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Effect of 1-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate supplementation on cycling performance and select physiological parameters

DOI:10.1007/s00421-018-3973-1
Authors:
Petey W Mumford at Lindenwood University
Petey W Mumford
Wesley Kephart at Auburn University
Wesley Kephart
Matthew A. Romero at University of California, Los Angeles
Matthew A. Romero
Cody Taylor Haun at Dr. Haun's Fitness Lab
Cody Taylor Haun
  • Dr. Haun's Fitness Lab
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Abstract and Figures

Purpose Betalains are indole-derived pigments found in beet root, and recent studies suggest that they may exert ergogenic effects. Herein, we examined if supplementation for 7 days with betalain-rich beetroot concentrate (BLN) improved cycling performance or altered hemodynamic and serum analytes prior to, during and following a cycling time trial (TT). Methods Twenty-eight trained male cyclists (29 ± 10 years, 77.3 ± 13.3 kg, and 3.03 ± 0.62 W/kg) performed a counterbalanced crossover study whereby BLN (100 mg/day) or placebo (PLA) supplementation occurred over 7 days with a 1-week washout between conditions. On the morning of day seven of each supplementation condition, participants consumed one final serving of BLN or PLA and performed a 30-min cycling TT with concurrent assessment of several physiological variables and blood markers. Results BLN supplementation improved average absolute power compared to PLA (231.6 ± 36.2 vs. 225.3 ± 35.8 W, p = 0.050, d = 0.02). Average relative power, distance traveled, blood parameters (e.g., pH, lactate, glucose, NOx) and inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα) were not significantly different between conditions. BLN supplementation significantly improved exercise efficiency (W/ml/kg/min) in the last 5 min of the TT compared to PLA (p = 0.029, d = 0.45). Brachial artery blood flow in the BLN condition, immediately post-exercise, tended to be greater compared to PLA (p = 0.065, d = 0.32). Conclusions We report that 7 days of BLN supplementation modestly improves 30-min TT power output, exercise efficiency as well as post-exercise blood flow without increasing plasma NOx levels or altering blood markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and/or hematopoiesis.
Overview of the experimental protocol for each testing session. BLN betalain, PLA placebo, TT time trial, FMD flow-mediated dilation
Overview of the experimental protocol for each testing session. BLN betalain, PLA placebo, TT time trial, FMD flow-mediated dilation
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Effects of BLN on performance metrics. a Average power output. b Average power output relative to body mass. c Distance traveled. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
Effects of BLN on performance metrics. a Average power output. b Average power output relative to body mass. c Distance traveled. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
… 
Effects of BLN on VO2 and hemodynamic variables. a Relative VO2 at 5-min intervals during and at 5 and 15 min following the trial. b Power output relative to VO2 at 5-min intervals during the trial. c Heart rate over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. d Stroke volume over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. e Total peripheral resistance (TPR) over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. f Cardiac output over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition. Symbols: asterisk indicates significant difference between condition at a given time point (p < 0.05)
Effects of BLN on VO2 and hemodynamic variables. a Relative VO2 at 5-min intervals during and at 5 and 15 min following the trial. b Power output relative to VO2 at 5-min intervals during the trial. c Heart rate over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. d Stroke volume over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. e Total peripheral resistance (TPR) over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. f Cardiac output over 5-min intervals during and at 5, 10 and 15 min following the trial. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition. Symbols: asterisk indicates significant difference between condition at a given time point (p < 0.05)
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Effects of BLN on pre- and post-exercise blood flow and plasma NOx levels. a Brachial artery blood flow prior to the supplementation period (baseline), prior to the 30-min TT (PreCycle), and immediately following the 30-min TT (IP). b Plasma NOx levels at the PreCycle and IP time points. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. c, d Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and normalized flow-mediated dilation (nFMD) at baseline, Precycle and IP. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
Effects of BLN on pre- and post-exercise blood flow and plasma NOx levels. a Brachial artery blood flow prior to the supplementation period (baseline), prior to the 30-min TT (PreCycle), and immediately following the 30-min TT (IP). b Plasma NOx levels at the PreCycle and IP time points. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. c, d Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and normalized flow-mediated dilation (nFMD) at baseline, Precycle and IP. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
