1. Beneficial Physiological Effects With Blackcurrant Intake in Endurance Athletes.
- Author
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Willems ME, Myers SD, Gault ML, and Cook MD
- Subjects
- Adult, Athletic Performance, Bicycling, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, England, Fatigue blood, Fatigue metabolism, Female, Fruit growth & development, Humans, Lactic Acid blood, Lactic Acid metabolism, Male, Middle Aged, New Zealand, Performance-Enhancing Substances therapeutic use, Ribes growth & development, Vascular Resistance, Vasodilator Agents therapeutic use, Antioxidants therapeutic use, Dietary Supplements, Fatigue prevention & control, Fruit chemistry, Physical Endurance, Ribes chemistry, Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Abstract
Blackcurrant contains anthocyanins, known to influence vasorelaxation and peripheral blood flow. We examined the effects of 7 days intake of Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder (6g/day) on the lactate curve, maximum oxygen uptake, and cardiovascular responses at rest and during cycling. Thirteen trained triathletes with >3 yrs experience (8 men, age: 38 ± 8 yrs, body mass: 71 ± 9 kg, BF%: 19 ± 5%, mean ± SD) performed two incremental cycling protocols with recording of physiological and cardiovascular responses (Portapres Model 2). Cardiovascular function was also measured in rest. Experimental design was double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and cross-over (wash-out 4 wks). Data were analyzed with two-tailed t tests and 2-way ANOVA and significance accepted at p < .05. Plasma lactate was lower at 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of maximum power by 27%, 22%, 17% and 13%. Intensity at 4 mmol · La(-1) OBLA was 6% higher with blackcurrant without effect on heart rate and oxygen uptake. Maximum values of oxygen uptake, heart rate and power were not affected by blackcurrant, but obtained with 14% lower lactate. In rest, blackcurrant increased stroke volume and cardiac output by 25% and 26%, and decreased total peripheral resistance by 16%, with no changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Cardiovascular responses during exercise at 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% intensity were not affected. Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder affects lactate production and/or clearance during exercise. Sujon New Zealand blackcurrant powder affects physiological and cardiovascular responses in rest and during exercise that may have implications for exercise performance.
- Published
- 2015
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