Polyphenols and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antioxidants #athletic-performance #dietary-supplements #humans #male

Polyphenols and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Somerville et al., 2017 | Sports Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Somerville Vaughan, Bringans Cameron, Braakhuis Andrea. Polyphenols and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2017-Aug;47(8):1589-1599. doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0675-5

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Polyphenols exert physiological effects that may impact athletic performance. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have been noted to hinder training adaptations, yet conversely they stimulate stress-related cell signalling pathways that trigger mitochondrial biogenesis and influence vascular function. OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall effect of polyphenols on human athletic performance. METHODS: A search strategy was completed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and SPORTDiscus in April 2016. The studies were screened and independently reviewed by two researchers against predetermined criteria for eligibility. As a result of this screening, 14 studies were included for meta-analysis. Of these, the studied populations were predominately-trained males with an average intervention dose of 688 ± 478 mg·day-1. RESULTS: The pooled results demonstrate polyphenol supplementation for at least 7 days increases performance by 1.90% (95% CI 0.40-3.39). Sub-analysis of seven studies using quercetin identified a performance increase of 2.82% (95% CI 2.05-3.58). There were no adverse effects reported in the studies in relation to the intervention. CONCLUSION: Overall the pooled results show that polyphenols, and of note quercetin, are viable supplements to improve performance in healthy individuals.

Key Findings

The pooled results demonstrate polyphenol supplementation for at least 7 days increases performance by 1.90% (95% CI 0.40-3.39). Sub-analysis of seven studies using quercetin identified a performance increase of 2.82% (95% CI 2.05-3.58). There were no adverse effects reported in the studies in relation to the intervention.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy individuals
Sample Size 14
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Athletic Performance
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Polyphenols
  • Quercetin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09