New Zealand Blackcurrant and Recovery in Elite Taekwondo

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of short-term supplementation with anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on exercise-induced muscle damage, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, inflammatory responses, and perceived muscle soreness in elite male taekwondo athletes. Thirty national-level male taekwondo athletes were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either NZBC extract (CurraNZ®, UK; 600 mg/day providing approximately 210 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo for 7 days. Blood samples and muscle soreness ratings were collected at baseline, immediately after exercise, 24 hours after exercise, and after 7 days. The primary outcome was plasma creatine kinase (CK). Secondary outcomes included reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TOAC), protein carbonyls, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10), and perceived muscle soreness assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The study was approved by the Biruni University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (No. 2015-KAEK-80-23-33; December 22, 2023). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.