Abstract
Adolescent physical performance is not only dependent on exercise but also on the role of antioxidants obtained through a healthy diet. However, few studies have specifically identified the relationship between carotenoids, a common antioxidant, and physical performance. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between the level of carotenoids in the blood and physical performance among Korean adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The study sample consisted of 450 participants (190 males, 260 females) from the 2018 National Fitness Award project. In boys, multiple regression analysis after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, and physical activity revealed that the α-carotene level was positively associated with a 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) (β = 5.350, p < 0.05) and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (β = 1.049, p < 0.05). In girls, after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, the levels of α-carotene were positively associated with a 20-m PACER (β = 3.290, p < 0.05), VO2max (β = 0.644, p < 0.05) and curl-up (β = 5.782, p < 0.05), and β-carotene (β = 2.983, p < 0.05) and total carotenoids (β = 4.248, p < 0.05) were positively associated with curl-up. Our results suggest that an increased level of carotenoids in the blood may be associated with better physical performance among adolescents in Korea.
Highlights
Adolescence is an important period for physical and mental development
The importance of maintaining physical performance in older adults is being emphasized as the elderly population increases worldwide, and the role of carotenoids [23] in preventing sarcopenia associated with physical performance in old age has been revealed
A study of American elderly individuals reported a relationship between low serum carotenoids and a decline in walking speed in older women [24], and a study in Italy revealed that skeletal muscle strength decreases over time (6 years) in older adults with low plasma carotenoid levels [25]
Summary
Adolescence is an important period for physical and mental development. It is an active time of physical growth and development in the human body [1]. Physical performance can be seen as an important factor in youth health, given its association with cardiometabolic risk [3], obesity [4], and metabolic syndrome [5]. Besides its relevance to physical health, physical performance affects academic achievement, cognitive function, and other important skills needed during adolescence [6,7]. Nutritional status, especially antioxidant nutrition status associated with eating habits, is considered to be one of the most important factors related to physical performance [9].
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