Cited by 73Muscle metabolism and nutritionExercise and Physiological ResponsesMuscle Physiology and Disorders

“Nutraceuticals” in relation to human skeletal muscle and exercise

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Deane, Colleen S., Wilkinson, Daniel J., Phillips, Bethan E., Smith, Kenneth, Etheridge, Timothy, Atherton, Philip J.·2017·American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism

Abstract

Skeletal muscles have a fundamental role in locomotion and whole body metabolism, with muscle mass and quality being linked to improved health and even lifespan. Optimizing nutrition in combination with exercise is considered an established, effective ergogenic practice for athletic performance. Importantly, exercise and nutritional approaches also remain arguably the most effective countermeasure for muscle dysfunction associated with aging and numerous clinical conditions, e.g., cancer cachexia, COPD, and organ failure, via engendering favorable adaptations such as increased muscle mass and oxidative capacity. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of established and novel effectors of muscle mass, function, and metabolism in relation to nutrition and exercise. To address this gap, in this review, we detail existing evidence surrounding the efficacy of a nonexhaustive list of macronutrient, micronutrient, and “nutraceutical” compounds alone and in combination with exercise in relation to skeletal muscle mass, metabolism (protein and fuel), and exercise performance (i.e., strength and endurance capacity). It has long been established that macronutrients have specific roles and impact upon protein metabolism and exercise performance, (i.e., protein positively influences muscle mass and protein metabolism), whereas carbohydrate and fat intakes can influence fuel metabolism and exercise performance. Regarding novel nutraceuticals, we show that the following ones in particular may have effects in relation to 1) muscle mass/protein metabolism: leucine, hydroxyl β-methylbutyrate, creatine, vitamin-D, ursolic acid, and phosphatidic acid; and 2) exercise performance: (i.e., strength or endurance capacity): hydroxyl β-methylbutyrate, carnitine, creatine, nitrates, and β-alanine.

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Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Dempsey RL, 2002, J Fam Pract, 51, 945
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Authors
Deane, C. S., Wilkinson, D. J., Phillips, B. E., Smith, K., Etheridge, T., & Atherton, P. J.
Affiliations
  • University of Nottingham (GB)
  • University of Exeter (GB)
Corresponding author
Atherton, Philip J.
Venue
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism
Published
2017-04-01
Volume
312
Issue
4
Pages
E282-E299
ISSN
  • 0193-1849 (ISSN-L)
  • 1522-1555
OpenAlex
W2583161188
Cited by
73
References
276
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 5
FWCI
1.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) (acceptedVersion)
  • Bournemouth University Research Online (Bournemouth University) (submittedVersion)
  • ePrints Soton (University of Southampton) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/K00414X/1)
  • Arthritis Research UK (19891)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Muscle Physiology and Disorders
Keywords
nutraceuticals, skeletal muscle, physical activity, muscle mass, protein metabolism, macronutrients, micronutrients, exercise performance, strength, endurance, leucine, creatine, vitamin D, ursolic acid, phosphatidic acid, L-carnitine, nitrate, beta-alanine, aging, cancer cachexia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
MeSH terms
Humans, Nutritional Status, Physical Endurance, Exercise, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements, Athletic Performance

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