Effect of tomato juice consumption on the inflammatory biomarkers of male athletes following exhaustive exercise

Intensive exercise increases inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive Protein (CRP) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). Dietary antioxidants can alter this inflammatory/oxidative state.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tomato juice (and not supplement) consumption as a rich source of lycopene (a potent antioxidant) on inflammatory biomarkers of male athletes following exhaustive exercise.

Thirty male university students were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group consumed 200 mL tomato juice daily (containing 50 mg of lycopene) for one week, and then performed exercise on treadmill at a speed of 18 km/hour till exhaustion. The control group consumed the same amount of water and performed the same exercise regimen. Blood samples were collected pre- and immediately post-exercise for analysis of IL-6, CRP and oxidant/antioxidant ratio. IL-6 and CRP were measured using ELISA. Oxidant /antioxidant ratio was measured by colorimetric assay. Statistical analysis was undertaken using SPSS-13.

In the group who consumed tomato juice, CRP levels were significantly reduced post exercise compared to pre-exercise. The levels of IL-6 and oxidant/antioxidant ratio did not change after exercise in either the tomato juice or control groups.

Our data showed for the first time that consumption of tomato juice, which is a main source of the antioxidant lycopene, can lead to a decrease in systemic inflammation post-exercise. This may provide a useful approach for protecting against inflammation-induced muscle damage and improving exercise performance in athletes.