Abstract
New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation and 16.1 km cycling time trial (TT) in normobaric normoxia. The effect of NZBC extract on physiological and metabolic responses was examined during steady state cycling and a 16.1 km TT in normobaric hypoxia. This study used a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Eleven healthy male cyclists (age: 38 ± 11 y, height: 179 ± 4 cm, body mass: 76 ± 8 kg, O2max: 47 ± 5 mL·kg−1·min−1, mean ± SD) ingested NZBC extract (600 mg·day−1 CurraNZ® containing 210 mg anthocyanins) or a placebo (600 mg microcrystalline cellulose M102) for seven days (washout 14 days) and performed a steady state cycling test (3 × 10 min at 45%, 55% and 65% O2max) followed by a 16.1 km TT at a simulated altitude of ~2500 meters (~15% of O2). Indirect calorimetry was used to measure substrate oxidation during steady state cycling. Intake of NZBC extract had no effect on blood glucose and lactate, heart rate, substrate oxidation, and respiratory exchange ratio during steady state cycling at 45%, 55% and 65% O2max, and on 16.1 km TT performance (placebo: 1685 ± 92 s, NZBC extract: 1685 ± 99 s, P = 0.97). Seven days intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract does not change exercise-induced metabolic responses and 16.1 km cycling time trial performance for moderately endurance-trained men in normobaric hypoxia.
Highlights
Blackcurrant is a berry with high nutritional value and many health benefits [1]
This study examined whether there was an effect of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on the physiological and metabolic responses during low and moderate intensity cycling in normobaric hypoxia
Arterial oxygen saturation after 10 min at normobaric hypoxia showed no difference between conditions (NZBC: 93 ± 2 %, Placebo: 95 ± 3 %, P = 0.308) (Table 3)
Summary
Blackcurrant is a berry with high nutritional value and many health benefits [1]. The nutritional value and health benefits are obtained from the polyphenol content of the blackcurrant, consisting primarily of the anthocyanins delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside [2]. Anthocyanins provide the blackcurrant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Other nutritional ergogenic aids with polyphenol content, such as Montmorency tart cherry, chokeberry and pomegranate have recently provided observations with applications for sport and exercise [3,4,5]. In the case of blackcurrants, a seven-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract improved. 16.1 km cycling time trial performance by 2.6% in endurance-trained male cyclists [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
