Dietary antioxidant supplementation combined with quercetin improves cycling time trial performance.
We investigated whether 6 wk of antioxidant supplementation (AS) would enhance 30 km time trial (TT) cycling performance. Eleven elite male cyclists completed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study to test the effects of twice daily AS containing essential vitamins plus quercetin (FRS), and AS minus quercetin (FRS-Q) versus a baseline TT (B). MANOVA analysis showed that time to complete the 30 km TT was improved by 3.1% on FRS compared to B (P < 0.01), and by 2% over the last 5 km (P < 0.05). Absolute and relative (%HRmax) heart rates and percent VO2max were not different between trials, but average and relative power (% peak power) was higher on FRS (P < or = 0.01). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were not different between trials. Thus, FRS supplementation significantly improved high-intensity cycling TT performance through enhancement of power output. Further study is needed to determine the potential mechanism(s) of the antioxidant efficacy.
MacRae
Holden S H
HS
Dept. of Sports Medicine, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA 90263, USA.
Mefferd
Kari M
KM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001642:Bicycling; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D011794:Quercetin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000975:Antioxidants; D011794:Quercetin