From Nature to Victory: Antioxidants Enhancing Sports Performance
Pursuing peak athletic performance and rapid recovery is a constant challenge in sports science. Associate Prof. Dr. Sareena Hanim Hamzah, a distinguished academic and researcher at the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, spearheads groundbreaking research on the role of natural antioxidants in improving sports performance.
Dr. Sareena's academic journey reflects a profound dedication to her field. After earning her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry, she pursued her Master of Medical Science in Human Nutrition at the University of Glasgow, followed by a Ph.D. in Sports Nutrition from the same prestigious institution. Her expertise lies in the intricate interplay between energy metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, and sports performance, which positions her as a leading authority in this domain.
The research explores how natural antioxidants derived from fruits, vegetables, and other dietary sources can enhance athletic performance by mitigating oxidative stress and promoting muscle recovery. The study is deeply rooted in understanding reactive oxygen species (ROS)—free radicals produced during intense and prolonged exercise that, in excess, can cause muscle damage, impair recovery and reduce sports performance. However, when endogenous antioxidants fail to neutralise excessive ROS, external sources, such as dietary antioxidants, become essential.
"While ROS are often seen as harmful, they play a dual role in sports," explains Dr. Sareena. "A balanced level of ROS is crucial for muscle adaptation and improved performance."
The research highlights the importance of maintaining redox balance, a state in which ROS production is effectively countered by antioxidants, thereby protecting cellular components, such as proteins and lipids, from damage. One of the study's standout innovations is the Watermelon-Based Energy Drink (WED), a natural pre-exercise supplement. Combining watermelon juice, honey, and lime, WED delivers a potent dose of carbohydrates and antioxidants.
"Watermelon offers hydrating and antioxidant properties, while honey provides an additional carbohydrate boost necessary for endurance activities," says Dr. Sareena.
The study evaluated WED's efficacy in participants over post-exercise, measuring biomarkers such as oxidative stress levels, muscle inflammation, muscle damage, and physiological performance, including heart rate recovery and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The results were striking—participants experienced reduced oxidative stress, enhanced recovery, and improved endurance, proving WED's effectiveness as a natural alternative to synthetic energy drinks.
Dr. Sareena’s research also explores other natural antioxidant sources, including honey and soybeans. These dietary elements are recognised for their rich antioxidant profiles, which help to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.
"Natural antioxidants offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic supplements," Dr. Sareena notes. "They minimise the risks of side effects and doping concerns, making them ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts."
Her study on honey highlighted its role in maintaining bone density among female athletes, addressing challenges like energy deficiency and high training intensity, which often lead to bone loss.
The research employed a multi-phase methodology to evaluate the biochemical and physiological effects of natural antioxidants:
Dose-Response Studies: Determining the optimal doses for supplementation to maximise antioxidant activity.
Biomarker Analysis: Measuring biomarkers for oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, ROS), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle inflammation (IL-6).
Long-Term Trials: Assessing the effects of antioxidants on performance and recovery over weeks of supplementation.
The findings revealed a significant reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, highlighting the efficacy of natural antioxidants in improving both acute and long-term performance.
Dr. Sareena acknowledges the challenges faced during the research, such as recruiting and retaining participants for long-term studies, ensuring compliance with supplementation protocols, and managing technical difficulties during blood sample analysis. Despite these hurdles, the study provides robust evidence supporting the integration of natural antioxidants into sports nutrition.
Building on these promising results, Dr. Sareena aims to expand her research into unexplored natural products, such as dates and turmeric, to develop innovative dietary strategies and commercial products. She also plans to investigate the implications of natural antioxidants for non-athletic populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.
Dr. Sareena emphasises the critical role of natural antioxidants in achieving peak performance and recovery. "Incorporating natural antioxidants into your diet not only enhances performance but also supports overall health and well-being," she advises. "Athletes and fitness enthusiasts should prioritise fresh, natural sources of antioxidants over processed alternatives."
Dr. Sareena Hanim Hamzah’s pioneering research on natural antioxidants represents a significant stride in sports science and sustainable nutrition. By bridging the gap between biochemistry and practical application, her work provides a healthier and more effective path to optimising athletic performance and recovery. As her research evolves, it promises to set new benchmarks in both sports nutrition and broader health sciences.
Antioxidant-rich food and drink were provided before exercise testing on a treadmill or ergometer, and blood was withdrawn before, during, and after testing for analysis of antioxidant, oxidative stress, muscle inflammation, and damage biomarkers.
Researcher featured:
Associate Prof. Dr. Sareena Hanim Hamzah
Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya
Email: sareena@um.edu.my
Tel: 03-79673321
Author:
Ms Puungkodi Paramasivam
Puungkodi Paramasivam is a fast-track PhD candidate at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, who finds solace and purpose in writing amidst the challenges of academic research. This is one of her many contributions to the UM Research Bulletin, a platform she values for showcasing groundbreaking work while allowing her to channel her creativity. Writing, she says, serves as a positive distraction from the demands of her PhD journey, enabling her to engage meaningfully with diverse fields of study. Proud to be an author under the UM Research Bulletin, Puungkodi continues to highlight innovative research and inspire others.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Nurhazrin Zanzabir, Assistant Aministrative Officer, UM
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