Impact of polyphenol antioxidants on cycling performance and cardiovascular function

Nutrients. 2014 Mar 24;6(3):1273-92. doi: 10.3390/nu6031273.

Abstract

This investigation sought to determine if supplementation with polyphenol antioxidant (PA) improves exercise performance in the heat (31.5 °C, 55% RH) by altering the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to exercise. Twelve endurance trained athletes ingested PA or placebo (PLAC) for 7 days. Consecutive days of exercise testing were performed at the end of the supplementation periods. Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory measures were made during exercise. Performance, as measured by a 10 min time trial (TT) following 50 min of moderate intensity cycling, was not different between treatments (PLAC: 292 ± 33 W and PA: 279 ± 38 W, p = 0.12). Gross efficiency, blood lactate, maximal neuromuscular power, and ratings of perceived exertion were also not different between treatments. Similarly, performance on the second day of testing, as assessed by time to fatigue at maximal oxygen consumption, was not different between treatments (PLAC; 377 ± 117 s vs. PA; 364 ± 128 s, p = 0.61). Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to exercise were not different between treatments on either day of exercise testing. Polyphenol antioxidant supplementation had no impact on exercise performance and did not alter the cardiovascular or thermoregulatory responses to exercise in the heat.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Bicycling
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects*
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Exercise Test / drug effects
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Exertion
  • Polyphenols / administration & dosage*
  • Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Polyphenols
  • Lactic Acid