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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities, which together lead to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as reduced quality of life. Dietary nitrate, betalains and anthocyanins may improve risk factors for MetS and reduce the risk of development of CHD and T2DM. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrate, and anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in blackcurrants. This narrative review considers the efficacy of beetroot and blackcurrant compounds as potential agents to improve MetS risk factors, which could lead to decreased risk of CHD and T2DM. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these outcomes may occur, and chronic supplementation studies in humans may corroborate promising findings from animal models and acute human trials.

Scope Markers of oxidative and psychological stress are elevated during high intensity exercise. Additionally, when energy intake does not match expenditure, women who actively participate in sports and exercise are at risk of developing menstrual dysfunction, infertility and osteoporosis. Vitamin C is known to reduce exercise-induced stress. Here we investigate the efficacy of consuming vitamin C from SunGoldTM kiwifruit compared to in isolation, in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women. Method/results 10 eumenorrheic women were recruited in this crossover study and attended 3 exercise and 1 rest trial. In the exercise trials, participants consumed: 300 mg vitamin C from kiwifruit or drink, or had a placebo drink, followed by 30-min exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% power. During rest visit, participants sat quietly and consumed a placebo drink. Salivary uric acid (oxidative stress) and cortisol (psychological stress) was measured before and immediately after exercise for 2 hours. Both vitamin C and kiwifruit reduced exercise-induced uric acid, immediately after exercise. Vitamin C drink continued to decrease uric acid for a further 30 minutes and slightly attenuated exercise-induced cortisol. Conclusion Consuming liquid vitamin C prior to high intensity cycling appears more effective than eating kiwifruit, in ameliorating exercise-induced stress in recreationally active women of reproductive age. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.