Montmorency cherry supplementation improves 15-km cycling time-trial performance

Abstract

Aim Montmorency cherries are rich in polyphenols that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasoactive properties. We investigated whether 7-day Montmorency cherry powder supplementation improved cycling time-trial (TT) performance. Methods 8 trained male cyclists ( : 62.3 ± 10.1 ml kg −1 min −1 ) completed 10-min steady-state (SS) cycling at ~ 65% followed by a 15-km TT on two occasions. Participants consumed 6 pills per day (Montmorency cherry powder, MC; anthocyanin 257 mg day −1 or dextrose powder, PL) for a 7-day period, 3 pills in the morning and evening. Capillary blood [lactate] was measured at baseline, post SS and post TT. Pulmonary gas exchange and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of m . vastus lateralis via near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured throughout. Results TT completion time was 4.6 ± 2.9% faster following MC (1506 ± 86 s) supplementation compared to PL (1580 ± 102 s; P = 0.004). Blood [lactate] was significantly higher in MC after SS (PL: 4.4 ± 2.1 vs. MC: 6.7 ± 3.3 mM, P = 0.017) alongside an elevated baseline TOI (PL: 68.7 ± 2.1 vs. MC: 70.4 ± 2.3%, P = 0.018). Discussion Montmorency cherry supplementation improved 15-km cycling TT performance. This improvement in exercise performance was accompanied by enhanced muscle oxygenation suggesting that the vasoactive properties of the Montmorency cherry polyphenols may underpin the ergogenic effects.

No Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Physiological and Performance Responses in Trained Male Cyclists Undertaking Repeated Testing across a Week Period

“…Previous studies showed improved TT performance by 2.4% and 4.6% after consuming 300 mg of NZBC extract and~258 mg anthocyanins from MC for 7 days compared to PLA [6,43]. The 600 mg of NZBC extract provided~210 mg•day −1 of anthocyanins, which is similar to the amount in Morgan et al [43], however, the anthocyanin source used in that study also provided a total of 458.2 mg•day −1 of polyphenols, potentially influencing the performance outcome. Nevertheless, the length of the study might justify the lack of significance showed on this occasion.…”

Wirksamkeit der Montmorency-Sauerkirsche bei sportlicher Aktivität

“…Sofern die gleiche Referenzsubstanz ("Standard") zur Quantifizierung verwendet wurde, können die Werte aus der gleichen Methode miteinander verglichen werden. Diese Voraussetzung ist in den hier berücksichtigten Studien gegeben, da Cyanidin-3-O-Glucosid als Referenzsubstanz benutzt wurde (außer in [35]), soweit überhaupt angegeben (keine Angabe zur Referenzsubstanz in [3], [4], [6], [21], [26], [28], [29], [31], [33]).…”

“…Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt ist die Evidenz der Wirksamkeit der Montmorency-Produkte bei sportlicher Belastung als "mäßig" einzustufen, denn die 4 Studien mit dem konfirmatorischen Design hatten unterschiedliche Zielparameter: Sprungkraft, Muskelschmerz und Wohlbefinden (nicht besser als Placebo [1]), Muskelfunktion, -schmerz und Marker (Entzündung, Muskelschädigung) etc. (besser als Placebo im Zielkriterium Muskelfunktion [7]), Radfahrzeit, Muskeloxygenierung, pulmonaler Gasaustausch, kapilläres Lactat (besser als Placebo in allen Zielkriterien [33]) und Parameter unter Belastung (PuB) am Ellenbogen und Schmerzen im Alltag (besser als Placebo in allen Zielkriterien [10]).…”

Combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement improves endothelial function and skeletal muscle oxygenation status in adults: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised crossover clinical trial

“…5), and these results may suggest that oxygen utility capacity improved following BE intake at baseline and during exercise, further supporting other recent findings regarding anthocyanin intake and skeletal muscle oxygen utility capacity. Morgan et al demonstrated increases in baseline StO 2 following anthocyanin intake (66) . Notably, in addition to a significant difference in StO 2 at baseline, we also found significantly higher StO 2 during leg extension exercise.…”

“…Notably, in addition to a significant difference in StO 2 at baseline, we also found significantly higher StO 2 during leg extension exercise. However, it is important to note that our study incorporated single leg extension exercise, while Morgan et al investigated oxygen utility capacity with cycling exercise (66) . Therefore, it may be of interest to investigate oxygen utility capacity during exercise requiring greater muscle recruitment (e.g.…”