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Effects of BLN on select serum and whole-blood markers. a Serum TBARS levels prior to the supplementation period (baseline), prior to the 30-min TT (PreCycle), immediately following the 30-min TT (IP), and 1 h following the 30-min time trial (1 h Post). b Serum EPO levels at the baseline, PreCycle, IP, and 1 h Post time points. c Whole-blood reticulocyte counts at the baseline, PreCycle, IP and 1 h post time points. d–f Whole-blood pH, glucose, and lactate over 5-min intervals during and at 5 and 15 min following the trial. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
+1
Effects of BLN on select serum and whole-blood markers. a Serum TBARS levels prior to the supplementation period (baseline), prior to the 30-min TT (PreCycle), immediately following the 30-min TT (IP), and 1 h following the 30-min time trial (1 h Post). b Serum EPO levels at the baseline, PreCycle, IP, and 1 h Post time points. c Whole-blood reticulocyte counts at the baseline, PreCycle, IP and 1 h post time points. d–f Whole-blood pH, glucose, and lactate over 5-min intervals during and at 5 and 15 min following the trial. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PLA placebo condition, BLN betalain condition
… 
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European Journal of Applied Physiology (2018) 118:2465–2476
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3973-1
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Effect of1-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate supplementation
oncycling performance andselect physiological parameters
PeteyW.Mumford1· WesleyC.Kephart2· MatthewA.Romero1· CodyT.Haun1· C.BrooksMobley1·
ShelbyC.Osburn1· JamesC.Healy1,3· AngeliqueN.Moore3· DavidD.Pascoe1· WilliamC.Run3· DarrenT.Beck1,3·
JereyS.Martin1,3· MichaelD.Roberts1,3· KaelinC.Young1,3
Received: 2 March 2018 / Accepted: 24 August 2018 / Published online: 28 August 2018
© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2018
Abstract
Purpose Betalains are indole-derived pigments found in beet root, and recent studies suggest that they may exert ergogenic
effects. Herein, we examined if supplementation for 7days with betalain-rich beetroot concentrate (BLN) improved cycling
performance or altered hemodynamic and serum analytes prior to, during and following a cycling time trial (TT).
Methods Twenty-eight trained male cyclists (29 ± 10years, 77.3 ± 13.3kg, and 3.03 ± 0.62W/kg) performed a counterbal-
anced crossover study whereby BLN (100mg/day) or placebo (PLA) supplementation occurred over 7days with a 1-week
washout between conditions. On the morning of day seven of each supplementation condition, participants consumed one
final serving of BLN or PLA and performed a 30-min cycling TT with concurrent assessment of several physiological vari-
ables and blood markers.
Results BLN supplementation improved average absolute power compared to PLA (231.6 ± 36.2 vs. 225.3 ± 35.8W,
p = 0.050, d = 0.02). Average relative power, distance traveled, blood parameters (e.g., pH, lactate, glucose, NOx) and
inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα) were not significantly different between conditions. BLN supplemen-
tation significantly improved exercise efficiency (W/ml/kg/min) in the last 5min of the TT compared to PLA (p = 0.029,
d = 0.45). Brachial artery blood flow in the BLN condition, immediately post-exercise, tended to be greater compared to
PLA (p = 0.065, d = 0.32).
Conclusions We report that 7days of BLN supplementation modestly improves 30-min TT power output, exercise efficiency
as well as post-exercise blood flow without increasing plasma NOx levels or altering blood markers of inflammation, oxida-
tive stress, and/or hematopoiesis.
Keywords Betalains· Exercise efficiency· Blood flow· Cycling
Abbreviations
ANOVA Analysis of variance
BLN Betalain-rich beetroot concentrate
CO Cardiac output
EPO Erythropoietin
FMD Flow-mediated dilation
HR Heart rate
NO Nitric oxide
PLA Placebo
RER Respiratory exchange ratio
TBARS Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
TT Time trial
Introduction
Beetroot contains multiple phytochemical compounds
along with bioactive pigments known as betalains (Lee
etal. 2005; Clifford etal. 2015). Betalains are classified
Communicated by Anni Vanhatalo.
Jeffrey S. Martin, Michael D. Roberts and Kaelin C. Young are
co-principal investigators.
* Kaelin C. Young
Kyoung@auburn.vcom.edu
1 School ofKinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL,
USA
2 University ofWisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, USA
3 Department ofCell Biology andPhysiology, Edward Via
College ofOsteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus, 910
S. Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL36832, USA
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
... Beetroot wine fermented for 14 days produced higher taste, aroma, flavour and overall acceptability score. Moreover, beetroot pigment has attracted attention from sport nutrition scientists, coaches, and competitive sport persons due to its high antioxidant activity as well as improving exercise performance (Montenegro et al., 2017;Mumford et al., 2018). Therefore, researchers evaluated the effect of betalains rich supplementation to competitive runners (Van Hoorebeke, Trias, Davis, Lozada, & Casazza, 2016), competitive triathletes (Montenegro et al., 2017), and cyclers (Mumford et al., 2018). ...
