Redox interventions to increase exercise performance.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Skeletal muscle produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) derivatives, influencing muscle function.
• Strenuous exercise elevates oxidant production, potentially limiting endurance performance.
• Redox interventions modulating ROS or NO show potential for performance enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of different redox-active supplements in enhancing exercise endurance.
• To explore the mechanisms by which antioxidants, reduced thiol donors, and dietary nitrates impact performance.
• To discuss the implications of these findings for athletes and clinical populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating antioxidant, reduced thiol donor, and dietary nitrate supplementation.
• Analysis of biochemical and physiological responses to exercise following supplementation.
• Evaluation of performance outcomes, including endurance and fatigue resistance.

Main Results:

• Vitamins and nutriceuticals may buffer ROS but often fail to enhance performance.
• Reduced thiol donors have demonstrated the capacity to delay fatigue and increase endurance.
• Dietary nitrate supplementation (e.g., beetroot juice) can reduce exercise oxygen cost and improve endurance performance.

Conclusions:

• Exercise endurance can be augmented by specific redox-active supplements, notably reduced thiol donors and dietary nitrates.
• These supplements offer potential benefits for athletes seeking enhanced performance.
• Interventions increasing endurance may also benefit individuals with activity limitations due to aging or illness.