How Supplementation with SOD-Rich Plant Extract, Combined with Gliadin, Can Affect Oxidative Stress Markers and Zonulin Levels in Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the influence of supplementation with a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich plant extract on markers of oxidative stress, zonulin levels and the performance of elite athletes. Participants were 30 international-level rowers, divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The rowers performed a maximal effort incremental test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the study. Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, bilirubin, uric acid, albumin and zonulin) were determined in serum. A lower TOS (p = 0.010) and OSI (p = 0.004), a lower MDA (p = 0.001) and a higher level of SH groups (p = 0.031) were observed in the experimental group after supplementation. Physical performance was evaluated through metabolic efficiency, taking lactate levels and power output on the ergometer into account. After 6 weeks of supplementation, the relative increase in metabolic efficiency at a 4 mmol/L lactate concentration and maximal effort was significantly higher in the experimental group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.015, respectively). These results suggest that supplementation with a SOD-rich extract promotes lower oxidative stress, better antioxidant protection and, consequently, the better work performance of athletes

Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers