Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic organ that undergoes significant metabolic and structural stress during exercise, necessitating precise nutritional support for adaptation and recovery. While the roles of macronutrients are well-established, the complex interplay, or "crosstalk," between essential micronutrients is a critical yet dynamic facet of exercise physiology. This review synthesizes current evidence on the synergistic relationships between key vitamins and minerals—specifically vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, the B-vitamins, antioxidants, and iron—in supporting skeletal muscle function during and after exercise. We explore how these micronutrients co-operate in energy production, calcium handling, contraction coupling, antioxidant defense, and anabolic signaling. Recent research continues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this crosstalk, highlighting the role of the gut-muscle axis and the impact of deficiencies on adaptive outcomes. Understanding this intricate network is paramount for developing targeted nutritional strategies that optimize athletic performance, enhance recovery, and support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Abstract Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two continuous aerobic training and high-intensity interval training on body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, and body fat percentage in overweight and obese military people. In this quasi-experimental study, 30 overweight or obese military personnel stationed in a military center were divided into two equal groups of 15 subjects within continuous aerobic training group and high-intensity interval training group. The training protocol consisted of six weeks of continuous aerobic training and high intensity interval training performed every week for three sessions and each session for 60 minutes with equal intensity. The research variables included body weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage, which were measured in the same and standard conditions in two stages of pre-test and post-test. After 6 weeks of intervention, high-intensity interval training group showed a significant reduction in body mass index, waist-hip ratio and body fat percentage compared to the continuous aerobic training group(P<0.05). However, there was no significant change in the body weight of the subjects (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the high-intensity interval training protocol had a greater effect on the body composition parameters of the subjects compared to the continuing aerobic exercise protocol, so it could be included in the training program for overweight or obese military persons.