Effects of cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) supplementation on iron status and inflammatory markers in rowers

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise.MethodsThis double-blind study included 16 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 9), receiving 1200 mg of cranberry extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 7). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory camp. Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein prior to each exercise test, one minute after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery period. The levels of hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), ferritin, iron, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and myoglobin were determined, along with total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unbound iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).ResultsBoth prior and after the supplementation, a significant post-exercise increase in the concentration of IL-6 was observed in both groups. At the end of the study period, cranberry-supplemented athletes presented with significantly higher resting, post-exercise and post-recovery levels of TAC than the controls. However, a significant exercise-induced increase in the concentrations of TNF-alpha, myoglobin and hepcidin was observed solely in the control group.ConclusionSupplementation with cranberry extract contributed to a significant strengthening of antioxidant potential in individuals exposed to strenuous physical exercise. However, supplementation did not exert direct effects on other analyzed parameters: inflammatory markers and indices of iron metabolism (TNF-alpha, hepcidin and myoglobin).

Effects of almond, dried grape and dried cranberry consumption on endurance exercise performance, recovery and psychomotor speed: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

“…Preliminary evidence suggests that consumption of almonds33 and grape juice34 improves endurance performance. Cranberries are another source of polyphenols, antioxidants and NO 2 - ,35–38 but limited studies have investigated their effects on exercise performance 39. The proposed physiological effects of consuming almonds, dried grapes and dried cranberries (AGC) are illustrated in figure 1.…”

Efeitos da suplementação crônica de açaí sobre danos musculares em corredores de rua

“…No geral, diversos estudos têm sido realizados analisando o consumo de alimentos potencialmente antioxidantes por corredores 33,34 , ciclistas 35 , remadores 36 e atletas de outras modalidades 37 , tendo resultados positivos com diminuições dos níveis de marcadores de estresse oxidativo 34,35,37 e fortalecimento do potencial antioxidante 33,36 .…”

Oligosaccharides and Complex Carbohydrates: A New Paradigm for Cranberry Bioactivity

“…Ultimately, a given microbiome profile may be both a cause and a consequence of a given intervention, and these type of complex, dynamic interactions would lead to highly individualized responses to cranberry ingestion. For multiple in vivo studies, cranberry consumption has been associated with minimal effects on measured health parameters for relatively healthy individuals [74,75,143,284]. These minimal observed effects suggests subtle changes in microbiome profiles, or direct effects on host cells and immune function [285], that may not be apparent without significant perturbation or intentional investigation.…”

“…These minimal observed effects suggests subtle changes in microbiome profiles, or direct effects on host cells and immune function [285], that may not be apparent without significant perturbation or intentional investigation. The direct effects of cranberry consumption may therefore be primarily detectable under stressed or disease-inducing conditions [74,284] or when specific methods are employed to track individual effects [286,287]. The use of animal models, where diseased states can be induced [75,143] or genetically selected [288], allow for more controlled and extreme conditions than typically occur in humans [289], and has provided a starting point for understanding possible mechanisms for the health effects of cranberry materials.…”

“…The normal diet pattern of an individual dictates their initial gut microbiome profile and the metabolic and biosynthetic potential of that microbiome [290][291][292]. In a study of the effects of SDC consumption on microbiome profiles [150], the observed difference in the microbiome abundance results for the single vegetarian consumer, relative to that of the other nine omnivore For multiple in vivo studies, cranberry consumption has been associated with minimal effects on measured health parameters for relatively healthy individuals [74,75,143,284]. These minimal observed effects suggests subtle changes in microbiome profiles, or direct effects on host cells and immune function [285], that may not be apparent without significant perturbation or intentional investigation.…”