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Research update

New Zealand blackcurrant extract taken prior to exercise assists exercise recovery and supports immunity

09 Jun 2019

A recent publication by scientists at Plant & Food Research has reported that an extract from New Zealand blackcurrants may offer benefits for exercise recovery.

The publication reported two studies – the first looked at the minimum serve required and found that consumption of a single 1.6mg serve per kilogram of bodyweight taken one hour before exercise had positive effects on exercise recovery. The study suggests the benefits are unlikely to be attributable to the antioxidant properties of the extract. 

A separate pilot study explored the effects of the supplement on immune function, which can be compromised following prolonged or intense exercise. The research looked at neutrophils – the body’s first line of defence against infection – and found that consumption of the extract one hour prior to exercise preserved circulating neutrophil function. 

The paper, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, contributes to the growing research around the benefits of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrants on exercise recovery and post-exercise immune function. The team at Plant & Food Research have plans for further publications on the benefits of New Zealand blackcurrants.

Funding for the study was provided by The New Zealand Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) program (C06X0807).

Journal Reference:

Hurst, R, Lyall, K, Roberts, J, Perthaner, A, Wells, R, Cooney, J, Jensen, D, Burr, N, Hurst, S (2019) Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Made From New Zealand Blackcurrants Prior to Exercise May Assist Recovery From Oxidative Stress and Maintains Circulating Neutrophil Function: A Pilot Study, Frontiers in Nutrition DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00073

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