The bioavailability of vistula tart cherries and their influence on exercise recovery

Abstract

Exercise, particularly when intense and prolonged, triggers various physiological reactions that can impair performance. Enhancing post-exercise recovery is crucial for athletes, especially in sports requiring consecutive performances. There has been growing interest in using polyphenol-rich foods to aid recovery, as these compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as tart cherries (TC) which are abundant in anthocyanins. While it is well-established that different varieties of TC can have significantly different compounds and quantities, little research has focused on other varieties. Therefore, this series of studies aimed to investigate the effects of Vistula tart cherry (VTC) extract on exercise recovery. The first study aimed to evaluate whether VTC induced dose-dependent changes in the metabolome and to determine the time-course of bioavailability for compounds in the extract. Results showed higher systemic anthocyanin concentrations and greater metabolomic shifts over 8 hours with a higher dose compared to a lower dose. Building on these results, the second study assessed an acute dosing strategy of VTC for recovery after strenuous exercise. Acute VTC had no effect on markers of recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage to the elbow flexors. In the third study, a loading phase of VTC was implemented to evaluate its effect on recovery and potential impacts on acute adaptation. The study assessed recovery after a second bout of exercise. Results showed that VTC did not accelerate recovery after the initial bout, and although some markers of muscle damage were significantly reduced in the second bout, VTC negatively affected force-generating capacity in the second bout. The final study examined the effect of VTC on recovery following a marathon. Participants who supplemented with VTC experienced reduced elevation in an inflammatory marker (hs-CRP), though there were no differences in functional or perceived recovery outcomes. These studies provide novel insights into VTC extract for recovery, establishing its bioavailability, impact on the human metabolome, and its potential role in exercise adaptation. While VTC has shown some efficacy in reducing an inflammatory marker (hs-CRP), further research is needed to explore whether different forms of consumption affect outcomes and to clarify the mechanisms behind its physiological benefits.

Date of Award	23 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Glyn Howatson (Supervisor), Ian Walshe (Supervisor) & Malachy P. McHugh (Supervisor)