(P16-010-24) Influence of Peptide-Enriched Energy Bars on the Metabolic Profile of Cross-Country Skiing Athletes

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to utilize metabolomics to investigate the impact of peptide energy bars on skier metabolism and provide valuable insights for optimizing nutritional strategies to improve training outcomes.

Methods: Nineteen healthy male cross-country skiers were recruited and subsequently divided into two groups: a peptide bar group (PEP, n = 9) and a protein bar group (PRO, n = 10). A four-week randomized control trial was conducted, during which participants consumed either a peptide energy bar or a protein energy bar (as the control) following morning and afternoon training sessions. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were collected from the athletes, and targeted metabolomics analysis utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to quantitatively analyze the metabolites. Differential metabolites were identified based on the following criteria: 1) variable importance in projection ≥ 1, as determined by the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model; 2) area under the receiver operating characteristic curves ≥ 0.75; 3) false discovery rate < 0.05. Subsequently, metabolic pathway analysis was performed using the MetaboAnalyst 5.0 platform.

Results: Significant metabolic changes were observed within both groups following the intervention, while no significant differences were found between the two groups. The PEP group exhibited 77 differential metabolites, including 54 upregulated and 23 downregulated metabolites, whereas the PRO group had 102 differential metabolites, with 85 upregulated and 17 downregulated metabolites. Peptide supplementation resulted in alterations in four metabolic pathways: Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; Arginine and proline metabolism; and Arginine biosynthesis. Protein bars affected a total of six pathways, encompassing those affected by peptide bars as well as Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and Butanoate metabolism.

Conclusions: Both supplements exhibited positive effects on amino acid metabolism, indicating improved protein synthesis and recovery in athletes.

Funding Sources: This study was funded by Beijing Key Laboratory of Creation of Functional Staple Foods and Nutritional Intervention for Chronic Diseases.