Journal of Dietary Supplements最新文献

{"title":"Oral Curcumin for Tendon Health: An Appraisal on Carrier Systems, Bioenhancers, and Synergistic Formulations.","authors":"H N Siti, P L Lua, M N A Taib, M S Zulfarina, M L Nordin, M A Sharifudin","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2662847","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2662847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Native curcumin's clinical utility is severely limited by poor solubility and rapid metabolism. While preclinical models demonstrate potent effects on tendon repair, achieving therapeutic concentrations in humans requires advanced formulation strategies. This review aims to reiterate the pharmacokinetic (PK) limitations inherent to native curcumin and critically appraise current oral formulation strategies designed to enhance its bioavailability. It further delineates the role of other adjunct compounds that may or may not be incorporated into curcumin formulations for tendon repair. By synthesizing available human pharmacokinetic data, this review evaluates the clinical potential of curcumin formulations in the management of tendinopathy. Human pharmacokinetic data on current curcumin delivery systems are synthesized. The primary functions of common formulation adjuncts such as piperine, EGCG, bromelain, and boswellia are evaluated for their benefits as bioenhancers or independent therapeutics for tendon health. Clinical outcomes from studies utilizing these combined formulations in tendinopathies are also reviewed. Analysis of dose-normalized PK data confirms that modern formulations significantly improve relative bioavailability compared to native curcumin. However, current evidence suggests that formulation adjuncts contribute primarily through independent biological pathways rather than direct PK bio-enhancement. Clinical evidence suggests these 'multimodal' formulations are associated with accelerated pain reduction, improved functional scores, and reduced non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs consumption. Tendinopathy management is increasingly moving toward high-efficiency curcumin delivery paired with synergistic co-factors. While enhanced oral formulations show significant clinical association with improved recovery, future research should bridge the gap between plasma levels and direct intratendinous penetration.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"393-414"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Tart Cherry Extract Supplementation on Plasma Urate and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Ralf Jäger, Martin Purpura, Sebastian T Balcombe, Ashok Godavarthi, Suda A Reddy, Ecaterina Vasenina, Grant M Tinsley","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2589787","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2589787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tart cherry (<i>Prunus cerasus</i> L.) extracts are plant extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactives may help reduce plasma urate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, supporting cardiovascular and the management of hyperuricemia. Processing and formulation methods can influence tart cherry products stability and efficacy. To evaluate the effects of a standardized tart cherry extract on plasma urate and CRP levels. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 10 healthy subjects (n = 10; 6 male, 4 female, age: 34.9 ± 6.6 years, height: 155.3 ± 2.9 cm, weight: 67.1 ± 5.2 kg) consumed 500 mg of a European tart cherry (<i>Prunus cerasus</i> L.) extract powder or placebo for 4 wk, with a 14-day washout between treatment. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at 2-, 4-, and 8-h post-ingestion on day 1, as well as at 8 h post-ingestion on day 28, and were analyzed for plasma urate and CRP concentrations. Acute administration did not alter CRP or urate concentrations. Chronic supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 23.0% (- 1.36 ± 0.44 mg/L) and urate by 37.4% (-2.62 ± 0.44 mg/dL) compared to placebo (both p &lt; 0.001). Four weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg of tart cherry extract significantly reduced systemic inflammation and urate levels in healthy adults, supporting its potential as a polyphenol-rich, foodbased strategy for managing low-grade inflammation and hyperuricemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"42-57"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation: A Mechanistic Model of Utilization and Clearance.","authors":"Sergej M Ostojic","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2606749","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2606749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Guanidinoacetic acid, the immediate precursor of creatine, is gaining renewed attention as a nutritional and therapeutic agent capable of enhancing tissue bioenergetics. Yet, a comprehensive mechanistic framework describing how exogenous guanidinoacetic acid is processed in the human body is lacking. This concept paper proposes an integrated metabolic model of guanidinoacetic acid utilization, synthesizing available kinetic evidence on its enzymatic conversion <i>via</i> guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT), cellular trafficking through the creatine transporter (SLC6A8), and ancillary routes including reverse amidinotransferase activity, oxidative degradation, and renal handling. Our modeling reveals that GAMT achieves near-saturation at relatively low guanidinoacetic acid intakes, whereas SLC6A8 transport capacity remains underutilized even at higher systemic guanidinoacetic acid levels due to competitive interactions with creatine. Secondary pathways contribute proportionally less to overall guanidinoacetic acid fate but may assume greater importance in metabolic stress, aging, or creatine-deficiency states. By estimating theoretical distributions of guanidinoacetic acid flux across these pathways for commonly used oral doses (1-4 g/day), this manuscript provides a mechanistic foundation for optimizing guanidinoacetic acid supplementation strategies. The model highlights clinically relevant opportunities-such as enhancing creatine repletion, supporting mitochondrial function, and addressing creatine-deficiency syndromes-while identifying key parameters that require <i>in vivo</i> validation. Collectively, this work aims to guide both basic researchers and clinicians toward a more informed and strategic use of guanidinoacetic acid in human nutrition and health.