Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplementation with a Product Containing Human-Native S. salivarius K12 in Healthy Adults Increases Oral S. salivarius

Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) K12 supplementation has been found to reduce the risk of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Yet, studies have not reported the effect of supplementation on oral S. salivarius K12 levels or the salivary microbiome. This clinical trial was designed to determine how supplementation with S. salivarius K12 influences the oral microbiome. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 13 healthy adults received a probiotic powder (PRO) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and S. salivarius K12 and 12 healthy adults received a placebo-control powder (CON) (n = 12) for 14 consecutive days. Oral S. salivarius K12 and total bacteria were quantified by qPCR and the overall oral microbiome was measured using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Supplementation significantly increased mean salivary S. salivarius K12 levels by 5 logs compared to baseline for the PRO group (p < 0.0005), which returned to baseline 2 weeks post-supplementation. Compared with the CON group, salivary S. salivarius K12 was 5 logs higher in the PRO group at the end of the supplementation period (p < 0.001). Neither time nor supplementation influenced the overall oral microbiome. Supplementation with a probiotic cocktail containing S. salivarius K12 for two weeks significantly increased levels of salivary S. salivarius K12.

Growth and Lipidomic Analyses of Penaeus monodon Larvae Supplemented With Aurantiochytrium limacinum BCC52274

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are essential for growth and health of larval marine animals. Marine animals have a limited capability for LC-PUFA synthesis, and the larvae must obtain LC-PUFAs from diet. The protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum (AL) is abundant in 22:6 n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), 22:5 n-3 (docosapentaenoic acid, DPA) and 16:0 fatty acids, which qualifies it as an LC-PUFA source for feed application. Therefore, in this study, a common feed containing lower amounts of total LC-PUFAs, Thalasiosira weissflogii, was replaced with AL at graded proportions and supplied to Penaeus monodon larvae from mysis (M) 1 to post-larval (PL) 2 stages to supplement LC-PUFAs in the diet. After that, all shrimp from PL2 to PL12 were continuously reared and subjected to the same diet regime, which was a combination of Artemia and commercial dried feed. The AL-supplemented PL2 shrimp demonstrated marked accumulation of the key fatty acids present in AL—16:0, DPA and DHA. The supplemented larvae showed no difference in growth during the supplementation period from M1 to PL2; however, average body weight and biomass were increased in PL12 shrimp that were fed earlier with AL. Lipidomic analysis revealed that profiles of fatty acids but not lipid classes/subclasses in PL shrimp reflected the supplied diet. The main saturated fatty acid (SFA, 16:0) predominantly accumulated in acylglycerols, which are energy-reserve lipids, in PL2 shrimp. Both LC-PUFAs (DHA and DPA) were preferentially deposited in phospholipids or structural lipids. Furthermore, while the amounts of both LC-PUFAs increased along with the amount of supplied AL, that of the SFA did not. This suggests that LC-PUFAs were prioritized to be stored over SFA when both types of fatty acids were present in high amounts. This analysis substantiates the importance of LC-PUFAs and provides an insight into how different types of the dietary fatty acids were differentially accumulated in lipid classes and subclasses for their biological functions.

Effect of Oral Supplementation with L-Carnitine on Performance Time in a 5000 m Race and Responses of Free Fatty Acid and Carnitine Concentrations in Trained-Endurance Athletes

This study was designed to determine the effect of oral supplementation with L-carnitine on the performance time in a 5000 m race. In addition, free fatty acid, blood carnitine, lactate, and glucose responses to the race following the supplementation period were measured. Twenty male trained-endurance athletes were randomly divided into two groups (L-carnitine, n = 10 (22.13 ± 2.66 yrs) or placebo, n = 10 (21.63 ± 2.23 yrs)). The study was performed with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group, in which participants ingested an L-carnitine supplement or a placebo 2 × 1.5 g/day for 3 weeks. Athletes completed a 5000 m race before and after the supplementation period. Blood samples were collected from each athlete before and after the race, preand post-supplementation to measure the physiological responses. Data showed that there were no differences in performance time before (p=0.624) and after (p=0.407) supplementation period between groups and within a group (p>0.05). No differences existed in physiological responses between groups after supplementation before beginning the race (p>0.05), except for the blood carnitine level, which was significantly higher in the L-carnitine than the placebo (P=0.001) group. After the finish of the race, however, data showed better physiological responses in response to L-carnitine supplementation compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). In conclusion, although L-carnitine supplementation increases blood carnitine concentration, it has no beneficial effect on performance time of 5000 m race probably due to the short duration of the race; it might also have no ergogenic effect.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplementation on Lower Body Stiffness in Recreational Triathletes

