The Effect of a Hydroxytyrosol-Rich, Olive-Derived Phytocomplex on Aerobic Exercise and Acute Recovery

Abstract

There is current scientific interest in naturally sourced phenolic compounds and their potential benefits to health, as well as the effective role polyphenols may provide in an exercise setting. This study investigated the chronic effects of supplementation with a biodynamic and organic olive fruit water phytocomplex (OliPhenolia® [OliP]), rich in hydroxytyrosol (HT), on submaximal and exhaustive exercise performance and respiratory markers of recovery. Twenty-nine recreationally active participants (42 ± 2 yrs; 71.1 ± 2.1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.02 m) consumed 2 × 28 mL∙d−1 of OliP or a taste- and appearance-matched placebo (PL) over 16 consecutive days. Participants completed a demanding, aerobic exercise protocol at ~75% maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) for 65 min 24 h before sub- and maximal performance exercise tests prior to and following the 16-day consumption period. OliP reduced the time constant (τ) (p = 0.005) at the onset of exercise, running economy (p = 0.015) at lactate threshold 1 (LT1), as well as the rating of perceived exertion (p = 0.003) at lactate turnpoint (LT2). Additionally, OliP led to modest improvements in acute recovery based upon a shorter time to achieve 50% of the end of exercise V˙O2 value (p = 0.02). Whilst OliP increased time to exhaustion (+4.1 ± 1.8%), this was not significantly different to PL (p > 0.05). Phenolic compounds present in OliP, including HT and related metabolites, may provide benefits for aerobic exercise and acute recovery in recreationally active individuals. Further research is needed to determine whether dose-response or adjunct use of OliP alongside longer-term training programs can further modulate exercise-associated adaptations in recreationally active individuals, or indeed support athletic performance.

Polyphenol supplementation boosts aerobic endurance in athletes: systematic review

“…As previously mentioned, among the eleven studies, nine compared the placebo group with the experimental group, while two studies conducted comparisons before and after intervention. Polyphenol-rich concentrated substances such as grape seed extract (GSE) ( Nho and Kim, 2022 ), decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE) ( Roberts et al, 2015 ), New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Willems et al, 2015 ), organic olive fruit water phytocomplex (OliP) ( Roberts et al, 2023 ), Montmorency cherry powder (MC) ( Morgan et al, 2019 ), carob pods ( Gaamouri et al, 2019 ), Haskap berries ( Howatson et al, 2022 ), Vinitrox™(a combination of specific profile polyphenols from grape and apple) ( Deley et al, 2017 ), Cardiose ® ( Martinez-Noguera et al, 2019 ), grape juice ( de Lima Tavares Toscano et al, 2020 ). These eleven trials used specific polyphenols and combinations of polyphenols, and the forms of intake varied, five trials of polyphenol supplementation were in capsule form ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2015 ; Deley et al, 2017 ; Morgan et al, 2019 ; Nho and Kim, 2022 ), and three trials were in water ( Willems et al, 2015 ; Gaamouri et al, 2019 ) or yogurt-soluble form ( Howatson et al, 2022 ) as the intervention, while other forms of intake included snacks ( de Lima Tavares Toscano et al, 2020 ) and canned products ( Roberts et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Of the eleven studies included in this systematic review, three measured test completion time ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Morgan et al, 2019 ; Howatson et al, 2022 ), three assessed exercise to fatigue time ( Deley et al, 2017 ; de Lima Tavares Toscano et al, 2020 ; Nho and Kim, 2022 ), and three assessed power output-related metrics ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2015 ; Martinez-Noguera et al, 2019 ). One study reported a specific metric, τ (time constant) ( Roberts et al, 2023 ). Three studies measured distance ( Roberts et al, 2015 ; Gaamouri et al, 2019 ; de Lima Tavares Toscano et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Two trials assessed speed ( Martinez-Noguera et al, 2019 ; Howatson et al, 2022 ). Two studies measured exercise intensity ( Willems et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ), two studies provided an indicator of exercise economy ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ), and four studies assessed RPE ( Roberts et al, 2015 ; Gaamouri et al, 2019 ; Howatson et al, 2022 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ). Only one study used MAV to measure aerobic work capacity ( Gaamouri et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Of these eleven studies, ten assessed cardiorespiratory function ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2015 ; Deley et al, 2017 ; Gaamouri et al, 2019 ; Martinez-Noguera et al, 2019 ; Morgan et al, 2019 ; Howatson et al, 2022 ; Nho and Kim, 2022 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ), and five assessed energy substances and their oxidation ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Roberts et al, 2015 ; Martinez-Noguera et al, 2019 ; de Lima Tavares Toscano et al, 2020 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ). Five assessed lactate levels ( Cook et al, 2015 ; Willems et al, 2015 ; Morgan et al, 2019 ; Howatson et al, 2022 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ). Only one study evaluated TOI ( Morgan et al, 2019 ).…”

“…In recent years, professional sports teams and amateur enthusiasts have widely embraced natural plant extracts and phytochemicals to enhance their athletic performance, speed up post-exercise recovery, and maintain their overall physical health ( Striegel et al, 2005 ; Kim et al, 2011 ; Darvishi et al, 2013 ; Knapik et al, 2016 ). Polyphenols represent a crucial category of natural botanical extracts, and there is mounting evidence to suggest their significant potential in enhancing athletic performance and aiding recovery ( Bai et al, 2022 ; Liu et al, 2022 ; López-Torres et al, 2022 ; Sánchez Díaz et al, 2022 ; Roberts et al, 2023 ; Zare et al, 2023 ).…”