Short Term, Oral Supplementation with Optimized Curcumin Does Not Impair Performance Improvements Associated with High Intensity Interval Training

Abstract

Curcumin may improve athletic performance through a reduction in inflammation following exercise and improve mental states of well-being. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of a 14 day HIIT intervention and oral supplementation with Longvida^® optimized curcumin on athletic performance, lactate response, and well-being. Sixteen males and twenty females participated in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore the effects of Longvida(R) optimized curcumin (1.0 g/day) and or a placebo (PLA) taken daily during a 14 day HIIT protocol. Participants were randomized into two groups, then evaluated in three groups, curcumin-fast (CURF), curcumin-slow (CURS) and placebo. Curcumin-fast and curcumin-slow were separated by their 16.1 km cycling time trial performance (TT) with CURF and CURS determined by a TT <30 min and >30 min at the pre intervention time point, respectively. Cycling time-trial performance, blood lactate response, and well-being assessments were determined at pre and post 14 day HIIT intervention time points. Blood lactate was recorded at baseline, 8.01 km, 15.1 km, and 1 min post, and 4 min post of the pre and post intervention TT. Following the internvetion, CONP and CURS experienced with 8.15% and 5.04% improvements in TT performance times, while CURF experienced a 0.57% improvement in TT performance time. No changes were observed with respect to other measures. When curcumin is taken daily in conjunction with 14 days of HIIT on a cycle ergometer, cycling performance in either well trained or more recreationally trained athletes is not impaired. Although the improvements in TT performance were not stasticially significant, they are noteworthy.

Keywords:

• antioxidant
• cytokine
• supplement

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the University of Northern Colorado for their support during this investigation, as well as the participants who volunteererd to participate in this study. The authors would also like to thank Verdure Sciences for their support for this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Verdure Sciences (Noblesville, IN, USA) which supplied the supplement in addition to funding needed for subject recruitment, sample collection and analysis.

Notes on contributors

Jacob N. Kisiolek

Jacob N. Kisiolek, MS, received a MS in exercise physiology and sports nutrition at Florida State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Northern Colorado. His research intrests include immune and performance responses to dietary and exercise interventions.

Nikeeta Kheredia

Nikeeta Kheredia, MS, completed her MS in Pharmaceutical Science at Butler University and is currently a Research and Development Associate at Verdure Sciences.

Victoria Flores

Victoria Flores, MS, completed her MS at the Calfiornia State University Long Beach. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the Univerisy of Northern Colorado. Her interests include exploring the affects of supplements on neural health and inflammation.

Arjun Ramani

Arjun Ramani, MS, completed his MS at the University of Northern Colorado and is currently a second year doctoral student. His interests include exploring the effects of nutrition interventions on immune function in cancer survivors.

Jonathon Lisano

Jonathon Lisano, PhD, completed his PhD at the University of Northern Colorado in 2019 which focused on cannabis use and immune function. He is currently the Director of Research and Education at Six Degrees Wellness.

Nora Johnston

Nora Johnston, MS, completed her MS at the University of Northern Colorado is 2019 and is currently a Research Assistant at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Laura K. Stewart

Laura K. Stewart, PhD, is a Professor in the School of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Northern Colorado. She has a background in sport nutrition and exercise immunology.