Background: Myotendinous stiffness is related to the collagen content of the muscle and tendon, and can be estimated during running by changes in vertical stiffness (kvert) and the resulting modifications of the spatiotemporal parameters (on-off ground asymmetry and landing-takeoff asymmetry). Supplementation with amino acids found in collagen, such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyl proline, combined with ascorbic acid, improve collagen synthesis and potentially result in improved mechanical strength and stiffness. Objectives: To determine if hydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplementation increases kvert and improves the spatiotemporal parameters during running in recreational triathletes. Methods: Nine active males (weight; 68.4 ± 5.7 kg, height; 171.8 ± 5.4 cm, age; 32.5 ± 4.1 years; Vo2max; 53.15 ± 2.19 mL/kg/min) were randomly distributed into a collagen group (CollG, n = 5) and a control group (CG, n = 4). Participants were supplemented for 4 weeks with 15g HC (CollG) or 15g placebo (CG; maltodextrin), 3 times per week. One hour after supplementation, the participants of both groups were asked to perform four repetitions of short sprints to further stimulate collagen synthesis. The ground reaction forces were recorded during running at 4.44 m s-1, 5.55 m.s-1, and 6.66 m.s-1 for assessment of kvert and the spatiotemporal step parameters. Results: Both groups increased kvert with speed (4.44 - 6.66 m s-1) from 24.8 ± 2.7 to 53.7 ± 16.5 N/m and from 25.1 to 49.8 N/m in the CollG and CG, respectively (P < 0.0001); however, there were no differences between groups before and after the supplementation period. As a consequence, the spatiotemporal parameters of running were also similar between groups. Conclusions: Four weeks of HC supplementation does not improve the bouncing mechanism of running in recreational triathletes.

Probiotics, Anticipation Stress, and the Acute Immune Response to Night Shift

IntroductionSleep disturbance and sleep disruption are associated with chronic, low grade inflammation and may underpin a range of chronic diseases in night shift workers. Through modulation of the intestinal microbiota, probiotic supplements may moderate the effects of sleep disruption on the immune system. The aim of this study was to examine 14 days of daily probiotic supplementation on the acute response of acute phase proteins and immune markers to sleep disruption associated with night shift work (Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: 12617001552370).MethodsIndividuals (mean age 41 ± 11 yrs; 74% female) performing routine night shift were randomly assigned to a probiotic group (1 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 or 1 × 1010 CFU Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis UABla-12) or placebo (n= 29 per group). Participants undertook a 14-day supplementation period that coincided with a period of no night shifts followed by two consecutive night shifts. Blood samples were collected prior to the start of supplementation (V1), prior to commencing the first night shift (V2), after the first night shift (V3) and after the second night shift (V4). Serum was assessed for markers of stress (cortisol), acute phase response (C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pentraxin), adhesion markers (serum E-selectin, mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1), and serum cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1ra, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10). Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a Fitbit activity tracker.ResultsThe groups were well balanced on key markers and the probiotic strains were well tolerated. The 14-day supplementation period that coincided with typical night-day sleep-wake cycles leading up to night shift (V1 to V2) was associated with significant changes in the placebo group in the concentration of serum cortisol (p = 0.01), pentraxin (p = 0.001), MAdCAM-1 (p = 0.001), and IL-1ra (p=0.03). In contrast, probiotic supplementation moderated changes in these serum markers from V1 to V2. No significant interaction effects (time by group) were observed for the serum markers prior to and after night shift work following probiotic supplementation due to the substantial changes in the serum markers that occurred during the normal sleep period from V1 to V2.ConclusionsProbiotics may moderate the effects of anticipatory stress on the immune system in the lead up to night shift.

