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The effect of quercetin and citrulline on cycling time trial performance.

Authors :
Kurtz JA
Grazer J
Wilson K
Feresin RG
Doyle JA
Middleton R
Devis E
VanDusseldorp TA
Fasczewski K
Otis J
Source :
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition [J Int Soc Sports Nutr] 2024 Dec; Vol. 21 (1), pp. 2416909. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 17.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: There is growing interest in the use of nutrition and dietary supplements to optimize training and time-trial (TT) performance in cyclists. Separately, quercetin (QCT) and citrulline (CIT) have been used as ergogenic aids to improve oxygen (VO <subscript>2</subscript> ) kinetics, perceived effort, and cycling TT performance. However, whether the combination of QCT and CIT can provide additive benefits and further enhance cycling performance production is currently unknown.<br />Methods: We examined 28-days of QCT + CIT supplementation on TT performance and several performance measures (i.e. mean power, VO <subscript>2</subscript> , respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE)). Forty-eight highly trained cyclists were assigned to one of four supplementation groups: (1) QCT + CIT (QCT: 500 mg, CIT: 3000 g), (2) QCT (500 mg), (3) CIT (3000 mg), or (4) placebo (3500 mg of a zero-calorie flavored crystal light package). Supplements were consumed two times per day for 28 consecutive days. Participants performed a 20-km cycling time-trial race, pre- and post-supplementation to determine the impact of the combined effects of QCT + CIT.<br />Results: There were no potential benefits of QCT +CIT supplementation on TT performance and several performance measures. However, there was an improvement in VO <subscript>2</subscript> from pre-to-post-supplementation in QCT ( p  = 0.05) and CIT ( p  = 0.04) groups, but not in the QCT+CIT and PL groups.<br />Conclusions: QCT + CIT does not seem beneficial for 20-km TT performance; further exploration with a focus on an increase in cycling duration or QCT+CIT combined with additional polyphenols may amplify any perceived bioactive or metabolic effects on cycling performance. The efficacy of QCT + CIT supplementation to improve cycling performance remains ambiguous.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1550-2783
Volume :
21
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39417670
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2416909