthy, active males (23 ± 3 years; 180.2 ± 9.0 cm; 81.6 ± 11.3 kg) performed 100 drop jumps from a 0.6 m box followed by a randomized, single 30 min treatment of either a partial lower leg EPC device worn below the knee and above the ankle (110 mmHg), SC garment (20–30 mmHg) covering the foot and calf just below the knee, or no treatment CTL, and then returned 24 and 48 h later. Participants were assessed for measures of muscle soreness, fatigue, hemodynamics, blood lactate, muscle thickness, circumferences, and performance assessments. Results The drop jump protocol significantly increased muscle soreness (p \u3c 0.001), fatigue (p \u3c 0.001), blood flow (p \u3c 0.001), hemoglobin (p \u3c 0.001), and muscle oxygen saturation (SMO2; p \u3c 0.001). Countermovement jump and squat jump testing completed after treatment with either EPC, SC, or CTL revealed no differences for jump height between any condition. However, EPC treatment maintained consistent braking force and propulsive power measures across all timepoints for countermovement jump testing. EPC and SC treatment also led to better maintenance of squat jump performance for average relative propulsive force and power variables at 24 and 48 h compared to CTL. Conclusions A single 30 min partial leg EPC treatment may lead to more consistent jump performance following a damaging bout of exercise

Correction to: Efects of an external pneumatic compression device vs static compression garment on peripheral circulation and markers of sports performance and recovery

Correction to: European Journal of Applied Physiology https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022- 04953-z The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The wrong figures appeared as Figs. 5 and 6. The Figs. 5 and 6 should have appeared as shown in the following page

Impact of Glucosamine Supplementation on Gut Health.

Glucosamine (GLU) is a natural compound found in cartilage, and supplementation with glucosamine has been shown to improve joint heath and has been linked to reduced mortality rates. GLU is poorly absorbed and may exhibit functional properties in the gut. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of glucosamine on gastrointestinal function as well as changes in fecal microbiota and metabolome. Healthy males (n = 6) and females (n = 5) (33.4 ± 7.7 years, 174.1 ± 12.0 cm, 76.5 ± 12.9 kg, 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2, n = 11) completed two supplementation protocols that each spanned three weeks separated by a washout period that lasted two weeks. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, participants ingested a daily dose of GLU hydrochloride (3000 mg GlucosaGreen®, TSI Group Ltd., Missoula, MT, USA) or maltodextrin placebo. Study participants completed bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaires in addition to providing a stool sample that was analyzed for fecal microbiota and metabolome at baseline and after the completion of each supplementation period. GLU significantly reduced stomach bloating and showed a trend towards reducing constipation and hard stools. Phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) and proportions of Pseudomonadaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Bacillaceae were significantly reduced following GLU consumption. GLU supplementation significantly reduced individual, total branched-chain, and total amino acid excretion, with no glucosamine being detected in any of the fecal samples. GLU had no effect on fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. GLU supplementation provided functional gut health benefits and induced fecal microbiota and metabolome changes

Impact of Glucosamine Supplementation on Gut Health

Glucosamine (GLU) is a natural compound found in cartilage, and supplementation with glucosamine has been shown to improve joint heath and has been linked to reduced mortality rates. GLU is poorly absorbed and may exhibit functional properties in the gut. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of glucosamine on gastrointestinal function as well as changes in fecal microbiota and metabolome. Healthy males (n = 6) and females (n = 5) (33.4 ± 7.7 years, 174.1 ± 12.0 cm, 76.5 ± 12.9 kg, 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2, n = 11) completed two supplementation protocols that each spanned three weeks separated by a washout period that lasted two weeks. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, participants ingested a daily dose of GLU hydrochloride (3000 mg GlucosaGreen®, TSI Group Ltd., Missoula, MT, USA) or maltodextrin placebo. Study participants completed bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaires in addition to providing a stool sample that was analyzed for fecal microbiota and metabolome at baseline and after the completion of each supplementation period. GLU significantly reduced stomach bloating and showed a trend towards reducing constipation and hard stools. Phylogenetic diversity (Faith’s PD) and proportions of Pseudomonadaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Bacillaceae were significantly reduced following GLU consumption. GLU supplementation significantly reduced individual, total branched-chain, and total amino acid excretion, with no glucosamine being detected in any of the fecal samples. GLU had no effect on fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. GLU supplementation provided functional gut health benefits and induced fecal microbiota and metabolome changes

Effects of daily 24-gram doses of rice or whey protein on resistance training adaptations in trained males

Large (48-g), isonitrogenous doses of rice and whey protein have previously been shown to stimulate similar adaptations to resistance training, but the impact of consuming smaller doses has yet to be compared. We evaluated the ability of 24-g doses of rice or whey protein concentrate to augment adaptations following 8 weeks of resistance training

Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation Down Regulates Markers of Systemic Inflammation after Heated Treadmill Exercise

Aerobic exercise and thermal stress instigate robust challenges to the immune system. Various attempts to modify or supplement the diet have been proposed to bolster the immune system responses. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of yeast beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Healthy, active men (29.6 ± 6.7 years, 178.1 ± 7.2 cm, 83.2 ± 11.2 kg, 49.6 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, n = 16) and women (30.1 ± 8.9 years, 165.6 ± 4.1 cm, 66.7 ± 10.0 kg, 38.7 ± 5.8 mL/kg/min, n = 15) were randomly assigned in a double-blind and cross-over fashion to supplement for 13 days with either 250 mg/day of yeast beta-glucan (YBG) or a maltodextrin placebo (PLA). Participants arrived fasted and completed a bout of treadmill exercise at 55% peak aerobic capacity (VO2Peak) in a hot (37.2 ± 1.8 °C) and humid (45.2 ± 8.8%) environment. Prior to and 0, 2, and 72 h after completing exercise, changes in white blood cell counts, pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines, markers of muscle damage, markers of muscle function, soreness, and profile of mood states (POMS) were assessed. In response to exercise and heat, both groups experienced significant increases in white blood cell counts, plasma creatine kinase and myoglobin, and soreness along with reductions in peak torque and total work with no between-group differences. Concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in YBG were lower than PLA for macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β) (p = 0.044) and tended to be lower for interleukin 8 (IL-8) (p = 0.079), monocyte chemoattractment protein 1 (MCP-1) (p = 0.095), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (p = 0.085). Paired samples t-tests using delta values between baseline and 72 h post-exercise revealed significant differences between groups for IL-8 (p = 0.044, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (0.013, 0.938, d = −0.34), MCP-1 (p = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.087, 2.942, d = −0.33), and MIP-1β (p = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.85, d = −0.33). POMS outcomes changed across time with anger scores in PLA exhibiting a sharper decline than YBG (p = 0.04). Vigor scores (p = 0.04) in YBG remained stable while scores in PLA were significantly reduced 72 h after exercise. In conclusion, a 13-day prophylactic period of supplementation with 250 mg of yeast-derived beta-glucans invoked favorable changes in cytokine markers of inflammation after completing a prolonged bout of heated treadmill exercise