Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. Of the 19 participating athletes, those who supplemented with 500 mg of GliSODin daily for 6 weeks saw a 65-72% reduction in C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) compared to the placebo group.
Exercise is a natural and beneficial habit for all those who live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, exercise also naturally causes the production of radical oxygen species which can damage DNA, cell membranes, proteins, and carbohydrates necessary for optimal well-being. For athletes, the threat of developing high amounts of radical oxygen species, a condition known as oxidative stress, is far worse. Proper nutrition, although helpful, may not be enough to reduce the levels of oxidative species present after rigorous physical activity. Various studies have shown that supplementation with antioxidants is effective in decreasing the amount of radical oxygen species in the blood stream after intense exercise. (1)
In a recent study (2), researchers wanted to determine whether supplementation with a plant extract containing high amounts of an antioxidant known as superoxide dismutase or SOD would be beneficial in decreasing levels of radical oxygen species after heavy athletic training. Nineteen male members of a Polish rowing team were randomly assigned to receive 500mg of GliSODin® or maltodextrin (placebo) once daily for 6 weeks as part of an athletic training camp.
During the study, the athletes were not allowed to consume foods outside the camp, which allowed daily food and caloric intake to be constant and well controlled during the study period. Researchers measured levels of antioxidant activity by taking blood samples before exercise, after exercise, and after a 24-hour recovery period. Measurements were taken for overall plasma antioxidant activity (total antioxidant capacity or TAC), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (an antioxidant naturally found in the body), as well as the amount of damage to red blood cells, which is measured through assessing concentration of TBARS (or thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in plasma. C-reactive protein concentration was also measured to assess levels of inflammation.(2)
Results showed that SOD activity was significantly higher before exercise, after exercise, and after the recovery period in the supplemented group than in the placebo group (p<.05). Pre-exercise, post-exercise, and recovery values for SOD activity before supplementation were 1,769±223, 1,860±173, and 1,828±316 U/g Hb. After supplementation, values increased to 1,974±186, 2,175±286, and 2,104±197 U/g Hb respectively. In the supplementation group, glutathione peroxidase activity showed a significant increase after exercise and the recovery period relative to pre-exercise values. Also, C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the supplementation group compared to placebo after supplementation (Placebo: pre-0.61±0.56 mg/L, post-0.68±0.62 mg/L, recovery-0.66±0.57 mg/L, and Supp: pre-0.18±0.08 mg/L, post-0.21±0.10 mg/L, recovery-0.23±0.11 mg/L). Furthermore, TBARS levels were significantly higher relative to pre-exercise values in both groups. In the supplementation group, TBARS concentration was slightly lower than the placebo after exercise and recovery but it was not statistically significant. Other measures of antioxidant activity and cellular damage, however, were not affected by supplementation with GliSODin®.(2)
Although the decrease in TBAR concentration was not significant, the decreases in C-reactive protein of 65 to 72% indicate a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Further research is necessary to determine the effects of SOD during periods of oxidative stress.
Source: Skarpanska-Stejnborn, Anna, et al. “Effects of oral supplementation with plant superoxide dismutase extract on selected redox parameters and an inflammatory marker in a 2,000-m rowing-ergometer test.” International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism 21.2 (2011): 124-134.
© 2011 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Posted July 19, 2011.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
Reference
- Pendergast DR, Meksawan K, Limprasertkul A, Fisher NM. Influence of exercise on nutritional requirements. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Mar;111(3):379-90. Epub 2010 Nov 16.
- Skarpanska-Stejnborn A, et al. Effects of oral supplementation with plant superoxide dismutase extract on selected redox parameters and an inflammatory marker in a 2,000-m rowing-ergometer test. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2011 Apr;21(2):124-34.
