The effect of New Zealand blackcurrant on sport performance and related biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Synopsis: Blackcurrants have come to be regarded as a superfood because of their high polyphenol content, namely anthocyanins. While many berry types have been studied, blackcurrant anthocyanins may be superior when it comes to athletic performance.

The International Olympic Committee stats that a 1% difference in athletic performance is relevant to athletes and of sufficient magnitude to affect medal rankings in Olympic-level competition.  The aim of the review was to evaluate the literature to determine the potential benefit of New Zealand blackcurrant on athletic performance.

The meta-analysis analysed nine New Zealand blackcurrant performance studies, eight of which were performed on CurraNZ.

Findings showed:

• NZBC infers a significant performance advantage, with an effect size of .45
• The magnitude of effect is greater than caffeine (.41), previously considered the most potent legal ergogenic food or supplement available
• Intake of 105mg-210mg blackcurrant anthocyanins is the most effective for performance gains, taken two hours before exercise
• NZBC also altered inflammatory and oxidative stress markers post exercise, showing it favourably primes the body’s responses to exercise
• NZBC enhances antioxidant defences and mitochondrial adaptation conditions
• Clear evidence for a direct on human sports performance

The effect of New Zealand blackcurrant on sport performance and related biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, May 2020 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00354-9