A polyphenol-rich cranberry supplement improves muscle oxidative capacity in healthy adults

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024 Aug 1;49(8):1047-1054. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0633. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

Abstract

Cranberries are rich in polyphenols, have a high antioxidant capacity, and may protect against exercise-induced free radical production. Mitochondria are known producers of free radical in skeletal muscle, and preventing overproduction of radicals may be a viable approach to improve muscle health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE) on muscle oxidative capacity and oxygenation metrics in healthy active adults. 17 participants (9 males and 8 females) were tested at: (i) baseline, (ii) 2 h following an acute CE dose (0.7 g/kg of body mass), and (iii) after 4 weeks of daily supplement consumption (0.3 g/kg of body mass). At each time point, muscle oxidative capacity was determined using near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the recovery kinetics of muscle oxygen consumption following a 15-20 s contraction of the vastus lateralis. Cranberry supplementation over 28 days significantly improved muscle oxidative capacity (k-constant, 2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.02). This was supported by a greater rate of oxygen depletion during a sustained cuff occlusion (-0.04 ± 0.02 vs. -0.07 ± 0.03; p = 0.02). Resting muscle oxygen consumption was not affected by cranberry consumption. Our results suggest that cranberry supplementation may play a role in improving mitochondrial health, which could lead to better muscle oxidative capacity in healthy active adult populations.

Keywords: NIRS; mitochondria; oxidative capacity; proanthocyanidins; rapid cuff inflation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / drug effects
  • Muscle, Skeletal* / metabolism
  • Oxygen Consumption* / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts* / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Polyphenols* / administration & dosage
  • Polyphenols* / pharmacology
  • Vaccinium macrocarpon* / chemistry
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Polyphenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Antioxidants