Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate whether supplementation with 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin for 7 days can improve exercise performance and metabolism during a 40 km cycling time trial.
Design
A randomised, double-blind, crossover design was employed.
Methods
Twelve recreationally trained male cyclists (VO2peak: 56.5 ± 5.5 mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1, Wmax: 346.8 ± 38.4 W) were recruited. Prior to each experimental trial, participants were supplemented with either 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin or an appearance-matched placebo for 7 days (separated by 14 days of washout). On day 7 of supplementation, participants completed a 40 km cycling time trial on a cycle ergometer, with indices of exercise metabolism measured throughout.
Results
Time to complete the 40 km cycling time trial was improved by 1.2 ± 1.7% following astaxanthin supplementation, from 70.76 ± 3.93 min in the placebo condition to 69.90 ± 3.78 min in the astaxanthin condition (mean improvement = 51 ± 71 s, p = 0.029, g = 0.21). Whole-body fat oxidation rates were also greater (+0.09 ± 0.13 g⋅min−1, p = 0.044, g = 0.52), and the respiratory exchange ratio lower (−0.03 ± 0.04, p = 0.024, g = 0.60) between 39–40 km in the astaxanthin condition.
Conclusions
Supplementation with 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin for 7 days provided an ergogenic benefit to 40 km cycling time trial performance in recreationally trained male cyclists and enhanced whole-body fat oxidation rates in the final stages of this endurance-type performance event.
This study aimed to investigate whether supplementation with 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin for 7 days can improve exercise performance and metabolism during a 40 km cycling time trial.
Design
A randomised, double-blind, crossover design was employed.
Methods
Twelve recreationally trained male cyclists (VO2peak: 56.5 ± 5.5 mL⋅kg−1⋅min−1, Wmax: 346.8 ± 38.4 W) were recruited. Prior to each experimental trial, participants were supplemented with either 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin or an appearance-matched placebo for 7 days (separated by 14 days of washout). On day 7 of supplementation, participants completed a 40 km cycling time trial on a cycle ergometer, with indices of exercise metabolism measured throughout.
Results
Time to complete the 40 km cycling time trial was improved by 1.2 ± 1.7% following astaxanthin supplementation, from 70.76 ± 3.93 min in the placebo condition to 69.90 ± 3.78 min in the astaxanthin condition (mean improvement = 51 ± 71 s, p = 0.029, g = 0.21). Whole-body fat oxidation rates were also greater (+0.09 ± 0.13 g⋅min−1, p = 0.044, g = 0.52), and the respiratory exchange ratio lower (−0.03 ± 0.04, p = 0.024, g = 0.60) between 39–40 km in the astaxanthin condition.
Conclusions
Supplementation with 12 mg⋅day−1 astaxanthin for 7 days provided an ergogenic benefit to 40 km cycling time trial performance in recreationally trained male cyclists and enhanced whole-body fat oxidation rates in the final stages of this endurance-type performance event.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 92-97 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 3 Jul 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Jan 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- antioxidants
- dietary supplements
- substrate utilisation
- sports performance
- sports
- nutrition