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Protein intake is an important factor for augmenting the response to resistance training in healthy individuals. Although food intake can help with anabolism during the day, the period of time during sleep is typically characterized by catabolism and other metabolic shifts. Research on the application of nighttime casein protein supplementation has introduced a new research paradigm related to protein timing. Pre-sleep casein supplementation has been attributed to improved adaptive response by skeletal muscle to resistance training through increases in muscle protein synthesis, muscle mass, and strength. However, it remains unclear what the effect of this nutritional strategy is on non-muscular parameters such as metabolism and appetite in both healthy and unhealthy populations. The purpose of this systematic review is to understand the effects of pre-sleep casein protein on energy expenditure, lipolysis, appetite, and food intake in both healthy and overweight or obese individuals. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in CINAHL, Cochrane, and SPORTDiscus during March 2021, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. A summary of the main findings shows limited to no effects on metabolism or appetite when ingesting 24-48 g of casein 30 min before sleep, but data are limited, and future research is needed to clarify the relationships observed.

This study investigated the acute effects of different protein sources consumed at sahur on anaerobic power and strength performances in trained male combat sport athletes during Ramadan fasting. Using a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced crossover study design, 24 male combat sports' athletes (mean age: 27.3 ± 3.8 years, Tier 3 national level) completed four experimental conditions: (1) non-fasting control, (2) fasting + placebo (maltodextrin), (3) fasting + whey protein isolate (WPI), and (4) fasting + micellar casein (MC). In each condition, a standardized sahur meal (6.3-7.7 kcal/kg body weight) and supplementation (0.4 g/kg for WPI/MC and 0.4 g/kg for Placebo) were administered. Physical Performances was assessed 11-13 hours post-sahur (or 3-5 hours post-lunch for control) including the Wingate anaerobic test, bench press, leg press, and countermovement jump (CMJ), and handgrip strength tests. Ramadan fasting significantly lowered Wingate peak power, mean power, and bench press strength compared to the non-fasting control. MC supplementation reduced these declines, outperforming WPI and the placebo in peak power and mean power, and surpassing the placebo in bench press strength, although not WPI. Leg press, countermovement jump, and handgrip strength showed no significant differences across conditions. MC supplementation at sahur provides partial protection against fasting-induced declines in anaerobic power and upper body endurance, but does not fully restore performance to non-fasting levels. These findings emphasize the importance of protein timing and selection in mitigating performance decrements during Ramadan fasting, highlighting the need for further research on optimal nutritional strategies for athletes training and competing under fasting conditions. Copyright: © 2026 Demirli et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Background: Nutrient timing strategies may influence recovery and performance in athletes; however, the effects of ingesting casein protein before sleep versus immediately after exercise remain unclear. This study compared the acute effects of pre-sleep and post-exercise ingestion of casein on high-intensity anaerobic performance in highly trained soccer players. Methods: Twenty-four highly trained male soccer players (mean age: 20.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: post-exercise casein ingestion group (PECIG; n = 8), pre-sleep casein ingestion group (PSCIG; n = 8), and control group (CG; n = 8). Following a standardized high-intensity resistance training protocol, participants consumed 30 g of micellar casein dissolved in 300 mL of water either immediately after exercise or 30-60 min before bedtime. Performance was assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), the Illinois Agility Test (IAT), and the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), which were conducted both before and 24 h after the training session. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant group-by-time effects for CMJ (F = 8.21, p = 0.002, η2p = 0.36) and RAST performance variables, including peak power (F = 6.94, p = 0.003, η2p = 0.32), mean power (F = 7.42, p = 0.002, η2p = 0.34), and fatigue index (F = 5.87, p = 0.008, η2p = 0.28). Post hoc analyses showed that PSCIG significantly improved CMJ (Δ = +1.45 cm; p < 0.001, d = 2.04) and RAST mean power (Δ = +125.14 W; p = 0.002, d = 1.55) compared with the control condition. PECIG significantly enhanced RAST peak power (Δ = +205.79 W; p = 0.001, d = 1.64), mean power (Δ = +128.43 W; p = 0.013, d = 1.24), and fatigue index (Δ = +4.12 W/s; p = 0.010, d = 1.29) relative to CG. No performance differences were observed between PSCIG and PECIG timing conditions (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both pre-sleep and post-exercise casein ingestion enhanced anaerobic performance in highly trained soccer players, with each timing method favoring different performance outcomes. However, neither strategy demonstrated superiority over the other, suggesting that casein timing may be flexibly applied according to athletes' preferences a

