Acute Effects of Polyphenols from Cranberries and Grape Seeds on Endothelial Function and Performance in Elite Athletes

Abstract

Abstract:We examined how intake of polyphenols modifies brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at rest, and cycling anaerobic performance, in elite athletes. In the first randomized cross-over study, FMD was measured over a three-hour period on two occasions in eight elite male and female athletes after acute consumption of either polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds (600 mg) or a polyphenol-free placebo drink. Consumption of the polyphenol-rich drink led to a significant increase in FMD compared to placebo (p = 0.02), with a peak at 60 min. In a second study, 12 elite male and female athletes completed a threekilometer time trial (TT) on an ergocycle on two occasions in random order, either after consumption of 800 mg of polyphenols or a placebo. Acute intake of the polyphenol extract had no impact on the three-kilometer time trial completion. However, plasma lactate levels were significantly lower before and after the TT when subjects consumed the polyphenols vs. placebo (p < 0.05). Results suggest that polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds acutely modifies FMD at rest in elite athletes but this does not translate into enhanced cycling anaerobic performance. OPEN ACCESSSports 2013, 1 56

The Effects of Black Mulberry Supplementation on Plasma Interleukin-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Response to One Session Basketball Training in Female Basketball Players

“…The results showed that BM supplementation could reduce the RPE scores considerably. The results are inconsistent with the results of a study by Kim Labonte et al In this study, no significant results were showed in athletes who drank 600 mg of cranberry and grape seed polyphenols right before they started their time trial on an ergo cycle (41). In another study acai beverage was displayed to have positive effects on RPE (42).…”

Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high‐intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

“…Previous polyphenol research resulted in increased FMD and reduced BP (Barona et al, 2012). In elite athletes, FMD increased after consuming a polyphenol-rich drink from cranberries and grape seeds, with FMD peaking at 60 minutes and returning to baseline 3 hours after ingestion potentially due to increased NO concentrations (Labonté et al, 2013). In the same study, there were no significant differences between placebo and the polyphenol-rich drink in time to completion, average wattage, or perceived exertion after a time-trial.…”

“…Polyphenol supplementation had positive cardiovascular effects in men with metabolic syndrome (Barona et al, 2012) and cardiovascular disease (Tangney & Rasmussen, 2013), but not in healthy men (Mierlo, Zock, Knaap, & Draijer, 2010). Where as in elite athletes, acute polyphenol consumption increased FMD and improved endothelial function (Labonté et al, 2013). These data suggest acute ingestion of a natural source of dietary nitrate and polyphenol, such as PE, may be beneficial for improving cardiovascular health and exercise performance (Mathew, Capel-Williams, Berry, & Hall, 2012; Trexler et al, 2014).…”

Effects of polyphenol (carob) supplementation on body composition and aerobic capacity in taekwondo athletes

“…Similarly, Voduc et al [68], did not succeed to demonstrate a positive effect of resveratrol administration on exercise duration and aerobic capacity. Also, Labonté et al [69], found that acute polyphenol intake in elite athletes had no significant effect on performance in 3-Km Time Trial on an ergocycle. The intake of polyphenol also did not affect perceived exertion.…”