... Moreover, beetroot pigment has attracted attention from sport nutrition scientists, coaches, and competitive sport persons due to its high antioxidant activity as well as improving exercise performance (Montenegro et al., 2017;Mumford et al., 2018). Therefore, researchers evaluated the effect of betalains rich supplementation to competitive runners (Van Hoorebeke, Trias, Davis, Lozada, & Casazza, 2016), competitive triathletes (Montenegro et al., 2017), and cyclers (Mumford et al., 2018). All of the researchers reported the improved exercise performance, recovery after post-exercise and lowered level of oxidative and inflammatory markers. ...
... Wheat flour (100 g), and beetroot powder (5 g (Montenegro et al., 2017) Seven days betalains rich supplementation moderately improves power output, exercise efficiency and post exercise blood flow without increasing oxidative level (Mumford et al., 2018) harmless to consume and can be used as a food additives. While, Rahimi, Abedimanesh, Mesbah-Namin, and Ostadrahimi (2019) and Vieira Teixeira da Silva et al. (2019) reported that betanin is the only FDA approved compound for the use of natural additives in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. ...
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... Ova S/C group did not show significant differences from any other group. These findings were partially in line with a recent study in which concentrated beetroot was administered orally to a group of male cyclists for one week and had no effect on the blood levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, or TNFα (Mumford et al., 2018). On the other hand, Ova S/C increased the level of IL-18 compared to control (Dahm et al., 2014). ...
... Similarly, simultaneous beetroot juice administration and Ova S/C did not affect the level of TBARS in the lung tissues homogenate compared to control. The concentrated beetroot was given orally to a number of male cyclists for a period of one week and did not affect the blood level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (Mumford et al., 2018). ...
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... 32,45 Despite the limitations of using betalains as a food dye due to their sensitivity to light and heat, they have several advantages over other natural dyes, such as higher water solubility and strong dyeability and stability in neutral and acidic pHs, and given their range of colors, there is a great potential to create a gradient of natural color shades from these pigments. 9,39,46,47 All natural dyes approved by the European Union are collected in Figure 1. ...
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... In this case, to assess muscle damage the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was analyzed as a marker, with significant decreases in its activity observed in those runners who took the supplement. Beetroot betalain supplementation has also been shown to improve sport performance in cyclists following a 30-min physical test (Mumford et al., 2018). ...
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... In this case, to assess muscle damage the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was analyzed as a marker, with significant decreases in its activity observed in those runners who took the supplement. Beetroot betalain supplementation has also been shown to improve sport performance in cyclists following a 30-min physical test (Mumford et al., 2018). ...
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... It is certainly possible that certain biomarkers reflective of systemic inflammation may have been marginally improved with MV supplementation given the supporting evidence cited herein. However, we opted not to examine how MV supplementation affected these markers (e.g., cytokines or prostaglandins) since prior data from our laboratory has shown these markers are low and difficult to detect in younger and apparently healthy participants (24). Notwithstanding, our data warrant examining the effects of MV supplementation in older persons who are susceptible to lowgrade inflammation. ...
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... Thus, it seems red beetroot juice increase the amount of NO by creating a protective barrier against oxidative stressors (Gilchrist et al., 2013). In 28 cyclist men who used a supplement containing betalains (100 mg/day) for 7 days improved brachial artery blood flow without change in blood parameters (Nitric oxide) (Mumford et al., 2018) has been documented. In addition, in 24 men with coronary artery disease who received red beetroot capsules (25 mg of betalains), Sirtuin-1 was increased and the oxidized low-density lipoprotein and high sensitive C reactive protein were reduced (Rahimi, Mesbah-Namin, Ostadrahimi, Separham, & Jafarabadi, 2019). ...
