Author(s): CULLINANE, G., GREEN-GOMEZ, M., PRADO-CABRERO, A., COLLINS, K., NOLAN, J. , Institution: SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY , Country: IRELAND, Abstract-ID: 2321

INTRODUCTION:
During periods of sustained intensive exercise training and competition, protein, lipid, and nucleic molecules in exercising athletes can be damaged by an overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). RONS produced during exercise are known to be fundamental stressors which can promote improvements in overall health and athletic performance, however, in instances of sustained vigorous exercise an excessive overproduction of RONS can overwhelm the bodies antioxidant defence system, leading to a state of oxidative stress. Dietary carotenoids delay and prevent oxidative damage caused to body cells and organelles by quenching and preventing the formation of RONS. Current data on supplemented astaxanthin (AX) in relation to exercise performance and muscle recovery in human athlete populations is inconclusive. The aim of this project is to examine the effects of AX on exercise performance and muscle recovery in Irish hurling athletes.
METHODS:
The development of a standardised methodology for measuring and reporting AX in carotenoid formulations and human samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is currently in progress. Furthermore, a systematic review of literature examining the influence of AX supplementation on health, exercise performance, and muscle recovery is presently ongoing. The body of work collated during these initial two steps will be used to provide evidence and guidance for the development of an AX randomised interventional placebo-controlled trial in Irish hurling athletes.
RESULTS:
The establishment of an analytical methodology for quantifying AX in carotenoid formulations and human samples using HPLC has been established. A significant body of evidence supporting the hypothesis relating to the role of AX supplementation on markers of health, exercise performance, and muscle recovery in human populations has been collected. A randomised placebo-controlled intervention trial among Irish hurling players evaluating the role of AX supplementation in exercise performance and recovery will be completed.
CONCLUSION:
It is perceived that this study will provide a novel and significant impact within the Gaelic sports community via the development of an evidence-based carotenoid complex which may improve exercise performance and muscle recovery. Due to the currently existing heterogeneous data surrounding AX supplementation in human populations, further research to support the development of a safe and reliable AX dietary intervention is warranted.