Kacper Forszt

Introduction and objective: Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular, especially among physically active people, regardless of their level of experience. In Poland, as many as 90% of adults use such products, which highlights their importance in everyday life. The reasons for using supplements are varied, ranging from actual health needs to the influence of intensive marketing. Given the huge number of products available and insufficient market supervision, it is crucial to understand the principles of their use. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of supplementation among physically active people in the context of real health needs and the impact of marketing on consumer decisions. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Supplements are products that supplement the diet and contain concentrated ingredients with physiological effects. Unlike drugs, they do not undergo rigorous clinical trials. They are often used without consulting experts, and knowledge about them comes mainly from advertising and the media. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has divided supplements into four groups, A-D, according to their effectiveness and safety. Professional athletes usually seek the help of specialists, while amateurs often choose supplements on their own, which carries a risk of error. Products that support recovery, performance, and concentration are particularly popular. Social media, through influential celebrities, often promote unverified information. Summary: Supplements can support the health of physically active people, but their use should be informed and consulted with specialists. Excessive trust in advertising and a lack of knowledge increase the risk of misuse of these products. Education, legal regulations, and professional advice are key to safe supplementation.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting approximately 700 thousand Polish people. In Poland, insufficient vitamin D levels are highly prevalent and concern around 90% of the population. Except the established, modifiable risk factors of AF, new risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency are being described. Some potential mechanisms involving vitamin D in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis include: cardiac remodelling via the vitamin D receptor, modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, influence on parathyroid hormone concentration, changes in action potential duration and left atrium contractility, and activation of proinflammatory pathway by low vitamin D levels. Aim of the study: This review aims to analyze the potential relationship between vitamin D concentration and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation based on the current state of knowledge (as of 2025). Moreover, we tried to examine how vitamin D concentration could influence the efficacy of atrial fibrillation treatment methods such as cardioversion or ablation. Material and Methods: This review is based on literature from 2011 to 2024, searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, mp.pl and ClinicalTrials.gov that was describing the results of vitamin D deficiency on atrial fibrillation development and the treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Serum vitamin D concentration may have an impact on both atrial fibrillation onset and its treatment. It is possible that there are several groups of patients among whom the sufficient vitamin D level would be particularly beneficial. Further studies, especially those focusing on vitamin D supplementation, are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis and treatment.

Introduction and objective: While endurance training confers significant cardiovascular benefits, emerging evidence suggests that prolonged high-volume exercise may promote myocardial fibrosis in some athletes. The aim of the review is to examine the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, imaging...

Introduction:Pain is a complex clinical challenge, with opioids traditionally used despite the risks of dependency and overdose. The need for safer alternatives has led to growing interest in voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9, as targets for non-opioid pain management. The recent FDA approval of suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor, marks a significant step forward in opioid-free pain treatment. Aim of the Study:This review aims to explore the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in pain transmission and evaluate their potential as therapeutic targets, highlighting suzetrigine as a promising new analgesic. Material and Methods:This review, based on data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov, focuses on the pathophysiological role of sodium channels in pain and the latest research on selective blockers. Results:NaV1.7, NaV1.8, NaV1.9 play critical roles in various pain states. While clinical trials targeting NaV1.7 have delivered disappointing results, selective inhibition of NaV1.8 has shown greater promise, with suzetrigine demonstrating significant efficacy in clinical trials. Conclusion:Targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, especially NaV1.8, offers a promising strategy for the development of effective and safer analgesics. Suzetrigine marks a milestone, paving the way for a new class of non-opioid pain therapies with broad clinical application.