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  • Jul 2016
This study aimed to determine the effects of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) of red beets, containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on performance and exercise-related muscle damage. Thirteen (25.3 ± 5.4 years) competitive male runners completed two double-blind, cross-over, randomized trials (BRC and control) separated by seven days. Each trial was preceded by six days of supplementation with 100 mg of BRC or control. On the seventh day, exercise trials commenced 150 min after supplementation with 50 mg BRC or control and consisted of 30 min of treadmill running (77 ± 4% VO2max) followed by a 5-km time trial (TT). During exercise at the same intensity, BRC resulted in a 3% lower heart rate, a 15% lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and a 14% lower blood lactate concentration compared to the control (p = 0.05). Five-kilometer TT duration (23.0 ± 4.2 versus 23.6 ± 4.0 min) was faster in 10 of the 13 subjects, and RPE was lower (p < 0.05) with the BRC treatment compared to the control. Lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of muscle damage, increased less from baseline to immediately and 30 min after the 5-km TT with the BRC treatment, despite no differences in subjective measures of muscle soreness and fatigue. In summary, BRC supplementation improved 5-km performance time in male competitive runners.
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The plasma bioavailability of nitrate and betanin from Beta vulgaris rubra in humans
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Purpose: To evaluate the plasma bioavailability of betanin and nitric oxide (NOx) after consuming beetroot juice (BTJ) and whole beetroot (BF). BTJ and BF were also analysed for antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content (TPC) and betalain content. Methods: Ten healthy males consumed either 250 ml of BTJ, 300 g of BF or a placebo drink, in a randomised, crossover design. Venous plasma samples were collected pre (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 h post-ingestion. Betanin content in BTJ, BF and plasma was analysed with reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry detection (LCMS). Antioxidant capacity was estimated using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and polyphenol content using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric methods [gallic acid equivalents (GAE)] and betalain content spectrophotometrically. Results: TEAC was 11.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L for BTJ and 3.4 ± 0.4 μmol/g for BF. Both BTJ and BF contained a number of polyphenols (1606.9 ± 151 mg/GAE/L and 1.67 ± 0.1 mg/GAE/g, respectively), betacyanins (68.2 ± 0.4 mg/betanin equivalents/L and 19.6 ± 0.6 mg/betanin equivalents/100 g, respectively) and betaxanthins (41.7 ± 0.7 mg/indicaxanthin equivalents/L and 7.5 ± 0.2 mg/indicaxanthin equivalents/100 g, respectively). Despite high betanin contents in both BTJ (~194 mg) and BF (~66 mg), betanin could not be detected in the plasma at any time point post-ingestion. Plasma NOx was elevated above baseline for 8 h after consuming BTJ and 5 h after BF (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These data reveal that BTJ and BF are rich in phytonutrients and may provide a useful means of increasing plasma NOx bioavailability. However, betanin, the major betalain in beetroot, showed poor bioavailability in plasma.
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Ten weeks of branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves select performance and immunological variables in trained cyclists
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We examined if supplementing trained cyclists (32 ± 2 year, 77.8 ± 2.6 kg, and 7.4 ± 1.2 year training) with 12 g/day (6 g/day L-Leucine, 2 g/day L-Isoleucine and 4 g/day L-Valine) of either branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, n = 9) or a maltodextrin placebo (PLA, n = 9) over a 10-week training season affected select body composition, performance, and/or immune variables. Before and after the 10-week study, the following was assessed: (1) 4-h fasting blood draws; (2) dual X-ray absorptiometry body composition; (3) Wingate peak power tests; and (4) 4 km time-trials. No group × time interactions existed for total lean mass (P = 0.27) or dual-leg lean mass (P = 0.96). A significant interaction existed for body mass-normalized relative peak power (19 % increase in the BCAA group pre- to post-study, P = 0.01), and relative mean power (4 % increase in the BCAA group pre- to post-study, P = 0.01). 4 km time-trial time to completion approached a significant interaction (P = 0.08), as the BCAA group improved in this measure by 11 % pre- to post-study, though this was not significant (P = 0.15). There was a tendency for the BCAA group to present a greater post-study serum BCAA: L-Tryptophan ratio compared to the PLA group (P = 0.08). A significant interaction for neutrophil number existed (P = 0.04), as there was a significant 18 % increase within the PLA group from the pre- to post-study time point (P = 0.01). Chronic BCAA supplementation improves sprint performance variables in endurance cyclists. Additionally, given that BCAA supplementation blunted the neutrophil response to intense cycling training, BCAAs may benefit immune function during a prolonged cycling season.
