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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Apr;17(3):317-325.
doi: 10.1080/17461391.2016.1230892. Epub 2016 Sep 20.

Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

Erica J Roelofs  1   2 , Abbie E Smith-Ryan  1   3 , Eric T Trexler  1   3 , Katie R Hirsch  1 , Meredith G Mock  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of pomegranate extract on blood flow and vessel diameter after high-intensity exercise in young, healthy adults

Erica J Roelofs et al. Eur J Sport Sci. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

The effects of pomegranate extract (PE) supplementation were evaluated on high-intensity exercise performance, blood flow, vessel diameter, oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP). In a randomized, crossover design, nineteen recreationally resistance-trained participants were randomly assigned to PE (1000 mg) or placebo (PL), which were consumed 30 min prior to a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and repetitions to fatigue (RTF) on bench and leg press. The RSA consisted of ten six-second sprints on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer with 30 s recovery. Brachial artery blood flow and vessel diameter were assessed by ultrasound. Blood flow, vessel diameter, SPO2, HR, and BP were assessed at baseline, 30 min post ingestion, immediately post exercise (IPost), and 30 min post exercise (30minPost). With PE, blood flow significantly increased IPost RSA (mean difference = 18.49 mL min-1; P < .05), and IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05) according to confidence intervals (CI). Vessel diameter increased significantly 30minPost RSA according to CI and resulted in a significant interaction IPost and 30minPost RTF (P < .05). With PE, according to CI, average and peak power output increased significantly in sprint 5 of the RSA (P < .05). There was no significant difference between PE and PL for bench (P = .25) or leg press (P = .15) repetitions. Acute PE supplementation enhanced vessel diameter and blood flow, suggesting possible exercise performance enhancement from increased delivery of substrates and oxygen. The acute timing and capsule form of PE may be advantageous to athletic populations due to ergogenic effects, taste, and convenience.

Keywords: Ultrasound; exercise performance; pre-workout; repeated sprints.

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Conflict of interest statement

There were no conflicts of interest for any of the researchers or the company with the pomegranate extract donation.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of the study experimental design. Pomegranate Extract (PE); Placebo (PL); 1 repetition maximum (1RM); Blood pressure (BP); Oxygen saturation (SPO2); Heart rate (HR); Repeated sprint ability (RSA); Repetitions to fatigue (RTF); 30 minutes post ingestion (30minPI); immediately post exercise (IPost); 30 minutes post exercise (30minPost).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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