Influence of a Polyphenol-Enriched Protein Powder on Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Athletes: A Randomized Trial Using a Metabolomics Approach

Abstract

ObjectivesPolyphenol supplementation was tested as a countermeasure to inflammation and oxidative stress induced by 3-d intensified training.MethodsWater soluble polyphenols from blueberry and green tea extracts were captured onto a polyphenol soy protein complex (PSPC). Subjects were recruited, and included 38 long-distance runners ages 19–45 years who regularly competed in road races. Runners successfully completing orientation and baseline testing (N = 35) were randomized to 40 g/d PSPC (N = 17) (2,136 mg/d gallic acid equivalents) or placebo (N = 18) for 17 d using double-blinded methods and a parallel group design, with a 3-d running period inserted at day 14 (2.5 h/d, 70% VO2max). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-14 d supplementation, and immediately and 14 h after the third day of running in subjects completing all aspects of the study (N = 16 PSPC, N = 15 placebo), and analyzed using a metabolomics platform with GC-MS and LC-MS.ResultsMetabolites characteristic of gut bacteria metabolism of polyphenols were increased with PSPC and 3 d running (e.g., hippurate, 4-hydroxyhippurate, 4-methylcatechol sulfate, 1.8-, 1.9-, 2.5-fold, respectively, P<0.05), an effect which persisted for 14-h post-exercise. Fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis were induced by exercise in both groups, with more ketones at 14-h post-exercise in PSPC (3-hydroxybutyrate, 1.8-fold, P<0.05). Established biomarkers for inflammation (CRP, cytokines) and oxidative stress (protein carbonyls) did not differ between groups.ConclusionsPSPC supplementation over a 17-d period did not alter established biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress but was linked to an enhanced gut-derived phenolic signature and ketogenesis in runners during recovery from 3-d heavy exertion.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Institutes of Health, identifier: NCT01775384

Effects of blueberry supplementation on measures of functional mobility in older adults

“…Other studies of the effect of antioxidant supplementation on motor function have had mixed results. However, these were primarily focused on younger athletic populations, with the intent to evaluate whether antioxidant supplementation attenuates rates of oxidation, promotes faster recovery from muscle damage created by eccentric muscle contractions or aerobic exercise training, enhances immune function and response to acute exercise bouts, or reduces inflammation and oxidative stress during recovery from 3 days of heavy running (Balakrishnan and Anuradha 1998;Bunnell et al 1975;Clarkson and Thompson 2000;McLeay et al 2012;Nieman et al 2013;Rokitzki et al 1994;Takanami et al 2000).…”

Novel value‐added uses for sweet potato juice and flour in polyphenol‐ and protein‐enriched functional food ingredients

“…Clinical administration of the polyphenol-enriched protein matrices to athletes resulted in enhanced ketogenesis during recovery from 3 days heavy exertion (Nieman et al. 2013), and significant protection from exercise-induced susceptibility to virus infections (Ahmed et al. 2014).…”

Artemisia dracunculus L. polyphenols complexed to soy protein show enhanced bioavailability and hypoglycemic activity in C57BL/6 mice

“…Juiced or extracted plant materials, including fruits, spices and pomace, have been used as a source of polyphenols, such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, to produce polyphenol-protein complexes that have anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-enzymatic activities [20–26]. In a recent clinical trial, metabolomic profiling of blood serum collected from athletes that consumed blueberry and green tea polyphenols complexed to SPI for 17 days, rather than SPI alone, showed elevated 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate indicative of enhanced ketogenesis and fatty acid oxidation during recovery from 3 days of exercise [27]. …”