Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC) license

Authors

1 Assisstant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

4 PhD student of Tabriz University

10.22124/jme.2024.27337.361

Abstract

Background& purpose: Strenuous sports activities increase oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the impact of a two-week supplementation of pomegranate seed powder on the biomarkers of oxidative stress and physical performance in female volleyball players following a volleyball tournament. Methods: Twelve female volleyball players voluntarily participated in this experimental study and were randomly assigned to two groups: pomegranate seed powder supplement or placebo. Both groups underwent two weeks of specific volleyball training and consumed either the supplement or placebo capsules twice a day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for two weeks. After one week of washout, the groups were switched to the opposite supplement or placebo for another two weeks. The following biomarkers were measured at three stages: baseline, 24 hours after the last day of the two-week supplementation, and after the tournament. Results: Two weeks of supplementation with pomegranate seed powder supplement resulted in significant improvements in the base values of MDA (p=0.04), TAC (p=0.001), creatinine (p=0.043), and uric acid (p=0.03), and there is a significant difference in the response of MDA, creatinine and urea to an intense volleyball match between placebo and supplementation conditions (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that dry pomegranate seed powder can be effective in preventing oxidative stress and kidney damage in athletes by reducing the oxidative and inflammatory effects caused by intense activity due to being rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements.

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