Could nanotechnology improve exercise performance? Evidence from animal studies

Area of Science:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Nanotechnology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Nutritional compounds are often used to enhance exercise performance.
• Nanotechnology offers novel ways to deliver nutritional compounds for improved bioavailability and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on the use of nutritional nanocompounds for improving exercise performance.
• To summarize the physiological and metabolic alterations induced by these compounds.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies utilizing specific nutritional nanocompounds, including resveratrol-loaded lipid nanoparticles, folic acid in layered hydroxide nanoparticles, redox-active nanoparticles, and iron in liposomes.
• Analysis of performance outcomes and physiological changes reported in animal models.

Main Results:

• Most nutritional nanocompounds demonstrated improved endurance exercise performance compared to non-nanoencapsulated forms or placebo.
• Observed benefits include enhanced antioxidant activity, reduced inflammation, maintained muscle integrity, improved mitochondrial function, better glucose regulation, and increased glycogen and iron levels.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional nanocompounds represent a promising strategy for enhancing exercise performance.
• All reviewed studies were conducted in animals, highlighting the critical need for human trials to validate these findings for sport and exercise science.