Article
Novel antioxidant supplementation in young soccer players
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Authors
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Nenad Radivojevic
- Sports Medicine Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Nenad Dikic
- Sports Medicine Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Ivana Baralic
- Institute for Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Brizita Djordjevic
- Institute for Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Sinisa Vujic
- Sports Medicine Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Marija Andjelkovic
- Sports Medicine Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| Published: | October 24, 2011 |
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Outline
Text
Objective: Increased formation of free radicals during exercise leads to the deterioration of relation between pro-oxidant molecules and antioxidant defense system. The result is the increased muscle damage with subsequent consequences. Astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment, is a biological antioxidant that occurs naturally in a wide variety of living organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of Asx supplementation in young soccer players.
Material/Methods: Double blind, placebo controlled study was performed on sixty healthy young (mean age 17.7) soccer players during three months. The intervention group received 4 mg Asx capsules daily. Monitored ergospirometry parameters on treadmill were (VO2max, RQ, VE, HRmax, HRrecovery, time to exhaustion, maximal speed). Also, we have analyzed blood biochemical (transaminase, parameters of muscle damage, iron, ferritin, lipid status, Gly, Tp, TBIL, urea, creatinine) and hematological parameters before and after training session. Before starting the dietary supplementation, baseline values for each of the subjects were obtained. All tests were repeated after three months of supplementation.
Results: Significant improvement was seen in Asx group in maximal speed (18/18.5 km/h) and time to exhaustion (9.7/10 min) before and after 90 days of supplementation period (p<0.05), but without significant changes in ergospirometry parameters between groups. Significant elevation of CK level registered in P group after training session 90 days after supplementation (p<0.05), was not observed in Asx group. Biochemical and hematological parameters were not showed significant changes within or between groups.
Conclusion: The present study indicates a possible positive effect of Asx supplementation in reduction of muscle fatigue by stabilizing cell membranes. Based on our findings, Astaxanthin supplementation could improve endurance that may lead to better sports performance. Further studies need to evaluate mechanisms behind the increased endurance.
References
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