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"257-267"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145819338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Disruption Behavior of Essential Oil and Fixed Oil Dietary Supplement Softgels Under Biorelevant Conditions.","authors":"Catherine M Gurley, Bailey Bergman, Sebastian John Adams, Ikhlas A Khan, Bill J Gurley","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2666547","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2666547","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Softgel capsules are widely used in dietary supplements to deliver lipophilic ingredients, including essential and fixed oils. This study evaluated the disruption behavior of 104 commercially available softgel formulations under biorelevant conditions designed to approximate the gastrointestinal environment. Products were categorized as essential oil-containing (<i>n</i> = 40), fixed oil-containing (<i>n</i> = 48), combination (<i>n</i> = 6), and cannabidiol (CBD)-containing (<i>n</i> = 10) formulations. Disruption testing was conducted in biorelevant media, with enzyme supplementation applied according to shell composition when predefined rupture criteria were not achieved. Essential oil-containing softgels exhibited significantly lower pass rates than fixed oil formulations (35% vs 94%, <i>χ</i>², <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Shell composition also affected outcomes, as gelatin-based systems demonstrated higher overall pass rates than vegetable-based shells (77% vs 26%, <i>χ</i>², <i>p</i> < 0.0001). A partial rupture-resealing phenomenon characterized by transient fissuring and formation of a persistent hydrated pellicle was observed in certain products. Lot-to-lot variability was identified among selected formulations. These findings indicate that fill composition, shell material, and manufacturing variables contribute to disruption variability in dietary supplement softgels. Evaluation under physiologically informed testing conditions may reveal performance differences not evident under conventional water-based methods and may be particularly relevant for essential oil-containing formulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"443-460"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148138282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Alpha Lipoic Acid as an Adjuvant Therapy on Inflammation and Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Aya M Shama, Noha A El-Bassiouny, Yasser E Bahnacy, Rehab H Werida","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2601020","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2601020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effects on left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the effects of ALA on cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and myocardial function as an adjuvant therapy for ICM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center trial enrolled 67 diabetic patients with ICM, who were randomized to receive either ALA 600 mg once daily or placebo for three months, in addition to ICM medications. Both groups were evaluated for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), tissue growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and some echocardiographic indices before and after treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty patients (aged 45-75 years; 70% males) completed the study (ALA group <i>n</i> = 30; placebo group <i>n</i> = 30). After three months, the ALA group exhibited significantly lower levels of TNF-α [443 (326/515) vs. 499 (448/657) pg/ml], CRP [4.5 (4.2/6.1) vs. 11 (6.3/12.1) mg/l], TGF-β1 [161 (104/189) vs. 206 (158/248) pg/ml], and MMP-2 [1450 (1164/1894) vs. 1815 (1339/2133) pg/ml] (<i>p</i> < 0.05) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, in the ALA group, there was a significant increase in LVEF [36% (34/40) vs. 28% (25/31.8)], whereas LVESD, LVEDD, and LAD were significantly decreased compared to the placebo group [4.7 (3.9/5.8) vs. 5.6 (5.1/5.6) cm; 6.1 ± 0.7 vs. 6.5 ± 0.5 cm; 4.2 (3.9/4.7) vs. 4.8 (4.4/5.1) cm] (<i>p</i> < 0.05), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adjunctive ALA therapy considerably reduced inflammation and improved cardiac function in patients with ICM. Additionally, our findings suggest that ALA may influence profibrotic signaling.