Background/Objectives: There is no consensus regarding the impacts of supplementation with milk proteins (MPs) on body composition (BC). This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the effects of MP, casein protein (CP), and whey protein (WP) supplementation on BC and anthropometric parameters. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in several databases to identify eligible RCTs published until October 2025. Random-effects models were applied to estimate the pooled effects of MP supplementation on anthropometric parameters. Results: A total of 150 RCTs were included. MP supplementation substantially increased lean body mass (LBM) (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.41 kg; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.62; p < 0.001) and fat-free mass (FFM) (WMD: 0.67 kg; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.94; p < 0.001). It also significantly reduced body fat percentage (BFP) (WMD: -0.66%; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.28; p = 0.001), fat mass (FM) (WMD: -0.66 kg; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.41; p < 0.001), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: -0.69 cm; 95% CI: -1.16, -0.22; p = 0.004). No considerable effects were observed for muscle mass (MM), body mass index (BMI), and body weight (BW). Dose-response analysis revealed that MP dosage was associated with significant changes in BFP, LBM, and MM. Conclusions: MP supplementation was associated with favorable modifications in body composition, including increases in LBM and FFM, as well as reductions in FM, BFP, and WC. These findings provide coherent and consistent evidence supporting the potential role of MP supplementation in targeted body composition management.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Prolonged bed rest is highly prevalent among hospitalized older adults and markedly accelerates the loss of muscle mass and physical function. Currently, there are no effective interventions to counteract this decline, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate whether high protein intake can simultaneously modulate muscle mass and the gut microbiota, and whether gut microbial composition mediates muscle regulation in hospitalized older people. METHODS: A self-controlled study was conducted on 43 older patients aged 60 to 90 years old with low skeletal muscle mass. During the 3-month intervention phase, all participants received approximately 36 g of high-protein supplementation daily, comprising both casein and whey proteins. This was followed by a 3-month control phase in which participants received standard nursing care without protein supplementation. RESULTS: A significant increase in skeletal muscle mass index from baseline was seen in male group at 3 months (6.0-6.3 kg/m2) but declined to 6.1 kg/m2 at 6 months (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in females (P > 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed that bacterial diversity and microbial structure were affected by protein supplementation and differed by sex. Males exhibited a greater abundance of SMI- and SMM-associated beneficial bacteria following protein intake. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analysis indicated that microbial functions related to amino acid synthesis were positively correlated with SMI-linked species such as Blautia wexlerae and Corynebacterium dentalis. CONCLUSIONS: High-protein supplementation may promote muscle anabolism in hospitalized older males by modulating the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiota, specifically by enhancing microbial pathways related to amino acid synthesis. These results suggest the presence of a gut-muscle axis and highlight the potential of targeted protein interventions to counteract inactivity-related muscle loss in older patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with identifier ChiCTR2400085432 on 07/06/20

