Abstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has been employed in medicine (epilepsy, headaches, and diabetes), where its effects are mainly attributed to a nitrogen alkaloid called piperidine (1-(1-[1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl]-1-oxo-2,4 pentenyl) piperidine). Piperine co-administered with vitamins and minerals has improved its absorption. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the impact of the joint administration of iron (Fe) plus black pepper in physically active healthy individuals. Fe is a micronutrient that aids athletic performance by influencing the physiological functions involved in endurance sports by improving the transport, storage, and utilization of oxygen. Consequently, athletes have risk factors for Fe depletion, Fe deficiency, and eventually, anemia, mainly from mechanical hemolysis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and loss of Fe through excessive sweating. Declines in Fe stores have been reported to negatively alter physical capacities such as aerobic capacity, strength, and skeletal muscle recovery in elite athletes. Thus, there is a need to maintain Fe storage, even if Fe intake meets the recommended daily allowance (RDA), and Fe supplementation may be justified in physically active individuals, in states of Fe deficiency, with or without anemia. Females, in particular, should monitor their Fe hematological profile. The recommended oral Fe supplements are ferrous or ferric salts, sulfate, fumarate, and gluconate. These preparations constitute the first line of treatment; however, the high doses administered have gastrointestinal side effects that reduce tolerance and adherence to treatment. Thus, a strategy to counteract these adverse effects is to improve the bioavailability of Fe. Therefore, piperine may benefit the absorption of Fe through its bioavailability enhancement properties. Three research studies of Fe associated with black pepper have reported improvements in parameters related to the metabolism of Fe, without adverse effects. Although more research is needed, this could represent an advance in oral Fe supplementation for physically active individuals.
Highlights
Iron (Fe) is the most abundant trace mineral involved in cell metabolism and the growth of organisms
According to what we have described in this manuscript, it could be hypothesized that the thermogenic activity of small amounts of piperine increases the absorption rate of the nutrients administered together with piperine
The frequent use of Fe supplements with BioPerine® would stimulate the possibility of achieving more significant positive effects on some of the parameters involved in the metabolism of Fe, with lower doses, which reduces the risks of Fe overload on the gastrointestinal tract and possible deposits in organs and tissues, and attenuates the potent pro-oxidant effect of Fe
Summary
Iron (Fe) is the most abundant trace mineral involved in cell metabolism and the growth of organisms. Fe homeostasis is altered in some athletes competing in and training for endurance sports In this sense, it has shown that decreased Fe storage increases fatigue, delays skeletal muscle recovery, and decreases strength and aerobic capacity. The impact of PHA on HAMP-dependent control of Fe status by cytokine-induced HAMP up-regulation represents a mechanism behind ID (possibly leading to anemia) in PHA active, healthy individuals and may have important practical implications for physical performance [7]. For this reason, it is essential to maintain reserves of Fe to maintain sports performance. This manuscript aims to describe the impact of co-administration of Fe plus black pepper, as a commercial preparation Bioperine® , on physically active healthy individuals
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