“This result is massive for any athlete”: A pro cyclist on MitoQ’s latest research findings
Sep 16, 2021
|On the 21st of August, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition published the findings of a human trial that investigated how MitoQ affected the performance of trained male cyclists. The researchers found that cyclists who took MitoQ for four weeks were 1.3% faster than cyclists who weren’t taking MitoQ. For an everyday person, this might not seem like a significant difference. But to a cycling professional – 1.3% could be the difference between winning a race and claiming second or third place.
WRITTEN BY
MitoQ
PUBLISHED
Sep 16, 2021
UPDATED
Sep 18, 2023
We recently caught up with one of the study’s participants to learn more about what the experience was like. As a father, professional builder and professional cyclist – Robbie Scarlett says he quickly noticed MitoQ’s impact on his daily routine.
MitoQ: What made you want to sign up for this trial?
Robbie Scarlett: It sounded unique and interesting. I have a competitive background and understand how correct nutrition is absolutely critical to our body's performance – so it made good sense to me.
MitoQ: Can you tell us a bit about the trial and what was involved?
RS: The trial involved taking an initial performance baseline measurement, including HR, lactate & VO2. Then we were given either a placebo or MitoQ supplement to take over a number of weeks, without knowing what each capsule was (blind study). At the end of each 4-week block of supplements, there was a time trial test (a bike on an indoor trainer) to compare power output and also a number of other body indexes including V02, lactate, HR & RR.
While we were not told if the supplement was MitoQ or a placebo, it became quickly obvious to me that I was given MitoQ in the first block, as my cycling performance increased and I could feel a difference in my daily routines, working physically as a builder.
This was later confirmed after the completed study and clinical results were available.
MitoQ: 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 and the average power output of cyclists who had taken MitoQ increased by 10 watts. What do these findings mean to you as a cyclist?
RS: This result is massive for any athlete, as results are often determined by very narrow margins. When you consider how much physical training it takes to get an increase of this amount, it is very impressive to see this from a supplement.
MitoQ: Do you continue to take MitoQ? How does it fit into your daily routine?
RS: Yes, absolutely. I work physically hard as a builder during the day and then on my own property after hours. This combined with training on the bike, as time allows, means I am constantly pushing my body to the limit - with little time for rest and recovery.
I feel MitoQ also contributes to my overall health.
For more on this research, read: MitoQ Clinical Trial – MitoQ Improves Cycling Performance
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.