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145762894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary Supplements (Nutraceuticals) for Improving Adult Fracture Healing Outcomes: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Gaps.","authors":"McKenna W Box, Charles Marchese, Troy B Puga, John T Riehl","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2624110","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2624110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fracture healing (fracture union) is a central goal of adult orthopedic trauma care. Patients frequently use dietary supplements (nutraceuticals) during fracture recovery to reduce the risk of delayed union and nonunion. However, clinicians have limited guidance from high-quality clinical trials and a large body of preclinical evidence. Malunion and nonunion can cause repeated surgeries, disability, and high costs. Nutraceuticals such as protein, amino acids, collagen, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and creatine are considered adjuncts in fracture healing, influencing collagen synthesis, mineralization, inflammation, and muscle health. Animal studies show mixed results but suggest benefits. Human evidence primarily involves proteins, amino acids, vitamin D, and calcium, with mixed effects on healing and radiographic union, and small studies on magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Early data on magnesium and zinc suggest potential benefits for early healing, but evidence remains limited. No adult trials directly assess collagen, omega-3s, or creatine, highlighting the need for more well-designed studies with standard outcomes. Evidence regarding the role of these nutraceuticals in fracture prevention or bone density is used as background and for hypothesis development when direct evidence of fracture is scarce. We identify patient groups most likely to benefit, such as older adults with malnutrition, low protein intake, vitamin D deficiency, or fragility fractures. We also discuss practical considerations for perioperative supplement counseling and highlight key evidence gaps to inform future fracture-healing research.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"306-330"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146201941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microscopy Combined with LC-UV Analysis as a Tool for Authentication of Ginseng Species Used in Traditional Medicine and Detection of Their Adulterants.","authors":"Josimar Külkamp, Ahmed G Osman, Kumar Katragunta, Bharathi Avula, Ikhlas A Khan, Amar G Chittiboyina","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2680314","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2680314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Medicinal and aromatic plants are vital to the global herbal trade, with <i>Panax</i> species (ginseng) being highly valued for their health-promoting benefits. Ensuring the quality and safety of the plant raw material is essential; however, intentional or unintentional adulteration with morphologically similar species often comprises product authenticity, which is common in herbal products. Comparative morphoanatomy together with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) analyses were conducted on four <i>Panax</i> species (<i>P. ginseng</i>, <i>P. quinquefolius</i>, <i>P. japonicus</i>, and <i>P. notoginseng</i>) and two common adulterants (<i>Codonopsis pilosula</i> and <i>Platycodon grandiflorus</i>). Microscopic examination of intact roots, rhizomes, and their powders revealed critical diagnostic traits. The presence of secretory ducts and abundant starch grains were consistent in <i>Panax</i> species, but absent or scarce in adulterants. While xylem architecture effectively differentiated most species, the high anatomical similarity between <i>P. ginseng</i> and <i>P. quinquefolius</i> remained a challenge. The morphology of starch grains and xylem vessels also served as diagnostic features to differentiate the ginseng species from both adulterants. HPLC-UV profiles corroborated these findings, identifying eight major ginsenosides in <i>Panax</i> samples, while adulterants were entirely devoid of these compounds. These results confirm that anatomical analysis provides robust, practical criteria for the authentication of ginseng. Integrating microscopic techniques with chemical profiling offers a reliable, complementary approach to detecting adulteration, including economically motivated bulking, thereby ensuring the botanical integrity and safety of herbal products.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"475-489"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148205157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Human Lactoferrin (Effera^®) at Two Doses Versus Bovine Lactoferrin on the Adult Gut Microbiome and Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids: a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.","authors":"Ross D Peterson, Julian van der Made, Sharon M Donovan, Mei Wang, Ryan N Dilger, Nicole Kaplan, Anthony J Clark","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2673021","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2026.2673021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a glycoprotein of commercial interest as a food ingredient for gut health. We conducted an exploratory analysis comparing the effects of Helaina hLF (effera^®), produced by <i>Komagataella phaffii</i>, and bovine LF (bLF) on the adult gut microbiome and fecal metabolites. In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, controlled trial, 66 healthy adults received either high-dose (HD) effera^® (3.4 g/day), low-dose (LD) effera^® (0.34 g/day), or bLF (3.4 g/day) supplementation for 28 days. Fecal samples collected at Days 0 (baseline), 28, 56, and 84 were analyzed for microbial diversity, taxonomic shifts, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Alpha-diversity remained stable across all groups. Beta-diversity showed no main effect of treatment; however, bLF was associated with significant visit-related shifts, as assessed by weighted UniFrac. At the phylum level, significant changes associated with effera^® were observed, including decreases in <i>Bacillota</i> (LD) and <i>Verrucomicrobiota</i> (HD), and notable genus-level increases in <i>Lachnospira</i>, <i>Paraprevotella</i>, and <i>Faecalibacterium</i> (HD), while bLF was associated with an increase <i>Bacteroidota</i> at the phylum level and with an increase in the genus <i>Roseburia</i>. Both effera^® and bLF were associated with decreases in <i>Blautia</i> and <i>Dorea</i>. VFA analysis revealed that bLF increased absolute concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs); both effera^® treatments produced proportional changes in SCFAs as a percent of total VFA, acetate, and individual BCFAs. In healthy adults, effera^® supplementation promoted a proportional increase in acetate and supported potentially beneficial taxa while maintaining microbial diversity, without disrupting community structure. As a pre-specified exploratory outcome, microbiome and VFA findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06012669).