In part 3 of our ‘Behind The Research’ series, we look at a key pilot study on blackcurrant extract that started to challenge conventional wisdom regarding the use of antioxidants for muscle recovery.
The study
Consumption of anthocyanin-rich extract made from New Zealand Blackcurrants prior to exercise may assist recovery from oxidative stress and maintains circulating neutrophil function: A Pilot Study, (Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, 2019 doi: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00073)
What was study about?
To assess the potential role of New Zealand blackcurrant antioxidants for promoting recovery, immunity and adaptations to exercise. The project assessed several dosing levels and timing of intake.
The dose:
150mg (1/2 capsule), 300mg (1 capsule) and 600mg (2 capsules) of CurraNZ, based on a person weighing 65kg.
Why was this meaningful?
Whether you’re a recreational exerciser or an athlete, there’s a fine line between achieving the maximum health benefits of exercise and suffering the negative effects of oxidative stress, which are harmful substances that are generated by intense training.
Antioxidants help your body cope with the stress of exercise by either directly fighting off these harmful substances or by preventing them from causing damage.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that Vitamin C and E antioxidants impair adaptive benefits from exercise, by blocking oxidative stress, making them a questionable strategy in high doses for muscle recovery.
This study delved into important early-stage questions about blackcurrant's efficacy for recovery and dosing - and whether our berry antioxidants acted in a different manner to its Vitamin counterparts.
What we found:
What the scientists said about the findings-
“The growing body of research suggests that consumption of New Zealand blackcurrants may have real benefits for those living an active lifestyle,” said Dr Roger Hurst, Biomedical Scientist who led study at Plant & Food Research in New Zealand.
"The benefits are unlikely to be attributable to the antioxidant properties of the extract and due to the blackcurrant extract activating adaptive defensive pathways in cells and tissues.
"We found that consumption of blackcurrant extract one hour prior to exercise preserved circulating neutrophil function.
“We know functional foods can deliver specific health benefits.
"This is a significant finding that could benefit active people wanting to maintain performance and avoid decreased immune function that can accompany training.
“Blackcurrant is speeding recovery, upregulating recovery processes and managing the antioxidant defence pathways to stress. It doesn’t suppress but is highly complementary in the exercise recovery process.
“The evidence is now mounting that New Zealand blackcurrants could help people have a more active lifestyle”.
What have we discovered since then?
In case you missed it:
Part 1 - Researchers find CurraNZ effect on blood flow during exercise