The Effect of Creatine Supplementation on the CPK Enzyme in Blood Serum and Some Physical Abilities for Wrestlers during the Competition Period.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is a binary enzyme that stimulates reverse phosphorylation to regenerate adenosine triphosphate. Creatine supplementation improves the Phosphagen system by increasing the amount of free creatine and phosphocreatine available to replenish adenosine triphosphate. The aims of this study are to investigate the effects of a creatine supplement on CPK enzyme, muscular endurance, power and agility performance compared to a placebo among wrestlers during the competition in a double-blind and randomized manner. Sixteen Wrestlers participated in the current study. They were divided into two groups; Experimental group (EXP) (n = 8) with creatine supplementation and a control group without creatine supplementation (CON) (n = 8). They were tested before (PRE) and after (POST) 8-week creatine supplementation period for CPK enzyme, muscular endurance [i.e. back-throw skill using the wrestling dummy], power [i.e. skill of the bridge], and agility [i.e. skill of the bridge in 10 sec.]. The results have shown statistically significant effects of the time (i.e. pre- to post-training) for all measured variables (p ≤ 0.05) of EXP group (whereas no significant effects (p ˃ 0.05) of CON group. There were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) at the POST evaluation of EXP group in comparison with CON group for all study variables.

PSI-29 Effects of maternal supplementation of ruminally undegradable protein during early gestation on subsequent progeny performance in beef cattle

Late gestation protein supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to fetal development. However, little is known about early gestation protein supplementation when supplements contain high or low amounts of ruminally undegraded protein (RUP). Therefore, two-year study was conducted using 28 mixed-aged cows consumed a basal diet balanced to meet nutrient requirements for early gestation were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments during the first trimester of pregnancy, 1) no supplement (CON; n = 10); 2) 38% CP supplement containing 36% RUP (LRUP; n = 9); 3) 38% protein supplemented containing 50% RUP (HRUP; n = 9). All cows were managed similarly after the completion of the supplementation period. There were no treatment × year interactions observed for any variable measured. Subsequent progeny birth BW did not differ between treatments (P = 0.19). Calf weights did not differ due to treatment due to treatment (P ≥ 0.08) at weaning; however, calf weaning weight was greater in year 1 compared to year 2 (P &lt; 0.0001). After weaning, calves were placed in an individual feeding system for a 60 d feeding period. Body weight was recorded biweekly and intake was measured daily. Intake from day 0 to 14 and 14 to 28 tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.07) for HRUP and LRUP when compared to unsupplemented control. Nonetheless, ADG and gain:feed was similar for all treatments (P ≥ 0.21). Steers were transitioned to a finishing diet and harvested at approximately 18 mo of age. No differences were observed in ribeye area, hot carcass weight or yield grade (P ≥ 0.23). Overall, under the conditions of this study, supplementing cows during the first trimester with a high protein supplement that varied in ruminally undegradable protein did not impact progeny growth or carcass characteristics.

The Influence of Iron and Zinc Supplementation on Iron Apparent Absorption in Rats Fed Vitamins and Minerals Reduced Diets

Deficient human diet is usually reduced in many nutrients, but animal studies on iron absorption have been only carried out for rats fed well-balanced (control) and iron-deficient diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of iron or iron/zinc supplementation on iron apparent absorption (IAA) in rats fed a diet reduced in all vitamins and minerals (R). The study was conducted on 77, 6-week-old male Wistar rats in 3 stages as follows: stage I, 4-week period of adaptation to R diet (50% less vitamins and minerals compared to AIN-93M recommendations); stage II, 4-week supplementation period with iron (RSFe) or iron/zinc (RSFeZn); stage III, 2-week post-supplementation period (rats fed R diet). Feces samples to IAA determination were collected at the 20–22nd days of stage I and II and the 10–12th days of stage III. To determine the changes in IAA after introducing and discontinuation of supplementation, feces were collected for 3 days after introducing (stage II) and 5 days after the supplementation discontinuation (stage III). At the end of stage II, compared to R rats, the IAA was statistically significantly higher in RSFe and RSFeZn rats (30.3 ± 2.0% vs. 47.4 ± 1.2% and 51.0 ± 1.7%, respectively). After introducing iron or iron/zinc supplementation, the IAA stabilized fast already in the first day, while after discontinuation of the supplementation, at least 4 days was required to the stabilization. At the end of stage III, the IAA was significantly lower in RSFe (15.8 ± 6.6%) than in RSFeZn rats (43.4 ± 5.9%). In conclusion, to confirm that iron and zinc supplementation is more beneficial than iron supplementation only, especially after discontinuation of supplementation, further research among humans is necessary.

