Abstract
Abstract
Background: Star fruit (SF) (Averrhoa carambola L.) is seasonal and has special characteristics including a sweet or sour taste. The sweet-type is more available for purchase in many markets in Thailand, when compared to the sour-type. Thus, its antioxidant activity and potentially more modified supplement for elderly health during regular exercise in the community is very challenging.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and physical capacity from supplementation of sweet-type SF among elderly people performing home walking exercise.
Methods: The SF product was prepared industrially by mixing SF juice with honey. Its effects on oxidative stress status and physical capacity were studied in a community of elderly people during their walking exercise at home (n=11, 67.00 ± 4.17 years) and compared to a control (n=12, aged 67.50 ± 5.58 years), supplement (n=11, aged 69.63 ± 7.14 years), and walking execise (n =12, aged 67.91 ± 4.33 years). Twenty grams or two teaspoons of supplement in warm water (150 mL) was the guideline for consumption twice daily for 4 weeks, whereas the walking exercise was prescribed with moderate intensity for 30 minutes, 3 days per week. Before and after the 4-week period, the oxidative stress status; glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Vit C), total antioxidant capcity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and physical capacity; 6-minute walking distase (6MWD) were evaluated.
Results:Results in the four groups showed no statistical difference in any parameters in the baseline period, whereas, a significant difference occurred after the 4-week period. Plasma Vit C and TAC increased and the MDA decreased significantly in the supplement product group, but the GSH and 6MWD were not affected. The GSH and Vit C decreased in the walking exercise group, whereas, its TAC, MDA and 6MWD increased significantly, when compared to baseline. Finally, The GSH and Vit C did not decrease in the combined supplement and walking exercise group, but while their MDA slightly decreased, their TAC and 6MWD increased significantly.
Conclusion: Supplementation of the SF product during walking exercise possibly controls oxidative stress status and enhances physical capacity.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference65 articles.
1. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. World Population Ageing 2019: Highlights (ST/ESA/SER.A/430); 2019.
2. The World Bank, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Report. Live Long and Prosper: Aging in East Asia and Pacific. Washington, DC: World Bank; 2016.
3. Older persons in Thailand: A demographic, social and economic profile;Knodel J;Ageing Int,2009
4. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases;Liguori I;Clin Interv Aging,2018
5. Oxidative Stress, Exercise, and Antioxidant Supplementation;Urso ML;Toxicology,2003