Rhodiola Rosea supplements for rowers

On my website, I wrote a review on a supplement called Optygen (http://cmierphotoandfitness.net/optygen.html), believed to improve endurance and recovery partially through the effects of antioxidants. It contains a blend of several ingredients including Rhodiola rosea extract, considered to be an antioxidant. At the time I wrote that, the only study I found that indicated a positive effect from any of the ingredients in Optygen showed that one dose of Rhodolia rosea increased aerobic capacity, but when taken over a 4-week period, had no further benefits. And a concurrent review article concluded that Rhodolia rosea’s effects are more promising as an antioxidant but not as a performance-enhancer.

Moving forward, a new study by a group of Polish investigators published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism demonstrated improved antioxidant levels in the blood among competitive rowers following 4 weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation. The investigators randomly assigned 22 members of the Polish Rowing Team to either a placebo or 300 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract twice daily for 4 weeks. Before and after the supplementation period, the athletes performed a 2000-meter maximum test on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken before, and 1 min and 24 hr after the exhaustive exercise. Samples were tested for total antioxidative capacity and markers for oxidative damage. And unlike so many studies in the area of supplementation and exercise, this study was a double-blind, random design. Thus, the results are solid.

The investigators reported the following: Rhodiola rosea did

• not result in improved performance
• increase total antioxidative capacity
• not reduce oxidative damage from intense exercise

It appears that taking Rhodiola rosea supplements with the intention of improving performance and reduce oxidative stress is unwarranted. There may be other antioxidants, such as quercetin that offer better results. For a review on antioxidant supplements, read my website article: http://cmierphotoandfitness.net/antioxidants.html.

Reference: Skarpanska-Stejnborn et al. The influence of supplementation with Rhodiola rosea L. extract on selected redox parameters in professional rower. Int. J Sport Nutr. Exerc. Metab. 19, 2009