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Editor’s Choice : Muscle Dysmorphia: A Comparison Between Competitive Bodybuilders and Fitness Practitioners
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Abstract: Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the features of Muscle Dysmorphia and other body image-related concerns in a sample of competitive male bodybuilders. Method: We screened 217 male athletes, 119 bodybuilders and 98 fitness practitioners, recruited in 12 gymnasiums in Southern Italy, by means of an ad hoc socio-demographic schedule, the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) and the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale (MASS). Results: Twenty one of the bodybuilders (17.6%) show high levels of preoccupation and dissatisfaction with their muscularity, 45.4% (N=54) a marked dependence on bodybuilding; 35.3% (N=42) follow a high-protein diet and 35.3% (N=42) used vitamin supplements to improve their weightlifting performances and favor post-training physical recovery. In addition, forty-three (36.1%) also report use of substance while nine subjects (7.6%) declare to avoid situations in which their body might be seen or manifest high levels of distress when this happens. The ANCOVA (Exercise Frequency per Week as a covariate) results indicate that bodybuilders, compared to fitness practitioners, report significant elevations in all measures.Moreover, considering only the bodybuilders sample, who report a regular use of substance scored higher in Dietary Behavior, Body size-symmetry, Physique Protection, Supplement Use MDI scales and on Body building Dependence, Muscle Checking and Injury MASS subscales. Discussion: Our findings seem to suggest that the practice of the bodybuilding is associated to the proposed criteria of muscle dysmorphia if compared with regular fitness practice. In particular, we found that a regular use of substance was associated with greater dissatisfaction with muscularity. Keywords: Muscle Dysmorphia, drive for muscularity, bodybuilding,anabolic steroids, survey descriptive study.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Gastro-Intestinal Complaints Related to Various Eating Behaviors
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Abstract: Background: Many studies report a beneficial health effect as well as a lower mortality rate for individuals following diets containing lots of fruits and vegetables. Results of studies on abdominal, and colon diseases are, however, inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze differences between various eating behaviors and the incidence of gastro-intestinal complaints. Methods: The sample used for this study was taken from the Austrian Health Interview Survey ATHIS 2006/07 (N=14 318). Logistic regressions were calculated controlling for age, BMI, and physical activity to analyze differences regardingtheincidenceofgastricorintestinalulcer,abdominalpain,and specific medication taken due to these complaints.
Results: A lacto-/ovo-, as well as a semi-vegetarian diet is associated with a higher risk for gastrointestinal complaints. The odds ratio for gastric or intestinal ulcer, and the intake of specific medication is significantly higher for these diets.
Conclusion: A carnivorous diet containing also lots of fruits and vegetables is recommended to avoid abdominal complaints. Furthermore, public health programs are needed in order to reduce the health risk due to nutritional factors. Keywords: Nutrition, diet, gastric or intestinal ulcer, abdominal pain, medication. Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Guava Leaf Extracts Inhibit 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation Via Activating AMPK
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Abstract: The guava tree (psidium guajava linn.) is commonly used not only as food but also as folk medicine. In our previous studies, we showed that oral administration of guava leaf extracts (GLE) had beneficial anti-obesity effects using metabolic syndrome model rats. However, we did not clarify molecular mechanism by which GLE administration leads to anti-obesity effect. This study was designed to evaluate the mechanism of anti-obesity by GLE using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cell lines. We found that GLE significantly inhibited 3T3-L1 differentiation via down-regulation of adipogenic transcription factors and markers. Mitotic clonal expansion, which is essential for adipose differentiation, was also depressed in the early phase. Interestingly, GLE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK on 3T3-L1 cells and, by pretreatment with AMPK siRNA, the GLE treatment group showed restored adipocyte differentiation. In conclusion, these results showed that GLE is capable of inhibiting adipocyte differentiation via AMPK activation and therefore it may prevent obesity in vivo. Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase, 3T3-L1 differentiation, guava leaf extract, Mitotic clonal expansion, obesity..Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Major Classes of Phytonutriceuticals in Vegetables and Health Benefits: A Review
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Abstract: Vegetables are essential for well-balanced diets since they supply phytonutriceuticals. About 3 billion people in the world are malnourished due to imbalanced diets. Regular consumption of a vegetable rich diet has undeniable effects on health since they have been strongly associated with improvement of gastrointestinal health, good vision, and reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and some forms of cancer. The mechanism by which vegetables decrease risk of disease is complex and largely unknown. Some phytochemicals of vegetables are strong antioxidants and are thought to reduce the risk of chronic disease by protecting against free radical damage, by modifying metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens, or even by influencing processes that alter the course of tumor cells. The dietary fiber content and type of different vegetables may also contribute to the overall health benefit. Each vegetable contains a unique combination of phytonutriceuticals. A great diversity of vegetables should be eaten to ensure that individual’s diet includes a combination of phytonutriceuticals and to get all the health benefits. Keywords: Antioxidants, dietary fiber, disease control, horticulture, minerals, nutrition, phytochemicals, vitamins.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Influence of Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, and Caffeine Supplementation on Calf Muscle Re-Oxygenation During and after Acute Resistance Exercise
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Abstract: Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor is a ‘cocktail’ supplement proposed to improve skeletal muscle blood flow via arginine’s effect on nitric oxide synthesis and vasodilation. Two other major ingredients, caffeine and creatine, cause vasoconstriction, which could potentially counteract the proposed hemodynamic effects of arginine. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor on muscle re-oxygenation after resistance exercise compared to supplementation with constituent ingredients L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and caffeine. Nine recreationally active men (21±1y) performed 3 sets of 20 repetitions of seated single-leg calf raise at 60% 1-RM with 3 min rests. The same calf raise exercise was performed following 4 separate supplementation conditions: L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), caffeine (CAFF), Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor (XPAND), and placebo (PLAC). Soleus muscle re-oxygenation time was measured before, during, and immediately after exercise using near infrared spectroscopy. Supplementation with XPAND (0.43±0.03), AAKG (0.34±0.02), and CAFF (0.45±0.05) did not significantly affect muscle re-oxygenation halftime (minutes) compared to placebo (0.35±0.04). An arginine containing ‘cocktail’ supplement did not affect skeletal muscle re-oxygenation after resistance exercise, possibly due to a wash-out effect caused by the multiple ingredients. Keywords: Ergogenic, blood flow, oxygen delivery, supplements, vasomotor, athletic performance, near infrared spectroscopy..Download Full Article |