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Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Endurance Performance and Subjective Perception in Athletes Exercising in the Heat: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

  • 2025-06-27
  • Nutrients 17(13)
    • Jiahao Li
    • Shuning Liu
    • Siqi Wang
    • Yutong Wu
    • Liu Yang
    • Qi Luo
    • Zixiao Li
    • Shengxin Yang
    • Kai Zhao
    • Chang Liu

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 552
Population
athletes exposed to high-temperature environments
Methods
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs; search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost from inception to January 2025; two independent reviewers; network meta-analysis using R (version 4.3.1) with random-effects and Bayesian models
  • Rigorous Journal
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various nutritional supplements in enhancing endurance performance and subjective thermal perception in athletes exposed to high-temperature environments through a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost from inception to January 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of nutritional supplements on either endurance performance or subjective thermal perception in athletes under heat stress. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A network meta-analysis was performed using R software (version 4.3.1). The search was limited to English-language publications and employed both MeSH and free-text terms related to "athletes," "nutritional supplements," and "exercise performance," using Boolean operators (AND/OR) to construct the strategy. Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 552 participants were included, yielding 22 comparisons: 18 assessed endurance performance, and 11 assessed subjective perception. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and posterior probabilities (P-scores based on Bayesian ranking) were calculated using random-effects and Bayesian models. Menthol (SMD = -1.83, 95% CI [-3.15, -0.51]; P-score = 71.04%) and taurine (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI [0.08, 1.73]; P-score = 12.75%) demonstrated significant positive effects on endurance. Menthol energy gel showed the greatest improvement in thermal comfort (SMD = 2.14, 95% CI [1.01, 3.26]; P-score = 99.54%). Conclusions: Menthol and taurine appear effective in enhancing endurance in hot environments, while menthol energy gel substantially improves perceived thermal comfort. Future research should apply stricter controls regarding environmental conditions, supplement dosage, and participant characteristics. While individual supplements may offer limited benefits, synergistic combinations may yield greater improvements in performance and comfort.

Research Insights

  • Peppermint→Improved Endurance

    taurine (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI [0.08, 1.73]; P-score = 12.75%) demonstrated significant positive effects on endurance.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
  • Taurine→Improved Endurance

    taurine (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI [0.08, 1.73]; P-score = 12.75%) demonstrated significant positive effects on endurance.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
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