Effects of Wild Blueberries on Fat Oxidation Rates in Aerobically Trained Males

Abstract

Wild blueberries (WBs) have been documented to decrease oxidative stress in active and sedentary populations as well as influence lipolytic enzymes and increase the rate of fat oxidation (FAT-ox) during rest. To examine the effect of WBs on the rate of FAT-ox and lipid peroxidation during submaximal exercise, 11 healthy, aerobically trained males (26 ± 7.5 years, 74.9 ± 7.54 kg, 10.5 ± 3.2% BF) completed a 2-week washout avoiding foods high in anthocyanins, then completed a control exercise protocol cycling at 65% of VO2peak for 40 min. Participants then consumed 375 g/d of anthocyanins for two weeks before repeating the exercise protocol. WBs increased FAT-ox when cycling at 65% of VO2peak by 19.7% at 20, 43.2% at 30, and 31.1% at 40 min, and carbohydrate oxidation (CHO-ox) decreased by 10.1% at 20, 19.2% at 30, and 14.8% at 40 min of cycling at 65% of VO2peak. Lactate was lower with WBs at 20 (WB: 2.6 ± 1.0, C: 3.0 ± 1.1), 30 (WB: 2.2 ± 0.9, C: 2.9 ± 1.0), and 40 min (WB: 1.9 ± 0.8, C: 2.5 ± 0.9). Results indicate that WBs may increase the rate of FAT-ox during moderate-intensity activity in healthy, active males.

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery – a systematic review

“…reational athletes (n = 21), 56,59 trained subjects in running and other forms of aerobic exercise (n = 25), 65 and healthy adults (n = 86). 55,63,64 The total supplementation duration ranged from two days to eight weeks.…”

“…Supplementation was given daily in seven of the studies, twice daily in one study, and three times a day in the remaining studies. Five studies used freeze-dried blueberry powder 56,61,64,67 and fresh blueberries were used in the remaining studies. 55,59,60,63,65,66 The dosage in the blueberry powder ranged from 24-72 g per day, while the range varied from 150 to 625 g per day in the studies with fresh blueberries.…”

“…a The concentration of TAD/TPAD was estimated using the anthocyanin/proanthocyanidin content reported in other studies. 56,57 Food & Function Review and total row time. 57 In the other study, a cranberry supplementation elicited a significant decrease in various markers of oxidative distress versus the control group after exhaustive exercise, however, there were no significant differences in BUN, MDA or CK.…”

“…58 Other than the lack of randomisation, both non-randomised studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias. 55,56 Finally, four out of five crossover studies had a low risk of bias. 59,61,65,67 One study raised some concerns regarding deviations from intended interventions and measurement of outcome; nevertheless, these concerns were deemed not likely to affect the final outcome.…”

“…A correlation between blueberry supplementation and increased intermediate oxylipins generated by DHA and EPA (which have anti-inflammatory effects) was found. 56 The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood, however, it has been suggested that increases in intestinal-derived phenolics and changes in the microbiota caused by the ingestion of ( poly)phenols can influence the production of oxylipins through enzymatic stimulation. 75 Likewise, there is a theory that lipid mediators generated from DHA and EPA play a role in muscle regeneration by regulating the inflammatory response.…”