The effect of New Zealand blackcurrant on sport performance and related biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Figures & data

Fig. 1 PRISMA chart outlining identification of included studies

Fig. 2 Forest plot of performance effects of NZ BC compared to placebo. Results are expressed as standardized mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CI)

Fig. 3 Scatter plot of the studies that investigated oxidative stress markers before and after exercise, expressed as a post-:pre-exercise ratio. The horizontal dotted line represents no change compared with baseline. The solid horizontal line represents the geometric mean. MDA, malondialdehyde; PC, protein carbonyl

Table 1 Details of blackcurrant studies included in the performance meta-analysis

Table 2 Details of blackcurrant studies included which report oxidative, inflammatory, and cognitive outcomes

BraakhuisAJHopkinsWGLoweTEEffects of dietary antioxidants on training and performance in female runnersEur J Sport Sci201414 2 160 168 23600891 https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2013.785597

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CookMDMyersSDBlackerSD et al New Zealand blackcurrant extract improves cycling performance and fat oxidation in cyclistsEur J Appl Physiol2015115 11 2357 2365 26175097 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3215-8

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GodwinCCookMDWillemsMETEffect of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on performance during the running based anaerobic Sprint test in trained youth and recreationally active male football playersSports.20175 3 69 5968969 https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5030069

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MurphyCCookMWillemsMEffect of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on repeated cycling time trial performanceSports.20175 2 25 5968979 https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5020025

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PerkinsICVineSABlackerSD et al New Zealand blackcurrant extract improves high-intensity intermittent runningInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab201525 5 487 493 25812064 https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0020

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PerkinsICBlackerSDWillemsMEDIntra-individual responses to New Zealand blackcurrant extract during high-intensity, intermittent running: a repeat response study. Conference posterInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab201929 Suppl1 S1 S16 https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0057 https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0057

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Potter JA, Hodgson CI, Broadhurst M, Howell L, Gilbert J, Willems ME, Perkins IC. Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on sport climbing performance. In: European College of Sports Science, 4-7 July 2018, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

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WillemsMETMyersSDGaultML et al Beneficial physiological effects with blackcurrant intake in endurance athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab201525 4 367 374 25811286 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC1cXmsFCqtrY%3D https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0233

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WillemsMCousinsLWilliamsD et al Beneficial effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on maximal sprint speed during the Loughborough intermittent shuttle testSports.20164 3 42 5968887 https://doi.org/10.3390/sports4030042

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Hurst RD, Lyall KA, Roberts JM, et al. 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. Front Nutr. 2019;6(73). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00073.

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HurstRDLyallKAWellsRW et al Daily consumption of Rakoha™ anthocyanin-rich extract made from New Zealand blackcurrants for 5 weeks supports exercise recovery through the management of oxidative stress and inflammation2019 Unpublished Data

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LomiwesDHaBNgametuaN et al Timed consumption of a New Zealand blackcurrant juice support positive affective responses during a self-motivated moderate walking exercise in healthy sedentary adultsJ Int Soc Sports Nutr201916 1 1 4 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0300-0

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LyallKAHurstSMCooneyJ et al Short-term blackcurrant extract consumption modulates exercise-induced oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responsesAm J Phys Regul Integr Comp Phys200929 1 70 81 https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.90740.2008

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McGhieTKWaltonMCBarnettLE et al Boysenberry and blackcurrant drinks increased the plasma antioxidant capacity in an elderly population but had little effect on other markers of oxidative stressJ Sci Food Agric200787 13 2519 2527 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhtFygtbvF https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.3019 https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.3019

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WatsonAWHaskell-RamsayCFKennedyDO et al Acute supplementation with blackcurrant extracts modulates cognitive functioning and inhibits monoamine oxidase-B in healthy young adultsJ Funct Foods201517 524 539 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXhtVekt7bN https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.005 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.005

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Watson AW, Scheepens A, Kennedy DO, et al. The pharmacodynamic profile of “Blackadder” blackcurrant juice effects upon the monoamine axis in humans: a randomised controlled trial. Nutr Neurosci. 2018:1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2018.1525950.

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Availability of data and materials

Data used in this review have been sourced from available data and can be shared by contacting the primary author. The search strategy is available as supplementary information.