MitoQ clinical trial – MitoQ improves cycling performance

The study, carried out by researchers at The University of Auckland, aimed to find out whether MitoQ supplementation could help cyclists complete an 8km cycling time trial within a shorter timeframe. In short, they discovered that it could.

Exercise and ROS levels

We all know that exercise is generally accepted as being beneficial to our overall health. However, exercise can also increase our body’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This increase can damage cellular function and can also lead to muscular fatigue. With this in mind, the researchers behind this trial wanted to see if MitoQ supplementation could reduce the onset of muscular fatigue and, at the same time, improve athletic performance.

“To date, no studies have looked at the effects of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant supplementation on acute exercise performance”, explains the study’s lead author Sophie Broome, from The University of Auckland’s Department of Nutrition. “This study aimed to determine whether MitoQ supplementation could improve cycling performance and attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative stress.”

Who was involved in the study?

22 healthy males between the ages of 35-50 took part in the trial, all of whom had recreational training experience in cycling. Out of the 22 participants, 19 completed every stage of the trial.

How was the trial conducted?

The men were randomly put into two groups. One group received 20mg of MitoQ each, per day, while the other group was given a placebo. After 28 days of taking MitoQ or the placebo, the participants completed their first trial: a warmup of 45 minutes of cycling and then an 8km time trial. The participants were then given a six-week “wash-out period” before switching: those taking MitoQ began taking the placebo instead, and those taking the placebo began taking MitoQ. A second performance trial was then carried out. Blood samples were taken at different stages during the trials to measure the results, and the trials were timed.

What were the results?

The study’s researchers found that those who had taken MitoQ completed the time trial faster than those who had been taking a placebo. Their mean completion time was 1.3% quicker. The study also found that the average power output of cyclists who had taken MitoQ increased by 10 watts.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to improve your speed and power output as a cyclist (or if you’ve been wondering why your performance has improved since taking MitoQ) there’s now even more reason to include MitoQ in your daily routine.

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Disclaimer: This research was funded by Callaghan Innovation in partnership with MitoQ. MitoQ had no role in data analysis, interpretation of findings or manuscript preparation.