Nutrient in Oats May Help Reduce Inflammation During Exercise

Avenanthramides are a group of phenolic alkaloids found mainly in oats. Previous studies have suggested that avenanthramides have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-itch, anti-irritant, and antiatherogenic properties. Now a new study has found that avenanthramides may help reduce inflammation during rigorous exercise.

Participants in the study included 24 healthy people with an average age of 23. They performed a downhill running test at the beginning of the study with an intensity equivalent to 75% of their maximal heart rate. After an 8-week washout period, they received 412 mg of avenanthramides or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. They repeated the downhill running test at the end of the supplementation period. Blood samples were taken at the end of each running test, and 4 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after each test.

Participants in the supplement group saw a significant decrease in circulatory inflammatory cytokines as well as increases in plasma levels of the anti-inflammatory agent interleukin-1. The supplement group also reported less muscle pain 48 and 72 hours after the second running test.

The study was conducted by researchers from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Texas at San Antonio. It was published online ahead of print on July 25, 2020 in theJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.