The Effects of an Acute Dose of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on 5-km Running Performance

This study investigated the effects of an acute dose (900 mg) of New Zealand Blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on 5-km running performance, alongside associated physiological and metabolic responses. Sixteen trained male runners (age 26 ± 5 years, stature 173.4 ± 7.3 cm, body mass 73.7 ± 6.9 kg, maximal oxygen consumption [V˙O2max] 55.4 ± 6.1 ml·kg-1·min-1) ingested either capsules containing NZBC extract (3 × 300 mg CurraNZ, 315 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo (3 × 300 mg gluten-free flour) 2 hr before exercise in a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. Performance time, physiological, and metabolic responses were assessed in a 5-km time trial, preceded by 10-min exercise at the lactate threshold on a treadmill. NZBC extract did not alter the physiological or metabolic responses to exercise at the lactate threshold (oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, minute ventilation, carbohydrate oxidation, fat oxidation, heart rate, blood lactate, or rating of perceived exertion, p > .05). The 5-km time trial was completed in a faster time in the NZBC extract condition compared with placebo (NZBC: 1,308.96 ± 122.36 s, placebo: 1,346.33 ± 124.44, p = .001, d = -0.23, confidence interval range = [-0.46, 0.00 s]). No differences in physiological or metabolic responses were apparent between conditions for the 5-km time trial (p > .05). Ingesting 900 mg of NZBC extract as an acute dose improves performance in trained male runners without altering physiological or metabolic responses to exercise. Further research is needed to assess a wider range of possible mechanisms (e.g., cardiovascular function, metabolite profiles) to advance insight into improved performance following supplementation.