In the pursuit of athletic excellence, athletes are constantly seeking ways to enhance their performance. Recent research conducted by Concordia University sheds light on a surprising ally in this quest: cranberries.
A study published in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition reveals that daily consumption of cranberry extracts can lead to notable improvements in athletic performance among trained distance runners. Scientists observed enhancements in speed, reduced blood lactate levels, and optimized oxygenation following a month-long regimen of cranberry supplementation.
Andreas Bergdahl, senior author of the study and associate professor in Concordia’s Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, emphasizes the significance of even marginal performance gains for elite athletes. He notes that such advantages can be the determining factor between finishing in the middle of the pack or standing on the podium.
The research involved 14 high-level runners from Concordia’s varsity track and field team, as well as participants from two Montreal running clubs. These athletes, accustomed to rigorous endurance training, underwent a series of time trials covering distances of 1,500 meters and 400 meters.
Lead author Francis Parenteau, a PhD candidate, explains that the chosen distances allowed researchers to assess the impact of cranberry extract on different energy systems. While the 400-meter trial primarily engages the anaerobic system due to its high intensity, the 1,500-meter trial predominantly relies on the aerobic system.
Throughout the study, researchers monitored post-exercise blood lactate levels and muscle oxygenation using advanced techniques. Analysis of the data revealed compelling insights: cranberry extract consumption correlated with increased speed in the 1,500-meter trial and reduced lactate buildup after the 400-meter trial, compared to baseline measurements.
Furthermore, the study highlighted cranberries’ rich concentration of polyphenols, natural antioxidants known for their ability to combat oxidative stress induced by strenuous exercise. Given that Quebec boasts a significant cranberry industry, with the province producing the majority of Canada’s cranberry yield, the accessibility and natural origins of this performance enhancer make it an appealing choice for athletes seeking a competitive edge.
Bergdahl emphasizes that cranberry supplementation offers athletes a safe and natural means of enhancing performance without resorting to artificial substances. The study, titled « Cranberry supplementation improves physiological markers of performance in trained runners, » underscores the potential of cranberries as a valuable tool for optimizing athletic performance.
