April 17, 2004 Researchers found 12 weeks of supplementation from a fermented Cordyceps mushroom, produced slight, but significant increases in several measures of exercise capacity, metabolism, and endurance in healthy, sedentary adults.
Researchers say products derived from the Cordyceps mushroom have already been shown to increase exercise capacity in older adults and improve exercise performance and endurance in elite athletes.
A new study states that a Chinese mushroom may help boost athletic performance and endurance.
This study was among the first to look at the mushroom's effect on healthy, sedentary adults.
In the study, 131 adults aged 40-70 were randomly assigned to take either three grams of the mushroom extract or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers measured exercise capacity, endurance, and other exercise-related indicators before, during, and after the treatment.
The study showed that the peak volume of oxygen (VO2peak) consumption increased by 5.5% in the treated group vs. 2.2% in the placebo group. An increase in VO2peak is commonly used to indicate an increase in exercise capacity.
Endurance was measured using the time it took for the participants to complete a 1 mile walk, which was reduced by 29 seconds among the supplement group but increased by 19 seconds in the non-treated group.
Researchers also found that body weight was reduced by 0.78% in the mushroom group but increased by 0.42% in the non-treated group, which suggests that the supplement may aid in weight control.
In addition, diastolic blood pressure (the lower number in a blood pressure reading) was decreased by 3.2% among those who took the supplement, but no such change in blood pressure was found in the placebo group.
Experimental Biology 2004, Washington, D.C., April 17-21, 2004. News release, American Physiological Society.
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