The Berry Boost: Cranberries May Propel Runners to Greater Speeds and Endurance

Researchers from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, have made a remarkable discovery that could be beneficial to runners everywhere. Their study, which investigated the effects of cranberry extract supplementation on athletic performance, suggests that this natural health product could improve certain physiological markers that are critical for runners' performance.

The study, led by Francis Parenteau and his team, was published in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition. The full paper, titled "Cranberry supplementation improves physiological markers of performance in trained runners," is available in open access through the DOI link https://doi.org/10.20463/pan.2023.0032.

The team of researchers aimed to examine the effects of a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE) on runners' performance during 1500-m (aerobic) and 400-m (anaerobic) time trials. Fourteen trained runners were tested after an acute CE dose and following four weeks of daily supplement consumption. Researchers then measured changes in muscle oxygenation and blood lactate levels.

Key findings from the study included:

1. Cranberry supplementation over 28 days improved aerobic performance during the 1500-m time trial, suggesting cranberry's ergogenic effects that may enhance endurance.
2. Muscle reoxygenation rates were significantly faster after the 28-day period of CE consumption compared to baseline.
3. For the 400-m sprint, CE also buffered the post-exercise lactate response, although the acute dose had no effect.
4. There was no significant improvement noted after an acute dose of CE, suggesting that the benefits of cranberry extract are more chronic than immediate.

While the acute cranberry extract dose did not show any improvement in performance, the 28-day supplementation presented tangible benefits that may help delay the onset of muscle fatigue during both aerobic and anaerobic activities. This could be attributed to the high concentration of polyphenols, specifically proanthocyanidins, found in cranberries.

The study highlights the potential of natural supplements like cranberry extract in boosting athletic performance without resorting to synthetic ergogenic aids. For runners looking for a competitive edge, this research suggests that a long-term supplementation strategy could be effective.

The research team extends their gratitude to all the study participants and the individuals who supported the data collection. The study's success was also attributed to Fruit d'Or Inc., which supplied the cranberry extract for the research.

For the full article, readers can access the study via the provided open access link. For more insights into the practical applications of this study, athletes and physiologists can refer to the complete document for a detailed understanding of the methodology and results.

The article built with the help of Buoy Health, this summary aims to convey the exciting possibilities that cranberry supplementation holds for athletic performance, particularly for trained runners seeking improvements in speed, endurance, and recovery.