The Influence of β-Alanine Supplementation on Recovery Biomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Clinical studies, investigating the effect of β-Alanine (BA) supplementation on recovery biomarkers in physically active individuals, have generated inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to clarify the clinically relevant dietary effects of BA supplementation. Methods: A comprehensive search was done in the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Embase from inception to 2022. Meta-analysis was done using the random-effects model. Pooled effect size was evaluated using standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity of between-study was evaluated according to Cochran’s Q test and I2 . Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: Overall, 32 studies were included in the current study. The results suggested that BA supplementation increases carnosine level significantly (SMD: 0.22mmol/L, 95%CI: -0.17, 0.61, P=0.27) but no effect was shown about lactate, fatigue, VO2 , pH and bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of VO2, carnosine and fatigue with supplementation dosage, gender and duration of administration respectively. Conclusion: BA supplementation emerged its beneficial effects on enhancing carnosine level which highlights its ergogenic effects. In contrast, no significant effects had been shown in term of fatigue delay and blood levels of lactate, HCO3 - , pH, and VO2 value. These results warrant more investigation in a prospective design to clarify the exact mechanism in this way

The efficacy of curcumin in relieving osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases. Several meta-analyses have shown that curcumin could improve the function of the knee and alleviate pain in OA, while some meta-analyses demonstrate controversial results. Hence, we assessed curcumin's effects on knee OA in an umbrella meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were employed to find English-language meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of curcumin supplementation on OA outcomes up to September 2023. The visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, function, and stiffness scales were analyzed. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were utilized to obtain the overall effect size. A random-effects model was applied to perform the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was determined by I statistics and the Cochrane Q-test. The pooled effect of the 11 included meta-analyses showed that curcumin could significantly decrease the VAS score (weighted mean difference [WMD] and standardized mean difference [SMD]), WOMAC-total (SMD and WMD), WOMAC-Function (SMD and WMD), WOMAC-Pain (SMD), and WOMAC-Stiffness scores (SMD) (p ≤ 0.001, ≤0.001, ≤0.001, 0.007, ≤0.001, 0.002, ≤0.001, ≤0.001, respectively). The results strongly support curcuminoid supplementation in relieving pain, improving joint mobility and stiffness, and shortening medication usage of OA patients. [Abstract copyright: © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The effect of cocoa consumption on the anthropometric outcomes in overweight and obese subjects: A time and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Inconsistencies are evident within the literature regarding the effect of cocoa consumption on anthropometric outcomes. To address the influence of cocoa consumption on weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) in overweight and obese subjects we conducted a time and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed/Medline were searched for relevant articles from inception until July 11, 2023. The random effects method meta-analysis compared changes in anthropometric outcomes in participants Results are displayed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). 19 RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. Cocoa consumption significantly decreased body weight (WMD: −0.26 kg, 95 % CI: −0.49 to −0.02, P = 0.028), BMI (WMD: −0.16 kg/m2, 95 % CI: −0.30 to −0.02, P = 0.021), and WC (WMD: −0.69 cm, 95 % CI: −1.35 to −0.03, p = 0.038). In subgroup analyses, cocoa consumption resulted in lowered body weight in dosages ≤20 g/day (WMD: −0.33 kg), and treatment duration ˃4 weeks (WMD: −0.35 kg). In the non-linear dose–response assessment, a negative correlation was found between cocoa consumption dose (up to 50 g/day) and changes in WC (P = 0.001) and body weight (P = 0.0007). Cocoa consumption is associated with a reduction in BMI, weight, and WC in overweight and obese subjects; however, statistically significant effects were only detected in doses less than 20 g/day and interventions longer than 4 weeks