Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of pomegranate juice (POM) supplementation on the levels of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and markers of iron metabolism in well-trained rowers.

Method

The double-blind placebo-controlled study included 19 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The athletes were randomised into the supplemented group (n?=?10), receiving 50 ml of standardised POM daily for two months, or the placebo group (n?=?9). The subjects performed a 2000 m test on the rowing ergometer at the start of the project (baseline) and end of follow-up period. Blood samples from the antecubital vein were obtained three times during each trial: prior to the exercise, one minute after the test, and following a 24 h recovery.

Results

The study documented the beneficial effect of supplementation with pomegranate fruit juice on TAC (P?<?0.002). During the resting period, TAC level in the supplemented group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (x?±?SD, 2.49?±?0.39 vs. 1.88?±?0.45, P?<?0.05). The ergometric test conducted at baseline demonstrated a significant post-exercise increase in the concentrations of soluble transferrin receptors (P?<?0.04), iron (P?<?0.002) and IL-6 (P?<?0.02), and to a significant post-exercise decrease in TAC. A significant increase in IL-6 concentration was also observed 24 h post-exercise. The exercise test conducted at the end of the follow-up period resulted in a significant decrease in TBIC and a significant increase in UIBC (P?<?0.001), observed in both groups, both immediately post-exercise and after the resting period.

Conclusion

Supplementation with POM contributed to a significant strengthening of plasma antioxidant potential in the group of well-trained rowers, but had no effect on iron metabolism markers.