Abstract
Aim: To evaluate blackcurrant anthocyanin-rich extract (BAE) consumption on time- and dose-dependent plasma anthocyanin bioavailability and conduct a pilot study to explore the potential effect of BAE in promoting recovery from exercise-induced oxidative stress, and maintenance of circulating neutrophil function.Methods: Time- and dose-dependent blackcurrant anthocyanin bioavailability was assessed using LC-MS in 12 participants over 6 h after the ingestion of a placebo or BAE containing 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 mg/kg total anthocyanins. In a separate pilot intervention exercise trial, 32 participants consumed either a placebo or 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 mg/kg BAE (8 individuals per group), and then 1 h later performed a 30 min row at 70% VO2max. Blood was collected during the trial for oxidative, antioxidant, inflammatory, and circulating neutrophil status.Results: Consumption of BAE caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in plasma anthocyanins, peaking at 2 h after ingestion of 3.2 mg/kg BAE (217 ± 69 nM). BAE consumed 1 h prior to a 30 min row had no effect on plasma antioxidant status but hastened the recovery from exercise-induced oxidative stress: By 2 h recovery, consumption of 1.6 mg/kg BAE prior to exercise caused a significant (P < 0.05) 34 and 32% decrease in post-exercise plasma oxidative capacity and protein carbonyl levels, respectively, compared to placebo. BAE consumption prior to exercise dose-dependently attenuated a small, yet significant (P < 0.01) transient 13 ± 2% decline in circulating neutrophils observed in the placebo group immediately post-exercise. Furthermore, the timed consumption of either 1.6 or 3.2 mg/kg BAE attenuated a 17 ± 2.4% (P < 0.05) decline in neutrophil phagocytic capability of opsonised FITC-Escherichia coli observed 6 h post-exercise in the placebo group. Similarly, a dose-dependent increase in neutrophil surface expression of complement receptor-3 complex (CR3, critical for effective phagocytosis of opsonised microbes), was observed 6 h post-exercise in both 1.6 and 3.2 mg/kg BAE intervention groups.Conclusions: Consumption of BAE (>1.6 mg/kg) 1 h prior to exercise facilitated recovery from exercise-induced oxidative stress and preserved circulating neutrophil function. This study provides data to underpin a larger study designed to evaluate the efficacy of timed BAE consumption on post-exercise recovery and innate immunity.
Highlights
Whether an athlete is undertaking an intense training program for a sporting event, or is a recreational exerciser just trying to keep fit and healthy, there is a fine balance between achieving the maximum health benefits of exercise and the accumulation of tissue damaging oxidative stress
Time-Dependent Plasma Anthocyanin Bioavailability All participants showed an increase in plasma anthocyanins as early as 30 min after consuming 3.2 mg/kg blackcurrant anthocyanin-rich extract (BAE) (14.6 ± 6.6 nM)
Dose-Dependent Plasma Anthocyanin Bioavailability A dose-dependent increase in plasma anthocyanins was observed 1 h after the consumption of BAE (Figure 2B): Participants who had consumed BAE containing 0.8 (3.7 ± 1.3 nM), 1.6 (6.9 ± 1.8 nM), or 3.2 (9.8 ± 3.1 nM) mg/kg anthocyanins showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma anthocyanins compared to the PLA (0.1 ± 0.3 nM)
Summary
Whether an athlete is undertaking an intense training program for a sporting event, or is a recreational exerciser just trying to keep fit and healthy, there is a fine balance between achieving the maximum health benefits of exercise and the accumulation of tissue damaging oxidative stress. Whilst regular exercise boosts the body’s natural defenses overall [8,9,10], studies have shown a transient drop in circulating leukocyte number and/or function following exercise. This is driven by an oxidative imbalance that is dependent upon the exercise intensity and duration as well as the fitness of the individuals, which can create an “open window” for opportunistic infections [10,11,12]. Foods and/or dietary supplements that support innate immunity (including maximizing cellular antioxidant capacity) may serve to reduce the possible detrimental effects of exercise training and promote exercise-induced physiological adaptation
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