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Effect of Caffeine on Golf Performance and Fatigue during a Competitive Tournament
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To determine the effect of a caffeine-containing supplement on golf specific performance and fatigue during a 36-hole competitive golf tournament METHODS: Twelve male golfers (34.8 ± 13.9 yrs, 175.9 ± 9.3 cm, 81.23 ± 13.14 kg) with a United States Golf Association (USGA) handicap of 3-10 participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in which they played an 18-hole round of golf on two consecutive days (36-hole tournament) and were randomly assigned to consume a caffeine-containing supplement (CAF) or placebo (PLA). CAF/PLA was consumed before and after 9 holes during each 18-hole round. Total score, drive distance, fairways and greens in regulation, first putt distance, heart rate, breathing rate, peak trunk acceleration and trunk posture while putting were recorded. Self-perceived ratings of energy, fatigue, alertness and concentration were also recorded. Total score (76.9 ± 8.1 vs 79.4 ± 9.1, p=0.039), greens in regulation (8.6 ± 3.3 vs 6.9 ± 4.6, p=0.035) and drive distance (239.9 ± 33.8 vs 233.2 ± 32.4, p=0.047) were statistically better during the CAF condition compared to PLA. Statistically significant main effects for condition (p<0.05) and time (p<0.001) occurred for perceived feelings of energy and fatigue. Compared to PLA, CAF reported more energy (p=0.025) and less fatigue (p=0.05) over the competitive round of golf. There were no substantial differences in heart or breathing rates, peak trunk acceleration or putting posture between conditions or over the round (p>0.05). A moderate dose (1.9 ± 0.3 mg[BULLET OPERATOR]kg) of caffeine consumed before and during a round of golf improves golf-specific measures of performance and reduces fatigue in skilled golfers.
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Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antoxidative
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  • Mar 2015
Overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during physical exercise, exercise induced oxidative stress and antioxidant supplementation is interesting and controversial concepts that have been considered during the past decades. In this review, we aimed to summarize current evidence in relation to antioxidant supplementation outcomes during exercise and physical activity. For this aim, we obtained relevant articles through searches of the Medline and PubMed databases between 1980 to 2013. Although major studies have indicated that antioxidants could attenuate biomarkers of exercise-induced oxidative stress and the use of antioxidant supplement is a common phenomenon among athletes and physically active people, there are some doubts regarding the benefits of these. It seems that the best recommendations regarding antioxidants and exercise are having a balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants and phytochemicals. Regular consumption of various fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and beans, sprouts and seeds is an effective and safe way to meet all antioxidant requirements in physically active persons and athletes.
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Betalain-Rich Concentrate Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance and Recovery in Competitive Triathletes
Article
  • Oct 2016
We aimed to determine the effects of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) of beetroots, containing no sugars or nitrates, on exercise performance and recovery. Twenty-two (9 men and 13 women) triathletes (age, 38 ± 11 years) completed 2 double-blind, crossover, randomized trials (BRC and placebo) starting 7 days apart. Each trial was preceded by 6 days of supplementation with 100 mg·day(-1) of BRC or placebo. On the 7th day of supplementation, exercise trials commenced 120 min after ingestion of 50 mg BRC or placebo and consisted of 40 min of cycling (75 ± 5% maximal oxygen consumption) followed by a 10-km running time trial (TT). Subjects returned 24 h later to complete a 5-km running TT to assess recovery. Ten-kilometer TT duration (49.5 ± 8.9 vs. 50.8 ± 10.3 min, p = 0.03) was faster with the BRC treatment. Despite running faster, average heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were not different between treatments. Five-kilometer TT duration (23.2 ± 4.4 vs 23.9 ± 4.7 min, p = 0.003), 24 h after the 10-km TT, was faster in 17 of the 22 subjects with the BRC treatment. Creatine kinase, a muscle damage marker, increased less (40.5 ± 22.5 vs. 49.7 ± 21.5 U·L(-1), p = 0.02) from baseline to after the 10-km TT and subjective fatigue increased less (-0.05 ± 6.1 vs. 3.23 ± 6.1, p = 0.05) from baseline to 24 h after the 10-km TT with BRC. In conclusion, BRC supplementation improved 10-km TT performance in competitive male and female triathletes. Improved 5-km TT performances 24 h after the 10-km TT and the attenuated increase of creatine kinase and fatigue suggest an increase in recovery while taking BRC.
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Characterization of the antiradical activity of betalains from Beta vulgaris L. roots
Article
  • Jan 1998
Betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins), the main pigments of red beet (Beta vulgaris) roots, showed an antiradical effect when measured by the destruction of the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical generated by the horse-radish peroxidase/hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidation of ABTS. The antiradical activity of betacyanins was greater than that of the betaxanthins and increased with the pH of the reaction medium. The different antiradical properties shown by both types of betalain is discussed in light of the respective ease with which it is possible to withdraw one electron from their molecules and the stability of their corresponding radicals.
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