The Effect of Short-term Supplementation of OliPhenolia® on Fat Oxidation

About This Study

There is current research interest in the use of fruit and plant-based food products containing high levels of natural antioxidants and their impact on exercise, which may be particularly beneficial for recreationally or low-active populations. One such product is an olive extract drink (called OliPhenolia®) produced by Fattoria La Vialla (an organic farm based in Northern Italy) and commercially available for the general public. Whilst previous research from the investigators (at Anglia Ruskin University) using this product has demonstrated potential antioxidant benefits and reduced oxygen cost during aerobic exercise, there are to date no studies investigating whether the short-term consumption of OliPhenolia® can benefit fat oxidation during exercise or whether such effects can be further enhanced employing a pre workout caffeinated beverage. Therefore the aim of this study is two-fold: i) to assess the impact of short-term supplementation (8 days) of OliPhenolia® relative to body mass on fat oxidation during aerobic cycling exercise in comparison to placebo in healthy recreationally active volunteers; and ii) whether potential benefits of OliPhenolia® on fat oxidation are enhanced with a pre-workout caffeinated beverage in comparison to placebo in healthy recreationally active volunteers.

What's Involved

Conditions Studied

Study Locations

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women, UK based, above 21 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) \>18 and \<30 kg·m2 determined during baseline testing

  * Considered to be recreationally active i.e. approximately 150mins of general physical activity/ exercise per week (meeting the WHO physical activity guidelines); and a VO2peak (fitness) score \>20 and \<50 mL·kg-1·min-1 determined during baseline testing.
  * No known history (including family history) of heart abnormalities, hypertension, coronary heart disease or diabetes (determined from pre-study health screen questionnaire).
  * Not currently suffering from any musculoskeletal injury, or any other reason that may prevent participation in cardiovascular exercise.
  * Have not suffered from recent viral infections ie: influenza (defined within the prior 2 months).
  * Not taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication which may influence exercise training (with the exception of inhalers for exercise induced asthma or contraceptive pill).
  * Not consuming or prepared to refrain from consumption, any commercial supplementation which conflicts with the study parameters ie: antioxidants.
  * No known allergy or intolerance to olives or prune/grape juice, or any known side effects from caffeine ingestion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* If any of the above criteria is not met.