Ergogenic and cardiometabolic benefits of policosanol in male taekwondo athletes: a double-blind trial

High-intensity combat sports such as taekwondo impose considerable oxidative and metabolic stress, potentially impairing recovery and performance. Policosanol has demonstrated antioxidant and metabolic effects in non-athletic populations; however, evidence in trained athletes, particularly regarding performance outcomes, remains limited. In this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 male taekwondo athletes received either policosanol (25 mg/day) or placebo under standardized training conditions. Body composition, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, aerobic capacity (Cooper test), and anaerobic power (RAST) were assessed before and after intervention. Compared with placebo, policosanol supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA). Improvements were also observed in anaerobic performance, VO₂max and Cooper test distance (p < 0.05). Although favorable within-group changes occurred in some antioxidant and lipid parameters, most cardiometabolic variables did not differ significantly between groups after baseline adjustment. Policosanol supplementation may support oxidative stress modulation and selected aspects of athletic performance in trained taekwondo athletes, while cardiometabolic effects appear modest.