The effects of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following high-intensity interval training sessions: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity, acute HIIT overstresses the oxidative and immune systems and causes muscle soreness and damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of date seeds on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following HIIT sessions. Thirty-six physically active men and women aged 18-35 years were assigned to take 26g/d of date seed powder (DSP, n=18) or wheat bran powder (placebo, n=18) before and after HIIT workouts for 14 days. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2) were determined at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24 hours’ post-intervention. We used the Cooper and running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) to assess aerobic and anaerobic performance at the study’s beginning and end. Independent Student’s t tests, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the quantitative variables. Positive changes were observed in TAC, TOS, OSI, GPx, MDA, and VAS after intervention and at 24 h post-exercise (p<0.05). Likewise, peak power and fatigue index were significantly improved in DSP in comparison to the placebo group. Levels of SOD, uric acid, 8-iso-PGF2, VO2 max, and average power were not changed after training. Our results showed that date seed supplementation in active participants performing HIIT bouts ameliorated oxidative stress and improved performance parameters.

Effect of date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) supplementation as functional food on cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic endotoxaemia and mental health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a blinded randomised controlled trial protocol

“…A growing body of evidence indicates that functional food supplementation has a significant effect on macrovascular and microvascular complications of T2DM 46. Recently, researchers, nutritionists and clinicians have focused on functional foods as multinutrient supplements 28 47 48. Since functional food supplement ingredients contain various chemical properties, they have multiple concurrent effects, such as modulation of glycaemic indices, improvement of antioxidant capacity, lipid profile, inflammation, gut microbiota and ultimately enhanced quality of life in patients with T2DM 10 49 50…”

“…[19][20][21][22][23] The maximum tolerated level of date seeds was reported to be at a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day. 24 Limited clinical trials and animal studies have reported modulating effects of date seed as a low-cost source, rich in antioxidant chemicals and prebiotic properties, on hyperglycaemia, 25 inflammation, 26 learning impairments, memory, 27 oxidative stress 28 and hyperlipidaemia. 29 Accordingly, in our study, it is hypothesised that supplementation with date seed powder (DSP), as an efficient adjuvant treatment, can improve hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia, oxidative stress, anti-/inflammatory status, mental health and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in patients with T2DM.…”

High intensity interval training attenuates osteoarthritis-associated hyperalgesia in rats

“…Some studies have shown that HIIT can enhance skeletal muscle strength and improve motor function in patients with OA, enhancing the metabolic status of articular cartilage and thereby reducing hyperalgesia [ 14 , 41 ]. However, there are some objections that HIIT can cause greater joint stress, which may lead to cartilage destruction and pain aggravation [ 42 , 43 ]. Therefore, it is recommended that OA patients, under the guidance of professional doctors, comprehensively consider the efficacy and safety of HIIT and develop a personalized training program to reduce pain and improve health and quality of life [ 44 ].…”

How can chokeberry (Aronia) (poly)phenol-rich supplementation help athletes? A systematic review of human clinical trials

“…Indeed, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements are purported to enhance exercise and/or accelerate recovery after strenuous exercise. 12,13 However, their use by athletes remains controversial; while ( poly)phenols regulate various mechanisms associated with exercise performance, antioxidants have also been suggested to blunt training adaptations. 14,15 While exerciseinduced increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be crucial for training adaptations, 16 when ROS production exceeds the body's antioxidant capacity, the resulting oxidative stress may have a deleterious effect on recovery, performance, and general health.…”