The Impact of Pre-Exercise Carbohydrate Meal on the Effects of Yerba Mate Drink on Metabolism, Performance, and Antioxidant Status in Trained Male Cyclists

Abstract

Introduction The consumption of yerba mate (YM), a source of antioxidants, in a fasted state increases fatty acid oxidation (FATox) during low–moderate-intensity exercise and improves performance in high-intensity exercise. However, the impact of a pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) meal on YM effects during exercise is unknown. Objective We investigated the effects of yerba mate drink (YMD) consumed in the fasted state (YMD-F) or after a CHO meal (YMD-CHO) on measurements of metabolism, performance, and blood oxidative stress markers in cycling exercise. Methods In a randomized, repeated-measures, crossover design, eight trained male cyclists ingested (i) YMD-CHO, (ii) YMD-F, or (iii) control-water and CHO meal (Control-CHO). The YMD (an infusion of 5 g of ultrarefined leaves in 250 mL of water) was taken for 7 days and 40 min before exercise. CHO meal (1 g/kg body mass) was consumed 60 min before exercise. The cycling protocol included a 40-min low-intensity (~ 53% V̇O2peak) constant load test (CLT); a 20-min time trial (TT); and 4 × 10-s all-out sprints. Blood samples and respiratory gases were collected before, during, and/or after tests. Results During CLT, YMD-CHO increased FATox ~ 13% vs. YMD-F (P = 0.041) and ~ 27% vs. Control-CHO (P < 0.001). During TT, YMD-CHO increased FATox ~ 160% vs. YMD-F (P < 0.001) and ~ 150% vs. Control-CHO (P < 0.001). Power output during TT improved ~ 3% (P = 0.022) in YMD-CHO vs. Control-CHO and was strongly correlated with changes in serum total antioxidant capacity (r = −0.87) and oxidative stress index (r = 0.76) at post-exercise in YMD-CHO. Performance in sprints was not affected by YMD. Conclusion CHO intake did not negate the effect of YMD on FATox or TT performance. Instead, a synergism between the two dietary strategies may be present. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04642144. November 18, 2020. Retrospectively registered.

Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Supplement Exerts Beneficial, Tissue-Specific Effects on Mitochondrial Efficiency and Redox Status in Healthy Adult Mice

“…Although the effect of yerba maté on exercise remains controversial [34,35], matéinduced changes in the mitochondrial bioenergetics in skeletal muscle and adipose have previously been associated with positive health outcomes, including improved low and high-intensity exercise performance [36] and increased lipid oxidation and fat loss [37]. Because yerba maté contains a number of bioavailable compounds, it is impossible to discern which compounds were directly responsible for these effects.…”

Contribution of Physical Activity to the Oxidative and Antioxidant Potential in 60–65-Year-Old Seniors

“…In the currently available literature, there are studies showing a positive correlation between lipid peroxidation and the level of PA [ 18 ], as well as other studies indicating the opposite relation [ 19 ]. The discussed studies, however, concern various protocols for the assessment of PA, various groups in terms of sex, age and medical history [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”