Phytonutrient supplement shown to help prevent exercise-related muscle damage 

25 Sep 2018 --- Consuming a supplement rich in carotenoids can help reduce muscle damage associated with exercise, specifically running, a clinical study funded by wellness company Lycored has shown. According to the researchers involved in the study, these initial results open the door for additional studies to explore further the role of carotenoids and tomato phytonutrients in complementing an active lifestyle and allowing people to optimize the benefits of exercise. The results of the study have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific periodical, International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 

The clinical study investigated the effects of a tomato-based supplement that mimics the natural composition of the entire tomato by combining the oil and water-soluble fractions of the tomato. The supplement used in the study was rich in carotenoids such as lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene (T-LPP) as well as other ingredients, and is rounded by the presence of Rosemary extract and folic acid. 

According to the researchers at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab in North Carolina, who conducted the study, the findings highlight how consuming a T-LPP supplement results in a significant increase in the plasma levels of the carotenoids contained within the supplement, and revealed less post-exercise increase in the acute muscle damage biomarker, serum myoglobin, than in the placebo group.

The concept was tested in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study and involved 20 male and female runners (ages 22-45 years) who regularly compete in long-distance road races and were capable of running for two hours on treadmills at around 65-70 percent of their maximum velocity. 

The study was conducted over a 10-week period that included two four-week supplementation periods, a two-week washout period (after which participants crossed over to the opposite treatment, and repeated all procedures), two exercise sessions and 12 blood samples. 

Measurements of participants’ blood samples and delayed-onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) ratings were taken pre- and post-four-weeks of supplementation, immediately following the two-hour run, and then again at one-hour, 24-hours and 48-hours post-run. Post-exercise serum myoglobin was found to be lower in participants who ingested the T-LPP supplement, as compared to the placebo group. Myoglobin is an iron- and oxygen-binding protein found in muscle tissue that is translocated to the blood compartment following acute muscle injury from intensive exercise; thus considered a sensitive marker for muscle injury. 

Results from this study indicated that four-weeks of ingesting the T-LPP supplement containing lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene increased plasma carotenoid levels by 73 percent and diminished rises in the acute muscle damage biomarker, serum myoglobin, during recovery following a two-hour running bout that included downhill running.

“Previous animal and human data suggest that carotenoids and tomato phytonutrients may be useful in attenuating the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by prolonged and intensive exercise, however evidence is limited,” says Dr. Karin Hermoni, Head of Science and Nutrition at Lycored. “With this study, we sought to extend on previous knowledge in several ways, including the utilization of a unique composition that combines among other ingredients, both the oil and the water-soluble fractions of the tomato. In this study, we chose an exercise challenge bout that is known to induce physiological stress in study participants and directly evaluated the protective effect of the supplement on muscle damage biomarker.”

“Lycored’s philosophy is all about promoting overall wellness, and sports nutrition is an increasingly important part of that picture. Health-conscious consumers – from athletes to casual exercisers ― are demonstrating growing understanding of the role of nutrition in complementing physical activity. It’s that mainstreaming process that is causing the sports nutrition category to grow, and yes, we anticipate further growth in coming years,” Zev Ziegler, Head of Marketing (Health) at Lycored tells NutritionInsight.

“We’re constantly discovering more about the many health benefits of carotenoids, and this research demonstrates that they can ease the toll of physical activity takes by aiding muscle recovery. However, their benefits for physically active consumers don’t end there. For example, how we cope with the sun is vital for anyone who is active outdoors and Lycoderm, our proprietary carotenoid blend helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and is water- and sweat-proof,” Zeigler concludes.