Research Spotlight: What We’re Reading Now

🤓 For those who geek out on research like we do, here’s your dose of evidence-based insights! We’ll periodically share a roundup of interesting studies, along with our quick takes. These are perfect for sparking your own health and performance journey. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Label Accuracy and Quality of Select Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements Sold on or near US Military Bases

Nutrify Notes: Once again, a study exposes issues with supplement labeling, this time focusing on weight-loss products. Key findings:

• 82% of 36 supplements tested had inaccurate labels
• 61% had ingredients listed on the label that weren’t actually in the product
• 36% contained hidden ingredients not listed on the label

Takeaway: Stay sharp when choosing supplements by being an informed supplement consumer. Look for third-party testing—it’s your best bet for safety and quality.

Dietary protein intake in midlife in relation to healthy aging – results from the prospective Nurses’ Health Study cohort

Nutrify Notes: A fascinating analysis of data from over 121,000 registered female nurses. This study explored whether protein intake influenced the likelihood of “healthy aging”—defined as being free of chronic diseases, maintaining good mental health, and avoiding physical or cognitive impairment. Highlights:

• Only 7.6% of participants met the healthy aging criteria.
• Higher protein intake was linked to better odds of healthy aging.
• Plant-based protein had the strongest association with healthy aging compared to animal and dairy proteins.

Takeaway: While not causal, this study reinforces the importance of protein for aging well. Bonus points for prioritizing plant-based proteins, which offer additional health benefits.

Part II. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?

Nutrify Notes: The ISSN continues to deliver gold-standard sports nutrition research & evidence-based insights. This latest piece tackles frequently asked questions about creatine. If you’re currently supplementing or considering it, check out both Part 1 and Part 2 above.

Takeaway: Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched supplements, and while studies on women are limited, it’s generally safe and effective when used at recommended doses.

International society of sports nutrition position stand: β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB)

Nutrify Notes: More great info from the ISSN! This position stand summarizes the latest evidence on HMB, which may improve recovery, lean mass, muscle strength, and aerobic performance.

Takeaway: While promising, the lack of female-specific research makes its benefits for women uncertain. Still, it’s an intriguing area for future study and may be worth a try if you are trying to squeek out that last 1%.

High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling

Nutrify Notes: First things first—this was an animal study, and the headline’s a bit misleading. This interesting research explored the role of Vitamin D status (not supplementation dose/response) in fat and muscle metabolism, via the hormones myostatin and leptin.

Takeaway: Vitamin D’s role in muscle function, bone health, and immunity is fairly well established. This study hints at novel metabolic benefits, but human research is needed. For now, keep your Vitamin D levels in check for overall health and performance.

Looking for more actionable, evidence-based insights & support to help you reach your health and performance goals? Schedule a complimentary information call today! Limited coaching spots are available, so act now & together, we’ll uncover quick wins and create a clear, personalized path to help you achieve your goals.

References

1. Crawford, C., Lindsey, A. T., Avula, B., Katragunta, K., Khan, I. A., & Deuster, P. A. (2024). Label Accuracy and Quality of Select Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements Sold on or near US Military Bases. Nutrients, 16(24), 4369. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244369
2. Ardisson Korat, Andres V, et al. “Dietary Protein Intake in Midlife in Relation to Healthy Aging – Results from the Prospective Nurses’ Health Study Cohort.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 119, no. 2, 17 Jan. 2024, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523662823?via%3Dihub, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.010.
3. Antonio, J., Brown, A. F., Candow, D. G., Chilibeck, P. D., Ellery, S. J., Forbes, S. C., … Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2024). Part II. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2441760
4. Rathmacher, J. A., Pitchford, L. M., Stout, J. R., Townsend, J. R., Jäger, R., Kreider, R. B., … Antonio, J. (2024). International society of sports nutrition position stand: β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2434734
5. Roizen J, Long C, Casella A, Nguyen M, Danahy L, Seiler C, Lei M, Mark J. High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling. Res Sq [Preprint]. 2024 May 8:rs.3.rs-4202165. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4202165/v1. PMID: 38766160; PMCID: PMC11100886.