Supplements for energy
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Supplements for Energy: An Overview
Protein and Energy Supplements for the Elderly
Effectiveness in Malnutrition
Protein and energy supplements are often prescribed to older adults at risk of malnutrition. Research indicates that these supplements can lead to a small but consistent weight gain in this demographic. However, the impact on mortality and functional benefits is less clear. Some studies show a reduction in mortality among undernourished elderly patients, but no significant improvement in clinical outcomes or reduction in hospital stay length has been observed .
Clinical Outcomes and Complications
While supplementation can reduce the risk of complications such as infections and poor wound healing, it does not significantly affect overall morbidity or mortality in community-dwelling older adults. Adverse effects like nausea and diarrhea are also reported, highlighting the need for further large-scale trials to confirm these findings .
Energy Supplements for Children
Impact on Growth and Nutrient Intake
In pediatric patients, energy-dense oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have been shown to significantly improve total nutrient intake and growth. A study comparing high-energy ONS to standard ONS found that children receiving the high-energy supplement had greater increases in daily energy and protein intake, as well as improved growth metrics such as weight and height. This suggests that energy-dense, low-volume ONS can be particularly effective in managing faltering growth in children.
Pre-Workout Energy Supplements
Enhancing Exercise Performance
Pre-workout energy supplements containing ingredients like caffeine, taurine, and amino acids have been found to enhance performance in resistance training and endurance exercises. For instance, consuming a pre-workout supplement 10 minutes before resistance exercise significantly increased the number of repetitions and power output during the workout. Similarly, a commercially available energy drink consumed before a cycling time trial improved performance without increasing perceived exertion.
Mechanisms and Ingredients
The effectiveness of these supplements is often attributed to their ingredients. Caffeine, taurine, and amino acids like leucine and arginine are known to boost energy levels, enhance focus, and reduce fatigue, thereby improving overall exercise performance .
Ketone Supplements for Brain Energy
Addressing Neurological Disorders
Ketone supplementation is emerging as a promising strategy to meet the brain's energy needs, especially in conditions characterized by glucose hypometabolism. Preliminary evidence suggests that exogenous ketones can improve cognitive and motor performance in neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and seizure disorders by serving as an alternative fuel for the brain.
Conclusion
Energy supplements, whether for the elderly, children, or athletes, show varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the context and specific needs. While protein and energy supplements can aid in weight gain and reduce complications in malnourished elderly patients, their impact on overall clinical outcomes remains inconclusive. In children, energy-dense ONS can significantly improve nutrient intake and growth. For athletes, pre-workout energy supplements can enhance performance and endurance. Lastly, ketone supplements offer a novel approach to addressing energy deficits in neurological disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of these supplements across different populations.
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