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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Influence of a montmorency cherry juice blend on indices of exercise-induced stress and upper respiratory tract symptoms following marathon running—a pilot investigation

Authors: Lygeri Dimitriou, Jessica A Hill, Ahmed Jehnali, Joe Dunbar, James Brouner, Malachy P. McHugh, Glyn Howatson

Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, has been associated with an increase in respiratory mucosal inflammation. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of Montmorency cherry juice on markers of stress, immunity and inflammation following a Marathon.

Methods

Twenty recreational Marathon runners consumed either cherry juice (CJ) or placebo (PL) before and after a Marathon race. Markers of mucosal immunity secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), salivary cortisol, inflammation (CRP) and self-reported incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) were measured before and following the race.

Results

All variables except secretory IgA and IgG concentrations in saliva showed a significant time effect (P <0.01). Serum CRP showed a significant interaction and treatment effect (P < 0.01). The CRP increase at 24 and 48 h post-Marathon was lower (P < 0.01) in the CJ group compared to PL group. Mucosal immunity and salivary cortisol showed no interaction effect or treatment effect. The incidence and severity of URTS was significantly greater than baseline at 24 h and 48 h following the race in the PL group and was also greater than the CJ group (P < 0.05). No URTS were reported in the CJ group whereas 50 % of runners in the PL group reported URTS at 24 h and 48 h post-Marathon.

Conclusions

This is the first study that provides encouraging evidence of the potential role of Montmorency cherries in reducing the development of URTS post-Marathon possibly caused by exercise-induced hyperventilation trauma, and/or other infectious and non-infectious factors.

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Title: Influence of a montmorency cherry juice blend on indices of exercise-induced stress and upper respiratory tract symptoms following marathon running—a pilot investigation
Authors: Lygeri Dimitriou
Jessica A Hill
Ahmed Jehnali
Joe Dunbar
James Brouner
Malachy P. McHugh
Glyn Howatson
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1550-2783
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0085-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Influence of a montmorency cherry juice blend on indices of exercise-induced stress and upper respiratory tract symptoms following marathon running—a pilot investigation

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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