The effect of dietary (poly)phenols on exercise-induced physiological adaptations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adaptation-physiological #adult #humans #isoflavones #phenol

The effect of dietary (poly)phenols on exercise-induced physiological adaptations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention trials

Martinez-Negrin et al., 2022 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Martinez-Negrin Guille, Acton Jarred P, ... Clifford Tom. The effect of dietary (poly)phenols on exercise-induced physiological adaptations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(11):2872-2887. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1860898

Abstract

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether (poly)phenol supplementation augments the physiological adaptations to exercise training. Eligible studies administered a (poly)phenol supplement alongside ≥2 weeks of supervised exercise in adult humans. After screening, 22 studies were included in the analysis. Isoflavones and green tea (poly)phenols were administered most frequently. Quality assessments suggested most studies were free from bias. (Poly)phenols had no effect on training-induced adaptations in muscle strength, peak power output, and V̇O2max, but enhanced exercise capacity (SMD: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.09, p < 0.01). (Poly)phenols had no overall effect on fat loss (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.29; p = 0.97) or lean mass gains (SMD: 0.06, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.30, p = 0.62) but sub-analysis suggested that isoflavones increased lean mass (SMD: 0.25, 95 CI%: -0.00 to 0.50, p = 0.05). Resveratrol impaired adaptations in two studies, although this was a non-statistically significant finding (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -1.15 to 0.07, p = 0.08). Our results suggest that isoflavones may augment aspects of the adaptive response to exercise training, while resveratrol may compromise training adaptations. More high-quality research is needed to resolve the effects of (poly)phenols on exercise training adaptations.

Key Findings

More high-quality research is needed to resolve the effects of (poly)phenols on exercise training adaptations.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adult humans
Sample Size 22
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones
  • Phenol
  • Phenols
  • Resveratrol

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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