Background: A higher protein diet (HPD) is recommended for older adults to support their muscle mass maintenance, but its cardiovascular protective effects in this population remain controversial, potentially due to differences in protein sources. Objective: To investigate the effects of HPDs with different sources within a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) on conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and vascular health-related outcomes in Singapore older adults. Methods: In this 16-week randomized controlled trial, 55 participants were assigned to one of the three groups: following a HDP alone (Control, n = 19), following a HDP supplemented with 20 g day-1 of either casein protein isolate powder (HPD-CP, n = 18) or soy protein isolate powder (HPD-SP, n = 18). Blood pressure, lipid-lipoprotein profiles and composite CVD risk indicators were evaluated at the baseline and post-intervention. Parameters of vascular function (flow-mediated dilation) and vascular regeneration (endothelial progenitor cell percentage and blood outgrowth cell functions) were also assessed. Results: The Control group exhibited significant increases in triglyceride levels (+0.33 ± 0.1 mmol L-1) and composite CVD risks (atherogenic index: +0.31 ± 0.11; Framingham predicted long-term CVD risk: +0.8 ± 0.43%). In contrast, both HPD groups showed maintenance of the lipid-lipoprotein profile and CVD risk predictors, with further significant reduction in the total cholesterol level in the HPD-SP group (-0.28 ± 0.12 mmol L-1). All groups showed significant increases in CD34+ cell expression, and particularly, the HPD-SP group demonstrated potential to enhance the angiogenic capacity of blood outgrowth endothelial cells. However, no changes were observed in other vascular functions and vascular regeneration parameters. Conclusions: Adherence to an HPD, particularly from soy protein, within an HDP supports the maintenance of the lipid-lipoprotein profile and CVD risk predictors among Singapore older adults. These findings highlight HPD as a potential dietary strategy to promote cardiovascular health when adhering to an HDP in older adults; however, the source of protein may influence its e

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with behavioral and cognitive impairments. Increasing evidence also links ASD with systemic immune dysregulation, including abnormal cytokine profiles and chronic low-grade inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that targeted dietary strategies and probiotic supplementation may modulate immune responses and gut-brain interactions in patients with ASD. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of a structured anti-inflammatory diet (NeuroGutPlus) compared to multi-strain probiotics in children with ASD. NeuroGutPlus is a nutritionally complete anti-inflammatory dietary protocol that targets gut integrity, inflammation, and mitochondrial function. It includes a diet low in gluten, FODMAPs, casein, and artificial additives, and a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and fermentable fibers. Methods: A total of 30 children with ASD and 12 neurotypical controls were enrolled in a 12-week randomized controlled nutritional trial. Participants received either a NeuroGutPlus anti-inflammatory diet, probiotic supplementation (16 strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), or no intervention. Plasma levels of 20 cytokines and chemokines were measured pre- and post-intervention using multiplex Luminex immunoassays. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore shifts in the immune profile. Results: Patients treated with the NeuroGutPlus diet significantly reduced IFN-γ levels (p = 0.0090) and showed a stabilizing effect on immune profiles, as evidenced by PCA clustering. Probiotic supplementation led to a significant increase in IL-8 (+66.6 pg/mL; p = 0.0350) and MIP-1β (+74.5 pg/mL; p = 0.0100), along with a decrease in IFN-γ (p = 0.0070), suggesting reconfiguration of innate immune responses. Eight out of eleven biomarkers showed significant post-intervention differences between groups, indicating distinct immunological effects. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that anti-inflammatory diets exert broader and more consistent immunoregulatory effects than probiotics alone in children with ASD. These findings support the inclusio

CONTEXT: It has been proposed that supplementation with milk protein (MP) may ameliorate lipid profiles, lower blood pressure (BP), reduce oxidative stress (OS), and regulate liver enzyme levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the impacts of casein protein, whey protein, and MP supplementation on lipid profiles, BP, OS, and liver enzymes in adults. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search strategy was developed to determine relevant RCTs published up to September 2024 among several databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). DATA EXTRACTION: The extracted data comprised a range of trial characteristics, including the study design, sample size, demographic data of participants, trial duration, pre- and post-assessments of the outcomes, and the dosage of MP supplements. DATA ANALYSIS: A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the effects of MP supplementation on the measured outcomes. Heterogeneity across the trials was evaluated using the I2 statistic and Cochran's Q tests. The pooled analysis of 65 RCTs revealed that MP supplementation significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -4.03 mg/dL; 95% CI: -7.91, -0.16; P = .042), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD: -1.99 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.16, -0.82; P < .001), and triglycerides (TG) (WMD: -6.11 mg/dL; 95% CI: -9.78, -2.44; P = .001) in the MP group compared with the untreated group. However, there were no statistically substantial impacts on diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of glutathione, nitric oxide, apolipoprotein (Apo) A, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, Apo B, alanine transaminase, malondialdehyde, aspartate transaminase, and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with MP may have hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects, as indicated by reductions in SBP, TG, and TC. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024621220. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contac

