Polyphenol-Rich Snack Consumption during Endurance Exercise Training Improves Nitric Oxide Bioavailability but does not Improve Exercise Performance in Male Cyclists: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Antioxidants and nitric oxide (NO) precursors may improve endurance exercise performance by reducing oxidative stress and increasing NO production. Almonds, dried grapes, and cranberries (AGC) are good sources of antioxidants and NO precursors. Objectives: To determine whether AGC consumption improved physiological responses and endurance cycling time-trial performance in response to training. Conclusions: Although not beneficial for 5CTT performance or exercise efficiency, AGC increases fat oxidation during exercise, NO bioavailability, and subjective energy concentrations, which may confer benefits for health and wellbeing.This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12618000360213.