title: Beneficial Physiological Effects With Blackcurrant Intake in Endurance Athletes.
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.
authors: Dept. of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK.
authors: Mark Elisabeth Theodorus
authors: ME
authors: Willems
authors: Stephen David
authors: SD
authors: Myers
authors: Mandy Lucinda
authors: ML
authors: Gault
authors: Matthew David
authors: MD
authors: Cook
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054874:Athletic Performance; D001642:Bicycling; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004739:England; D005221:Fatigue / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010807:Physical Endurance; D031965:Ribes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D064133:Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D014655:Vascular Resistance; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D019344:Lactic Acid