Polyprenol Liposomes Improve the Efficiency of Oxygen Usage in Well-Trained Amateur Athletes

Abstract

Polyprenols are natural substances that are known for their role as cell membrane protectors from peroxidation. However, there is a lack of information about their effect on the performance of athletes. Therefore, we studied the effects of polyprenol on athlete performance. A total of 30 male floorball players participated in this study, 16 of whom were taking 30 mg polyprenol liposome caps and 14 of whom were not. All of the participants underwent VO2max exhaustive incremental cycling testing, before and after the use of polyprenols. VO2peak and other cardiorespiratory variables were measured to evaluate cardiorespiratory adaptation. For the polyprenol users (PU) the oxygen pulse (O2/HR) increased by 0.9 ml/beat, while in the control group (C) decreased by 0.4 ml/beat from before to after the use of polyprenols (p < 0.05). The diastolic pressure (Pdia) decreased by 4 mmHg for the PU, while it increased by 10 mmHg in the C (p < 0.05). The stroke volume (SVc) in the PU increased by 2.9 ml, while that in the C decreased by 7.4 ml (p < 0.05). In conclusion, polyprenols improved oxygen consumption efficiency by increasing SVc and O2/HR.