Anti-inflammatory effects of a special carbohydrate–whey protein cake after exhaustive cycling in humans

Intense exercise induces increased levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a special cake (consisting of carbohydrate to whey protein 3.5:1) vs. an isocaloric carbohydrate cake on inflammatory markers after exhaustive cycling in humans. Nine subjects received either the experimental or placebo cake in a counterbalanced fashion using a crossover, double-blind, repeated-measures design. They performed one trial involving a 2 h exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60–65% VO2max followed by a 4 h recovery and then a second trial involving an 1 h exercise at 60–65% VO2max which was increased at 95% VO2max. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, 30 min and 4 h post-exercise, post-time Trial and 48 h post-time Trial. Cakes were consumed immediately post-exercise and every 1 h for the next 3 h. The results showed that consumption of the experimental cake reduced significantly (p < 0.05), 4 h post-exercise, the pro-inflammatory protein levels IL-6 and CRP compared to the control group by 50% and 46% respectively. Moreover, in the experimental cake group, the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was higher by 118%, 4 h post-exercise, compared to the control group but not statistically significant.

► Intense exercise induces an inflammatory response.
► Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10), and CRP levels increased in response to intense cycling.
► The experimental cake reduced levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, IL-6 and CRP, after exhaustive cycling in humans.
► The experimental cake kept anti-inflammatory IL-10 at higher levels after exercise compared to placebo.
► The experimental cake administration exhibited anti-inflammatory activity after exhaustive cycling in humans.