A study conducted by Concordia University, published in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition, has revealed that cranberry supplements can significantly benefit competitive athletes. The research focused on trained distance runners, demonstrating that a 28-day regimen of cranberry supplementation led to noticeable improvements in performance and muscle fatigue recovery post-1,500-meter time trials. Specifically, the study observed a 1.5 percent increase in running speeds and faster reoxygenation rates.
The study involved 14 high-level runners from Concordia's varsity team and Montreal running clubs, who typically engage in over five hours of endurance training weekly. These athletes underwent two time trials, a 1,500-metre and a 400-meter, across three visits, with the initial visit serving as a baseline. Following the baseline, athletes received a large dose of cranberry extract before running, then consumed a smaller daily dose for 28 days before the final trial. The research aimed to examine the extract's effects on different energy systems, noting a trend towards increased speed in the 1,500-metre trial and reduced lactate buildup in the 400-meter trial, indicating enhanced muscle oxygen extraction and lactate clearance.
Cranberries, rich in polyphenols, are highlighted for their antioxidant properties, aiding in the protection against free radical damage from intense physical activity. Notably, Quebec is a major producer of cranberries, contributing to approximately 60 percent of Canada's yield. This study underscores the potential of cranberries, a natural product indigenous to Quebec, as an ergogenic aid for athletes seeking performance enhancement without resorting to anabolic steroids.
Source: concordia.ca