The effects of a multiflavonoid supplement on blood pressure and oxidative stress

Abstract

Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Moderate intensity aerobic exercise also elicits a reduction in blood pressure immediately following exercise, termed post exercise hypotension (PEH). The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a multi‐flavonoid supplement plus exercise on PEH following a 2‐week dosing period.Methods12 normotensive subjects between the ages of 18–24 were randomized into either a placebo or a multiflavonoid supplement. Each subject was studied pre, immediately before and after exercise and at 30 minutes post‐exercise both prior to and following 2 weeks supplementation. Blood was taken both pre and immediately following the exercise sessions and was assayed for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).ResultsSignificant decreases in systolic blood pressure in the treatment vs. placebo group (−3 ± 0.44 mmHg vs. −0.3 ± 0.56 mmHg, respectively, interaction p = 0.05,) and significant increases in FRAP (742 ± 41 to 956 ± 46 μmol/L vs. 658 ± 41 to 670 ± 46 μmol/L, interaction p=0.024) were found following supplementation and no differences in the control group. ORAC produced no significant differences with supplementation.ConclusionsThese data suggest that Q‐EGCG supplementation increases FRAP in young normotensives which may be a mechanism for the resting blood pressure reduction.