title: Effect of supplementation with chokeberry juice on the inflammatory status and markers of iron metabolism in rowers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  This double-blind study included 19 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), receiving 150 mL of chokeberry juice for 8 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 9). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory camp. Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein prior to each exercise test, one minute after completing the test, and after a 24-hour recovery period. The levels of hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), ferritin, iron, uric acid, and myoglobin were determined, as well as the total iron-binding capacity, unbound iron-binding capacity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Post-exercise, there was a significant increase in IL-6 and a significant decrease in the TAC in both groups, prior to and after supplementation with chokeberry juice. At the end of the experiment, the supplemented athletes showed significantly lower post-exercise levels of TNF-alpha and significantly higher TACs and iron levels than the controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation with chokeberry juice results in an increase in the antioxidant activity of plasma and contributes significantly to reducing the TNF-alpha level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphological and Health Sciences; Faculty of Physical Culture in Gorzów Wlkp, University School of Physical Education in Poznań, 13 Estkowskiego Str., 66 - 400 Gorzów Wlkp, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skarpańska-Stejnborn
authors.affiliation: Department of Water Sports; Branch in Gorzów Wlkp, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gorzów, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Basta
authors.affiliation: School of Humanities, King Stanislaw Leszczynski in Leszno, Leszno, Poland.
authors.forename: Justyna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sadowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene, University School of Physical Education in Poznañ, Poznañ, Poland.
authors.forename: Lucja
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak
keywords: Chokeberry; Exercise; Interleukin; Iron; Rowers; Supplementation