BACKGROUND: Probiotics comprise various strains that offer numerous health benefits. Researchers have recently focused on the relationship between probiotic consumption and improved gut microbiota function, enhanced digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and enhanced sports performance. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of pre-sleep casein intake, coupled with probiotic strains, on soccer players' anaerobic power, lower-body-specific strength, and power performance. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study was conducted with forty-four male soccer players (Age: 22.81 ± 2.76 years, Height: 177.90 ± 6.75 cm, Weight: 67.42 ± 8.44 kg). The participants underwent the isokinetic strength, Wall-squat, and running-based anaerobic sprint (RAST) tests initially; then, they were randomly divided into four groups: probiotics (PRO), casein (CAS), probiotics with casein (PRO+CAS), and placebo (PLA). The PRO groups were given one probiotic capsule (containing eight bacterial strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BP06, Lacticaseibacillus casei BP07, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus bulgaricus BD08, Bifidobacterium infantis BI04, Bifidobacterium longum BL03, Bifidobacterium breve BB02, and Streptococcus thermophilus BT01, with a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) during dinner, while the CAS groups consumed 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The PRO+CAS group was given one probiotic capsule during dinner and 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The participants in the PLA group were given one red capsule (containing 5 grams of starch) during dinner. All participants were instructed to take the supplements only on training days, three times a week for four weeks. Additionally, isokinetic strength parameters, including absolute peak torque (APT) and average rate of force development (AvRFD), were measured for the knee extensors (ext) and flexors (flx) muscles (concentric phase at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, using the dominant leg). One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) or Quade tests with a significance level of p < 0.05 was used to analyze the collected data. RESULT: The current stu

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cheese has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol concentrations, despite being a source of saturated fat. The dairy matrix is purported to be responsible for this effect. There is increasing recognition of sexual dimorphism in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in addition to sex-related differences in response to nutrition interventions. This analysis aims to explore the effect of sex on the cholesterol-lowering effect of cheese compared to butter. METHODS: The present study is secondary analysis of pooled data from two parallel-arm randomised controlled trials (RCT) with similar protocols, where participants (n 197, 41.6 % male) received either 120g cheese (n 104) or deconstructed cheese (49g butter, 30g calcium caseinate and a calcium supplement, n 93) for 6 weeks. Each arm provided ∼40g fat per day. RESULTS: In the group as a whole, cheese was found to lower total and LDL cholesterol, compared to deconstructed cheese. No sex × treatment interactions were observed although, within-sex analysis found men and women to respond differently. Within males, cholesterol concentrations decreased in response to dairy fat. Within the female group cheese lowered total and LDL cholesterol concentrations, whereas deconstructed cheese was found to increase the same lipid markers. CONCLUSIONS: Cheese was found to lower cholesterol concentrations in the cohort as a whole, while men and women were found to respond differently to dairy fat. Females appear to respond more favourably to cheese compared to deconstructed cheese. These findings indicate the cheese matrix may have a stronger effect in females and thus may play a role in personalised nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term remineralization of initial caries lesion (ICL) treated with different remineralizing agents during orthodontic retention using optical coherence tomography (OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomised clinical trial recruited 30 patients on fixed appliances with at least one ICL labially on any maxillary incisor. At debond (baseline), they were allocated to three groups, where twice daily fluoride toothpaste was given: (1) as control; (2) supplemented with daily casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF); or (3) supplemented with three-monthly professional applied fluoride varnish (FV). Primary outcome was the OCT backscatter reflectance changes of the ICL, measured as integrated reflectivity (IR). Follow-ups were at three-month intervals up to 12 months. The trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04788550). RESULTS: Analyses included 26 participants (nine control; nine CPP-ACPF; eight FV). There were significant reduction in integrated reflectivity over time. Post hoc comparisons showed reductions were significant up to 150-micron depth at 6-months, and up to 250-micron depth at both 9- and 12-months follow-up compared to baseline. At 12-months, FV had the lowest IR values, followed by CPP-ACPF and control, but the differences between groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: After 12-months observation, use of fluoridated toothpaste alone or supplemented with either fluoride varnish or CPP-ACPF promotes enamel remineralization up to 250-micron depth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily fluoridated toothpaste with regular 3-monthly recall visits from the start of orthodontic retention is recommended for effective control of initial caries lesions. FV and CPP-ACPF supplementation can be considered but their long-term benefits remain inconclusive. © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