</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"415-439"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148015595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Whey and Soy Protein Supplementation on Resistance Training in Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Brandon E Davis, Ian Young, Joseph C Giglotti, Jianbo Yao, Janet C Tou","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2604679","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2604679","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Protein supplementation, particularly whey and soy protein, are widely used by individuals engaged in resistance exercise training (RET) to enhance lean body mass (LBM) and muscle strength. However, their effectiveness remain unclear due to conflicting study results. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of whey and soy protein supplementation on amino acid bioavailability, LBM, and strength performance in healthy young adults engaged in RET. Database searches were conducted in Cochrane, EBSCO Host, PubMed, and Scopus from inception to October 19, 2024 using a pre-defined search strategy. Initial screening resulted in a total of 1,813 studies that met the eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria required participants to be trained or untrained young adults aged 18-30 years engaged in RET and taking either whey or soy protein in the form of concentrate or isolate with the primary outcome of LBM and secondary outcomes of bench press, squat, or plasma essential amino acid (EAA). The studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. A total of 12 studies with 261 participants were included after full-text screening with the main reason for exclusion being wrong population. The analysis found no significant effect of either whey or soy protein supplementation on LBM. However, protein supplement increased peak plasma total EAA with whey protein significantly improved bench press (mean difference [MD] 8.87; 95% CI: 5.95-11.79) and squat performance (MD 9.60; 95% CI: 5.61-13.60), with low to no heterogeneity. These findings suggest whey protein supplementation can enhance strength without significantly altering LBM in young adults. However, further large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive conclusions on the effects of protein supplementation RET. The review was registered August 30, 2024 in PROSPERO (CRD42024598070).</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"150-174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145843587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nootropic Supplements and Exercise: Patterns and Perceptions of Cognitive Enhancer Use in Physically Active Individuals.","authors":"Joseph T Pastina, Laura K Stewart","doi":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2589784","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19390211.2025.2589784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>'Nootropic' describes compounds that enhance cognition. Dietary supplement companies leverage this concept as a descriptor for product marketing. Given that half of all American adults, as well as many active individuals, use a dietary supplement, the purpose of this study was to explore nootropic use in physically active individuals. Nootropic use was evaluated <i>via</i> an online survey. Preferred nootropics, dose, frequency, reasons for use, and perceived effects were evaluated. In total, 152 individuals (men <i>n</i> = 86, women <i>n</i> = 64, other <i>n</i> = 2; mean ± SD age = 27.42 ± 7.66) were eligible for analysis. Means, standard deviations, and percentages were determined, and chi-square (χ²) tests of independence were used to determine significant associations related to nootropic type, exercise characteristics, use tendencies, and perceived positive or negative effects (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Thirty-six nootropics were reported, with caffeine (21.7%, <i>n</i> = 122), creatine (9.8%, <i>n</i> = 55), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, Omega 3) (7.0%, <i>n</i> = 39), L-theanine and nicotine (both 6.6%, <i>n</i> = 37), and ashwagandha (6.1%, <i>n</i> = 34) the most frequently used. The most common reason for use was to increase energy and motivation (34.8%, <i>n</i> = 81). Those who predominantly engaged in weight training were more likely to use amino acids, peptides, and their derivatives (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Those who use their respective nootropics more frequently perceived the nootropic to be more effective (<i>p</i> < 0.001). This survey suggests that nootropic use is common in active individuals for diverse reasons that go beyond cognition enhancement.</p>","PeriodicalId":15646,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dietary Supplements","volume":" ","pages":"23-41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145563978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}