Short-term supplementation with alpha-ketoglutaric acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural does not prevent the hypoxia...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Altitude Training

Background:

• Hypoxia-induced performance decrease is linked to reactive oxygen species.
• Antioxidant interventions are explored to mitigate altitude-related performance decrements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) or broad-spectrum antioxidant supplementation on performance during hypoxia.
• To assess the impact of these supplements on physiological markers and oxidative stress at simulated altitude.

Main Methods:

• 18 healthy males underwent two incremental exercise tests (normoxia and hypoxia) in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.
• Supplementation groups received either α-KG + 5-HMF, broad antioxidants, or placebo starting 48 hours before hypoxia testing.
• Key metrics included maximal oxygen uptake, maximal power output, ventilatory/lactate thresholds, tissue oxygenation index (NIRS), and oxidative stress markers.

Main Results:

• Hypoxia significantly reduced all performance parameters (19-39%) across all groups.
• Tissue oxygenation index showed significant changes between normoxia and hypoxia, and between groups (p=0.038), with differences noted between placebo and antioxidant groups.
• Carbonyl protein increased under hypoxia, while 4-hydroxynonenal decreased only in the α-KG + 5-HMF group.

Conclusions:

• Short-term antioxidant supplementation does not prevent performance decline at altitude.
• Supplementation with α-KG and 5-HMF may positively influence muscle oxygen extraction, suggesting potential mitochondrial benefits.
• Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms and long-term effects of these supplements in hypoxic conditions.