The effects of cocoa flavanols on indices of muscle recovery and exercise performance: a narrative review

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Adam Field¹  Liam D. Harper¹  Robert J. Naughton¹  Deborah Pufal¹  Liam D. Corr¹  Tom Clifford² 

[1] School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK;School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK;

关键词: Dark chocolate;    Muscle damage;    Fatigue;    Muscle function;    Oxidative stress;    Inflammation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13102-021-00319-8

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, muscle soreness, and reductions in muscle function. Cocoa flavanols (CF) are (poly)phenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus may attenuate symptoms of EIMD. The purpose of this narrative review was to collate and evaluate the current literature investigating the effect of CF supplementation on markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as changes in muscle function, perceived soreness, and exercise performance. Acute and sub-chronic intake of CF reduces oxidative stress resulting from exercise. Evidence for the effect of CF on exercise-induced inflammation is lacking and the impact on muscle function, perceived soreness and exercise performance is inconsistent across studies. Supplementation of CF may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, with potential for delaying fatigue, but more evidence is required for any definitive conclusions on the impact of CF on markers of EIMD.Graphic abstract

【 授权许可】

CC BY