Effect of sulphurous mineral water in haematological and biochemical markers of muscle damage after an endurance exercise in well-trained athletes

Abstract

To investigate the effects of sulphurous mineral water (SMW) after a hydroponic treatment on muscle damage, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood changes induced by submaximal exercise. Thirty well-trained male triathletes were supplemented with SMW or placebo: 3 weeks of placebo, 30 days of wash out and 3 weeks of SMW. After both periods, participants ran for 2 h at 70% maximal aerobic speed. Antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity and blood cell markers were compared between placebo and SMW at pre-exercise (T₀), immediately post-exercise (T₁), 24 h post-exercise (T₂) and 48 h post-exercise (T₃). Total thiols decreased until T₃ vs. T₀ for both placebo and SMW; transient red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit increased were shown at T₁ vs. T₀ and for leucocytes until T₂ vs. T₀, only for placebo group. Total thiols increased significantly in SMW vs. placebo at T₀; Thiobarbituric acid reactive species was significantly higher at T₀, T₁, T₂ and T₃; catalase increased significantly at T₁; creatine phosphokinase decreased significantly at T₁, T₂ and T₃, although no significant differences were found at T₀. Furthermore, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly higher and leucocytes were significantly lower at T₀ and T₁ in SMW group vs. placebo group. This study suggests that three weeks of SMW supplementation may protect from exercise-induced muscle damage.

Keywords:

• hydroponic treatment
• muscle damage
• lipid peroxidation
• ergogenic aid

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the participating athletes for their cooperation.

Author disclosure statement

All the authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.