Why was this study done? Supplementing with calcium is an effective tool for bone maintenance, but it has long been postulated that high calcium intake may negatively affect other minerals (especially magnesium). This study was designed to investigate the effects of a high calcium supplementation (1500 mg/day for 10 days) on magnesium excretion. What did…
Why was this article written? Human-powered flight is difficult to achieve. In order to be successful, a human-powered airplane must be light and efficient. This puts demands on athletes that are not often seen. The Daedalus Project was an opportunity to test how to best train and supplement athletes who were undergoing extreme testing of…
Why was this study done? Population studies have long shown a lower incidence of heart disease in cultures who consume a large portion of their diet as cold-water fish. These observations have led to the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) might be responsible for the cardiovascular effects of these diets. This study was…
Why was this study done? Beta-carotene has many health benefits and is a safe method to increase both beta-carotene and vitamin A status. High doses of beta-carotene, though, have been reported to change the coloring of the skin. This study was designed to investigate higher dosing of beta-carotene (30,000 IU, 60,000 IU, 90,000 IU) along…
Why was this study done? The health benefits of a plant-based diet are many. This study was designed to investigate the effects of replacing animal protein (milk) with vegetable-based protein (soy) during a weight loss program to see the effects of both diets on blood lipids (cholesterol, LDL, HDL). What did the study find? During…
Why was this study done? Proper hydration is of key importance to athletes and is closely tied to athletic performance and time to fatigue. Water is a good hydration source, but hydration occurs faster when electrolytes (primarily sodium) and carbohydrates are included in drinks. This study was designed to investigate varying concentrations of sodium and…
Why was this article written? Human-powered flight requires a well-designed machine, an well-trained athlete, and the proper fuel and fueling regime for that athlete. The Daedalus Project was an attempt to understand the limits of human physiology and how best to support an athlete performing at peak performance for long periods of time. The Physiology…
Why was this study done? The cholesterol-lowering ability of fiber has been well established, but making a fiber supplement palatable can be difficult. This study was designed to investigate a combination fiber product (psyllium, pectin, and guar/locust bean gums – which is generally more palatable) and compare it with guar gum. What did the study…
Why was this study done? Fibers may be classified as either water-soluble or non-water-soluble. Water-soluble fibers have been researched for their cholesterol lowering effects, but that doesn’t mean that all water-soluble fibers are the same. This study was designed to determine whether acacia gum (a water-soluble fiber) had any effect on cholesterol lowering. What did…
Why was this study done? The cholesterol lowering effects of fiber are well known, but the amount of fiber one should take is less known. This study was designed to help determine the best dose of a mixed fiber (psyllium, pectin, and guar/locust bean gums) product. Participants were given a mixed fiber product containing 5…