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Bananas as an energy source during exercise: a metabolomics approach
David C Nieman1, Nicholas D Gillitt, Dru A Henson
1Human Performance Laboratory, Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States of America. niemandc@appstate.edu
Plos One
|May 23, 2012
Summary
Ingesting bananas or a carbohydrate drink during cycling yielded similar performance and physiological responses. Both fuel sources supported similar metabolic shifts, with bananas showing slightly higher inflammatory markers.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Nutrient timing and type significantly impact athletic performance and physiological recovery.
- Understanding the comparative effects of whole foods versus traditional sports supplements is crucial for athletes.
- Metabolomics offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing exercise-induced physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acute effects of banana (BAN) versus a 6% carbohydrate (CHO) drink on 75-km cycling performance.
- To investigate the impact of BAN versus CHO on post-exercise inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune function.
- To utilize metabolomics for a detailed profiling of metabolic responses to different fuel sources during prolonged exercise.
Main Methods:
- Trained cyclists (N=14) completed two randomized, crossover 75-km cycling time trials.
- Participants ingested either BAN or CHO (0.2 g/kg carbohydrate every 15 min) during trials.
- Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, immune markers (phagocytosis, cytokines), oxidative stress markers (F₂-isoprostanes, FRAP), and metabolic profiles (GC-MS).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in cycling performance or blood glucose levels between BAN and CHO trials.
- Exercise increased inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and innate immune activity, with slightly higher IL-10, IL-8, and FRAP during the BAN trial.
- Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct overall metabolic shifts due to exercise, with similar patterns of glutathione production and fuel substrate utilization between BAN and CHO, except for higher dopamine with BAN.
Conclusions:
- Bananas and carbohydrate drinks provide comparable 75-km cycling performance and acute physiological responses.
- Both fuel sources support similar metabolic adaptations, including enhanced glutathione production and substrate utilization.
- While minor differences in specific inflammatory markers and dopamine were noted, bananas represent a viable alternative to traditional carbohydrate drinks for endurance exercise.
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