Bananas as an Energy Source During Exercise: a Metabolomics Approach

Comparison of Bananas and Gatorade on Performance and Exercise-induced Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Changes in Immune Function in Endurance Athletes

This study compared the acute effect of ingesting bananas (BAN) versus a 6% carbohydrate drink (CHO) on 75-km cycling performance and post-exercise inflammation, oxidative stress, and innate immune function using traditional and metabolomics-based profiling.

Trained cyclists (N=14) completed two 75-km cycling time trials (randomized, crossover) while ingesting BAN or CHO (0.2 g/kg carbohydrate every 15 min). Pre-, post-, and 1-h-post-exercise blood samples were analyzed for glucose, granulocyte (GR) and monocyte (MO) phagocytosis (PHAG) and oxidative burst activity, nine cytokines, F2-isoprostanes, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and metabolic profiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• Ages 18-45 years
• Cyclists, road racing experience.
• Willing to avoid the use of supplements, herbs, medications during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Over the age of 45 years
• No cycling racing experience
• Using supplements and medications during the study