Effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine concentration and association with training in handball players

Abstract

BackgroundStrenuous physical activity can alter the status of folic acid, a vitamin directly associated with homocysteine (Hcy); alterations in this nutrient are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Handball players are a population at risk for nutrient deficiency because of poor dietary habits.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to evaluate nutritional status for macronutrients and folic acid in members of a high-performance handball team, and determine the effect of a nutritional intervention with folic acid supplementation and education.DesignA total of 14 high-performance handball players were monitored by recording training time, training intensity (according to three levels of residual heart rate (RHR): <60%, 60%–80% and >80%), and subjective perceived exertion (RPE) during a 4-month training period. Nutritional, laboratory and physical activity variables were recorded at baseline (Week 0), after 2 months of dietary supplementation with 200 μg folic acid (50% of the recommended daily allowance) (Week 8) and after 2 months without supplementation (Week 16). We compared training load and analyzed changes in plasma concentrations of Hcy before and after the intervention.ResultsBivariate analysis showed a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between Hcy and folic acid concentrations (r = −0.84) at Week 8, reflecting a significant change in Hcy concentration (P < 0.05) as a result of hyperhomocysteinemia following the accumulation of high training loads. At Week 16 we observed a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between Hcy concentration and training time with an RHR <60%, indicating that aerobic exercise avoided abrupt changes in Hcy and may thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents in high-performance athletes.ConclusionIntegral monitoring and education are needed for practitioners of handball sports to record their folic acid status, a factor that directly affects Hcy metabolism. Folic acid supplementation may protect athletes against alterations that can lead to cardiovascular events related to exertion during competition.

What do we know about homocysteine and exercise? A review from the literature

“…The investigations of Molina-López et al [32] and Guzel [31] found increased tHcy after training but both of them were within reference values ( < 15 μmol/L) [31,32]. Interestingly, Okura et al [29] found different responses depending on the baseline tHcy status [29].…”

Rehydration during exercise prevents the increase of homocysteine concentrations

“…decreased tHcy after training) was observed in subjects with hyperhomocysteinaemia at baseline. Molina-López et al (2013) and Guzel et al (2012) also found increased tHcy levels after exercise training programs. Konig et al (2003) concluded that although acute exercise significantly increased tHcy, chronic endurance exercise was not associated with higher plasma tHcy concentrations.…”

The effect of the MTHFR C677T mutation on athletic performance and the homocysteine level of soccer players and sedentary individuals

“…Furthermore, in a recent study, Ruiz et al (2007b) found that baseline cardiovascular fitness was negatively correlated with Hcy levels in female adolescents after monitoring for potential confounders including the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C>T genotype. In addition, the non-existence of hyperhomocysteinemia in the athletic population can be explained by their regular training and assumed intake of ergogenic supplements, such as folate and vitamin B12 (Heijer et al, 1998; Earnest et al, 2003; Molina-Lopez, 2013). This was supported by our statistical analysis in which elevated folate levels were found to be significantly higher in soccer players than in the sedentary group.…”