The Influence of an Amaranth-Based Beverage on Cycling Performance: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P) on cycling performance and hydration status, despite containing a total caloric content higher than that of a commercial sports beverage (CHO-P: 52.48 kcal per 100 mL vs CHO: 24 kcal per 100 mL). In a randomized, crossover design, six cyclists performed two exercise tests separated by seven days. Each test comprised two time-trials (32.20 km and 5 km) separated by 10 min of rest. Participants consumed either an amaranth-based beverage (CHO-P; 10% and 1.5% concentrations) or a commercial sports beverage (CHO; 6%). Changes in hematocrit and body mass, ratings of perceived exertion, and average power were assessed throughout both tests. 32.2-km time-trial performance was enhanced with CHO-P compared to CHO (54.3 ± 4.1 min vs 55.6 ± 4.8 min; p<0.05). However, no other variablemeasured in this study was significantly different between beverage types. Further laboratory based research should be performed to further explore the ergogenic potential of amaranth supplementation during endurance exercise.

Plant-Based Proteins, Peptides and Amino Acids in Food Products Dedicated for Sportspeople—A Narrative Review of the Literature

“…The other authors compared commercially available drinks with maize juice [ 174 ] and amaranth-based beverages [ 175 ] and stated that plant drinks are very effective in supporting optimal performance and hydration.…”

Amaranth and quinoa as potential nutraceuticals: A review of anti-nutritional factors, health benefits and their applications in food, medicinal and cosmetic sectors

“… Karovicova et al (2020) Amaranth-based beverages enhanced the cycling performance compared to participants consuming commercial sports beverage. Espino-Gonzalez et al (2018) …”

Crecimiento, acumulación y distribución de materia seca en dos variedades de amaranto (Amaranthus hypochondriacus y A. cruentus) bajo fertigación

“…A. hypocondriacus y A. caudatus son utilizadas con doble propósito (grano y forraje), A. blitum, A. dubius y A. tricolor se aprovechan como verdura por sus propiedades nutrimentales similares a la espinaca (Spinacia oleracea) y la acelga (Beta vulgaris); algunas, por su color, son utilizadas también como plantas de ornato (Akubugwo et al, 2007;Abalone et al, 2004;Arellano et al, 2004;Brenner et al, 2000). Recientemente se ha investigado el potencial de la harina de amaranto como antioxidante y como bebidas funcionales o energéticas, con el fin de promover la salud de los consumidores y para mejorar la resistencia física de deportistas (Almirudis-Echeverría et al, 2020;Argüelles-López et al, 2018;Espino-González et al, 2018).…”