BACKGROUND: Impacts of milk proteins (MPs) on inflammation are uncertain. The current systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effects of whey protein (WP), casein protein (CP), or MP supplementation on serum levels of cytokines and adipokines in adults. METHODS: A comprehensive search of various online databases was conducted to find appropriate clinical trials published until September 2024. A random-effect statistical model was implemented. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 53 RCTs. It was indicated that MP supplements had no substantial effects on serum values of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, and leptin. However, there were statistically significant decreases in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) following supplementation with MP (weighted mean difference (WMD): - 0.25 pg/mL, 95% CI - 0.48, - 0.03; P = 0.026) in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that MP supplementation may not have any considerable impacts on the levels of cytokines and adipokines. © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

BACKGROUND: Anabolic resistance accelerates muscle loss in aging and obesity, thus predisposing to sarcopenic obesity. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of a randomized clinical trial, we examined baseline predictors of the adaptive response to three months of home-based resistance exercise, daily physical activity, and protein-based, multi-ingredient supplementation (MIS) in a cohort of free-living, older males (n = 32). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that obesity and a Global Risk Index for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were the strongest predictors of Δ% gains in lean mass (TLM and ASM), LM/body fat ratios (TLM/%BF, ASM/FM, and ASM/%BF), and allometric LM (ASMI, TLM/BW, TLM/BMI, ASM/BW), with moderately strong, negative correlations to the adaptive response to polytherapy r = -0.36 to -0.68 (p < 0.05). Kidney function, PA level, and chronological age were only weakly associated with treatment outcomes (p > 0.05). Next, we performed a subgroup analysis in overweight/obese participants with at least one other MetS risk factor and examined their adaptive response to polytherapy with two types of protein-based MIS (PLA; collagen peptides and safflower oil, n = 8, M5; whey/casein, creatine, calcium, vitamin D3, and fish oil, n = 12). The M5 group showed greater improvements in LM (ASM; +2% vs. -0.8%), LM/body fat ratios (ASM/FM; +3.8% vs. -5.1%), allometric LM (ASM/BMI; +1.2% vs. -2.5%), strength (leg press; +17% vs. -1.4%), and performance (4-Step-Stair-Climb time; -10.5% vs. +1.1%) vs. the PLA group (p < 0.05). Bone turnover markers, indicative of bone accretion, were increased pre-to-post intervention in the M5 group only (P1NP; p = 0.036, P1NP/CTX ratio; p = 0.088). The overall anabolic response, as indicated by ranking low-to-high responders for Δ% LM (p = 0.0079), strength (p = 0.097), and performance (p = 0.19), was therefore significantly higher in the M5 vs. PLA group (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that obesity/MetS is a key driver of anabolic resistance in old age and that a high-quality, whey/casein-based MIS is more effective than a collagen-based alternative for maintaining musculoskeletal health in individuals

BACKGROUND: Alpha-s1 casein hydrolysate (ACH; Lactium®) is recognized as a supplementary treatment to enhance sleep quality. However, limited studies utilizing objective sleep assessment tools have resulted in a lack of substantial validation. This study aimed to assess the effects of ACH on both subjective sleep assessments and objective polysomnography (PSG) recordings in a hospital-based cohort of Taiwanese individuals with chronic insomnia. METHODS: In this 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 participants diagnosed with chronic insomnia were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the ACH or placebo groups. Initially, participants in the ACH group received 600 mg of ACH daily, which was reduced to 300 mg for the latter two weeks; the placebo group received maltodextrin capsules throughout the study. The study utilized polysomnography (PSG), along with detailed sleep questionnaires including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Global Sleep Disorders Score (GSDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), to assess improvements in sleep quality and related health markers. The efficacy of the intervention was assessed through measures of sleep efficiency, stage distribution, and psychological well-being, comparing results from before to after the treatment phase. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that ACH treatment notably enhanced sleep quality, evidenced by significant improvements in ISI, GSDS, PSQI, ESS, and HADS scores at both week 2 and 4 (all p-values <0.05) compared with baseline scores. When compared to the placebo group, the ACH group experienced a marked reduction in GSDS scores over time (p = 0.045). Furthermore, PSG data revealed a significant decrease in sleep onset latency from baseline in the ACH group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.012; -7.7 ± 16.0 min vs. 6.1 ± 17.7 min for ACH and placebo groups, respectively). These results indicate that ACH treatment effectively improved sleep initiation and overall sleep quality. CONCLUSION: ACH Supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, particularly by reducing GSDS scores and sleep onse

