Abstract
BackgroundBlueberries are concentrated with anthocyanins possessing antioxidant properties. As these properties counter fatigue, blueberry supplementation may improve performance and recovery, particularly in hypoxia, where oxidative stress is elevated.MethodsThis study examined the effects of blueberry supplementation on running performance, physiological responses, and recovery in normobaric hypoxia. Eleven experienced runners completed a 30-minute time-trial (TT) in normobaric hypoxia (%O2 = 15.5 %) on separate days after supplementation with four days of blueberries (BLU) or four days of placebo (PLA). Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SaO2) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the TT. Blood lactate and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were assessed pre-TT, post-TT, and during recovery.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the distance run during the TT, HR, SaO2, and RPE. The post-TT increase in blood lactate was significantly lower in BLU than PLA (p = 0.036). Pre-TT and post-TT FENO did not differ between conditions. Blood lactate recovery following the TT was similar between conditions.ConclusionsFour days of blueberry supplementation did not alter running performance or cardiovascular and perceptual responses in normobaric hypoxia. Supplementation lowered the blood lactate response to running, however, the significance of this finding is uncertain given the absence of an ergogenic effect.
Highlights
The elevated metabolic requirements of exercise accelerate the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) [1]
If blueberry supplementation lessens the metabolic disturbances to exercise in normoxia, it seems plausible that supplementation could aid performance in an environment in which the metabolic and oxidative stress disturbances to exercise are accentuated, as would be the case in hypoxia
No difference in the distance achieved during the 30minute TT in normobaric hypoxia was observed between supplement conditions (Table 2)
Summary
The elevated metabolic requirements of exercise accelerate the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) [1]. When the accumulation of RONS is in excess, oxidative stress occurs, and this may and is further implicated in the development of fatigue and decrements in performance[5, 6]. Considering the involvement of oxidative stress in exercise-induced fatigue and that higher levels of oxidative stress occur during exercise performed in hypoxia, strengthening an individual’s antioxidant defenses, thereby preventing an excessive accumulation of RONS, may have an ergogenic effect on performance. If blueberry supplementation lessens the metabolic disturbances to exercise in normoxia, it seems plausible that supplementation could aid performance in an environment in which the metabolic and oxidative stress disturbances to exercise are accentuated, as would be the case in hypoxia. Blueberries are concentrated with anthocyanins possessing antioxidant properties As these properties counter fatigue, blueberry supplementation may improve performance and recovery, in hypoxia, where oxidative stress is elevated
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