Supplement Science or Hype?
By Robert Portman, PhD
A number of marketed herbal supplements claim to improve endurance. There is often, however, a disconnect between what the manufacturer claims and what the studies, if there are any, show. The challenge for triathletes – how to separate the hype from the science. For example, a popular supplement, Optygen, that combines cordyceps and rhodiola is claimed to improve endurance, decrease lactic acid and increase VO2max. The published studies paint a very different picture. Studies published in two different peer-reviewed journals by different researcher teams found that this combination did not improve any endurance parameters. But, triathletes should not get too discouraged in their quest for the magic endurance bullet.
Chinese researchers recently published a new study in cyclists on the herb, ciwujia. Ciwujia is a well-known Chinese herb that has been used by Tibetan mountain climbers to improve work performance at high altitudes. Previous studies have shown that ciwujia (marketed as Endurox Excel) improves exercise performance. What makes this latest study so credible is the scientists used a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover protocol, which is the gold standard for research They found after eight weeks ciwujia increased VO2max by 12% and endurance performance by 23%. The increased endurance was probably due to an increase in fatty acid breakdown. The investigators concluded that, “ciwujia enhanced endurance capacity, improved cardiovascular function and is an effective nutritional aid for individuals who perform endurance exercise.” Complete study results can be found at:
Endurox Excel Research Studies.
Ciwujia also delivers a bonus benefit since studies have shown that it has a beneficial effect on the immune system. The bottom line – with ciwujia you can extend your endurance and stay healthier.