BACKGROUND: As a relatively novel approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health, mixed protein supplementation has shown similar responses to whey protein. However, no previous studies have examined its impact on golf swing performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of mixed protein supplementation on the swing performance and muscle strength of casual golfers. METHODS: Sixty participants with a handicap of less than 20 were recruited and randomly assigned to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. The participants were divided into two groups: a mixed protein group (MG, n = 30), and a placebo control group (CG, n = 30). They were instructed to ingest either a supplement containing casein calcium, whey protein, and isolated pea protein, or a placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. Pre- and posttests consisted of anthropometric measurements, muscle strength (isokinetic knee and trunk strength, and handgrip strength), 2-minute push-ups, balance, and golf swing performance using a driver and 7-iron. RESULTS: After the 8-week supplementation period, ANCOVA, using baseline values as covariates, revealed significant differences for driver distance (p = .004) and driver ball speed (p < .001). MG significantly increased driver distance by 5.17 ± 12.8 m (p = .046), driver ball speed by 1.36 ± 2.87 m/s (p = .021). Additionally, significantly improvements were observed in hand grip strength (+2.12 ± 3.47 kg, p = .004), two-minute push-ups (+4.89 ± 8.14 reps, p = .004), and balance score (-0.37 ± 0.69 min, p = .009). No significant differences were observed in body composition parameters (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The intake of a mixed protein containing both animal and plant proteins had positive effects on golf performance and muscle function. Therefore, mixed proteins may represent a safe and effective approach to enhancing skeletal muscle health in golf players.

BACKGROUND: In the realm of sports science, nutrition is a well-established pillar for athletes' training, performance, and post-workout recovery. However, the role of gut microbiota, often overlooked, is a novel and intriguing aspect that can significantly impact athletic performance. With this in mind, our study ventures into uncharted territory, investigating the effect of probiotic and casein supplementation on the aerobic capacity of male soccer players. METHOD: A double-blinded and placebo-controlled study was conducted with 44 male soccer players (Age: 22.81 ± 2.76 yr, Height: 177.90 ± 6.75 cm, Weight: 67.42 ± 8.44 kg). The participants were subjected to the Bruce test in the beginning; then, they were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of 11 people: probiotics (PRO), casein (CAS), probiotics with casein (PRO+CAS), and placebo (PLA). PRO group was given one probiotic capsule (containing strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BP06, Lacticaseibacillus casei BP07, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus delbrueckii BD08 bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium infantis BI04, Bifidobacterium longum BL03, Bifidobacterium breve BB02 and Streptococcus salivarius thermophilus BT01, with a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) during dinner, while the CAS group consumed 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The PRO+CAS group was given one probiotic capsule during dinner and 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The participants in the PLA group were given one red capsule (containing 5 grams of starch) during dinner. All participants were instructed to take the supplements only on training days, three times a week for four weeks. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Ventilatory Threshold (VT), Time-to-exhaustion (TTE), Respiratory Compensation Point (RCP), Isocapnic area Time (Time-IC), Isocapnic area oxygen consumption (VO2-IC), and Hypocapnic Hyperventilation area Time (Time-HHV), after the Bruce test were Measured. All data were analyzed using SPSS Windows software, mixed repeated measure ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: The current study's findings illustrated that, after the intervention, TTE (p = 0.0