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Polyphenol-Rich Snack Consumption during Endurance Exercise Training Improves Nitric Oxide Bioavailability but does
Noah Marc Adrian d'Unienville1, Alison M Coates1, Alison M Hill1,2
1Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Current Developments in Nutrition
|May 5, 2025
Summary
Almonds, dried grapes, and cranberries (AGC) did not improve cycling performance but increased fat oxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production. These findings suggest potential health and wellbeing benefits for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Antioxidants and nitric oxide (NO) precursors may enhance endurance exercise by mitigating oxidative stress and boosting NO levels.
- Almonds, dried grapes, and cranberries (AGC) are recognized sources of these beneficial compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of AGC consumption on physiological responses and endurance cycling performance during heavy training and taper phases.
- To assess changes in NO bioavailability, oxidative stress markers, muscle damage, and subjective wellbeing.
Main Methods:
- 96 male cyclists consumed 125g of AGC or an isocaloric oat bar (control) daily during 2 weeks of heavy training and a 2-week taper.
- Performance (5-min cycling time-trial), NO bioavailability (nitrate/nitrite), oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and physiological responses were measured.
Main Results:
- AGC did not significantly alter cycling time-trial performance compared to the control group.
- AGC consumption led to increased oxygen consumption and lower respiratory exchange ratio during submaximal exercise.
- While oxidative stress markers showed mixed results, AGC increased subjective energy and urinary nitrite levels during heavy training.
Conclusions:
- AGC supplementation did not enhance endurance cycling performance or exercise efficiency.
- However, AGC consumption increased fat oxidation, NO bioavailability, and subjective energy levels, potentially offering health and wellbeing advantages.
- Further research is warranted to explore the broader health implications of AGC for athletes.
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