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Comparison of Watermelon and Carbohydrate Beverage on Exercise‐Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Immune Dysfunction, and Augmentation Index
Author(s) -
Shanely R. Andrew,
Nieman David C.,
Knab Amy M.,
PerkinsVeazie Penelope,
Henson Dru,
CialdellaKam Lynn,
Sha Wei,
Meaney Mary Pat
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1076.6
Subject(s) - arterial stiffness , medicine , oxidative stress , blood pressure , placebo , endocrinology , crossover study , ingestion , ex vivo , chemistry , biochemistry , pathology , alternative medicine , in vitro
Watermelon (WM) is a rich source of carbohydrate (CHO) and L‐citrulline. WM may support exercise (EX) performance and act as a countermeasure to EX‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Cyclists (n = 20, 48±2 y) participated in a randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study. Subjects completed two 75km time trials after either 2 wk ingestion of 980 mL/d WM or no treatment. Subjects drank either 0.2 gm/kg CHO from WM or 6% CHO drink every 15 min during EX. Augmentation index (AIx) was calculated from radial artery waveforms using applanation tonometry pre‐study and pre‐, post‐, 1h post‐EX. WM ingestion vs no treatment for 2 wk did not alter blood biomarkers but decreased AIx 38% (p= 0.007). EX performance did not differ between WM or 6% CHO (p= 0.194). WM vs 6% CHO resulted in a similar pattern of increase in blood glucose, and greater increases in post‐EX FRAP (13%), ORAC (12%), and total nitrate (29%) (all p< 0.017), but did not alter the pattern of change in the other biomarkers. EX resulted in lower central and peripheral pressures and WM attenuated the 1hr post‐EX decrease in augmentation pressure and AIx (all p< 0.01). In conclusion, 2 wk WM decreased resting AIx, fully supported the energy demands of EX, and increased post‐EX blood anti‐oxidant capacity and total nitrate. Counter to our hypothesis, WM blunted the post‐EX drop in AIx. Funding, National Watermelon Promotion Board