Fucoidan Supplementation Restores Fecal Lysozyme Concentrations in High-Performance Athletes: A Pilot Study

Nutritional strategies to help promote immune competence are of particular interest for a range of population groups. This study aimed to assess the potential impacts of fucoidan, a seaweed-derived bioactive polysaccharide, on gut markers of immunity and inflammation. A group of professional team-sport athletes were selected for inclusion in the study given the recognized potential for intense physical activity to induce alterations in immune function. A retrospective analysis was performed on stored fecal samples which had been collected from professional team-sport athletes (n = 22) and healthy adults (n = 11) before and after seven days of supplementation with fucoidan (Fucus vesiculosus/Undaria pinnatifida extract, 1 g/d). Fecal concentrations of calprotectin, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lysozyme were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The supplement was well tolerated by participants with no adverse events reported. At baseline, fecal lysozyme concentrations were ~73% higher in the healthy adults compared to the professional athletes (p = 0.001). For the professional athletes, a significant (~45%) increase in fecal lysozyme was observed following the supplementation period (p = 0.001). These data suggest that fucoidan supplementation may have the potential to promote the secretion of antimicrobial peptides in specific population groups and contribute to the regulation of mucosal immune health.

Supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product modulates innate immune function and ameliorates bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection in neonatal calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of oral supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP; SmartCare and NutriTek; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) on immune function and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection in preweaned dairy calves. Twenty-four Holstein × Angus, 1- to 2-d-old calves (38.46 ± 0.91 kg initial body weight [BW]) were assigned two treatment groups: control or SCFP treated, milk replacer with 1 g/d SCFP (SmartCare) and calf starter top-dressed with 5 g/d SCFP (NutriTek). The study consisted of one 31-d period. On days 19 to 21 of the supplementation period, calves were challenged via aerosol inoculation with BRSV strain 375. Calves were monitored twice daily for clinical signs, including rectal temperature, cough, nasal and ocular discharge, respiration effort, and lung auscultation. Calves were euthanized on day 10 postinfection (days 29 to 31 of the supplementation period) to evaluate gross lung pathology and pathogen load. Supplementation with SCFP did not affect BW (P = 0.762) or average daily gain (P = 0.750), percentages of circulating white blood cells (P &lt; 0.05), phagocytic (P = 0.427 for neutrophils and P = 0.460 for monocytes) or respiratory burst (P = 0.119 for neutrophils and P = 0.414 for monocytes) activity by circulating leukocytes either before or following BRSV infection, or serum cortisol concentrations (P = 0.321) after BRSV infection. Calves receiving SCFP had reduced clinical disease scores compared with control calves (P = 0.030), reduced airway neutrophil recruitment (P &lt; 0.002), reduced lung pathology (P = 0.031), and a reduced incidence of secondary bacterial infection. Calves receiving SCFP shed reduced virus compared with control calves (P = 0.049) and tended toward lower viral loads in the lungs (P = 0.051). Immune cells from the peripheral blood of SCFP-treated calves produced increased (P &lt; 0.05) quantities of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in response to toll-like receptor stimulation, while cells from the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of SCFP-treated calves secreted less (P &lt; 0.05) proinflammatory cytokines in response to the same stimuli. Treatment with SCFP had no effect on virus-specific T cell responses in the blood but resulted in reduced (P = 0.045) virus-specific IL-17 secretion by T cells in the BAL. Supplementing with SCFP modulates both systemic and mucosal immune responses and may improve the outcome of an acute respiratory viral infection in preweaned dairy calves.