Effects of Short-Term Low- and High-Dose New Zealand Blackcurrant Supplementation on Exercise and Cognitive Performance in Resistance-Trained Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

backgroundNew Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) is an anthocyanin-rich supplement with reported ergogenic effects in endurance exercise; however, its effects in resistance-trained adults remain largely unexplored.

objectiveThis study aimed to examine whether seven days of low- or high-dose NZBC supplementation improves resistance exercise performance, anaerobic capacity, and cognitive function in resistance-trained adults.

methodsTwenty resistance-trained adults completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with four conditions: no-capsule control (CON), placebo (PL), low-dose blackcurrant (LDBC; 250 mg·day

resultsLDBC and HDBC increased bench press 1RM versus CON and PL, with increases versus CON of +3.33 kg (ES = 0.72;

conclusionsShort-term NZBC supplementation improved selected resistance-exercise and cognitive outcomes, with the strongest evidence observed for outcomes that exceeded both CON and PL. The PL response relative to CON suggests that non-specific capsule, expectancy, repeated testing, or period effects may have contributed to some of the lower-body improvements; therefore, placebo-controlled contrasts should be emphasized when interpreting NZBC-specific efficacy. Wingate performance was unaffected, and both doses were well tolerated over the short-term supplementation period.